2013 Ford F-53 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Steering
What's wrong, in plain English: If steering fails you can lose control of the car. Theses vehicles were assembled with incorrect steering gear adapter plate retention fasteners. Steering gear adapter plate fasteners could lead to torque loss in the steering gear attachment, potentionally leading to loosening and subsequent separation of the stearing gear over time.
What could happen: Separation of the steering gear may lead to a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear adapter plate retention fasteners, free of charge. The safety recall was completed on September 7, 2012. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2013 F-53.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 12V422000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-866-436-7332.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: STEERING
Summary: Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 F-53 motorhome stripped chassis vehicles manufactured from July 10, 2012 through July 13, 2012. Theses vehicles were assembled with incorrect steering gear adapter plate retention fasteners. Steering gear adapter plate fasteners could lead to torque loss in the steering gear attachment, potentionally leading to loosening and subsequent separation of the stearing gear over time.
Consequence: Separation of the steering gear may lead to a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear adapter plate retention fasteners, free of charge. The safety recall was completed on September 7, 2012. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.
Notes: Ford's recall campaign number is 12S38. Customers may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); or go to www.safercar.gov.
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Brakes (3), Lights (2), Suspension (2), Visibility (wipers / glass) (1), Body / structure (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
11/11/2022 · Brakes
Brakelines are rusted and I am afraid they will rust through and cause brake failure. Looked at a 2017 model and the brakelines look to be coated to prevent this from happening.
06/12/2018 · Lights
HEADLIGHTS WILL ONLY ILLUMINATE THE HIGHWAY A SHORT DISTANCE AHEAD (50-60 FT) OF THE VEHICLE. CANNOT DRIVE AT NIGHT. ALSO, THE BRAKES TO NOT SEEM TO BE ADEQUATE. *DT CONSUMER SOLD THE VEHICLE.*JB
05/31/2018 · Visibility (wipers / glass)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD F-53. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT WINDSHIELD FIBER GLASS WAS SEPARATING FROM THE MOTOR HOME. UPON INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE GLUE BETWEEN THE FIBER GLASS AND METAL WAS PEELING AND CAUSED THE SEPARATION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MA…
09/05/2017 · Suspension
MOTOR HOME WAS PURCHASED NEW IN MAY OF 2013. WHILE DRIVING THIS SUMMER I NOTICED MORE SWAY/ROLL THAN USUAL, SO I RESEARCHED 'FORD F53 CHASSIS- HANDLING ISSUES'. I FOUND THAT A LOT OF OWNERS REPORTED PROBLEMS WITH SOME OF THE BRACKETS ON THE REAR SWAY BARS. SOME HAD LOOSE OR MISSING BOLTS, LOOSE OR BENT OR MISSING BRACKETS ( EITHER SIDE). I WANTED TO SEE I…
09/03/2017 · Suspension
THE REAR STABILIZER BAR (ALSO CALLED AN ANTI-SWAY BAR) BRACKET BOLTS CAME LOOSE. THE UNIT HAD UNDER 5,000 MILES ON IT. I TORQUED THE BOLTS AND THEY CAME LOOSE AGAIN AFTER ANOTHER FEW THOUSAND MILES. I WAS A CERTIFIED ASE TECHNICIAN AND ALSO AN AUTOMOTIVE INSTRUCTOR FOR 35 YEARS (RETIRED) AND EVENTUALLY FIXED THE PROBLEM WITH LOCK TIGHT ON THE BOLT THREAD…
07/10/2017 · Electrical system
2014 FOREST RIVER FR3. CONSUMER REQUESTS REIMBURSEMENT FOR ELECTRIC DOUBLE STEP RECALL NOTICE REPAIRS. *LD UPDATED 07/10/2017*JS
11/10/2015 · Lights
THE HEADLIGHTS ON THE MOTOR HOME ARE INADEQUATE FOR NIGHT DRIVING. THEY ARE DANGEROUS CAUSING THE NEED TO USE THE HIGH BEAMS WHICH IS NOT IDEAL. THE DAYTIME DRIVING LIGHTS ON MY CAR DO A BETTER JOB. THE ARE SOME SORT OF CHEAP AFTERMARKET LIGHTS THAT CAN'T BE DOT APPROVED. *DT CONSUMER NO LONGER HAS THE VEHICLE.*JB
05/27/2015 · Brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 WINNEBAGO ITASCA SUNSTAR RV EQUIPPED WITH A 2013 FORD F-53 SD CHASSIS. WHILE DRIVING DOWN AN INCLINE AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN. THE TOW HAUL CONTROL BUTTON WAS ACTIVATED AND THE VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED IN OPERATION. THE FAILURE RECURRED…