2020 Ford F-53 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-19. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Suspension
What's wrong, in plain English: Parts can break and cause loss of control. An inadequate amount of rear axle lubricant may cause rear wheel bearing damage and bearing seizure, and rear axle or driveshaft failure.
What could happen: Failure of the rear axle or driveshaft may cause the loss of motive power, failure of the parking brake, and the inability to shift the transmission into "PARK," increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the rear wheel bearings, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 12, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S17.
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 2020 F-53.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 21V202000 (manufacturer code 21S17).
- 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: SUSPENSION:REAR
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 F-53 Motorhome Stripped Chassis and F-59 Commercial Stripped Chassis vehicles. An inadequate amount of rear axle lubricant may cause rear wheel bearing damage and bearing seizure, and rear axle or driveshaft failure.
Consequence: Failure of the rear axle or driveshaft may cause the loss of motive power, failure of the parking brake, and the inability to shift the transmission into "PARK," increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the rear wheel bearings, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 12, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S17.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 2020 Ford F-53 owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Suspension (7), Transmission / drivetrain (5), Brakes (5), Body / structure (3), Wheels / tires (2).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
10/05/2026 · Body / structure · fire
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-53. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the rear tires blowout and caught on fire. The contact extinguished the fire. The contact stated that the bed of the vehicle was swaying back and forth while driving the vehicle. The contact stated that the slide-outs unexpectedly extend while driving the vehicle. The vehicle w…
03/07/2026 · Transmission / drivetrain
Manufacturer Recall Number21S17 NHTSA Recall Number21V202 AN INADEQUATE AMOUNT OF REAR AXLE LUBRICANT. In February 2026 Ford Dealer stated that parts for this recall are on a nationwide backorder. The Ford Dealer was Ken Grody Ford Commercial Truck Center, located in Fullerton, CA. This recall was issued in 2021…How is it possible that parts are s…
02/04/2026 · Brakes
The Ford dealer performed the Recall 21/v202 and the ABS light stays on.
04/24/2025 · Body / structure
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-53. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 21E047000 (STRUCTURE, EQUIPMENT); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was not made aware of the issue. The manufac…
02/03/2025 · Body / structure
The contact owns a 2021 Fleetwood Flair built on a 2020 Ford F-53 Chassis. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V607000 (Structure); and was informed by the dealer advised that the RV needed to be inspected to check for the affected cabinet and then to report to the manufacturer for approval before the recall repair could be complet…
09/27/2024 · Suspension
See attached document for complaint.
05/07/2024 · Electrical system
While driving the cruise control shut off, all dash lights came on - ABS brakes, traction control, etc. We stopped at the next service center and called tech support. Tech support felt it was a bad sensor which would correct itself after engine shut off for a little while. The motorhome would be safe to get to a repair center. Shutting the engine off did no…
02/09/2024 · Suspension
See attached document for complaint