1996 Ford F-53 problems

General information about Ford-F-53
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

The medium-duty version of the Ford F-Series is a range of commercial trucks manufactured by Ford Motor Company since 1948. Derived from the smaller F-Series pickup trucks, the medium-duty range is currently in its eighth generation. Initially slotted between the F-Series pickup trucks and the "Big Job" conventionals, later generations were slotted below the L-Series "Louisville" trucks; the last two generations are the largest vehicles produced by Ford since its exit from the heavy-truck segment.

The medium-duty F-Series has been used for an extensive number of applications, offered as a straight (rigid) truck and a truck-tractor (for semitrailers) in multiple cab configurations. Prior to the production of the Ford C-Series, the model line was also offered in a cab-over engine (COE) configuration; a cowled-chassis variant (the Ford B-series) was used for bus production.

For the 2000 model year, the medium-duty F-Series has been branded as part of the Ford Super Duty range, consisting of the Class 6–7 Ford F-650 and F-750; Class 8 versions of the F-750 have been produced since 2011. The current generation of the medium-duty F-Series is manufactured by Ford in its Ohio Assembly facility (Avon Lake, Ohio), replacing a joint venture with Navistar International named Blue Diamond Truck Company LLC located in General Escobedo, Mexico.

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Common 1996 Ford F-53 problems

Based on the information from the sources provided, here are the common problems with the Ford F-53 1996 model based on complaints from owners:

Recalls:
- The Ford F-53 model has had recalls related to various components, including equipment, transmission, brakes, suspension, and steering. Notable recalls include problems with equipment affecting a large number of cars in 2007 and 2008, suspension issues in 2021, and other recalls for transmission and brakes.

F-53 Motorhome Chassis:
- The F-53 chassis is commonly used in gas-powered Class A motorhomes. It is a popular choice for RV manufacturers due to its suitability for Class A motorhomes. The chassis has been updated over the years with different engine specifications, such as the transition from the Ford 460 engine to the 6.8L Triton V10. The Workhorse Custom Chassis, another option, was discontinued in 2012, making the Ford F-53 the primary choice for gas-powered Class A motorhomes.

In conclusion, the Ford F-53 1996 model has been associated with issues related to the multi-function switch affecting brake lights, cruise control, and other functions, as well as being subject to recalls for various components. Despite these problems, the F-53 chassis remains a popular choice for gas-powered Class A motorhomes due to its reliability and suitability for RV applications.

What is the suspension problem with the Ford F53?

The F53 problem stems from the long front parabolic suspension springs. What happens is they start to oscillate which then starts the steering wheel oscillatory which then transfers to the body.

What is the life expectancy of a suspension system?

50,000 to 100,000 miles

While the longevity of a suspension system can vary based on many factors, including driving habits or road conditions, it typically lasts for 50,000 to 100,000 miles. For many drivers, it's time to replace the suspension system's shocks or struts after seven or eight years of use.

What are the symptoms of a bad suspension?

Some common signs that your suspension system needs a little TLC are:

Continued bouncing after hitting bumps or a dipping when braking.
A drifting or pulling to one side when turning corners.
One side of the parked car sitting lower than the other side.
Difficult steering.
Unusually bumpy rides.

How much does it cost to replace an entire suspension system?

between $1,000 and $5,000

How much does it cost to repair a car's suspension? The average cost to repair a car's suspension system can range between $1,000 and $5,000. But if only certain components need replacing, you might spend less than that.

What is the suspension problem with the Ford F53?

The F53 problem stems from the long front parabolic suspension springs. What happens is they start to oscillate which then starts the steering wheel oscillatory which then transfers to the body.

What is the most common problem in suspension system?

Here are some common reasons that can lead to suspension failures while driving: Worn-out Shocks or Struts: Over time, shocks and struts wear out, impacting their ability to absorb bumps and compromising control. Broken or Damaged Springs: Springs support the car's.

What is a F53 chassis?

F53 simply means it is a Class A gas powered motorhome chassis. Many coach builders use the F53 chassis as it is currently the only Class A gas powered chassis available.

Which suspension system is better?

Improved Comfort: Semi-independent suspension systems better balance comfort and cost-effectiveness. They offer a smoother ride than dependent suspension systems, thanks to incorporating independent movement for each wheel. This helps to absorb shocks and vibrations more effectively, enhancing passenger comfort.

1996 Ford F-53 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford F-53 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Service brakes problems
Fuel system problems
Gasoline problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1996 Ford F-53 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1996 Ford F-53 complaints

The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1996 Ford F-53.

2015-07-28

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2005-10-05
VIN: 3FCMF53G1TJ
Components: SERVICE BRAKES
Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD F-53. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOOR UPON DEPRESSING AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN UNTIL THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS ENGAGED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHERE THE FRONT BRAKE CALIPERS WERE REPLACED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT TWO YEARS AFTER THE REPAIR WAS PERFORMED, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED FOR THE MOST RECENT FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000. UPDATED 09/17/15*LJ UPDATED 12/13/2017*CN

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2002-07-08

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2002-07-03
VIN: 3FCMF5369TJ
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Summary: WHIRRING NOISE FROM FUEL PUMP AS DESCRIBED IN FORD TECHNICAL BULLETIN AND LOSS OF SENDING UNIT SIGNAL TO FUEL GAUGE. PARTS DEPT AND SERVISOR FOR LOCAL FORD DEALER ADMIT SEVERAL UNITS REPLACED USING SPECIFIED FIELD REVISION PARTS SEPARATING FUEL PUMP AND SENDING UNIT USING NEW DESIGN JUMPER HARNESS. NOT COVERED BY ANY KNOWN RECALL. COST TO UNFORTUNATE CONSUMER, $371.80 FOR PARTS PLUS $75.00 PER HOUR WITH NO TIME ESTIMATE. ANY MALFUNCTION IN THE FULE TANK AND DELIVERY SYSTEM ALONG WITH THE GAUGING SYSTEM POWERED BY ELECTRICITY IS A MAJOR SAFETY PROBLEM AS I SEE IT AS A FORMER OSHA ASSOCIATE (WITH MY FORMER EMPLOYER, BEFORE RETIREMENT).*AK

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1996 Ford F-53 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1996 Ford F-53.

2008-02-04

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
Summary: FORD IS RECALLING 225,000 MY 1992-2003 ECONOLINE, MY 1993-1995 TAURUS SHO, MY 1992-1998 CROWN VICTORIA, MY 1993 BRONCO, F-SERIES, MY 1995-1997 F-SERIES SUPER DUTY STRIPPED CHASSIS, MY 1992-1998 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS, AND MY 1992-1995 LINCOLN TOWN CAR VEHICLES. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED USING A WIRING HARNESS THAT IS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH THE VEHICLE CIRCUIT POLARITY.
Consequence: AS A RESULT, THE FUSE IS LOCATED IN THE OUTPUT CIRCUIT RATHER THAN IN THE INTENDED INPUT POWER FEED CIRCUIT, AND MAY NOT OFFER THE INTENDED PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF AN ELECTRICAL SHORT TO GROUND.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW WIRING HARNESS, OR REPLACE THE MATING ELECTRICAL COMPONENT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 18, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

2007-08-03

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Summary: ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER VEHICLES, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MOTOR HOMES CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. OWNERS OF THE PASSENGER CARS INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED AS AN INTERIM REPAIR. AS SOON AS REPAIR PARTS ARE AVAILABLE (EXPECTED OCTOBER 2007), OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN TO THE DEALERS FOR INSTALLATION OF A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2007, AND MAILING COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER 19, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1996 Ford F-53 problems:

1996 F53 chassis - iRV2 Forums

https://www.irv2.com/forums/f23/1996-f53-chassis-454070.html

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What is an F53 motorhome - Good Sam Community - 3300421

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Dec 13, 2020 ... 1996 holiday rambler endeavor le ford f53 ... 1996 holiday rambler endeavor le ford f53 7.5l 460 gas hog ... common problem and prone to corrosion ...