2013 Ford F-53 problems
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 2013 Ford F-53 problems
The Ford F-53 is a popular chassis used in gas class A motorhomes. While the F-53 is not a bad chassis, there are several common problems that owners have reported.
- Steering Problems: In 2013, there was a recall for steering components that could fail and cause the vehicle to lose steering control. This issue can be particularly dangerous, as it can make it difficult or impossible for the driver to steer the vehicle.
- Transmission Issues: The F-53 has had several recalls related to transmission problems. In 2013, there was a recall for transmission components that could fail and cause the vehicle to lose power. This issue can be frustrating, especially if it occurs while driving on a highway or in heavy traffic.
- Equipment Problems: The F-53 has had several recalls related to equipment problems. In 2007, there was a recall for a fuel tank that could leak and cause a fire. These issues can be dangerous, especially if they occur while driving.
- Body Roll: The F-53 can experience excessive body roll, which can be uncomfortable for passengers and dangerous in emergency situations. Aftermarket anti-sway bars can help reduce body roll, but they can also cause porpoising if not accompanied by upgraded shocks.
In summary, the Ford F-53 is not a bad chassis, but it has had several common problems related to suspension, steering, transmission, equipment, and body roll. Owners should be aware of these issues and take steps to address them if they occur. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent many of these problems, and owners should always follow recall instructions carefully to ensure the safety of their vehicle.
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 transmission is in a Ford F53 chassis?
Chassis Specifications
| Chassis Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Transmission | TorqShift® 6-speed automatic overdrive with Tow/Haul Mode |
| Wheelbases | 158" / 178" / 190" / 208" / 228" / 242" / 252" |
| Over-all Lengths | 300.1" / 320.1" / 332.1" / 350.1" / 370.1" / 384.1" / 394.1" |
| Payloads | 9,650 - 18,720 lbs |
What is Ford F53?
For impressive horsepower and torque, premium features and components, rely on Ford's capable stripped chassis, the F-53 motorhome chassis and F-59 commercial stripped chassis. For the 2021 model year these sturdy foundations feature outstanding technology and the 7.3-liter V8 gas engine.
What is the recall on the 2017 Ford F53?
The hazards: a brake fluid leak or air ingestion can lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Components: service: brakes, hydraulic. Affected vehicles: 2017 F-53 stripped motorhome chassis and F-59 stripped commercial chassis equipped with Antilock Brake Systems (ABS).
2013 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
- Exterior lighting problems
- Suspension problems
- Visibility problems
- Structure problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2013 Ford F-53 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2013 Ford F-53 complaints
The NHTSA has received 8 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2013 Ford F-53.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-11-01
- VIN: 1F66F5DY4C0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: 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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-06-10
- VIN: 1F66F5DY3D0
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: 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
VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-08-01
- VIN: 1F66F5DY5D0
- Components: VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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 MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED AND NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-07-03
- VIN: 1F66F5DY5D0
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: 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 IF THIS COULD BE THE ISSUE I WAS HAVING WITH THE NOTICEABLE INCREASE SWAY/ROLL, SO I CRAWLED UNDER RIG TO INSPECT THE BRACKETS ON JULY 3RD, 2017. I FOUND THE SWAY BAR BRACKET ON DRIVERS SIDE, WAS BENT, BROKEN AND HANGING DOWN. THE UPPER BOLT WAS TIGHT AND HOLDING THE OTHER PIECE OF THE BRACKET (ABOUT 1" SQUARE) THE LOWER BOLT WAS LOOSE AND HOLDING THE REST OF THE BENT/BROKEN BRACKET AND THE POLY BUSHING HAD SLID 2"-3" FROM IT'S INSTALLED POSITION. I DON'T KNOW WHEN THE BRACKET CAME LOOSE/BROKE BUT I KNEW THAT IT WOULD NOT BE SAFE TO CONTINUE DRIVING THE MH IN THIS STATE, SO I ORDERED THE NEW BRACKET FROM A NEARBY FORD PARTS SUPPLIER AND INSTALLED IT MYSELF. I WILL TRY TO ATTACH PICS OF BROKEN BRACKET AS FIRST DISCOVERED AND PIC OF REPLACEMENT BRACKET RECEIPT. THE FORUM THAT I LEARNED OF THIS PROBLEM WAS 'IRV2' AND HAVE FOUND THAT IT HAS BEEN A ISSUE ON ALL MAKES, MODELS AND YEARS WITH THE FORD F53 CHASSIS. AND THAT IT NEEDS TO BE BROUGHT TO NHTSA ATTENTION. AS A LOT OF OWNERS JUST 'FIX' THE PROBLEM THEMSELVES UNLESS VEHICLE IS UNDER WARRANTY AND THE PROBLEM NEVER GETS REPORTED.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-06-25
- VIN: 1F65F5DY5D0
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: 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 THREADS. I HAVE HEARD OF MANY OTHERS WITH THE SAME ISSUES ON THE F-53 RV CHASSIS. BECAUSE THE BOLTS WERE JUST LOOSE NO DRIVING ISSUES WERE NOTICED. MANY HAVE REPORTED TO ME ABOUT MISSING BOLTS AND BRACKETS. WHEN THIS HAPPENS A LOSS OF SWAY CONTROL WILL OCCUR. SINCE ONLY BOLTS WERE LOOSE I DON'T HAVE PICTURES.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-11-24
- VIN: 1F65F5DY2D0
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 2014 FOREST RIVER FR3. CONSUMER REQUESTS REIMBURSEMENT FOR ELECTRIC DOUBLE STEP RECALL NOTICE REPAIRS. *LD UPDATED 07/10/2017*JS
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-11-07
- VIN: 1F65F5DY7D0
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: 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
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-10-17
- VIN: 1F66F5DY9D0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: 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 INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THREE DIFFERENT DEALERS FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, BUT THE MECHANICS WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE OR LOCATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 850. UPDATED 09/03/15*LJ UPDATED 10/17/2017*CN
2013 Ford F-53 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2013 Ford F-53.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: 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.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2013 Ford F-53 problems:
F53 problems solved - iRV2 Forums
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What is an F53 motorhome - Good Sam Community - 3300421
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Re: Ford F53 V10 will not start - Any ideas ? - Good Sam Community ...
Ford had a lot of problems with corrosion on these terminals. ... 2013 03:20 PM. Also, the turn signals would not ... common failure point. Parts stores can easily ...
The real problems and fixes for the Ford F53 chassis.. - iRV2 Forums
Mar 16, 2016 ... First off, I am a professional, expert in the automotive and RV chassis field.. So what do I hear in the field??? the most common complaints ...
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