2020 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 2020 Ford F-53 problems

The Ford F-53 2020 is a popular choice for heavy-duty trucks, but like any vehicle, it is not immune to certain problems. Here are some common issues reported by owners of this model:

Rough Idle: Many owners have reported a rough idle with the 7.3 engines. This issue can be caused by dirty injectors, vacuum leaks, or faulty idle air control valves. If your truck exhibits this issue, it is advisable to have it inspected to pinpoint and rectify the cause.

Engine Knock: A knocking or ticking sound is another frequent concern with the 7.3 engines. This issue may stem from low oil pressure, worn bearings, or piston problems. Prompt attention to these sounds is crucial for maintaining engine health.

Oil Leaks: Oil leaks, especially from valve cover gaskets and the oil pan gasket, are relatively common in the 7.3 engines. These leaks can occur due to age or wear and tear, and should be addressed to avoid further complications.

Fuel Filter Clogging: The complexity of the 7.3's fuel system sometimes leads to issues like clogged fuel filters, malfunctioning fuel pumps, or issues with the fuel pressure regulator. Symptoms such as difficulty starting the engine or poor fuel economy warrant a thorough check of the fuel system.

Overheating: Overheating in the 7.3 gas engine can be caused by a range of issues, including a faulty thermostat, clogged radiator, or water pump problems. Overheating should be treated as a serious concern, as it can lead to extensive engine damage.

Injection Pressure Regulator (IPR) Valve: Problems with the Injection Pressure Regulator (IPR) Valve, including sticking, damaged seals, or sensor malfunctions, can arise and should be checked if performance issues are noticed.

Handling and Suspension Issues: Some owners have reported handling and suspension issues with the Ford F-53 2020. These issues can manifest as excessive body roll, which can be dangerous in emergency situations and can cause discomfort during normal driving conditions. Aftermarket anti-sway bars and upgraded shocks can help address these issues.

While the Ford F-53 2020 is generally reliable, it is not immune to problems. Understanding these common issues is the first step in maintaining your engine's health. If you’re facing difficulties with your Ford F-53 2020, seeking assistance from experts like those at Garrett Auto and Truck Service can help ensure your truck operates at its best.

What is the recall on the Ford F53 2020?

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 F-53 recreational stripped chassis vehicles. The rear stabilizer bar attachment brackets may break and separate from the vehicle. Consequence: Brackets that separate from the vehicle can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

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 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.

Is there a recall on the 2020 Ford Super Duty?

Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 vehicles equipped with 6.7L diesel engines. A washer within the vehicle's transmission can disintegrate, causing metallic debris to become lodged in the 'Park' mechanism.

What is the recall on the Ford F53 2020?

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 warranty for a Ford F53 chassis?

Highlights

Highlights
	19.5" x 6.75" Black Steel
	19.5" x 6.75" White Steel
Warranty	Bumper to Bumper 3 years / 36,000 miles
	Powertrain: 5 years / 60,000 miles

What is Ford F53?

2020 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:

Suspension problems
Service brakes problems
Power train problems
Electrical system problems
Unknown or other problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2020 Ford F-53 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2020 Ford F-53 complaints

The NHTSA has received 12 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2020 Ford F-53.

2024-09-27

SUSPENSION PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2023-03-01
VIN: 1F66F5DN7L0
Components: SUSPENSION
Summary: See attached document for complaint.

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2024-05-07

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-04-11
VIN: 1F65F5DN8L0
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
Summary: 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 not correct the issue - the lights continued to come on. The repair center "found the wiring harness was loose at L/F rear of engine and was resting on the exhaust manifold flange. Verified severe wiring damage from laying on the flange - lots of wires were burnt up." "The possiblity of causing a severe fire."

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2024-02-09

SUSPENSION PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2023-08-28
VIN: 1F66F5DN5L0
Components: SUSPENSION
Summary: See attached document for complaint

Add Complaint

2023-05-16

SUSPENSION PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2022-09-20
VIN: 1F66F5DN6L0
Components: SUSPENSION
Summary: The contact owns a 2022 Tiffan Open Raod. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22v731000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

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2022-09-15

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2022-06-03
VIN: 1F66F5DN0L0
Components: SERVICE BRAKES
Summary: In ordinary driving conditions when a crosswind is present, the Electronic Stability Control warning light comes on, disabling the vehicle’s traction control, cruise control and hill start assist, and possibly affecting the vehicle’s Anti-Lock Braking system. The warning light goes off after the engine is stopped and restarted. This condition has surfaced multiple times since I took ownership of this vehicle in April 2021. The sudden and unexpected loss of traction control and cruise control in windy or stormy conditions when the road surface may be slick with snow or rain creates a hazard to driver and passenger safety.

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2022-03-17

SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2022-03-17
VIN: 1F65F5DN6L0
Components: SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN
Summary: The contact owns a 2020 Forest River RV built on a 2020 Ford F53 chassis. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V202000 (Suspension, Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact was unsure whether the manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

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2022-03-02

SUSPENSION PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2022-03-02
VIN: 1F65F5DN1L0
Components: SUSPENSION
Summary: The rear anti-sway bar is missing the driver side bushing, bracket and bolts. It is available at my home for inspection. I will not drive the vehicle (Forest River FR3 motorhome) until I can replace the bushing and bracket. The vehicle is very unstable in winds or when the vehicle is passed by a large vehicle. This creates and unsafe driving situation as the vehicle is pushed to the shoulder of the highway by the wind and large vehicles and then a steering correction sends it back toward the left lane. The problem was detected by the owner and not confirmed by a second party. It has not been inspected by anyone other than the owner. The only warning of the safety problem was poor handling on the highway.

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2022-01-27

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2022-01-03
VIN: 1F66F5DN0L0
Components: SERVICE BRAKES
Summary: The ABS and traction control warning light on the dash is in. When this happens the Hill assist is inoperable and the cruise control does not work I think it is a safety issue for these systems not to work. I have had my vehicle at the Ford dealership 2 times and the issue has not been repaired. The dealership said to drive it.

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2021-11-16

POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2021-11-15
VIN: 1F66F5DNXL0
Components: POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
Summary: The following warning messages appeared at once and the cruise control was canceled causing Motorhome to slow suddenly on Turnpike. Hill assist inactive ABS inactive Traction control inactive This happened 3 times in a 2 hour drive on 11/15/2021. It has happened before but eventually goes away. It now happens more frequently.

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2021-10-09

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,WHEELS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2021-08-30
VIN: 1F66F5DN3L0
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,WHEELS
Summary: A large hole melted in the front pass through storage compartment, caused by intense heat from the exhaust right below the melted spot. There is no heat shield, and the wiring for the entire coach was also at risk, some of the ceasing melted. This has been verified by a service center. There could have been catastrophic consequences had the wiring melted during travel. The problem was first discovered while traveling in August 2021, but the wiring issue was unknown until October 8, 2021 while at the service center. In addition, both rear wheels are leaking grease, the problem first noticed while traveling in New York. However, the leaking was unknown until October 8 while at the service center. These are serious issues, and have no place in a 2021 new motorhome made by Jayco.

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2021-07-19

SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2021-03-31
VIN: 1F66F5DN6L0
Components: SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN
Summary: The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-53 Chassis. The contact received NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V202000 (Suspension, Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact called the local dealer who confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

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2021-06-01

SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2021-05-12
VIN: 1F66F5DNXL0
Components: SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN
Summary: The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-53. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V202000 (Suspension, Power Train). The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact contacted the dealer and two other dealers Chalmers Ford (2500 Rio Rancho Blvd SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124) and Power Ford (1101 Montaño Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87107) for the recall repair but was informed by the dealers that the facility space was inadequate to perform the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and opened a case. The dealer informed the contact that they had no authority to order an independent Ford dealer to perform the recall repair. Additionally, they would not authorize a non-Ford dealer to perform the recall repair. Parts distribution disconnect.

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2020 Ford F-53 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2020 Ford F-53.

2021-03-24

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Components: 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.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2020 Ford F-53 problems:

ATTENTION !!!! Ford F-53 Owners READ!! - Page 45 - iRV2 Forums

https://www.irv2.com/forums/f23/attention-ford-f-53-owners-read-305445-45.html

Jul 23, 2022 ... ... common problem from Ford? 07-30-2022, 09:20 ... 2020/FORD/F53#recalls. The defect notice ... "Another F-53 V8 2021 with rear sway bar issues" ...

Buyer Beware! 2020 & 2021 Jayco w/ Ford F53 Chassis 7.3 Gas V8 ...

https://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f3/buyer-beware-2020-and-2021-jayco-w-ford-f53-chassis-7-3-gas-v8-78565-5.html

Jan 8, 2021 ... Then there is the issue with the spark plug wires to be concerned about. Not sure if you've run across that whole thread but that concerns me ...

F53 problems solved - iRV2 Forums

https://www.irv2.com/forums/f23/f53-problems-solved-518589.html

This info is for anyone with a F53 and V10 engine. ... 12-19-2020, 05:20 AM. allegro1x's Avatar ... I would not recommend buying a Ford gas motorhome.

Diagnosing a HVAC vacuum issue on a Ford F53 - Good Sam ...

https://community.goodsam.com/t5/technical-issues/diagnosing-a-hvac-vacuum-issue-on-a-ford-f53/td-p/3047248

... common problem on Ford Class A chassis going back over 20 years. The ONLY sure fix is to install a 12 volt vacuum pump and plug the vacuum line from the engine ...