2011 Ford F-53 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 9 complaints on file for the 2011 Ford F-53 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2011 compare to other F-53 years?

F-53 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all F-53 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2011 Ford F-53 problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Tires & Wheels	4	44%	▲ up
Transmission	2	22%	▲ up
Brakes	1	11%	— flat
Electrical System	1	11%	— flat
Other	1	11%	— flat

Does the 2011 Ford F-53 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

12V035000TransmissionFebruary 2, 2012 · 13,239 units

Defect

FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 F-53 AND F-59 STRIPPED CHASSIS VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 1, 2010 THROUGH JULY 1, 2011 AND CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 F-53 AND F-59 STRIPPED CHASSIS VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 10, 2011 THROUGH OCTOBER 25, 2011. THE ÂPRNDLÂ CABLE MAY BREAK AT THE ATTACHMENT TO THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL SELECTOR ARM ASSEMBLY MOUNTED ON THE STEERING COLUMN. IF THE CABLE BREAKS, THE TRANSMISSION GEAR INDICATOR IN THE ÂPRNDLÂ DISPLAY IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WILL REMAIN IN THE FIRST GEAR POSITION REGARDLESS OF THE GEAR SELECTED.

Consequence

AN INCORRECT GEAR INDICATION IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL MAY PREVENT THE DRIVER FROM KNOWING IF THEY ARE IN PARK OR REVERSE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION SELECTOR ARM ASSEMBLY AND THE ÂPRNDLÂ CABLE ASSEMBLY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 2, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TIRE BLOWOUT INSIDE DUAL WHILE DRIVING NORTHBOUND ON I 15 SOUTH OF BUTTE MONTANA SAME MAKE AND BRAND FOR COMPLAINTS 10937260/10937257 SEE DOCS ATTACHED ”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · July 16, 2016

“VIOLATIONS OF RECALL LAWS! 49USC30120, 49USC30112, AND 30118. NORTH TRAIL RV IN FORT LAUDERDALE FLORIDA SOLD ME A "NEW" 2011 FLEETWOOD BOUNDER CLASSIC 30T WITH OPEN RECALLS, DATE OF PURCHASE 10/11/2013. ACCORDING TO FORD, THEY NOTIFIED FLEETWOOD OF THE RECALL 12S27, NHTSA 12V035000 IN FEB 2012,…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 21, 2016 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD F-53. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 TO 55 MPH, THE ABS INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE ABS SENSORS WERE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 19, 2016

2011 Ford F-53 — common questions

Is the 2011 Ford F-53 reliable?

The record is thin — 9 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2011 Ford F-53 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2011 Ford F-53. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 2011 compare to other F-53 years?

What are the most common 2011 Ford F-53 problems?

Does the 2011 Ford F-53 have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2011 Ford F-53 — common questions

Is the 2011 Ford F-53 reliable?

Does the 2011 Ford F-53 have recalls?

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