VehicleVerdict

2016 Ford F-53 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 18 complaints on file for the 2016 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.

18

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2016 compare to other F-53 years?

F-53 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted28 complaints1995: 6 complaints1996: 2 complaints1997: 3 complaints2008: 1 complaints2010: 1 complaints2011: 9 complaints2012: 1 complaints2013: 10 complaints2014: 26 complaints2015: 8 complaints2016: 18 complaints2017: 7 complaints2018: 7 complaints2019: 4 complaints2020: 28 complaints2021: 15 complaints2022: 6 complaints2023: 8 complaints2024: 4 complaints2025: 3 complaints2026: 0 complaints
F-53 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all F-53 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Ford F-53 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission633%
Electrical System211%
Other211%
Brakes211%
Body & Structure211%
Visibility & Wipers211%
Seat Belts16%
Engine16%

Does the 2016 Ford F-53 have recalls?

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

15V611000TransmissionSeptember 30, 2015 · 1,477 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ford F-53 and F-59 stripped chassis trucks manufactured June 1, 2015, to August 11, 2015. Due to an incorrect shift cable bracket and an improper shift cable adjustment, the affected vehicles can be shifted out of 'PARK' without applying the brakes.

Consequence

If the vehicle can be shifted into reverse without the brakes being applied, the vehicle may unintentionally move, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission shift control bracket and adjust the transmission shift cable, free of charge. The recall began on November 12, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S25.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TOW / HAUL MODE NOT WORKING CORRECTLY ITS ON ALL THE TIME COMING DOWN A GRADE IF YOU LET OFF THE GAS IT STARTS TO DO A HARD DOWNSHIFTING OF THE TRANSMISSION EVEN IF ITS NOT NECESSARY ITS NOT THE WAY IT WAS DESIGNED TO WORK THERE IS A BUTTON TO TURN ON OR OFF THAT DOES NOT FUNCTION.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 28, 2016

“The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-53. The contact stated that upon further inspection of the vehicle, the contact noticed that the chassis body had several fractured welds, and the brackets were missing. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the brackets…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · November 7, 2025

“ATWOOD HEATER COVER VENTS FACING INWARD CAUSING WATER TO SHORT CIRCUITS. COULD CAUSE FIRE AND BURN RV. WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEM ARMS FELL APART WHILE IN USE RENDERI G SYSTEM INOPERATIVE. THOR MOTORCOACH WILL NOT SEND PARTS AND THESE ARE KNOWN DEFECTS TO THEM. HAVE SUBMITTED PICTURES AND IGNORED.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · August 1, 2016

“TOW / HAUL MODE NOT WORKING CORRECTLY ITS ON ALL THE TIME COMING DOWN A GRADE IF YOU LET OFF THE GAS IT STARTS TO DO A HARD DOWNSHIFTING OF THE TRANSMISSION EVEN IF ITS NOT NECESSARY ITS NOT THE WAY IT WAS DESIGNED TO WORK THERE IS A BUTTON TO TURN ON OR OFF THAT DOES NOT FUNCTION.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 28, 2016

“PURCHASED NEW IN AUGUST, 2016. ONE MONTH LATER WE DROVE OUR NEW MOTORHOME SOUTHWEST INTO NM AND AZ. AT 2735 MILES ON THE ODOMETER IN CENTRAL NM WE GOT TWO BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LIGHTS WHILE TRAVELING WEST ON I-40 AT 65 MPH. WE STOPPED TO INSPECT SYSTEM. FRONT BRAKE ROTORS WERE EXTREMELY HOT! FRONT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 20, 2016

2016 Ford F-53 — common questions

Is the 2016 Ford F-53 reliable?

The record is thin — 18 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2016 F-53 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (6 complaints), other (2 complaints), electrical system (2 complaints).

Does the 2016 Ford F-53 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2016 Ford F-53. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Related

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.