VehicleVerdict

2017 Ford F-53 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 7 complaints on file for the 2017 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.

7

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2017 compare to other F-53 years?

F-53 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 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, 2017 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all F-53 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2017 Ford F-53 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes114%
Latches & Locks114%
Speed Control114%
Body & Structure114%
Tires & Wheels114%
Transmission114%
Visibility & Wipers114%

Does the 2017 Ford F-53 have recalls?

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

17V768000BrakesNovember 29, 2017 · 390 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 F-53 stripped motorhome chassis and F-59 stripped commercial chassis, equipped with Antilock Brake Systems (ABS). The brake Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) on these vehicles may be missing valve block ball plugs, potentially causing a brake fluid leak or air ingestion during electronic brake distribution and/or ABS activation.

Consequence

A brake fluid leak or air ingestion can lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the HECU for missing valve block ball plugs, replacing the unit as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 22, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S41.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD F-53. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V768000 (SERVICE BRAKES); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR AS THE RECALL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · January 16, 2018

“2017 FORD SUPER DUTY DRW F53. CONSUMER LETTER REGARDING MOTORIZED WINDSHIELD SHADE ON RV. *AS THE CONSUMER STATED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE WINDSHIELD SHADE WOULD NOT RISE OR LOWER. THE SHADE WOULD DROP DOWN WHILE DRIVING. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · October 9, 2018

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 (NA) FORD F53. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHASSIS GEAR SHIFT CABLE FAILED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO CROWN FORD (2056 SWAINE STREET, FAYETTEVILLE, NC 28303, [PHONE]) FOR ROUTINE OIL MAINTENANCE. WHEN THE DEALER ATTEMPTED TO MOVE THE VEHICLE INTO THE SERVICE BAY,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 24, 2019

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD F-53. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT WINDSHIELD SHADES FAILED TO RETRACT BACK. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO SEE OUT OF THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. GENERAL RV CENTER (13150 SW 16TH AVE, OCALA, FL 34473, [PHONE]) REPAIRED THE SHADE MOTOR, BUT THE FAILURE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · March 5, 2019

“2017 FORD F-53 AND 2018 FLEETWOOD BOUNDER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ACCELERATION ISSUES. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE.*JS”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · May 24, 2018

2017 Ford F-53 — common questions

Is the 2017 Ford F-53 reliable?

The record is thin — 7 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2017 Ford F-53 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2017 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.