VehicleVerdict

2018 Ford F53 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 7 complaints on file for the 2018 Ford F53 — 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

2

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2018 compare to other F53 years?

F53 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted30 complaints1989: 0 complaints1990: 3 complaints1991: 2 complaints1992: 3 complaints1993: 0 complaints1994: 0 complaints1998: 1 complaints1999: 18 complaints2000: 3 complaints2001: 6 complaints2002: 0 complaints2003: 4 complaints2018: 7 complaints2019: 5 complaints2020: 30 complaints2021: 7 complaints
F53 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all F53 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Ford F53 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Body & Structure229%
Electrical System114%
Steering114%
Suspension114%
Tires & Wheels114%
Transmission114%

Does the 2018 Ford F53 have recalls?

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

18V470000Tires & WheelsJuly 16, 2018 · 162 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford F53 stripped chassis vehicles equipped with 22.5 inch front wheels. The front wheel hub assembly may have wheel studs that were not properly heat treated.

Consequence

If a sufficient quantity of wheel studs break on one hub, vehicle handling could be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace any suspect front wheel hub studs, free of charge. The recall began August 20, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customers service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S21.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD F53. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE ROOF STARTED TO LEAK CAUSING WATER TO GET INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE INVERTER UNIT SHORTED OUT AND CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE WITH A FIRE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · October 12, 2020 · fire

“TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 54000 MILES DUE TO INTERNAL DEFECTIVE PART. THE VEHICLE STARTED TO JUMP ON SHIFTING FROM 1 ST GEAR TO 2 ND .”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · October 28, 2020

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD F53. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE ROOF STARTED TO LEAK CAUSING WATER TO GET INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE INVERTER UNIT SHORTED OUT AND CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE WITH A FIRE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 12, 2020 · fire

“TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 54000 MILES DUE TO INTERNAL DEFECTIVE PART. THE VEHICLE STARTED TO JUMP ON SHIFTING FROM 1 ST GEAR TO 2 ND .”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 28, 2020

2018 Ford F53 — common questions

Is the 2018 Ford F53 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 2018 Ford F53 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2018 Ford F53. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Ford F53 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the F53 years to avoid are 2020. The cleanest record among F53 years belongs to 2002.

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.