VehicleVerdict

2020 Ford F53 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 30 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 10.0 times the median F53 year — the 2020 model ranks #1 of 16 F53 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Suspension leads the complaint categories with 11 reports (37% of the total).

30

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2020 compare to other F53 years?

F53 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 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, 2020 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all F53 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2020 Ford F53 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Suspension1137%
Transmission723%
Brakes27%
Electrical System27%
Steering27%
Seat Belts13%
Speed Control13%
Driver Assistance13%
Engine13%
Tires & Wheels13%
Other13%

Does the 2020 Ford F53 have recalls?

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

22V731000SuspensionSeptember 30, 2022 · 13,455 units

Defect

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.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect the bolt tightness for both rear stabilizer attachment brackets and replace the weld nuts and bolts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 8, 2023. Remedy parts are expected to become ready February 28, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S62.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“had to replace left rear sway bar bushing broken bolt 7000miles. replaced right rear bushing and bolts 13000 miles parts discarded. had to replace all 4 shocks 13500 miles causing bad handling stock ford shocks lost rebound repairs found at oil change at kinnpin dogde in town as it is hard to find…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · October 20, 2022

“FORD STATES THERE IS A RECALL FOR INCORRECT FLUID FILL IN REAR AXLE WHICH COULD RESULT IN CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE AXLE BEARINGS WHICH COULD RESULT IN INJURY. YET FORD WON’T FIX IT UNTIL THEY SEND OUT LETTERS SCHEDULED FOR THIRD QUARTER OF 2021. WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO TILL THEN? IF IT’S…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 5, 2021

“ coach battery wiring drain repaired at lazy days 50 miles . Adapter on power steering\power breaks leaking at 300 miles. ford could not get hose and adapter parts. auto zone got parts fixed myself. Left rear sway bar attachment bracket missing one bolt and bushing at7000 miles knippen truck rv…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · July 29, 2021

“The abs light, and the traction control light stays on. When illuminated there is no hill start assist available, no abs braking, no traction control, nor cruise control. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 30, 2020

“ coach battery wiring drain repaired at lazy days 50 miles . Adapter on power steering\power breaks leaking at 300 miles. ford could not get hose and adapter parts. auto zone got parts fixed myself. Left rear sway bar attachment bracket missing one bolt and bushing at7000 miles knippen truck rv…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 29, 2021

2020 Ford F53 — common questions

Is the 2020 Ford F53 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 30 complaints put the 2020 model at #1 of 16 F53 years. It is one of the F53 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2020 F53 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are suspension (11 complaints), transmission (7 complaints), brakes (2 complaints).

Does the 2020 Ford F53 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2020 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.