VehicleVerdict

2021 Ford F53 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 7 complaints on file for the 2021 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

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2021 compare to other F53 years?

F53 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 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, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all F53 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Ford F53 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes229%
Electrical System229%
Lighting114%
Steering114%
Suspension114%

Does the 2021 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.

“The contact owns a 2021 Ford F53. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that he had not experienced any failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that neither the dealer nor the manufacturer had been…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 2, 2022

“The contact owns a 2021 Ford F53. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the electronic braking system independently engaged, causing all the rear tires to shake without warning. The contact pulled off to the shoulder of the highway with white-colored smoke coming from the rear end of the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · July 5, 2022

“The contact owns a 2021 Ford F53. The contact stated that the automatic headlight switch failed to turn on. The contact was unable to view the instrument cluster. The contact had to utilize the windshield wipers for the automatic headlights to operate as needed. The contact covered the electric eye…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · September 21, 2021

“The contact owns a 2021 Ford F53. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V731000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. Several local dealers were contacted, and the contact was informed that an appointment to repair the vehicle was not…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · August 28, 2023

2021 Ford F53 — common questions

Is the 2021 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 2021 Ford F53 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2021 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.