2018 Ford F53 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Wheels / tires
What's wrong, in plain English: A wheel or tire can fail while driving. 5 inch front wheels. The front wheel hub assembly may have wheel studs that were not properly heat treated.
What could happen: If a sufficient quantity of wheel studs break on one hub, vehicle handling could be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2018 F53.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 18V470000 (manufacturer code 18S21).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-866-436-7332.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: WHEELS
Summary: 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.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- Digital tire pressure gauge
- 2018 Ford F53 owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Body / structure (2), Electrical system (1), Suspension (1), Transmission / drivetrain (1), Wheels / tires (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (5)
07/19/2021 · Body / structure
The contact owns a 2019 Jayco Alante manufactured on a 2015 Ford F53 chassis. The contact stated while driving 28 mph, the front grill detached from the RV inadvertently. The contact took the RV to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the grill to be replaced however, the dealer did not provide the service at their location. The dealer refe…
05/11/2021 · Electrical system · fire
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 EXTINGUISHER. THE FIRE OR POLICE DEPARTMENT WAS NOT NOTIFIED. TH…
11/17/2020 · Suspension
TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 54000 MILES DUE TO INTERNAL DEFECTIVE PART. THE VEHICLE STARTED TO JUMP ON SHIFTING FROM 1 ST GEAR TO 2 ND .
04/02/2019 · Wheels / tires
VEHICLE SOLD AS NEW TO ME BY GIANT RV WITH A 15 YEAR OLD TIRE INSTALLED ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE. THIS WAS A MISMATCH, OFF BRAND "EXPIRED" TIRE THAT CAUSED A BLOW OUT REQUIRING REPAIRS AND CREATING AN OPPORTUNITY OF RISK. THIS WAS NOT DISCLOSED AND THE DEALER REFUSES TO TAKE OWNERSHIP OF THE ISSUE OR PROVIDER NECESSARY BACKGROUND AS TO THE CAUSE OF WHY THIS…
07/16/2018 · Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 JAYCO 31Z. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE STEERING WAS UNSTABLE AND UNCONTROLLABLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER (ALBANY RV, 48 RENSSELAER AVE, LATHAM, NY 12110, (518) 459-4695), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. ALBANY RV REFERRED THE CONTACT TO ANOTHER UNKNOWN LOCAL DEALER. T…