Is the 2018 Ford F53 reliable?

The 2018 Ford F53 has 7 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.0x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: average. Most common issue: BODY/STRUCTURE problems.

What are common problems with the 2018 Ford F53?

Top problems: BODY/STRUCTURE (2 complaints, avg repair $500); STEERING (1 complaints, avg repair $500); WHEELS (1 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2018 Ford F53?

Yes, there are 1 recall(s): WHEELS. Contact any Ford dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to insure a 2018 Ford F53?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2018 Ford F53 is approximately $1,607/year (sedan-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2018 Ford F53

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Average

Quick Summary

The 2018 Ford F53 has 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 7. The most common issue is body/structure problems (29% of all complaints), specifically: 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 extin. There is 1 recall issued for this model year. ⚠️ 2 fire reports filed.

2 fire reports 2 injuries

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

1.0x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 6)

BODY/STRUCTURE

2 complaints

29%

• 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 EXTIN
• 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

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 1 fire reports

“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 EXTIN”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Recalls (1)

WHEELS16/07/2018

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.

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

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.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2018 Ford F53

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,607

Full coverage / month

$134

Liability only / year

$611

vs US avg

-4%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$1607

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Ford F53 Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

30K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

20K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

30K mi

IOLM (Intelligent Oil Life Monitor) may signal earlier. Older 5.4L Triton engines have specific service needs — check the manual.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Ford New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Ford. If you're buying a used 2018 F53, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Ford dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

BODY/STRUCTURE(~50K mi)

$500

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

WHEELS(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

SUSPENSION(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 7 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
BODY/STRUCTURE: 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 EXTIN
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
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
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
WHEELS: 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 O
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 54000 MILES DUE TO INTERNAL DEFECTIVE PART. THE VEHICLE STARTED TO JUMP ON SHIFTING FROM 1 ST GEAR TO 2 ND .
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 1 recall have been completed — free at any Ford dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)