repaired · 2017 Q1
Power train: automatic transmission
Risk. If the vehicle can be shifted into reverse without the brakes being applied, the vehicle may unintentionally move, increasing the risk of a crash.
2016 Ford F-53Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 15 owner complaints about the 2016 Ford F-53, most often about the power train. It is covered by 1 safety recall, and for recall 15V-611 the manufacturer reports only 64% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 7, 2025. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2016 Ford F-53 has problems
15 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
6Power train
2Electrical system
2Service brakes
2Structure
1Visibility
1Engine
1Seat belts
1Visibility/wiper
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 6 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 2 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 2 | 0 |
| Structure | 2 | 0 |
| Visibility | 1 | 0 |
| Engine | 1 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
1 recall
2016 Ford F-53 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Ford.
Best & worst years
2016 vs. every other F-53 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the F-53 median. How we score
'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'08'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
In owners' words
What F-53 owners report
Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
INOPERABLE TOW/HAUL MODE. 2016 FORD F53 STRIPPED CHASSIS FOR MOTORHOME CONSTRUCTION. NEWMAR BAY STAR SPORT 2705. THE TOW/HAUL MODE IS A MODE THAT ALLOWS UTILIZING ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION FOR VEHICLE DECELERATION, ESPECIALLY DOWN HILL. IF THE TOW/HAUL MODE IS OPERATING PROPERLY, THIS DYNAMIC BRAKING…
TOW / HAUL MODE NOT WORKING CORRECTLY ITS ON ALL THE TIME COMING DOWN A GRADE IF YOU LET OFF THE GAS IT STARTS TO DO A HARD DOWNSHIFTING OF THE TRANSMISSION EVEN IF ITS NOT NECESSARY ITS NOT THE WAY IT WAS DESIGNED TO WORK THERE IS A BUTTON TO TURN ON OR OFF THAT DOES NOT FUNCTION.
MY 2016 THOR HURRICANE MOTOR HOME WITH THE FORD F53 18K CHASSIS HAS A TOW-HAUL MODE IN THE TRANSMISSION. ACCORDING TO ALL FORD PUBLICATIONS, INCLUDING THE OWNER'S MANUAL, WHEN IN THE TOW-HAUL MODE THE TRANSMISSION SHOULD DOWNSHIFT EACH TIME THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED. THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN ON MY UNIT…
Own a 2016 F-53?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.