2023 Ford F-53

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 F-53 recreational stripped chassis and F-59 commercial stripped chassis vehicles. Corrosion in the Smart Data Link Connector (SDLC) may interfere with the Controller Area Network (CAN) communication, resulting in an inoperative instrument panel. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 101, "Control and Displays" and 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems."

Risk. An inoperative instrument panel cannot show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will install a wire harness connector, and inspect and replace the SDLC module, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 26, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C24.

The instrument cluster failed to operate

The contact owns a 2023 Ford F53. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V510000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that the instrument panel had become inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the smart data link connectors (SDLC) module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the parts not being available. The manufacturer was made not aware of the failure. The failure mileage was not available. Parts distribution disconnect.

The contact owns a 2024 Coachmen Encore RV built on a 2023 Ford F-53 Motorhome Chassis. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the RV was swerving all over the roadway. The contact stated that it was extremely difficult to keep the RV driving in a straight line. The contact also stated that the windshield was leaking, causing a very loud noise inside the RV while driving. Additionally, the contact stated that the lock for the main door had fallen off. The RV was taken to a dealer; however, the contact was informed that the cause of the swerving while driving could not be determined. The RV was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 1,204.

The contact owns a 2023 Ford F-53. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V510000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.