Recall 12V422 affects 31 2013 Ford F-53 motorhome chassis vehicles for incorrect steering gear fasteners. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 31 2013 F-53 motorhome stripped chassis vehicles because incorrect steering gear adapter plate fasteners can loosen over time. If the steering gear separates, the driver can lose vehicle control and crash risk increases; the Ford dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The steering gear on the 2013 Ford F-53 motorhome chassis turns steering-wheel input into movement at the front wheels. It mounts through an adapter plate, a metal bracket that holds the steering gear in the right position on the chassis. The plate depends on retention fasteners, meaning the bolts that keep the steering gear clamped tightly in place.
On affected F-53 chassis, Ford says incorrect fasteners were installed for that adapter plate. Those fasteners can lose torque, which means they lose the clamping force that keeps the steering gear secure. As the attachment loosens over time, the steering gear can separate from its mount.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner should not count on noise, vibration, or a change in steering feel to appear before the attachment loosens.
Who's affected?
| 2013 Ford F-53 | steering system |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 31 |
A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
Steering gear separation can cause loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash. Confirm whether your VIN is included, then schedule the recall repair before regular use. Repair will be free at any franchised Ford dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013 Ford F-53 is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free steering gear adapter plate fastener replacement that secures the steering gear attachment.
- Bring the recall notice if Ford mailed one. If not, reference recall number 12V422 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the dealer completes the repair. Leave extra space and stop using the vehicle if the steering feels loose.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician replaces the steering gear adapter plate retention fasteners. That addresses the incorrect fasteners that loosen the steering gear attachment over time. Ford's filing says the safety recall was completed on September 7, 2012, and the fastener replacement was free under the recall. If your F-53 still shows an open VIN match, ask a Ford dealer to confirm the recall status and repair record before driving it further.
Timeline
| August 29, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 7, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V422?
Recall 12V422 covers 31 2013 Ford F-53 motorhome stripped chassis vehicles built with incorrect steering gear adapter plate retention fasteners. Loose fasteners can let the steering gear separate over time, which can cause loss of vehicle control. Ford dealers replace the fasteners for free.
What should I do if my 2013 Ford F-53 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific 2013 Ford F-53 motorhome stripped chassis is included in recall 12V422. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer and ask for the steering gear adapter plate retention fastener replacement. Reference recall number 12V422 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires Ford to complete the recall repair at no cost, and Ford's remedy says dealers replace the steering gear adapter plate retention fasteners free of charge. Use a franchised Ford dealer for the covered repair.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is loss of vehicle control. If the steering gear adapter plate fasteners lose torque, the steering gear can loosen and separate over time, increasing crash risk. If your VIN is included, arrange the free Ford dealer repair before relying on the vehicle for trips.
Was this Ford F-53 recall already completed?
Ford's remedy record says the safety recall was completed on September 7, 2012. That does not prove every individual vehicle received the repair. Check your VIN, then ask a franchised Ford dealer to confirm whether the fastener replacement is still open for your chassis.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V422000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V422 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V422000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →