Head-to-head reliability
Aston Martin DB7 vs FORD F 150
How the Aston Martin DB7 and FORD F 150 compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Aston Martin DB7 vs FORD F 150: The DB7 has 1 complaint over 4 years and 9 recalls, while the F-150 has 11,621 complaints over 10 years and 151 recalls. The F-150 also reports 330 crash-related complaints and 297 injuries, versus none for the DB7. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Aston Martin DB7 or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Aston Martin DB7
The Aston Martin DB7 is a low-volume luxury sports car, so it sees very few complaints—just 1 over 4 years. That single complaint bundles several safety concerns, including a suspension defect that caused dangerous handling, plus air bag, seat belt, and equipment issues. With 9 recalls, mostly for steering problems, a buyer should expect potential maintenance on steering and suspension systems.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a high-volume pickup with 11,621 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 1,162 per year. The most common trouble spots are the power train, electrical system, and exterior lighting, with many reports of transmission limp mode and lead frame failures. There are also 330 crash-related complaints, 297 injuries, and 1 death, so safety-related failures are a real concern.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Aston Martin DB7 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 9 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.3 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 297 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Aston Martin DB7
- 01SUSPENSION1
- 02AIR BAGS1
- 03SEAT BELTS1
- 04EQUIPMENT1
One owner reported a subtle suspension defect that caused dangerous handling, and the dealership knew but didn't disclose it. This matters because poor handling can make the car unpredictable, especially at speed.
The same complaint mentions air bag issues alongside the suspension defect. A buyer should verify that air bag recalls or repairs have been completed, as a non-working air bag won't protect you in a crash.
Seat belt problems were also part of that complaint. If seat belts don't work properly, you're at greater risk in any collision, so check that they latch and retract correctly.
The complaint also flagged equipment issues, though details are vague. This could mean anything from warning lights to other safety equipment, so a thorough inspection is wise.
“ITEM NUMBER SIX BELOW IS THE MOST MATERIAL SAFETY ISSUE. ALSO NOTE THAT THE CAR HAD A SUBTLE DEFECT IN THE SUSPENSION THAT CAUSED A DANGEROUS HANDLING PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP KNEW ABOUT THESE ISSUES BUT FAILED TO DISCLOSE THEM DESPITE BEING ASKED DIRECTLY IF…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners report recurring transmission problems, including limp mode, getting stuck in 5th gear, and lead frame failures that can cause near-collisions. These issues can leave you stranded or worse, so a pre-purchase transmission check is critical.
Many complaints involve the lead frame and output speed sensor failures, which trigger limp mode and error codes like P0722. Electrical gremlins can be hard to diagnose and expensive to fix, so check for stored codes and recall completion.
One owner reported the rear window exploding outward due to a defroster short. This is a serious safety hazard, so inspect the rear defroster and window for any signs of overheating or damage.
Exterior lighting is a top complaint area, though specific symptoms aren't given. Faulty lights reduce visibility and can lead to accidents, so test all lights before buying.
“This lead frame issue is never ending. Well over a decade without a proper remedy. I’m very familiar with it. but this one nearly ended my life. After the near collision I called my mechanic and bought a new ford lead frame from a dealership. It’s doing fine…”
“My 2017 Ford F-150 V8 with the 6-speed automatic transmission has been experiencing a serious and recurring transmission malfunction. The truck has consistently, almost on a daily basis, gone into limp mode and become stuck in 5th gear. It also frequently fai…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Aston Martin DB7 — 9 recalls
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SIX CYLINDER AND TWELVE CYLINDER VARIANTS. THE STEERING COLUMN LIGHTING SWITCH GEAR HAS THE POTENTIAL TO TRAP WIRES, LEADING TO A PARTIAL LOSS OF LIGHTING FUNCTIONALITY.
The risk: DEPENDING ON WHICH WIRES ARE TRAPPED, THE LOSS OF LIGHTING FUNCTION CAN VARY.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SWITCH GEAR ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 12, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD…
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES,THE POWER ASSISTED STEERING HIGH PRESSURE FLEXIBLE HOSE MAY CONTACT THE LEFT HAND EXHAUST MANIFOLD. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE HOSE MAY SCORCH THROUGH RESULTING IN A PROGRESSIVE LOSS OF HYDRAULIC FLUID AND POWER ASSISTANCE.
The risk: THIS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPOSITION THE HOSE AND REPLACE THE HOSE IF NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FRE…
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE WELDS SECURING THE FRONT DAMPER LOWER MOUNTING BRACKET COULD BE INADEQUATE RESULTING IN SEPARATION OF THE BRACKET.
The risk: THE SEPARATED BRACKET COULD DISPLACE THE DAMPER, AND LIMIT STEERING ACTION.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE FRONT DAMPER LOWER MOUNTING BRACKET.
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ENGINE CAN START UP ON SIX OF THE TWELVE CYLINDERS. THIS IS DUE TO ONE OF THE TWO POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULES NOT OPERATING WITH ITS DESIGN SPECIFICATION. THIS CONDITION WILL BE EVIDENT BY A LACK OF ENGINE POWER AND OR SMOKE FROM THE EXHAUST TAIL PIPE.
The risk: IF THE ENGINE CONTINUES TO RUN IN THIS CONDITION, IT COULD RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE EXHAUST CATALYST DUE TO OVERHEATING.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULES WITH RECALIBRATED PROGRAMS.
FORD F 150 — 151 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causin…
The risk: When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring which can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the block heater cable, free of charge. Once parts are available, Dealers will replace the engine block heater cable, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2019. Owners may contact Ford…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater and previously remedied under recall 18V894. During the previous repair, the block he…
The risk: A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the engine block heater from being used. When replacement cables become available, a second notice will be mailed and dealers will replace the engine block heater cord, free of charge. The…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford F-150 Regular Cab and SuperCrew Cab vehicles. If a front seat belt pretensioner deploys as the result of a crash, the sparks may ignite materials such as carpeting or insulation within the B-pillar area.
The risk: A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove the B-pillar insulation material and wiring harness tape, and install heat resistant tape, free of charge. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ford F-150, and 2017 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty trucks. The doors on these vehicles may have a bent or kinked actuation cable or the door latches may freeze after water gets into the latch. Either condition can result in the do…
The risk: A door that opens while driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the door latch actuation cables and repair if necessary, and install water shields over the door latches, free of charge. The recall began October 12, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer…
Buyer analysis
Aston Martin DB7 or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Aston Martin DB7 has far fewer complaints per year (0.3 vs. 1,162.1), but it's a low-production car, so even a few issues can be significant. The Ford F-150's much higher complaint rate means you're more likely to encounter problems, especially with the transmission and electrical system. In practice, the DB7 may need less frequent attention, but the F-150's issues are more widely documented and potentially more severe.
Key differences
- The DB7 has only 1 complaint over 4 years, while the F-150 has 11,621 over 10 years, showing a massive difference in reported issues.
- The DB7's main complaint involves a suspension defect causing dangerous handling, whereas the F-150's top issue is power train failures like limp mode and lead frame problems.
- The F-150 has 330 crash-related complaints, 297 injuries, and 1 death, while the DB7 has 0 in all those categories.
- The DB7 has 9 recalls, mostly for steering, while the F-150 has 151 recalls covering engine, seat belts, latches, and air bags.
- Check the suspension for any signs of handling problems or unusual noises, as one owner reported a dangerous defect.
- Verify that all air bag and seat belt recalls have been addressed, since the complaint mentioned these systems.
- Test drive the truck extensively to see if it enters limp mode or gets stuck in gear, a common complaint.
- Inspect the rear window and defroster for any cracks or signs of overheating, as one owner reported it exploding.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls are completed, especially for the DB7's steering and the F-150's transmission software.
- Have a mechanic inspect the DB7's suspension and steering components for wear or defects.
- For the F-150, scan for transmission error codes and test the electrical system, including the rear defroster.
- Check the air bags and seat belts on both vehicles to ensure they are functional and have no open recalls.
- Take a long test drive on varied roads to feel for handling issues in the DB7 and transmission problems in the F-150.
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Aston Martin DB7 or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Aston Martin DB7 vs FORD F 150
- Aston Martin DB7 total complaints
- 1
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Aston Martin DB7 total recalls
- 9
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Aston Martin DB7 avg complaints/year
- 0.3
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Aston Martin DB7
- Aston Martin DB7 top complaint area
- SUSPENSION
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN