Head-to-head reliability
Aston Martin DBS vs FORD F 150
How the Aston Martin DBS 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 DBS vs FORD F 150: The DBS has 0 owner complaints over 10 years but 18 recalls; the F-150 has 27,552 complaints and 141 recalls, with 10 deaths reported. The F-150's top issues are powertrain and electrical failures causing power loss. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Aston Martin DBS or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Aston Martin DBS
The Aston Martin DBS is a low-volume exotic grand tourer with zero owner complaints on file over a decade, suggesting either very few examples in daily use or a different reporting culture. Its 18 recalls, however, indicate that when issues arise, they are addressed through official campaigns rather than owner reports. The recall subjects—latches, transmission control, seat heaters, and accelerator pedals—point to potential electrical and mechanical gremlins that a buyer should verify have been remedied.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a mass-market pickup with an enormous complaint volume: over 27,500 in ten years, averaging 2,755 per year. Owners report serious powertrain failures (stuck shifters, turbo/wastegate problems), engine issues, and electrical system losses of power while driving, leading to crashes, injuries, and deaths. The recall count of 141 is also high, covering trailer brakes, engine oil, transmission valves, and labels. This pattern suggests a vehicle with frequent, safety-critical defects.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Aston Martin DBS | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 0 Better | 27,552 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 18 Better | 141 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 762 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.0 Better | 2755.2 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 714 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 10 |
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 DBS
No component data available.
Recalls for latches/locks/linkages indicate potential door or hood latch failures that could cause unexpected opening while driving. No owner complaints detail the symptom, but a buyer should confirm all recall repairs are completed.
A recall for the transmission control module suggests possible shifting issues or failure to engage park. Without owner reports, the exact failure mode is unclear, but it could lead to unintended movement.
A recall for seat heater/cooler components points to a fire risk from overheating elements. Owners have not reported this, but it is a safety concern that should be checked.
Two recalls for accelerator pedal suggest possible sticking or unintended acceleration. No complaints exist, but this is a critical safety item to inspect.
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN9,967
- 02ENGINE4,861
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3,479
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER3,210
- 05STRUCTURE1,485
Owners report the shifter getting stuck in drive when pressing the start/stop button, failing to shift into park, which can cause the truck to roll away. Also, turbo/wastegate failures at low mileage (5,900 miles) cause loss of power.
Engine complaints include the same shifter/park issue (linked to integrated park module) and emissions control label updates. The park pawl may not engage, leading to roll-away risk.
Complete loss of power while driving—hazards, brakes, steering, airbags all inoperable—is reported. Also, ABS noise after brake booster recall work, indicating poor repair quality.
Sudden unintended acceleration at low speed, even without pressing the accelerator, and severe shake/vibration after repairs, suggesting unresolved drivetrain or software issues.
“When I am parking the truck, I press and hold the brake pedal, While the truck shifter in in "Drive", I press the start/stop button to shut truck down, the shifter gets stuck in "drive" and doesn't automatically shift in to park. The truck locks down and will…”
“My truck is a 2025 Ford F150 STX with 5,900 miles on it. This truck was purchased new at River City Ford in Lavalette, WV The component in questions seems to be involved with the turbos and more specifically the wastegate that attached to the turbos. Also, ye…”
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 DBS — 18 recalls
The defect: Aston Martin Lagonda of North America (Aston Martin) is recalling certain model year 2010-2015 DB9, 2010-2012 DBS, 2010-2016 V8 Vantage, 2012 Virage, 2010-2016 Rapide, 2014-2016 Vanquish, 2011-2016 V12 Vantage, and 2012-2013 V12 Zagato vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with interior door…
The risk: If the doors cannot be opened by an occupant from inside the vehicle, they may be trapped inside, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: Aston Martin will notify owners, and dealers will disable the double locking feature by reprogramming the software, free of charge. The recall began August 10, 2016. Owners may contact Aston Martin customer service at 1-888-923-9988. Aston…
The defect: Aston Martin The Americas (Aston Martin) is recalling certain 2009-2016 DB9, 2009-2012 DBS, 2010-2015 Rapide, 2012 Virage, and 2014 Vanquish vehicles equipped with a 6-Speed Touchtronic II Automatic Transmission. A communication error between the Engine Control Module (ECM) and the Transmission Con…
The risk: If the park pawl does not engage and the vehicle is stopped on a slope and exited without the parking brake being applied, the vehicle may unexpectedly roll, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Aston Martin will notify owners, and dealers will update the TCM software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 1, 2018. Owners may contact Aston Martin customer service at 1-888-923-9988. Aston Martin's number for this…
The defect: Aston Martin Lagonda of North America (Aston Martin) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 DB9, V12 Vantage, V8 Vantage, DBS, and Virage vehicles manufactured July 3, 2006, to November 5, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the electronic control module for the driver and front passenger seat heate…
The risk: If the electronic control module fails, the seat heater could get hot enough that areas of the seat may overheat and smolder, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant.
The fix: Aston Martin will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional module to the circuit that can interrupt the power to the seat heaters in case the electronic control module for the seat heaters fails, free of charge. The recall beg…
The defect: Aston Martin Lagonda of North America (Aston Martin) is recalling certain model year 2008-2014 DB9 and V8 Vantage, 2009-2012 DBS, 2010-2012 Rapide, 2014 Rapide S, 2011-2012 V12 Vantage, 2011-2014 V8 Vantage S and 2012 Virage vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the accelerator pedal arm may brea…
The risk: If the accelerator pedal arm breaks, the engine will return to idle and the driver will be unable to maintain or increase engine speed, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Aston Martin will notify owners, and dealers will replace the accelerator pedal assemblies. The recall began on February 11, 2014. Owners may contact Aston Martin customer service by calling 1-888-923-9988. Aston Martin's recall number is…
FORD F 150 — 141 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 F-150, 2022-2026 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, Maverick, 2024-2026 Ranger, 2023-2026 F-600 SD, 2022-2027 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, and 2026 E-Transit vehicles. When towing a trailer, the integrated trailer module (ITRM) may los…
The risk: Trailer lights or brakes that do not function can reduce the driver’s ability to control the trailer and decrease the trailers visibility to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The integrated trailer module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 25, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, 2024 Expedition and 2024 Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with a 3.5L GTDI engine. The engines may have a misaligned engine cup plug, which can result in a rapid oil leak.
The risk: A rapid oil leak can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, an oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the engine cup plug alignment, and replace the plug if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 23, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for th…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, Bronco, 2024 Ranger, 2025 Mustang, Explorer, and Aviator vehicles. The transmission valve body may have been machined incorrectly, which can cause reverse gear failure, or unexpected forward movement in reverse or neutral gear.
The risk: Unexpected vehicle movement increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the transmission main control valve body, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S19.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, Expedition, and 2024 Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI engines. The engine may have a misaligned engine cup plug, which can result in a rapid oil leak.
The risk: A rapid oil leak can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, an oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the engine cup plug alignment, and replace the plug if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this…
Buyer analysis
Aston Martin DBS or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Aston Martin DBS has zero complaints per year, while the Ford F-150 averages 2,755 complaints per year. In practice, the DBS is far less likely to generate owner-reported problems, though its recalls still require attention. The F-150's high complaint rate, including safety-critical failures like power loss and unintended acceleration, makes it a riskier used purchase.
Key differences
- Aston Martin DBS has 0 owner complaints; Ford F-150 has over 27,500 complaints, including 762 crash-related and 10 deaths.
- Ford F-150 owners report complete loss of power while driving and unintended acceleration; DBS has no such reports.
- Ford F-150 has 141 recalls vs. DBS's 18, but DBS recalls cover safety-critical items like accelerator pedal and seat heaters.
- Ford F-150's top problem areas are powertrain (9,967 complaints) and engine (4,861); DBS's top areas are based solely on recall subjects.
- Check that all 18 recalls have been performed, especially the accelerator pedal and seat heater recalls, as these pose fire or unintended acceleration risks.
- Inspect the transmission control module recall repair; ask for documentation of the fix to avoid shifting issues.
- Test the shifter park function repeatedly: press the start/stop button while in drive with brake held to see if it shifts to park. If it sticks, the integrated park module may be faulty.
- Check for any history of sudden power loss or unintended acceleration; request service records for electrical system and powertrain repairs.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report for both cars to verify recall completion and any prior complaints.
- For the DBS, have a specialist mechanic inspect the latches, transmission control module, seat heaters, and accelerator pedal.
- For the F-150, test-drive at various speeds and check for vibrations, unexpected acceleration, or warning lights.
- Ask the seller for all service records, especially related to recalls and any powertrain or electrical work.
- Check NHTSA.gov for any open recalls on the specific VINs and ensure they are closed.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Aston Martin DBS | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 0 | 597 |
| 2023 | 0 | 1448 |
| 2022 | 0 | 3285 |
| 2021 | 0 | 4942 |
| 2020 | 0 | 2530 |
| 2019 | 0 | 5718 |
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 DBS or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Aston Martin DBS vs FORD F 150
- Aston Martin DBS total complaints
- 0
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 27,552
- Aston Martin DBS total recalls
- 18
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 141
- Aston Martin DBS avg complaints/year
- 0.0
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 2755.2
- More reliable overall
- Aston Martin DBS
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN