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 complaints over 10 years, while the F-150 has 10,861, with transmission issues dominating. The F-150 also has 144 recalls and 319 crash-related complaints, versus 18 recalls for the DBS. 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, high-performance grand tourer that, in ownership terms, is a niche vehicle with minimal owner-reported complaints on file. Over a decade, NHTSA logged zero complaints, which suggests either very few owners or that issues are handled outside the public record. The 18 recalls, however, indicate that the manufacturer has proactively addressed potential defects in areas like transmission control, seat heaters, and accelerator pedals. For a buyer, this means the DBS is a rare car with little complaint data to guide expectations, but the recall history shows known weak points to check.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a mass-market pickup with a high volume of owner complaints, averaging over 1,000 per year. The dominant issues are in the powertrain, particularly the 10R80 automatic transmission, which owners describe as having delayed or hard shifts, limp mode, and even complete failure. Electrical system problems are also frequent, often tied to the same transmission control issues. With 144 recalls and 319 crash-related complaints, the F-150 has a well-documented history of reliability concerns that buyers should investigate thoroughly.
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 | 10,861 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 18 Better | 144 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 319 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.0 Better | 1086.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 286 |
| 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 DBS
No component data available.
Recalls have been issued for door latches and locks, which could fail to secure the door properly. While no owner complaints are on record, a faulty latch is a safety risk and should be inspected for proper operation.
The transmission control module (TCM/PCM) has been recalled, indicating potential software or hardware issues that could affect shifting. Owners might experience erratic shifting or warning lights, though no specific complaints are recorded.
Recalls for seat heaters/coolers suggest a risk of overheating or electrical malfunction. This could be a fire hazard, so buyers should test the seat heating and cooling functions.
Two recalls on the accelerator pedal indicate potential for unintended acceleration or pedal sticking. This is a critical safety component; ensure the pedal operates smoothly and returns to idle properly.
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,363
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,019
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,374
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,122
- 05ENGINE803
The most common complaint area, with over 3,300 reports. Owners describe the 10R80 transmission having delayed or hard shifts, intermittent wrench warning lights, and reduced power/limp mode. Some report complete transmission failure, which can leave you stranded.
Over 2,000 complaints, many related to the same transmission control issues, but also including problems with sensors, wiring, and modules. Electrical gremlins can cause warning lights and intermittent failures.
Over 1,300 complaints, often referencing transmission issues or other undiagnosed problems. This category highlights the difficulty in pinpointing the root cause of some failures.
Over 1,100 complaints about headlights, specifically that LED headlights do not adjust properly, causing excessive glare for oncoming drivers. This is a safety concern for both the driver and others.
“The vehicle experienced intermittent transmission-related drivability issues before the recall remedy was available. The vehicle had delayed/hard shifting, an intermittent wrench warning light, and a reduced power/limp mode condition where the transmission wo…”
“Subject: Safety Defect Complaint – Sudden 10R80 Transmission Failure in 2018 Ford F-150 Dear NHTSA, I am reporting a serious safety issue with my 2018 Ford F-150 equipped with the 10R80 10-speed automatic transmission. The transmission failed completely at on…”
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 — 144 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 DBS or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Aston Martin DBS has far fewer reported issues per year (0.0 complaints) compared to the Ford F-150 (1,086.1 complaints per year). However, the DBS's low complaint count is partly due to its low sales volume, and its recall history shows potential issues. In practice, the F-150's transmission problems are a major reliability concern that could lead to costly repairs and safety incidents.
Key differences
- The DBS has zero owner complaints, while the F-150 has over 10,000, with the transmission being the biggest issue.
- The F-150 has 144 recalls, including engine and airbag issues, while the DBS has 18 recalls, focusing on latches, transmission control, and accelerator pedals.
- The F-150 has 319 crash-related complaints and 286 injuries, whereas the DBS has none reported.
- The DBS's recalls are more about preventive fixes, while the F-150's complaints describe actual failures like hard shifting and limp mode.
- Check the door latches and locks for proper operation, as recalls indicate potential failure.
- Test the seat heaters/coolers and accelerator pedal for smooth function, as these have been recalled.
- Test drive the F-150 and pay attention to transmission shifting, especially for delayed or hard shifts, and watch for the wrench warning light.
- Inspect the headlights for proper adjustment to avoid glare issues.
Before you buy
- For the DBS, verify that all recalls have been performed, especially the transmission control module and accelerator pedal.
- For the F-150, check the transmission fluid condition and service history, and consider a pre-purchase inspection by a transmission specialist.
- Test the F-150's headlights at night to ensure they adjust properly and don't glare.
- For both, review the vehicle's service records for any recurring issues.
- Consider purchasing an extended warranty for the F-150 to cover potential transmission failures.
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 | 606 |
| 2023 | 0 | 1474 |
| 2022 | 0 | 3355 |
| 2021 | 0 | 5041 |
| 2020 | 0 | 10 |
| 2019 | 0 | 14 |
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
- 10,861
- Aston Martin DBS total recalls
- 18
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 144
- Aston Martin DBS avg complaints/year
- 0.0
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1086.1
- More reliable overall
- Aston Martin DBS
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN