Head-to-head reliability
Buick Lesabre vs FORD F 150
How the Buick Lesabre 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
Buick Lesabre vs FORD F 150: The Lesabre averages 294.5 complaints per year, while the F-150 averages 1,131.1. The Lesabre's top issue is dashboard warping, while the F-150's is transmission harshness. Both have recalls, but the F-150 has 145. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Buick Lesabre or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Buick Lesabre
The Buick Lesabre is a large, comfortable sedan that owners often keep for many years. The complaint data shows a high rate of issues, averaging nearly 300 per year, with the most common problems being visibility and electrical system failures. Owners frequently report dashboard warping and fuel gauge malfunctions, which can be frustrating and, in the case of the dashboard, may obstruct the driver's view. While it has no reported deaths, the sheer volume of complaints suggests that this vehicle may require frequent repairs and attention.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a popular full-size pickup truck, but the complaint data reveals a high number of issues, averaging over 1,100 per year. The most common problems are in the powertrain, with owners reporting harsh shifting and even sudden loss of power, which can be alarming and potentially dangerous. Electrical system issues, such as camera and sensor malfunctions, are also frequent. With 145 recalls and 1 death reported, the F-150 has a more serious safety profile, but it's important to note that these complaints span many model years and the truck's popularity means more vehicles on the road.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Buick Lesabre | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,767 Better | 11,311 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 8 Better | 145 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 70 Better | 328 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 294.5 Better | 1131.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 83 Better | 287 |
| 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.
Buick Lesabre
- 01VISIBILITY492
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM260
- 03STRUCTURE206
- 04ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING148
- 05AIR BAGS138
Owners report the dashboard lifting and separating from the windshield, which can obstruct the driver's view and expose the passenger airbag. This is a structural issue that can be a safety hazard.
Fuel gauges are a common failure point, with owners reporting they stop working or fluctuate wildly, leaving them without a reliable indication of fuel level. This can lead to unexpected stalling if the vehicle runs out of gas.
The dashboard issue is also a structural concern, as the padding and materials degrade over time, causing the dashboard to lift and become a distraction or obstruction.
Some owners report engine overheating, which can be caused by cooling system failures. This can lead to serious engine damage if not addressed promptly.
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,553
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,071
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,401
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,164
- 05ENGINE847
The most common issue is harsh or delayed shifting, particularly in the 10-speed automatic transmission. Owners describe jerking, clunking, and even sudden loss of power, which can be dangerous in traffic.
Many owners report warning messages for front camera malfunction and pre-collision assist not available, which can disable safety features. These issues appear to be persistent and may require dealer intervention.
Headlight problems are frequent, with owners reporting failures or poor visibility, which can compromise nighttime driving safety.
Engine-related complaints include stalling and other performance issues, which can be unpredictable and potentially hazardous.
“I started noticing hard and delayed shifts from 7th into 8th gear. My RPM's were not increasing when this happened, and then on a very crowded major road I lost all power, vehicle shut off and drifted, then started up and jerked again very hard. This failure…”
“I am reporting a safety-related transmission problem I experienced with my 2020 Ford F-150 equipped with the 10R80 automatic transmission. While driving normally, the transmission shifts hard (ie: jerks, clunks) between 4-5 and 5-6 gears, and has on occasion…”
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.
Buick Lesabre — 8 recalls
The defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER, MINI VANS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE AN AIR BAG INFLATOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE THAT COULD FRACTURE AT A WELD DURING A DEPLOYMENT.
The risk: PIECES OF THE INFLATOR COULD STRIKE AND INJURE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS AND THE AIR BAG CUSHION WOULD NOT INFLATE FULLY, REDUCING THE CAPABILITY OF THE BAG TO PROTECT THE DRIVER.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND REPLACE, IF NECESSARY, THE AIR BAG MODULE ASSEMBLY ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 15, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT R…
The defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER, MINI VANS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE AN AIR BAG INFLATOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE THAT COULD FRACTURE AT A WELD DURING A DEPLOYMENT.
The risk: PIECES OF THE INFLATOR COULD STRIKE AND INJURE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS AND THE AIR BAG CUSHION WOULD NOT INFLATE FULLY, REDUCING THE CAPABILITY OF THE BAG TO PROTECT THE DRIVER.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND REPLACE, IF NECESSARY, THE AIR BAG MODULE ASSEMBLY ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 15, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT R…
The defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH MISSING OR UNDER-TORQUED STEERING GEAR ATTACHMENT BOLTS. IF A BOLT IS MISSING, THE DRIVER MAY NOTICE UNEVEN STEERING RESPONSE OR UNUSUAL NOISES DURING TURNS.
The risk: IF THE LEFT BOLT IS MISSING AND THE RIGHT MOUNTING STRAP FAILS, STEERING CONTROL IS LOST AND A VEHICLE CRASH COULD RESULT.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES FOR PRESENCE AND PROPER TORQUE OF BOTH STEERING GEAR BOLTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 5, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE…
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE HEAD LAMP ADJUSTMENT DEVICE HORIZONTAL ADJUSTER MAY NOT MOVE THE HEAD LAMP REFLECTOR WHEN THE SHAFT IS ROTATED IN A NORMAL MANNER D…
The risk: DRIVER VISIBILITY MAY BE IMPAIRED INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: AN INSERT CONTAINING INSTRUCTIONS FOR OPTICALLY AIMING THE HEADLAMPS WILL BE PROVIDED TO OWNERS FOR THE OWNER'S MANUAL. OWNERS SHOULD FOLLOW THE PROCEDURE IN THE INSERT FOR HEADLAMP AIM ADJUSTMENT, RATHER THAN USING THE HORIZONTAL VHAD IND…
FORD F 150 — 145 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 trucks equipped with high series LED headlamps with Autolamp (On/Off) functionality. The Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) may remain activated instead of dimming to parking lamps when the Master Lighting Switch (MLS) is manually rotated from…
The risk: DRL that cannot dim may reduce the visibility of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the body control module, free of charge. The recall began March 10, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C03.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 F-150 vehicles. The fastener securing the Power Distribution Box (PDB) 12V cable and Battery Monitoring System (BMS) eyelets to the positive battery terminal may loosen and affect the vehicle's systems such as instrument panel displays and br…
The risk: Inoperative vehicle systems or an engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. Reduced braking and steering efforts increases the risk of a crash. This condition could also create a resistive short, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the positive battery cable/BMS/PDB joint for excess sealant adhesive and remove any excessive adhesive, reassemble the joint, and retorque the fastener, as necessary, free of charge. The re…
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 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also…
The risk: A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's num…
Buyer analysis
Buick Lesabre or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Buick Lesabre has fewer complaints per year (294.5) compared to the Ford F-150 (1,131.1), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. However, the Lesabre's problems are still significant, and the F-150's higher numbers may reflect its larger sales volume. In practice, the Lesabre may be less troublesome on a per-vehicle basis, but both have notable reliability concerns.
Key differences
- The Lesabre's most common issue is dashboard warping, which can obstruct vision, while the F-150's most common issue is transmission harshness and failure.
- The F-150 has a much higher complaint rate per year (1,131 vs 294.5), but it also has more recalls (145 vs 8), indicating more proactive safety campaigns.
- The Lesabre has no reported deaths, while the F-150 has one, but both have crash-related complaints.
- The Lesabre's fuel gauge failures are a common annoyance, while the F-150's electrical issues often disable driver-assist features.
- Inspect the dashboard for any signs of lifting or separation from the windshield, as this is a common and potentially hazardous issue.
- Test the fuel gauge operation thoroughly, including filling the tank and driving to see if it reads accurately.
- Take a test drive and pay close attention to transmission shifts, especially between 4th and 8th gears, for any harshness or delay.
- Check for any warning lights or messages related to the front camera or pre-collision assist, as these are common electrical issues.
Before you buy
- For the Buick Lesabre, check the dashboard for warping and ensure the fuel gauge works correctly.
- For the Ford F-150, test drive at various speeds to feel for transmission issues and check all safety systems.
- Review the recall history for both vehicles and ensure any outstanding recalls have been addressed.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the engine cooling system on the Lesabre and the transmission on the F-150.
- Consider the age and mileage of the specific vehicle, as these issues may be more prevalent in higher-mileage examples.
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 Buick Lesabre or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Buick Lesabre vs FORD F 150
- Buick Lesabre total complaints
- 1,767
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,311
- Buick Lesabre total recalls
- 8
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 145
- Buick Lesabre avg complaints/year
- 294.5
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1131.1
- More reliable overall
- Buick Lesabre
- Buick Lesabre top complaint area
- VISIBILITY
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN