Head-to-head reliability
Buick Regal Tourx vs FORD F 150
How the Buick Regal Tourx 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 Regal Tourx vs FORD F 150: the Regal Tourx has 35 complaints over 3 years (11.7/year) and 0 recalls, while the F-150 has 11,621 complaints over 10 years (1,162/year) and 151 recalls. The F-150 also shows 330 crash-related reports and 297 injuries. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Buick Regal Tourx or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Buick Regal Tourx
The Buick Regal Tourx is a low-volume wagon with just 35 complaints over three years and no recalls on record. Owners most often report electrical gremlins and transmission shift-to-park messages, plus brake-assist concerns tied to a prior GM recall. With no crash, injury, or death reports in the data, it appears to be a vehicle with fewer reported problems, but the electrical and power-train complaints suggest you should verify those systems carefully.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a high-volume truck with 11,621 complaints over ten years and 151 recalls, including 330 crash-related reports, 297 injuries, and one death. The dominant pattern is power-train trouble—especially transmission limp mode and lead-frame failures—alongside electrical issues and rear-window defroster shorts. This is a much more heavily reported vehicle, so a thorough pre-purchase inspection and recall check are essential.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Buick Regal Tourx | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 35 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 11.7 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.
Buick Regal Tourx
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM9
- 02POWER TRAIN8
- 03ENGINE7
- 04SERVICE BRAKES6
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER6
Owners describe repeated electrical faults, including battery drain and instrument-panel blanking, with one complaint noting multiple significant issues after only 14,000 added miles. These can leave you stranded or chasing intermittent problems, so check for battery health and any stored codes.
A recurring complaint is an intermittent 'Shift to Park' message even when the vehicle is in Park, linked to poorly designed shift-position switches. This can cause confusion about whether the car is truly in gear and may lead to starting or parking issues.
One owner reported a no-start condition with no battery power, no clicking from the ignition, and a blank instrument panel. Such starting failures can be electrical or engine-related and are worth diagnosing before purchase.
Complaints reference a GM safety recall for partial or full loss of vacuum-brake assist pressure on 2018–2020 Regals, which increases crash risk. Even though this vehicle shows zero recalls on record, owners report brake-scrubbing noises and recall notices, so confirm the brake-assist recall was performed.
“Dear NHTSA, I am submitting a formal complaint regarding a 2019 Buick Regal, which I purchased as a used vehicle in 2023 with approximately 19,000 miles. Since owning the car, I have added only 14,000 miles, yet I have experienced multiple significant and ong…”
“I HAVE BEEN GOING BACK AND FORTH WITH GM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 866-790-5600. I PURCHASED THE CAR 11/23/18 BRAND NEW WITH 12 MILES ON IT. I HAD TO TAKE THE CAR TO GET IT SERVICED DUE TO KEPT HEARING SOMETHING SIMILAR TO THE BRAKES KEEP SCRUBBING, IN WHICH I THE…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners repeatedly report transmission limp mode, stuck in 5th gear, and lead-frame failures that can cause sudden loss of power. One owner said a lead-frame issue 'nearly ended my life,' highlighting that these are not just inconvenience problems.
The same lead-frame problem appears under electrical complaints, and another owner reported a rear-window defroster short that caused the back window to shatter outward. Electrical faults can affect safety and leave you with unexpected repair bills.
A complaint describes the rear window exploding outward after the defroster was turned off, with no external impact. This suggests a possible thermal or electrical defect in the defroster circuit that buyers should test.
Engine-related complaints are fewer than power-train ones, but the truck has 151 recalls including engine subjects. Given the high complaint volume, engine and emissions-related recalls should be checked by VIN.
“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.
Buick Regal Tourx
No recalls on record.
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
Buick Regal Tourx or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Buick Regal Tourx averages about 11.7 complaints per year, while the Ford F-150 averages about 1,162 per year—roughly 100 times more. In practice, the F-150 has a much larger reported problem pool, including crash and injury reports, so a buyer should expect more potential issues and a more rigorous inspection.
Key differences
- The F-150 has 11,621 complaints over 10 years versus 35 for the Regal Tourx over 3 years—far more owner-reported problems.
- The F-150 has 151 recalls and 330 crash-related complaints; the Regal Tourx shows zero recalls and zero crash-related complaints in the data.
- F-150 owners repeatedly describe transmission limp mode and lead-frame failures, while Regal Tourx owners report shift-to-park messages and electrical no-starts.
- The Regal Tourx has a brake-assist recall mentioned in complaints despite zero recalls on record, so recall history must be checked; the F-150 has many recall subjects including engine, seat belts, and air bags.
- Intermittent 'Shift to Park' message or difficulty engaging Park—test the shifter through all positions and watch for warnings.
- Brake pedal feel and any brake-scrubbing noise—confirm the vacuum-brake-assist recall was completed for the 2018–2020 Regal.
- Transmission behavior—test for limp mode, harsh shifts, or getting stuck in 5th gear during a test drive.
- Rear window defroster operation—turn it on and off and inspect for any signs of overheating or prior window replacement.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN through NHTSA recall lookup and confirm all open recalls are closed, especially the Regal Tourx brake-assist recall and F-150 transmission/lead-frame recalls.
- During the test drive, cycle the transmission through Park, Reverse, and Drive multiple times and watch for 'Shift to Park' warnings on the Regal Tourx.
- For the F-150, drive at highway speed and note any limp mode, delayed shifting, or stuck gears; scan for transmission codes like P0722.
- Check battery and charging system health on the Regal Tourx, and test all electrical accessories including the rear defroster on the F-150.
- Ask for a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the specific model, focusing on transmission, electrical, and brake systems.
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 | Buick Regal Tourx | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 3 | 44 |
| 2019 | 18 | 52 |
| 2018 | 14 | 79 |
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 Regal Tourx or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Buick Regal Tourx vs FORD F 150
- Buick Regal Tourx total complaints
- 35
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Buick Regal Tourx total recalls
- 0
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Buick Regal Tourx avg complaints/year
- 11.7
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Buick Regal Tourx
- Buick Regal Tourx top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN