Head-to-head reliability
Buick Regal vs FORD F 150
How the Buick Regal 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 vs FORD F 150: The Regal averages 63.5 complaints per year and has 28 recalls, while the F-150 averages 1,162.1 complaints per year and has 151 recalls. The F-150 also has 330 crash-related complaints versus 24 for the Regal. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Buick Regal or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Buick Regal
The Buick Regal is a mid-size sedan that averages about 64 complaints per year over the past decade, with 28 recalls. Owners frequently report engine and electrical problems, such as no-start conditions and battery drain, as well as moisture in headlight housings. Brake issues, including a recall for loss of power assist, are also common. Overall, it's a car that may need more frequent attention to electrical and brake systems than a typical sedan.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup that averages over 1,160 complaints per year, with 151 recalls. The most common trouble spots are the transmission and electrical system, with many owners describing limp mode, harsh shifting, and lead frame failures. Rear window defroster shorts that can shatter the glass are also reported. This truck has a high volume of reported issues, so buyers should expect to deal with more frequent repairs.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Buick Regal | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 635 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 28 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 24 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 63.5 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 26 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
- 01ENGINE169
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM160
- 03EXTERIOR LIGHTING127
- 04SERVICE BRAKES80
- 05POWER TRAIN77
Owners report starting problems where the battery appears dead, the instrument panel is blank, and there are no clicking sounds from the ignition. This can leave you stranded and may require diagnosing the electrical system rather than just replacing the battery.
Complaints include repeated electrical faults that can cause a range of symptoms, from battery drain to instrument cluster issues. These problems can be intermittent and hard to trace, leading to multiple shop visits.
Moisture accumulation inside headlight housings is a reported defect, often due to a crack or faulty seal. This can damage bulbs and wiring, reducing visibility and leading to costly repairs.
There is a known recall for partial or full loss of vacuum-brake assist, which increases stopping distance and crash risk. Owners have experienced the engine revving while braking, indicating a serious safety concern.
“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…”
“The contact owns a 2019 Buick Regal. The contact stated that when he attempted to start his vehicle there was no battery power, and no clicking sounds from the ignition. The contact stated that the instrument panel was blank. The contact stated that he had th…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Many owners report transmission problems such as limp mode, getting stuck in 5th gear, and harsh shifting. The 'lead frame' issue is a recurring defect that can cause sudden downshifts or loss of power, sometimes leading to near-collisions.
Electrical complaints often involve the same lead frame problem, as well as output speed sensor failures that trigger limp mode. These issues can appear without warning and may require expensive repairs.
A notable complaint is a short in the rear window defroster that can cause the back window to shatter unexpectedly. This is a safety hazard and can be costly to replace.
While less detailed in the sample, exterior lighting issues are among the top components, suggesting problems with lights that could affect visibility and safety.
“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 — 28 recalls
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Buick Regal vehicles. The driver or passenger front seat frames may have a lower crossbar that was improperly welded.
The risk: Seats with improper welds may not provide adequate protection in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of an injury.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the crossbar welds on the front seats. If the crossbar is improperly welded, the seat back frame will be replaced, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mai…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Buick Regal vehicles. In the event of a vacuum-power brake assist failure, a software error in the electronic brake control module (EBCM) may result in a loss of power brake assist. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehi…
The risk: A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the EBCM software, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters advising owners of the safety risk were mailed on August 19, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Buic…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insu…
The risk: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrole…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Buick Regal vehicles. The driver or passenger front seat frames may have a lower crossbar that was improperly welded.
The risk: Seats with improper welds may not provide adequate protection in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of an injury.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the crossbar welds on the front seats. If the crossbar is improperly welded, the seat back frame will be replaced, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mai…
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 or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Buick Regal has far fewer complaints per year (about 64) compared to the Ford F-150 (over 1,160), and fewer recalls (28 vs. 151). In practice, this means the Regal is likely to require less frequent trips to the shop for reported issues, while the F-150 may demand more attention and expense to keep on the road.
Key differences
- The Ford F-150 has about 18 times more complaints per year than the Buick Regal, with transmission and electrical issues dominating.
- The Buick Regal's most common problems are engine no-starts and brake assist loss, while the F-150's are transmission limp mode and lead frame failures.
- The F-150 has 151 recalls versus 28 for the Regal, indicating a higher rate of safety-related fixes.
- Both have exterior lighting complaints, but the Regal's are moisture in headlights, while the F-150's are less specified but still frequent.
- Check for any signs of brake pedal feel changes or loss of power assist, as this is a recalled issue on 2018-2020 models.
- Inspect headlight housings for moisture or cracks, which can lead to bulb and wiring damage.
- Test drive at highway speeds and watch for sudden downshifts, limp mode, or harsh shifting that may indicate lead frame or transmission problems.
- Inspect the rear window defroster for any signs of shorting or previous repairs, as a short can cause the glass to shatter.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models, especially the Buick Regal's brake recall and the Ford F-150's transmission recalls.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic, focusing on the Buick's electrical system and brakes, and the Ford's transmission and electrical components.
- During the test drive, pay attention to any warning lights, unusual noises, or shifting issues.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, particularly for transmission services on the F-150 and brake work on the Regal.
- Verify that any recall repairs have been completed by checking with a dealership using the VIN.
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 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2 | 44 |
| 2019 | 19 | 52 |
| 2018 | 19 | 79 |
| 2017 | 20 | 59 |
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 or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Buick Regal vs FORD F 150
- Buick Regal total complaints
- 635
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Buick Regal total recalls
- 28
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Buick Regal avg complaints/year
- 63.5
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Buick Regal
- Buick Regal top complaint area
- ENGINE
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN