Head-to-head reliability
Buick Rendezvous vs FORD F 150
How the Buick Rendezvous 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 Rendezvous vs FORD F 150: The Rendezvous averaged 179 complaints per year over 7 years, while the F-150 averaged 1,162 per year over 10 years. The F-150 has 151 recalls and 297 injuries; the Rendezvous has 18 recalls and 76 injuries. Both have serious reported issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Buick Rendezvous or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Buick Rendezvous
The Buick Rendezvous is a mid-size SUV that averaged about 179 complaints per year over seven years, with electrical and engine issues dominating owner reports. Many complaints describe stalling, hesitation, and dashboard lights flickering, which can be unsettling. Fuel system problems, including strong fuel odors and inaccurate gauges, also appear frequently. With 18 recalls and 3 deaths reported, it's a vehicle that demands careful inspection before purchase.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup that averaged over 1,160 complaints per year across ten years, with power train and electrical problems leading the list. Owners frequently report transmission limp mode, lead frame failures, and rear window shattering. With 151 recalls and 1 death, it's a high-volume truck with a wide range of reported issues. Buyers should be aware of recurring transmission and electrical faults.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Buick Rendezvous | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,256 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 18 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 68 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 179.4 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 76 Better | 297 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 3 | 1 Better |
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 Rendezvous
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM298
- 02ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING209
- 03FUEL SYSTEM165
- 04GASOLINE143
- 05SERVICE BRAKES141
Owners report instrument panel lights illuminating randomly, doors locking by themselves, and the engine stalling while driving. One complaint describes losing all control after the engine stopped. These symptoms suggest wiring or module faults that can be dangerous.
Complaints include hesitation during acceleration and intermittent stalling, sometimes linked to ignition relay contamination. A recall was issued for this stalling risk. Buyers should test-drive thoroughly and check for recall repairs.
Strong fuel odors and fuel gauge inaccuracies are common. One owner found fuel lines under the driver's side leaking. This poses a fire risk and should be inspected immediately.
With 141 complaints, brake issues are notable. While specific patterns aren't detailed in the sample, any brake problems on a heavy SUV warrant a professional inspection.
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. WHEN THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND THEN ACCELERATED. SHE STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FELT AS IF IT WOULD STALL WHE…”
“I WAS DRIVING WHEN THE LIGHTS ON PANEL WENT CRAZY, DOORS LOCKING BY THEMSELVES, AC LOCKED, RADIO LOCKED, AND THE SECURITY LIGHT WAS DISPLAYED. THE ENGINE STOPPED AND I DIN'T HAVE ANY CONTROL OVERTHE CAR, IT WAS A SCARY EXPERIENCE. I PULLED THE CAR OVER AND TR…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners report transmission limp mode, stuck in 5th gear, and lead frame failures that can cause sudden loss of power. One complaint said it nearly ended their life. These are serious and often recurring.
Lead frame issues also appear here, along with output speed sensor failures that trigger limp mode. A recall (26S28) addresses some cases, but owners report ongoing problems.
Rear window defroster shorts can cause the back window to shatter unexpectedly. One owner described the window exploding outward with no impact. This is a safety hazard.
With 1,224 complaints, lighting problems are frequent. While not detailed in the sample, buyers should check all lights and wiring for faults.
“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 Rendezvous — 18 recalls
The defect: CERTAIN VEHICLES ORIGINALLY BUILT WITH CLOTH SEATS THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC AIR BAG PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM AND LATER REUPHOLSTERED WITH AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVER KITS ARE INVOLVED. TESTING HAS INDICATED THAT THE AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVERS CAN CAUSE THE PASSENGER SENSING SYST…
The risk: IF THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS, THE FRONT AIR BAG ON THE PASSENGER SIDE MAY BE DISABLED WHEN IT SHOULD BE ENABLED, OR ENABLED WHEN IT SHOULD BE DISABLED. IN EITHER CASE, IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH THAT REQUIRES AIR BAG DEPLOYMEN…
The fix: BECAUSE A REPLACEMENT LEATHER SEAT COVER THAT IS COMPATIBLE WITH THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM IS NOT AVAILABLE, GENERAL MOTORS (GM) WILL REPURCHASE THESE VEHICLES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS STATED IN GM'S LETTER TO OWNERS. THE RECALL BEG…
The defect: CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
The risk: FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
The fix: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.
The defect: CERTAIN VEHICLES ORIGINALLY BUILT WITH CLOTH SEATS THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC AIR BAG PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM AND LATER REUPHOLSTERED WITH AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVER KITS ARE INVOLVED. TESTING HAS INDICATED THAT THE AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVERS CAN CAUSE THE PASSENGER SENSING SYST…
The risk: IF THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS, THE FRONT AIR BAG ON THE PASSENGER SIDE MAY BE DISABLED WHEN IT SHOULD BE ENABLED, OR ENABLED WHEN IT SHOULD BE DISABLED. IN EITHER CASE, IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH THAT REQUIRES AIR BAG DEPLOYMEN…
The fix: BECAUSE A REPLACEMENT LEATHER SEAT COVER THAT IS COMPATIBLE WITH THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM IS NOT AVAILABLE, GENERAL MOTORS (GM) WILL REPURCHASE THESE VEHICLES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS STATED IN GM'S LETTER TO OWNERS. THE RECALL BEG…
The defect: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, CONTAMINATION ON IGNITION RELAY CONTACTS CAN CAUSE HIGH RESISTANCE. THIS CAN AFFECT SIGNALS TO THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE AND, COULD CAUSE INTERMITTENT VEHICLE STALLS AT ANY TIME.
The risk: THE VEHICLE CANNOT BE RESTARTED IMMEDIATELY. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, IT COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION RELAY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 4, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 AND BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080.
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 Rendezvous or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Buick Rendezvous has far fewer complaints per year (about 179) compared to the Ford F-150 (over 1,160). However, the F-150 is a much more popular vehicle, so higher totals are expected. In practice, the Rendezvous may have fewer reported issues overall, but both have serious safety-related complaints.
Key differences
- The Ford F-150 has over 11,600 complaints in 10 years, while the Buick Rendezvous has about 1,250 in 7 years, but the F-150 sells in much higher volumes.
- Power train issues dominate F-150 complaints, especially transmission limp mode and lead frame failures, while the Rendezvous is more prone to electrical and fuel system problems.
- The Rendezvous has 3 reported deaths and 76 injuries; the F-150 has 1 death and 297 injuries, though these numbers don't account for vehicle population.
- Both have multiple recalls, but the F-150 has 151 recalls versus 18 for the Rendezvous, reflecting its longer production and higher complexity.
- Check for fuel odors around and inside the vehicle, and inspect fuel lines under the driver's side for leaks or corrosion.
- Test all electrical functions, including instrument panel lights, door locks, and radio, and look for signs of stalling or hesitation during a test drive.
- During a test drive, watch for transmission shuddering, delayed engagement, or limp mode, especially in 2017 models with the 6-speed automatic.
- Inspect the rear window for cracks or signs of stress, and test the defroster to ensure it doesn't short and cause shattering.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models, especially the Rendezvous ignition relay and F-150 lead frame recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission on the F-150 for lead frame and speed sensor issues, and check for software updates.
- For the Rendezvous, pressure-test the fuel system and inspect all electrical grounds and wiring for corrosion or damage.
- Test-drive both vehicles extensively, including highway speeds, to replicate conditions that trigger stalling or limp mode.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, particularly for transmission services on the F-150 and fuel system repairs on the Rendezvous.
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 Rendezvous or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Buick Rendezvous vs FORD F 150
- Buick Rendezvous total complaints
- 1,256
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Buick Rendezvous total recalls
- 18
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Buick Rendezvous avg complaints/year
- 179.4
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Buick Rendezvous
- Buick Rendezvous top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN