Head-to-head reliability
Buick Terraza vs FORD F 150
How the Buick Terraza 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 Terraza vs FORD F 150: The Terraza averaged 69 complaints per year over 3 years, while the F-150 averaged 1,162 per year over 10 years. The Terraza had 8 recalls and 11 injuries; the F-150 had 151 recalls and 297 injuries. Both show serious failure patterns, but the F-150's higher volume means more reported issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Buick Terraza or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Buick Terraza
The Buick Terraza is a minivan that, based on owner complaints, can be a headache to live with. Over three years, it averaged 69 complaints per year, with electrical gremlins like sliding doors opening on their own and the engine shutting off while driving. Brake problems, including a pedal that goes to the floor, and stability control issues add to the ownership burden. With 8 recalls and 11 injuries reported, it's a vehicle that demands careful inspection before purchase.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint volume—averaging 1,162 per year over ten years—but that's partly because it's one of the best-selling vehicles in America. Owners frequently report transmission problems, including limp mode and harsh shifting, as well as electrical issues like the lead frame failure that can cause sudden downshifts. There are also reports of rear window defroster shorts leading to shattered glass. With 151 recalls and 297 injuries, it's clear that some model years have recurring safety defects.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Buick Terraza | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 207 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 8 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 9 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 69.0 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 11 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 Terraza
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM52
- 02SERVICE BRAKES39
- 03STRUCTURE36
- 04ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)36
- 05LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES29
Owners report power sliding doors that open and close at random, even while driving, and antitheft alarms that trigger by themselves, sometimes shutting off the engine. These glitches can leave you stranded or cause dangerous distractions.
Complaints describe a brake pedal that feels resistant then suddenly extends to the floor, and instances where the vehicle jerks and decelerates with ABS and stability lights on. This suggests software or hardware faults that could compromise braking confidence.
The same owner complaint about sliding doors appears under structure, indicating body or door alignment issues that may cause leaks, wind noise, or doors that don't latch properly. This can affect security and weatherproofing.
Owners report the vehicle suddenly veering to one side with the stability light on, and in one case the brakes locked. Such ESC malfunctions can lead to loss of control, especially at speed.
“IT IS PROBABLY A SHORTER LIST TO LIST WHAT WE HAVEN'T HAD TROUBLE WITH , BUT HERE GOES. 1. THE BACK POWER SLIDING DOORS WILL OPEN AND SHUT AT WILL. DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, PARTED IN THE GROCERY STORE PARKING LOT, ETC. THE NEIGHBORHOOD KIDS REGULARLY COME OVER…”
“The contact owns a 2006 Buick Terraza. The contact stated that the antitheft alarm engaged inadvertently, causing the vehicle to shutoff while driving. The START/STOP Disabled message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed t…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Many owners describe transmission problems: the truck goes into limp mode, gets stuck in 5th gear, or fails to shift properly. The 'lead frame' issue is a recurring defect that can cause sudden downshifts and near-collisions, and some say it has never been properly fixed.
The lead frame problem also appears under electrical, with reports of the truck entering limp mode due to output speed sensor failure. A separate complaint describes a short in the rear window defroster that caused the back window to shatter outward.
This category includes the rear window shattering incident, which owners link to a defroster short. Such unexpected glass failure is a safety concern and costly to repair.
Although no sample text is provided, this is a top complaint area, suggesting owners frequently report lighting failures such as brake lights or headlights not working, which can 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 Terraza — 8 recalls
The defect: DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN…
The risk: A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The fix: DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING KNUCKLES FREE OF CHARGE AND REIMBURSE THE REPAIR FACILITY OR OWNER FOR LABOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN'S TOLL-FREE HOTLINE AT 1-800-523-24…
The defect: THE BRAUN CORPORATION HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA ABOUT A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2008 GENERAL MOTORS MOBILITY CONVERSION, HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE LOW FLOOR MINIVANS. DURING CONVERSION, THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER SIDE TRAILING ARM MODIFICATION MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ADEQUATELY WELDED.
The risk: A SQUEAKING OR CLUNKING NOISE MAY DEVELOP. THE TRAILING ARM BUSHINGS MAY PREMATURELY WEAR AND THE TRAILING ARM MAY FRACTURE OR SEPARATE, ALLOWING THE REAR AXLE TO BECOME PARTIALLY SEPARATED FROM THE CHASSIS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND WILL HAVE A SUPPLY OF RETROFIT PARTS AVAILABLE TO REMEDY THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 4, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BRAUN AT 1-800-488-0359.
The defect: CERTAIN TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SHIPPED WITH TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABELS LISTING AN INACCCURATE VEHICLE CAPACITY WEIGHT.
The risk: A MISPRINTED LABEL COULD LEAD TO IMPROPER VEHICLE LOADING SPECIFICATIONS OR TIRE INFLATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN A TIRE FAILURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH CORRECTED LABELS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. AT THE CUSTOMER'S OPTION, A DEALER CAN INSTALL THE LABEL FOR THEM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-8…
The defect: DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN…
The risk: A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The fix: DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING KNUCKLES FREE OF CHARGE AND REIMBURSE THE REPAIR FACILITY OR OWNER FOR LABOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN'S TOLL-FREE HOTLINE AT 1-800-523-24…
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 Terraza or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Buick Terraza has far fewer complaints per year (69 vs. 1,162), but it's also an older, less common vehicle. The Ford F-150's higher volume means more reported issues, but many are concentrated in specific areas like the transmission. In practice, the Terraza may have fewer overall problems, but the F-150's issues are better documented and may have more available fixes.
Key differences
- The Terraza's electrical complaints often involve doors opening on their own and engine shutdowns, while the F-150's electrical issues center on the lead frame causing limp mode.
- Brake problems in the Terraza include a pedal going to the floor, whereas F-150 brake complaints are not among the top categories.
- The F-150 has a recurring transmission defect (lead frame) that owners say persists for years, while the Terraza's transmission is not a top complaint area.
- The Terraza has structure complaints tied to door issues, while the F-150 has exterior lighting complaints that are not detailed in the sample.
- Test the power sliding doors multiple times, including while the engine is running, to see if they open or close unexpectedly.
- Check the brake pedal feel for any resistance or sudden drop to the floor, and scan for ABS/stability control trouble codes.
- During a test drive, pay attention to transmission shifting—look for limp mode, getting stuck in gear, or harsh downshifts that could indicate lead frame failure.
- Inspect the rear window defroster for signs of overheating or shorts, and ask if the window has ever shattered unexpectedly.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and verify that all recalls for the specific model year have been performed.
- Have a mechanic scan for stored trouble codes, especially in the transmission, ABS, and stability control systems.
- For the Terraza, test all electrical accessories, including doors, windows, and alarm system, and check for water leaks around doors.
- For the F-150, research the lead frame issue for the model year and confirm whether it has been replaced or updated.
- Take a lengthy test drive that includes highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic to replicate transmission and brake behavior.
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 Terraza or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Buick Terraza vs FORD F 150
- Buick Terraza total complaints
- 207
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Buick Terraza total recalls
- 8
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Buick Terraza avg complaints/year
- 69.0
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Buick Terraza
- Buick Terraza top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN