Head-to-head reliability
Chevrolet 5500xd vs FORD F 150
How the Chevrolet 5500xd 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
Chevrolet 5500xd vs FORD F 150: The Chevy 5500xd has 0 complaints and 6 recalls over 10 years, while the Ford F-150 has 11,621 complaints, 151 recalls, and 297 injuries. The Ford's higher complaint rate reflects recurring transmission and electrical issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chevrolet 5500xd or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chevrolet 5500xd
The Chevrolet 5500xd is a medium-duty truck that, over the past 10 years, has generated zero owner complaints to NHTSA. That silence suggests owners either experience few problems or don't report them, but it also means there's no real-world pattern to learn from. The six recalls on record focus on seat belts, rear leaf springs, and wheel lug nuts—hardware that can affect safety if not addressed. For a buyer, this truck's reliability story is mostly about recall compliance, not complaint trends.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a massive complaint history: over 11,600 complaints in 10 years, including 330 crash-related reports and 297 injuries. Owners repeatedly describe transmission problems like limp mode and stuck gears, electrical glitches such as lead frame failures, and even a rear window shattering due to a defroster short. With 151 recalls, this truck demands careful recall checks and a thorough test drive to catch known issues.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chevrolet 5500xd | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 0 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 6 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.0 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.
Chevrolet 5500xd
No component data available.
Recalls address front seat belt webbing, which could fail in a crash. Buyers should verify the recall was performed, as a defective belt may not restrain properly.
Rear leaf spring U-bolts are recalled for potential loosening, which could affect handling and stability. Inspect for any signs of repair or missing recall work.
Lug nuts/bolts/studs are subject to multiple recalls, meaning wheels could loosen if not fixed. Check that all recall remedies have been applied to avoid a dangerous wheel-off situation.
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners report recurring transmission issues, including limp mode, stuck gears, and lead frame failures that can cause sudden loss of power. These problems often require expensive repairs and may persist even after fixes.
Lead frame and output speed sensor failures are common, leading to erratic shifting or highway limp mode. A rear window defroster short has also caused windows to shatter, posing a safety risk.
Complaints include unexpected rear window shattering, likely tied to defroster defects. This can happen without warning and may be costly to replace.
With 1,224 complaints, lighting problems are frequent, though specific failure details aren't provided. Buyers should test all lights and check for recalls.
“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.
Chevrolet 5500xd — 6 recalls
The defect: Isuzu Technical Center of America, Inc. (Isuzu) is recalling certain 2020 Isuzu NPR HD, NPR XD, NQR and NRR and Chevrolet 4500HD, 4500XD, 5500HD and 5500XD and 2019 Isuzu NPR HD GAS, NPR GAS and Chevrolet 4500 and Chevrolet 3500 vehicles equipped with a dual mode belt locking mechanism seat belt as…
The risk: In the event of a crash, if the occupant is not properly restrained, there is an increased risk of injury.
The fix: Isuzu will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 20, 2020. Owners may contact Isuzu customer service at 1-866-441-9638 or Chevrolet customer serv…
The defect: Isuzu Technical Center of America, Inc. (Isuzu) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Isuzu NPR, Reach, 2016-2020 Isuzu NPR XD, NPR HD, NQR, 2016-2021 Isuzu NRR, 2017-2020 Chevrolet 4500XD, 4500HD, 5500HD, and 2020 Chevrolet 5500XD vehicles. The U-bolt nuts for the rear axle may not have been properly tig…
The risk: The misalignment may cause the propeller shaft to separate, causing a loss of power to the rear wheels and a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Isuzu will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if needed, replace and tighten the rear axle U-bolt nuts, free of charge. The recall began on April 23, 2021. Owners may contact Isuzu customer service at 1-866-441-9638. Isuzu's numb…
The defect: Isuzu Technical Center of America, Inc. (Isuzu) is recalling certain 2017-2020 NPR-HD, 2019-2020 NPR-XD, NQR, NRR, Chevrolet 4500HD, Chevrolet 5500HD and Chevrolet 5500XD, and 2020 Chevrolet 4500XD vehicles. The lug nuts on the rear outer wheels may not have been properly tightened when installed o…
The risk: If the lug nuts were not properly tightened, they can loosen, causing the to wheel separate from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Isuzu will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear outer wheel lug nuts and tightening or replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 20, 2019. Owners may contact Isuzu customer service at 1-866-441-9638…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Chevrolet 4500HD/5500HD/6500HD vehicles. The hex flange lock nuts used in the suspension and steering joints, were improperly heat treated and may break.
The risk: Broken hex flange lock nuts may cause a loss of tension, leading to steering instability, and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the hex flange lock nuts as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed December 27, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2023. Own…
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
Chevrolet 5500xd or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Chevrolet 5500xd has far fewer reported issues per year—zero complaints versus over 1,100 for the Ford F-150. In practice, that means the Chevy is less likely to leave you stranded or in the shop, but its recall history still requires attention. The Ford's high complaint volume signals a higher risk of recurring, sometimes dangerous, problems.
Key differences
- The Chevrolet 5500xd has 0 complaints and 6 recalls; the Ford F-150 has 11,621 complaints and 151 recalls.
- Ford F-150 owners report serious transmission limp mode and lead frame failures; the Chevy has no complaint text to indicate such patterns.
- The Chevy's recalls focus on seat belts, suspension, and wheels; the Ford's recalls include engine, seat belts, latches, and air bags.
- Ford F-150 complaints include 330 crash-related reports and 297 injuries; the Chevy has none reported.
- Check for open recalls on seat belt webbing, rear leaf spring U-bolts, and wheel lug nuts—these are safety-critical and should be fixed before purchase.
- Inspect the rear suspension and wheels for any signs of loosening or prior repairs, as recalls may not have been performed.
- Test drive at highway speeds and watch for transmission limp mode, stuck gears, or delayed shifting—common owner complaints.
- Inspect the rear window for cracks or signs of shattering, and test the defroster; a short can cause the glass to break.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA.gov to check for open recalls on both vehicles and confirm they were remedied.
- For the Ford F-150, ask for transmission service records and scan for stored codes like P0722.
- For the Chevrolet 5500xd, verify that seat belt, suspension, and wheel recalls were completed.
- Take a long test drive on both highways and city streets, paying attention to shifting and electrical functions.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the Ford's transmission and electrical system, and the Chevy's suspension and wheels.
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 | Chevrolet 5500xd | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 35 |
| 2025 | 0 | 345 |
| 2024 | 0 | 638 |
| 2023 | 0 | 1527 |
| 2022 | 0 | 3493 |
| 2021 | 0 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 0 | 44 |
| 2019 | 0 | 52 |
| 2018 | 0 | 79 |
| 2017 | 0 | 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 Chevrolet 5500xd or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chevrolet 5500xd vs FORD F 150
- Chevrolet 5500xd total complaints
- 0
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Chevrolet 5500xd total recalls
- 6
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Chevrolet 5500xd avg complaints/year
- 0.0
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Chevrolet 5500xd
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN