Head-to-head reliability
Chevrolet BOLT EV vs FORD F 150
How the Chevrolet BOLT EV 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 BOLT EV vs FORD F 150: The BOLT EV averaged 83.9 complaints per year over 7 years, while the F-150 averaged 1162.1 over 10 years. The BOLT EV had 38 recalls and 11 injuries; the F-150 had 151 recalls and 297 injuries. Both have serious issues, but the F-150's volume is much higher. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chevrolet BOLT EV or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chevrolet BOLT EV
The Chevrolet BOLT EV is an electric hatchback that has been subject to a major battery recall, which dominates owner complaints. Over 7 years, it has averaged about 84 complaints per year, with most concerning the electrical system and steering. Owners report issues like battery fire risk, delayed replacements, and sudden steering failures. While the complaint volume is lower than the F-150, the nature of the problems can be serious and parts availability is a concern.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup that has been sold in huge numbers, and its complaint volume reflects that popularity. Over 10 years, it has averaged over 1,160 complaints per year, with the most common issues involving the power train, electrical system, and exterior lighting. Owners frequently report transmission problems, lead frame failures, and electrical glitches. The high number of recalls and complaints suggests that while many are reliable, some model years have recurring defects.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chevrolet BOLT EV | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 587 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 38 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 24 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 83.9 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.
Chevrolet BOLT EV
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM258
- 02STEERING145
- 03FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM107
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER73
- 05POWER TRAIN47
Owners report battery-related issues, including fire risk and delays in getting replacement batteries under recall. Complaints also mention software problems after battery swaps, such as reduced power and charging errors. These can leave you stranded or worried about safety.
Some owners experienced sudden steering failure due to a broken ball joint, causing the wheel to collapse. This can happen at low speeds without warning and may lead to loss of control. It's a critical safety concern that needs immediate attention.
Complaints center on the high-voltage battery and propulsion system, often tied to the recall. Owners report long waits for repairs and concerns about the vehicle's reliability. This can mean extended downtime and uncertainty about when a fix will be available.
Issues with the Super Cruise hands-free driving system, such as swerving or failing on mapped roads, are reported. Also, some owners see 'reduced power propulsion' warnings. These electronic glitches can be distracting and undermine confidence in the car's advanced features.
“General Motors is making brand new Bolt ev/Euvs using batteries that are supposed to be used to fix cars that could potential catch fire. They stated that the old vehicles effected by the recall would be given priority. I have had a bolt EUV on reserve that h…”
“General Motors is making brand new Bolt ev/Euvs using batteries that are supposed to be used to fix cars that could potential catch fire. They stated that the old vehicles effected by the recall would be given priority. I have had a bolt EUV on reserve that h…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners frequently report transmission problems, including limp mode, getting stuck in gears, and lead frame failures. These can cause sudden loss of power and dangerous situations on the road. Repairs can be costly and recurring.
Electrical issues include lead frame problems and sensor failures that trigger limp mode. There are also reports of rear window defroster shorts causing windows to shatter. These faults can disable the truck or cause unexpected damage.
Complaints include rear window defroster shorts leading to shattered glass, and other unexplained electrical faults. These can be safety hazards and expensive to fix. The sheer volume of complaints suggests these are not isolated incidents.
While not detailed in the sample complaints, exterior lighting is a top complaint category. Owners may experience failing lights, which can affect visibility and safety. This is a common issue that should be checked.
“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 BOLT EV — 38 recalls
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles previously recalled under NHTSA recall number 20V-701. The high voltage battery could catch fire when charged to full or nearly full capacity.
The risk: A battery fire increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to take the following interim steps: Activate either the Hill Top Reserve (2017 and 2018 models) or Target Charge Level (2019 models) feature in their vehicle to limit the charge level to 90%, charge their vehicle more f…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling all 2017-2018 and certain 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles. The high voltage battery could catch fire when charged to full or nearly full capacity.
The risk: A battery fire increases the risk of injury.
The fix: This recall has been superseded by recall number 21V-560. Vehicles previously repaired under 20V-701 will still need to have the new remedy under recall 21V-560. GM will notify owners, and as an interim repair, beginning on November 17, 20…
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 2017-2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles. After a crash with seat belt pretensioner deployment, the pretensioner exhaust may ignite carpet fibers near the B-pillar, causing a fire.
The risk: A vehicle fire can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will install metal foil at the carpet near the pretensioner exhaust, and install a pretensioner cover as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed between January 23, 2023 and April 25, 2023. Owners may cont…
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 BOLT EV or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Chevrolet BOLT EV has far fewer complaints per year (about 84) compared to the Ford F-150 (over 1,160). However, the Bolt's issues often involve serious safety recalls and long repair waits, while the F-150's higher volume means many trucks may have problems, but they are more widespread and sometimes less severe. In practice, the Bolt may have fewer overall issues, but when they occur, they can be more disruptive.
Key differences
- The BOLT EV has about 84 complaints per year, while the F-150 has over 1,160, but the Bolt's complaints often involve battery fire risk and steering failures.
- The F-150's most common complaint is power train issues like transmission limp mode and lead frame failures, which can cause sudden power loss.
- The BOLT EV has 38 recalls over 7 years, many related to the battery, while the F-150 has 151 recalls over 10 years, covering engines, seat belts, and air bags.
- Owners of the BOLT EV report long waits for battery replacements, whereas F-150 owners report recurring transmission and electrical problems that may be repaired more quickly.
- Check if the battery recall has been performed and if the replacement battery is installed; ask for documentation. Also, listen for any clunking or steering play that could indicate ball joint issues.
- Test drive at various speeds to check for transmission shuddering, harsh shifts, or limp mode. Inspect the rear window for cracks or signs of defroster damage, and check for any electrical gremlins like flickering lights.
Before you buy
- Obtain the vehicle's recall history by VIN from a dealer or NHTSA to see if all recalls are addressed.
- For the BOLT EV, confirm the battery has been replaced under recall and ask for the software update records.
- For the F-150, have a mechanic scan for transmission error codes and check the lead frame connector.
- Test drive both vehicles extensively, including highway speeds and low-speed maneuvers, to feel for transmission or steering issues.
- Inspect the rear window and defroster on the F-150, and the steering components on the BOLT EV for any signs of wear or damage.
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 BOLT EV | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 60 | 1527 |
| 2022 | 59 | 3493 |
| 2021 | 67 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 173 | 44 |
| 2019 | 178 | 52 |
| 2018 | 6 | 79 |
| 2017 | 44 | 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 BOLT EV or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chevrolet BOLT EV vs FORD F 150
- Chevrolet BOLT EV total complaints
- 587
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Chevrolet BOLT EV total recalls
- 38
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Chevrolet BOLT EV avg complaints/year
- 83.9
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Chevrolet BOLT EV
- Chevrolet BOLT EV top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN