Head-to-head reliability
Chevrolet BOLT vs FORD F 150
How the Chevrolet BOLT 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 vs FORD F 150: The Bolt averages about 103 complaints per year, while the F-150 averages about 1,162. The Bolt's main issues are battery fire risk and steering loss, with 38 recalls. The F-150's top problems are transmission and electrical failures, with 151 recalls. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chevrolet BOLT or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chevrolet BOLT
The Chevrolet BOLT is an electric hatchback that has been on the road for about a decade. Owner complaints center heavily on the battery system, with reports of fire risk leading to recalls and advice to limit charging. Power steering failures and propulsion issues also appear, making it a car that demands attention to battery recalls and steering behavior. With about 103 complaints per year, it's a lower-volume complainer than some trucks, but the nature of the battery issue is serious.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup that sells in huge numbers, and its complaint volume reflects that popularity. The most common trouble spots are the powertrain and electrical system, with owners describing transmission limp mode, lead frame failures, and rear window defroster shorts that can shatter glass. With over 1,100 complaints per year, it's a high-volume vehicle with a wide range of reported issues. Buyers should expect to check transmission and electrical history carefully.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chevrolet BOLT | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,029 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 38 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 48 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 102.9 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 21 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
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM428
- 02STEERING220
- 03FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM197
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER125
- 05POWER TRAIN94
Owners report battery defects that GM admits could lead to a fire, with advice not to charge above 90% or below 30%, and not to charge overnight. This is a major safety concern that can affect where you park and how you use the car daily.
Power steering can randomly shut off, often just after start-up, leaving the driver without assist. Some also report the steering rack binding on corners, requiring forceful correction. This makes low-speed maneuvering and highway driving unpredictable.
The same battery fire risk appears here, with owners frustrated by inadequate remedies and repeated recalls. The fix may involve software updates or battery replacement, but until then, owners are told to limit charging and park outside.
Complaints include poor radio reception that worsens over time, and ongoing frustration with recall remedies that limit range and charging. These issues are less safety-critical but affect everyday ownership satisfaction.
“The battery system has a defect that GM admits could lead to a fire. Since November 2020, they advised me to not charge the car above 90% of capacity. They now are also advising not to discharge below 30%, to not charge overnight, and to park outside once cha…”
““I own a 2018 Chevrolet Bolt which is part of the recall announced by GM. This is the second recall in less than a year for the same battery-related issue. It was supposed to have been fixed with a software update that I had completed in June. This software w…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners describe a 'lead frame' issue that can cause the transmission to go into limp mode, stuck in 5th gear, or fail to shift. Some report near-collisions, and the problem has persisted for over a decade without a permanent fix.
The lead frame problem also shows up as an electrical fault, and a separate issue is a short in the rear window defroster that can cause the back window to shatter. These electrical gremlins can be dangerous and expensive.
The rear window defroster short is a recurring complaint, with owners reporting the window exploding outward after use. This is a surprising and hazardous failure that buyers should be aware of.
Although not detailed in the sample complaints, exterior lighting is a top complaint category, suggesting owners frequently report lighting failures. This matters for visibility and safety, especially at night.
“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 — 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 or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Chevrolet BOLT has far fewer complaints per year (about 103) compared to the Ford F-150 (about 1,162), but the Bolt's complaints often involve high-severity battery fire risk and steering loss. The F-150's higher volume means more individual issues, but many are powertrain and electrical problems that can be addressed with repairs. In practice, the Bolt may have fewer total problems, but the ones it has can be more alarming.
Key differences
- The Bolt's top complaint is battery fire risk, leading to charging restrictions and recalls, while the F-150's top complaint is transmission limp mode and lead frame failures.
- The Bolt has about 103 complaints per year; the F-150 has about 1,162 per year, reflecting the F-150's much larger sales volume.
- The Bolt's steering can randomly lose power assist, a unique safety concern; the F-150's rear window can shatter due to a defroster short.
- The F-150 has 151 recalls versus 38 for the Bolt, but the Bolt's recalls include serious battery fire issues.
- Check if the battery recall has been performed and whether the car still has charging restrictions; ask for documentation.
- Test the power steering at start-up and during low-speed turns for any intermittent loss of assist or binding.
- Test drive at highway speeds and check for transmission shudder, limp mode, or failure to shift, especially in 2017 models with the 6-speed automatic.
- Inspect the rear window and test the defroster; look for any signs of cracking or previous shattering.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA's recall site to see all open recalls for the specific vehicle.
- For the Bolt, ask for proof of battery recall completion and any software updates.
- For the F-150, scan for transmission trouble codes and test drive extensively, including highway speeds.
- Check the steering system on the Bolt for any intermittent assist loss during a test drive.
- Inspect the F-150's rear window and defroster operation, and look for any aftermarket fixes.
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 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 35 |
| 2025 | 0 | 345 |
| 2024 | 0 | 638 |
| 2023 | 179 | 1527 |
| 2022 | 85 | 3493 |
| 2021 | 67 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 173 | 44 |
| 2019 | 178 | 52 |
| 2018 | 68 | 79 |
| 2017 | 279 | 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 or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chevrolet BOLT vs FORD F 150
- Chevrolet BOLT total complaints
- 1,029
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Chevrolet BOLT total recalls
- 38
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Chevrolet BOLT avg complaints/year
- 102.9
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Chevrolet BOLT
- Chevrolet BOLT top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN