Head-to-head reliability
Chevrolet Equinox vs FORD F 150
How the Chevrolet Equinox 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 Equinox vs FORD F 150: The Equinox averages 191.9 complaints per year with 33 recalls, while the F-150 averages 2,755.3 complaints per year with 141 recalls. Common Equinox issues include sudden power loss and brake failure; F-150 issues include transmission park failure and total electrical loss. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chevrolet Equinox or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chevrolet Equinox
The Chevrolet Equinox is a compact SUV that, based on NHTSA data, shows a high rate of engine and brake complaints. Owners report sudden power loss on the highway and brake failure at low speeds, which can be alarming. With 191.9 complaints per year and 33 recalls, it suggests a vehicle that may require frequent dealer visits.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a very high complaint volume—2,755 per year—and 141 recalls. Owners describe transmission issues like the shifter getting stuck in drive, sudden loss of electrical power while driving, and unintended acceleration. These patterns point to serious drivetrain and electrical reliability concerns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chevrolet Equinox | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,919 Better | 27,553 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 33 Better | 141 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 116 Better | 762 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 191.9 Better | 2755.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 86 Better | 714 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 Better | 10 |
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 Equinox
- 01ENGINE537
- 02SERVICE BRAKES398
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM300
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM294
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER277
Owners report sudden 'Engine Reduced Power' warnings on the highway, causing the vehicle to slow to 30 mph without prior warning. Fuel pump issues are a common cause, leading to stalling or reduced power.
Multiple complaints describe the brake pedal going to the floor with no resistance, especially at low speeds, causing the vehicle to continue moving. This failure has occurred repeatedly for some owners.
Reports include the vehicle being able to shut off while not in Park, and A/C failures. These electrical gremlins can affect safety and comfort.
Engine stalling and dying on the highway without warning is a recurring theme, often linked to fuel system issues. This can leave drivers stranded in traffic.
“On [XXX], about 400 miles into our trip heading South on [XXX], the Engine Reduced Power Warning came on. We were in the fast lane traveling at 70 MPH,the car immediately slowed to about 30 mph.There was no prior warning or check engine light. Vehicles behind…”
“The engine failed while driving on the highway on two separate occasions due a fuel pump issue. The first time it happened, it was just reduced power (could only drive maybe 40 miles an hour). I brought it to the dealership and they said that General Motors t…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN9,967
- 02ENGINE4,861
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3,474
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER3,211
- 05STRUCTURE1,485
The shifter can get stuck in Drive when parking, failing to engage Park automatically. Turbo wastegate issues have also been reported on newer models, affecting performance.
Engine problems are tied to the transmission issue where the park pawl fails to engage, and there are reports of sudden power loss. Oil-related recalls suggest potential lubrication failures.
Complete loss of electrical power while driving, disabling brakes, airbags, and steering, is a critical safety concern. ABS system noise after brake booster recall work has also been noted.
Unintended acceleration at low speeds and persistent vibration after repairs are reported. These issues can be difficult to diagnose and resolve.
“When I am parking the truck, I press and hold the brake pedal, While the truck shifter in in "Drive", I press the start/stop button to shut truck down, the shifter gets stuck in "drive" and doesn't automatically shift in to park. The truck locks down and will…”
“My truck is a 2025 Ford F150 STX with 5,900 miles on it. This truck was purchased new at River City Ford in Lavalette, WV The component in questions seems to be involved with the turbos and more specifically the wastegate that attached to the turbos. Also, ye…”
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 Equinox — 33 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Chevrolet Blazer, Blazer EV, Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The door strikers may fracture, resulting in the door opening unexpectedly.
The risk: A door opening while the vehicle is being driven can increasing the risk of injury or a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace all four door strikers and attaching bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 24, 2024. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and GMC customer service at 1-800-462…
The defect: General Motors has decided that certain 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 2025-2026 Cadillac OPTIQ, Chevrolet Colorado, Equinox EV, GMC Canyon, 2026 Buick Enclave, Envision, Cadillac CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade IQ, Escalade IQL, LYRIQ, VISTIQ, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Corvette Convertible, Corvette Cou…
The risk: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will reset the vehicle radio, which will facilitate automatic download of the electronic owner’s manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 16, 2026. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-866-467-970…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Chevrolet Equinox and 2022 GMC Terrain vehicles. The driver's seat may have a stripped or loose bolt at the seat frame height-adjust pivot.
The risk: A seat with a missing or loose bolt may not properly restrain the occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the driver's seat and replace the seat cushion frame, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 4, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC cus…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles equipped with ventilated front passenger seats. The Occupant Classification System may not properly disable the front passenger air bag when there is a small child or child restraint detected in the seat.
The risk: In the event of a crash, a front passenger air bag that deploys with a child or infant in the front passenger seat can increase their risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the passenger presence system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 24, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's nu…
FORD F 150 — 141 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 F-150, 2022-2026 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, Maverick, 2024-2026 Ranger, 2023-2026 F-600 SD, 2022-2027 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, and 2026 E-Transit vehicles. When towing a trailer, the integrated trailer module (ITRM) may los…
The risk: Trailer lights or brakes that do not function can reduce the driver’s ability to control the trailer and decrease the trailers visibility to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The integrated trailer module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 25, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, 2024 Expedition and 2024 Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with a 3.5L GTDI engine. The engines may have a misaligned engine cup plug, which can result in a rapid oil leak.
The risk: A rapid oil leak can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, an oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the engine cup plug alignment, and replace the plug if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 23, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for th…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, Bronco, 2024 Ranger, 2025 Mustang, Explorer, and Aviator vehicles. The transmission valve body may have been machined incorrectly, which can cause reverse gear failure, or unexpected forward movement in reverse or neutral gear.
The risk: Unexpected vehicle movement increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the transmission main control valve body, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S19.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, Expedition, and 2024 Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI engines. The engine may have a misaligned engine cup plug, which can result in a rapid oil leak.
The risk: A rapid oil leak can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, an oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the engine cup plug alignment, and replace the plug if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this…
Buyer analysis
Chevrolet Equinox or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Chevrolet Equinox has far fewer complaints per year (191.9 vs. 2,755.3) and fewer recalls (33 vs. 141). In practice, this means Equinox owners are less likely to encounter a major failure, though the brake and engine issues are serious. The F-150's higher volume reflects a larger owner base but also more frequent and severe problems.
Key differences
- Equinox has 191.9 complaints per year vs. F-150's 2,755.3, a 14x difference.
- Equinox owners report sudden power loss and brake failure; F-150 owners report transmission park failure and total electrical loss.
- F-150 has 141 recalls vs. Equinox's 33, indicating more widespread safety campaigns.
- Equinox's top issue is engine (537 complaints); F-150's top is power train (9,967 complaints).
- Test the brakes at low speed for any pedal feel loss or failure to engage.
- Check for any history of 'Engine Reduced Power' warnings or fuel pump replacements.
- Verify that the transmission reliably shifts into Park and does not stick in Drive.
- Inspect for any signs of electrical system issues, such as intermittent power loss or ABS noise after brake work.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report for both models to check for open recalls.
- Test drive the Equinox at highway speeds to see if the engine loses power unexpectedly.
- For the F-150, park on a slope and confirm the transmission holds Park without rolling.
- Have a mechanic inspect the Equinox's brake system for any leaks or worn components.
- Check the F-150's electrical system by turning on all accessories and monitoring for flickering or failures.
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 Equinox | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 57 | 9 |
| 2025 | 209 | 320 |
| 2024 | 68 | 597 |
| 2023 | 89 | 1448 |
| 2022 | 156 | 3290 |
| 2021 | 88 | 4938 |
| 2020 | 297 | 2530 |
| 2019 | 293 | 5718 |
| 2018 | 392 | 5505 |
| 2017 | 270 | 3198 |
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 Equinox or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chevrolet Equinox vs FORD F 150
- Chevrolet Equinox total complaints
- 1,919
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 27,553
- Chevrolet Equinox total recalls
- 33
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 141
- Chevrolet Equinox avg complaints/year
- 191.9
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 2755.3
- More reliable overall
- Chevrolet Equinox
- Chevrolet Equinox top complaint area
- ENGINE
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN