Head-to-head reliability
Chevrolet Impala Limited vs FORD F 150
How the Chevrolet Impala Limited 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 Impala Limited vs FORD F 150: The Impala averaged 562 complaints per year with 0 recalls, while the F-150 averaged 1,162 complaints per year with 151 recalls. The F-150 also had 330 crash-related complaints versus 48 for the Impala. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chevrolet Impala Limited or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chevrolet Impala Limited
The Chevrolet Impala Limited is a full-size sedan that owners often rely on for daily transportation. Over three years, it has averaged 562 complaints per year, with no recalls on record. The most common complaints involve electrical system failures, engine noises, and steering problems. While it has fewer complaints per year than the Ford F-150, the absence of recalls means owners must be vigilant about addressing issues themselves.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a popular full-size pickup truck that has been in production for many years. Over ten years, it has averaged 1,162 complaints per year and has 151 recalls. The most frequent complaints involve power train issues, electrical system problems, and exterior lighting failures. The higher complaint rate and numerous recalls suggest that owners may face more frequent repairs and safety campaigns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chevrolet Impala Limited | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,686 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 48 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 562.0 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 25 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 Impala Limited
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM516
- 02ENGINE355
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER295
- 04STEERING217
- 05POWER TRAIN213
Owners report issues with the sunroof sunshade and infotainment center, including diagnostic code B127E. These failures can be costly to repair and may affect vehicle functionality.
Complaints include loud clanking sounds from the engine and abnormal gasoline odors. These symptoms could indicate serious mechanical problems that require immediate attention.
Intermittent power steering failures are reported, often accompanied by a 'Service Power Steering' message and Stabilitrak light. This can make steering difficult, especially at higher speeds.
Owners describe Stabilitrak notifications causing the car to slow down unexpectedly, and evaporator core leaks leading to refrigerant loss and odors. These issues can be hazardous and expensive to fix.
“1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The sunroof sunshade is the specific component that has malfunctioned. It is readily visible and accessible for inspection upon request. A mechanic or techni…”
“2015 Chevrolet Impala Lt Vin# [XXX] infotainment center & Steering went out 2 years ago Greg Chevrolet in savannah MO told me $800 for infotainment unit only car only had diag code B127E car only 3 years old at the time still does not work! Earlier this year…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Frequent complaints about transmission malfunctions, including limp mode and getting stuck in 5th gear, as well as lead frame issues that can cause sudden loss of power. These problems can lead to dangerous driving situations.
Lead frame issues and output speed sensor failures are common, sometimes resulting in highway limp mode. These electrical faults can disable the vehicle unexpectedly.
While specific complaints are not detailed in the sample, this is a top component with many reports. Lighting failures can reduce visibility and increase accident risk.
A reported short in the rear window defroster caused the back window to shatter. Such defects can be surprising and costly to repair.
“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 Impala Limited
No recalls on record.
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 Impala Limited or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Chevrolet Impala Limited has fewer issues per year (562 vs. 1,162) and no recalls, while the Ford F-150 has more complaints and many recalls. In practice, the Impala may require less frequent attention for safety recalls, but both vehicles have notable failure patterns that buyers should consider.
Key differences
- The Impala Limited has no recalls, while the F-150 has 151 recalls, indicating more safety campaigns for the truck.
- The F-150 has a higher complaint rate per year (1,162 vs. 562), suggesting more frequent owner-reported issues.
- Power train problems are the top complaint for the F-150, often causing limp mode, whereas the Impala's top issue is electrical system failures.
- The Impala has fewer crash-related complaints (48 vs. 330) and injuries (25 vs. 297) over the reported periods.
- Check for power steering assist failures by test-driving and listening for warning chimes or messages.
- Inspect the sunroof sunshade and infotainment system for proper operation, as these are common electrical complaints.
- Test the transmission for shuddering, delayed engagement, or limp mode, especially during highway driving.
- Inspect the rear window defroster and look for any signs of electrical shorts or cracked glass.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report to check for open recalls, especially for the F-150.
- Have a mechanic inspect the specific components mentioned in complaints, such as steering and electrical systems for the Impala, and power train for the F-150.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any warning lights, unusual noises, or transmission behavior.
- Verify that all recall repairs have been completed on the F-150 by checking with a dealership.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a certified mechanic familiar with these models.
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 Impala Limited or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chevrolet Impala Limited vs FORD F 150
- Chevrolet Impala Limited total complaints
- 1,686
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Chevrolet Impala Limited total recalls
- 0
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Chevrolet Impala Limited avg complaints/year
- 562.0
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Chevrolet Impala Limited
- Chevrolet Impala Limited top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN