Head-to-head reliability
Chevrolet Malibu Classic vs FORD F 150
How the Chevrolet Malibu Classic 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 Malibu Classic vs FORD F 150: The Malibu Classic has 0 complaints and 2 recalls, while the F-150 has 11,621 complaints, 151 recalls, and 330 crash-related reports. The F-150's owners report limp mode, stuck gears, and lead frame failures; the Malibu Classic has no owner complaint text. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chevrolet Malibu Classic or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chevrolet Malibu Classic
The Chevrolet Malibu Classic is a used sedan with a very sparse public complaint record: zero owner complaints over two years, but two recalls for the ignition system. That means there is no owner-reported pattern of failures to learn from, so the main known issue is the ignition recall. For a buyer, this suggests a simpler ownership picture, but also less real-world feedback on what might break.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a huge complaint history: 11,621 complaints over ten years, 151 recalls, and 330 crash-related reports. Owners repeatedly describe transmission problems, electrical glitches, and sudden limp mode, often tied to the lead frame or output speed sensor. This is a high-volume vehicle with many reported issues, so a used F-150 needs careful inspection and a check for open recalls.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chevrolet Malibu Classic | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 0 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 2 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 Malibu Classic
No component data available.
The only known issue is two recalls for the ignition system. No owner complaints describe the exact symptom, but ignition problems can cause stalling or no-start conditions, so a buyer should confirm the recall work was done.
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners report the truck going into limp mode, getting stuck in 5th gear, and failing to shift properly, often linked to the lead frame or transmission sensors. This can happen while driving and may require an expensive repair.
Complaints include the same lead frame issue causing sudden power loss, plus a rear window defroster short that can shatter the back glass. These electrical faults can be dangerous and costly to fix.
One owner described the rear window exploding outward after using the defroster, with no outside cause. This is a rare but serious event that a buyer should be aware of when checking the rear defroster.
This is a top complaint area, though no sample text is given. Lighting failures can affect visibility and safety, so check all lights and related wiring before buying.
“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 Malibu Classic — 2 recalls
The defect: This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency o…
The risk: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.
The defect: This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency o…
The risk: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.
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 Malibu Classic or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Chevrolet Malibu Classic has far fewer issues per year: 0 complaints per year versus 1,162.1 per year for the Ford F-150. In practice, the Malibu Classic has almost no owner-reported failure pattern, while the F-150 has thousands of complaints about transmissions, electrical faults, and limp mode. That difference means the F-150 carries a much higher risk of recurring, sometimes dangerous problems.
Key differences
- The Chevrolet Malibu Classic has 0 complaints and 2 recalls, while the Ford F-150 has 11,621 complaints and 151 recalls.
- Ford F-150 owners report real driving failures like limp mode, stuck in 5th gear, and lead frame issues; the Malibu Classic has no owner complaint text on record.
- The F-150 has 330 crash-related reports, 297 injuries, and 1 death; the Malibu Classic has 0 in all three categories.
- The F-150's top complaint areas are power train, electrical system, and exterior lighting; the Malibu Classic's only known issue is an ignition recall.
- Check whether the two ignition system recalls were completed; ask for proof from a dealer or run the VIN on NHTSA's recall site.
- Since there are no owner complaints, look for any signs of stalling, rough idling, or no-start conditions that could point to an ignition fault.
- Test drive at highway speed and watch for limp mode, delayed shifting, or getting stuck in 5th gear, which owners report with the lead frame and transmission.
- Check the rear window defroster for any short or burning smell, and inspect the back glass for cracks, because one owner reported the window exploding after defroster use.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup for both vehicles and confirm all open recalls are repaired before purchase.
- For the Ford F-150, ask for transmission service records and scan for stored codes like P0722 related to the output speed sensor.
- For the Chevrolet Malibu Classic, ask for proof the ignition recall was performed and test for any stalling or no-start symptoms.
- On the F-150, test the rear defroster, all exterior lights, and the transmission in stop-and-go and highway driving.
- Get a pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic who knows the F-150's lead frame and transmission issues, and have them check the Malibu Classic's ignition system.
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 Malibu Classic or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
No VIN yet? Ask the seller.
A genuine seller should be happy to share it. Send this, then paste the VIN into the box above when it comes back.
Going to see one?
Get the Chevrolet Malibu Classic inspection checklist by email, so you know what to look for when you're standing next to it.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chevrolet Malibu Classic vs FORD F 150
- Chevrolet Malibu Classic total complaints
- 0
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Chevrolet Malibu Classic total recalls
- 2
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Chevrolet Malibu Classic avg complaints/year
- 0.0
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Chevrolet Malibu Classic
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN