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 over 2 years, while the F-150 has 11,311 complaints and 145 recalls over 10 years. The F-150 also has 328 crash-related complaints and 287 injuries. 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 no owner complaints on file over two years, suggesting a quiet record. However, it has two recalls for ignition system issues, which can cause stalling or failure to start. With no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths, it may be a lower-risk choice, but the lack of complaints means little is known about long-term reliability. Buyers should verify that both ignition recalls have been fixed.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a high number of owner complaints—over 11,000 in ten years—and 145 recalls. The most common problem areas are the power train, electrical system, and exterior lighting. Owners report hard shifting, loss of power, and warning lights. There are also 328 crash-related complaints, 287 injuries, and one death, so buyers should be aware of these safety-related patterns.
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 | 11,311 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 2 Better | 145 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 328 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.0 Better | 1131.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 287 |
| 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.
Two recalls for ignition system issues mean the engine could stall or not start, increasing crash risk. Buyers should confirm both recalls were repaired.
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,553
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,071
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,401
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,164
- 05ENGINE847
Owners report hard or delayed shifts, jerking, and sudden loss of power, especially with the 10-speed automatic transmission. These failures can happen at speed and may lead to crashes.
Complaints include warning messages like 'Front Camera Malfunction' and 'Pre Collision Assist Not Available,' plus noises from the transmission or rear suspension. These electrical glitches can distract the driver and may indicate deeper issues.
With over 1,100 complaints, exterior lighting problems—such as headlight failures—are common. Non-working lights reduce visibility and can lead to accidents or tickets.
Engine-related complaints number 847, though specific symptoms are not detailed in the sample. Engine problems can cause stalling, poor performance, or costly repairs.
“I started noticing hard and delayed shifts from 7th into 8th gear. My RPM's were not increasing when this happened, and then on a very crowded major road I lost all power, vehicle shut off and drifted, then started up and jerked again very hard. This failure…”
“I am reporting a safety-related transmission problem I experienced with my 2020 Ford F-150 equipped with the 10R80 automatic transmission. While driving normally, the transmission shifts hard (ie: jerks, clunks) between 4-5 and 5-6 gears, and has on occasion…”
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 — 145 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 trucks equipped with high series LED headlamps with Autolamp (On/Off) functionality. The Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) may remain activated instead of dimming to parking lamps when the Master Lighting Switch (MLS) is manually rotated from…
The risk: DRL that cannot dim may reduce the visibility of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the body control module, free of charge. The recall began March 10, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C03.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 F-150 vehicles. The fastener securing the Power Distribution Box (PDB) 12V cable and Battery Monitoring System (BMS) eyelets to the positive battery terminal may loosen and affect the vehicle's systems such as instrument panel displays and br…
The risk: Inoperative vehicle systems or an engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. Reduced braking and steering efforts increases the risk of a crash. This condition could also create a resistive short, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the positive battery cable/BMS/PDB joint for excess sealant adhesive and remove any excessive adhesive, reassemble the joint, and retorque the fastener, as necessary, free of charge. The re…
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 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also…
The risk: A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's num…
Buyer analysis
Chevrolet Malibu Classic or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Chevrolet Malibu Classic has 0 complaints per year versus 1,131 per year for the Ford F-150, a massive difference. In practice, the Malibu Classic has far fewer reported issues, but its two ignition recalls still require attention. The F-150's high complaint volume means buyers should expect more frequent repairs and safety concerns.
Key differences
- The Malibu Classic has 0 complaints and 2 recalls; the F-150 has 11,311 complaints and 145 recalls.
- F-150 owners report hard shifting, loss of power, and warning lights; the Malibu Classic has no complaint text, only ignition recalls.
- The F-150 has 328 crash-related complaints, 287 injuries, and 1 death; the Malibu Classic has none reported.
- The F-150's top issues are power train, electrical, and lighting; the Malibu Classic's only known issue is ignition recalls.
- Check for open ignition recalls—if not repaired, the engine could stall or fail to start.
- Look for any signs of electrical problems, such as flickering lights or starting issues, even though no complaints are on file.
- Test drive at various speeds to feel for hard shifts, jerking, or delayed engagement, especially in the 10-speed transmission.
- Check for warning messages like 'Front Camera Malfunction' or 'Pre Collision Assist Not Available' on the dashboard.
Before you buy
- For both vehicles, run the VIN on NHTSA.gov to see all open recalls and get them fixed before purchase.
- On the Malibu Classic, ask for proof that both ignition recalls were completed.
- On the F-150, have a mechanic scan for transmission codes and check for software updates.
- Test drive the F-150 extensively, including highway speeds, to detect transmission shudder or power loss.
- Inspect all exterior lights on the F-150, as lighting complaints are common.
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.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chevrolet Malibu Classic vs FORD F 150
- Chevrolet Malibu Classic total complaints
- 0
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,311
- Chevrolet Malibu Classic total recalls
- 2
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 145
- Chevrolet Malibu Classic avg complaints/year
- 0.0
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1131.1
- More reliable overall
- Chevrolet Malibu Classic
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN