Head-to-head reliability
Chevrolet Malibu Limited vs FORD F 150
How the Chevrolet Malibu 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 Malibu Limited vs FORD F 150: The Malibu Limited has 803 complaints per year and 0 recalls, while the F-150 averages 1,162 complaints per year with 151 recalls. The F-150 also has 330 crash-related complaints and 297 injuries, versus 20 and 11 for the Malibu. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chevrolet Malibu Limited or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chevrolet Malibu Limited
The Chevrolet Malibu Limited is a mid-size sedan that, based on owner complaints, can be a headache to live with. In just one year, it racked up 803 complaints—an average of 803 per year—with no recalls to address them. The most common issues involve the engine, electrical system, and power train, often leading to reduced power mode and other drivability problems. This suggests that owners frequently face unexpected repairs and safety concerns.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup that has been sold in huge numbers, and its complaint volume reflects that: 11,621 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 1,162 per year. It also has 151 recalls, far more than the Malibu Limited. Common trouble spots include the power train, electrical system, and exterior lighting, with reports of transmission limp mode and lead frame failures. While many trucks serve reliably, the data shows a higher rate of reported problems per year than the Malibu.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chevrolet Malibu Limited | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 803 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 20 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 803.0 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 11 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 Limited
- 01ENGINE291
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM217
- 03POWER TRAIN170
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER168
- 05VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL151
Owners report sudden loss of power and an 'Engine Power Reduced' message, often limiting speed to 25 mph. This can happen while driving, creating a dangerous situation, and may be tied to electrical faults.
Complaints include the same power reduction issue, plus problems with the trunk and rear seat release mechanism that can trap items or prevent access. These electrical gremlins can be intermittent and hard to diagnose.
Some owners describe transmission-related symptoms like harsh shifting or failure to engage, often alongside engine power loss. These issues can leave the car undrivable and require costly repairs.
With 151 complaints, this area likely relates to unintended acceleration or cruise control malfunctions. Such problems can be frightening and may contribute to crashes.
“I had my vehicle for about 2 years. I noticed that after I went over a certain amount of mileage, my car went into an engine power reduce mode. With the engine power reduce mode my vehicle could only go 25 mph. This was happening to me when I was driving on m…”
“I am filing a complaint regarding ongoing and worsening issues with my Chevrolet vehicle, which appear to point to broader defects involving the engine and electrical systems. Months ago, while driving, the car suddenly lost power and displayed "Engine Power…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
The most complained-about area, with reports of transmission limp mode, stuck gears, and lead frame failures. Owners describe near-collisions and recurring malfunctions even after repairs.
Issues include lead frame problems affecting transmission sensors, causing limp mode, and rear window defroster shorts that can shatter the back glass. These can be safety hazards and expensive to fix.
With 1,224 complaints, owners likely report headlight or taillight failures that reduce visibility. This can lead to accidents and may not be covered by recalls.
Some complaints involve engine-related problems, though less frequent than power train issues. These can include stalling or poor performance, adding to ownership costs.
“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 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 Malibu Limited or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Chevrolet Malibu Limited has a much higher complaint rate per year (803) compared to the Ford F-150 (about 1,162 per year, but over 10 years). However, the F-150 has far more total complaints and recalls. In practice, the Malibu Limited may have more frequent problems for a single owner, while the F-150's issues are spread across a larger fleet.
Key differences
- The Malibu Limited has 803 complaints per year with no recalls, while the F-150 averages 1,162 complaints per year but has 151 recalls.
- Malibu owners frequently report engine power reduction and electrical issues, whereas F-150 owners report transmission limp mode and lead frame failures.
- The F-150 has a higher number of crash-related complaints (330) and injuries (297) compared to the Malibu (20 crashes, 11 injuries).
- The Malibu Limited has zero recalls, meaning unresolved safety defects may persist, while the F-150 has many recalls that could address some issues.
- Check for any history of 'Engine Power Reduced' messages or limp mode; test drive at highway speeds and listen for hesitation.
- Inspect the trunk and rear seat release mechanisms for proper operation, as electrical faults can make them inoperable.
- Test the transmission thoroughly for smooth shifting and any signs of limp mode or stuck gears, especially during acceleration.
- Inspect the rear window defroster for signs of shorts or cracks, and check for any recall work related to the lead frame or output speed sensor.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website.
- Take a long test drive that includes highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic to replicate potential limp mode or power loss.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the engine, transmission, and electrical systems for stored codes or pending issues.
- For the F-150, specifically ask about the lead frame and transmission service history; for the Malibu, check for software updates related to power reduction.
- Verify that all safety recalls have been performed, especially for the F-150, and ask for documentation.
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 Limited or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chevrolet Malibu Limited vs FORD F 150
- Chevrolet Malibu Limited total complaints
- 803
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Chevrolet Malibu Limited total recalls
- 0
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Chevrolet Malibu Limited avg complaints/year
- 803.0
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Chevrolet Malibu Limited
- Chevrolet Malibu Limited top complaint area
- ENGINE
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN