Head-to-head reliability
Chevrolet SS vs FORD F 150
How the Chevrolet SS 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 SS vs FORD F 150: The SS averages 24.8 complaints per year with 23 recalls, while the F-150 averages 1,162.1 complaints per year with 151 recalls. The SS's main issues are steering and seat belts; the F-150's are powertrain and electrical. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chevrolet SS or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chevrolet SS
The Chevrolet SS is a low-volume performance sedan, so you'll see fewer complaints overall—about 25 per year. The main pattern is steering problems, especially power steering rack failures that can cause sudden loss of assist. Seat belt and air bag issues also appear, often tied to recalls. Living with one means staying on top of recall notices and being ready for steering repairs.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a high-volume truck with over 1,100 complaints per year, mostly about the powertrain and electrical system. Owners frequently report transmission limp mode, lead frame failures, and rear window defroster shorts that can shatter glass. Recalls are numerous, and some issues persist across model years. It's a popular truck, but the complaint volume suggests you should budget for potential repairs.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chevrolet SS | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 99 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 23 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 3 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 24.8 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 SS
- 01STEERING62
- 02SEAT BELTS13
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM9
- 04AIR BAGS7
- 05SUSPENSION5
Owners report power steering rack failures that cause a sudden loss of assist, sometimes at random. One complaint notes two dealerships couldn't fix it, and a recall exists for the electric power assist system. This matters because losing steering assist while driving is a serious safety concern.
Complaints describe seatbelt tensioner cable abrasion that can cut the cable, and some owners couldn't take delivery due to an open recall. The airbag warning light may also illuminate because of the tensioner cable. A frayed or cut cable could mean the belt won't restrain you properly in a crash.
Issues include the MyLink infotainment system failing to control apps like Pandora, and water intrusion affecting detection systems. These problems can be annoying and may require dealer visits. They don't usually strand you, but they add ownership hassle.
Owners report the airbag warning light coming on due to a faulty seatbelt tensioner cable or a passenger seat sensor. If the light is on, the airbag may not deploy correctly in a crash. This is a critical safety system, so any warning light should be checked immediately.
“Collapsed lifter on cyl 6. Lifter tick / knock since 100,200 miles. Car has a warranty until 5/2026 or 171,000 miles and they refuse to honor it. Car has a steering issue. Two separate chevy dealerships unable to fix. vanderevere charged me 500-600 to fix NOT…”
“I OWN A 2016 CHEVROLET SS SEDAN, THERE IS CURRENTLY A RECALL FOR THE POWER STEERING RACK DUE TO THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING AT RANDOM TIMES DUE TO THEIR CHOICE TO CUT COSTS IN THE INITIAL ASSEMBLY. MY VIN IS NOT LISTED ON THE RECALL, MY VEHICLE WAS MADE IN DEC…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
The most common complaint is transmission problems, including limp mode, getting stuck in 5th gear, and lead frame failures. One owner said a lead frame issue nearly ended their life. These failures can leave you stranded or cause sudden loss of power, making them a major reliability concern.
Owners report the same lead frame issue affecting electrical signals, plus output speed sensor failures that trigger limp mode. A rear window defroster short can cause the back window to shatter. Electrical gremlins like these can be hard to diagnose and expensive to fix.
Complaints include the rear window exploding outward after using the defroster, likely due to a short. This is a safety hazard because glass can shatter unexpectedly. It's a less common but alarming issue that buyers should be aware of.
While not detailed in the sample complaints, exterior lighting is a top component with over 1,200 complaints. Owners likely report lights failing or malfunctioning, which can affect visibility and safety. You should test all lights and check for recalls related to lighting.
“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 SS — 23 recalls
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Chevrolet SS and Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicles (PPV) that were previously repaired under NHTSA recall number 16V-518. The repair may not have been performed properly. The driver's seat belt tensioner cable may be repeatedly bent over the seat…
The risk: If the tensioner cable separates, the driver may not be properly restrained in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles to determine whether the new seat trim was installed and replace the trim as necessary. Dealers will also inspect and replace the pretensioner cable assembly, as necessary. Repai…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Chevrolet Caprice Police Pursuit vehicles (PPV) and SS vehicles. Corrosion of the connector between the electric power steering module and the torque sensor connector may cause a loss of electric power steering assist.
The risk: A greater steering effort would be needed to control the vehicle if power steering is lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear assembly, free of charge. The recall began May 26, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N192285350.
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Chevrolet SS vehicles that previously received an inspect-only remedy under recall 17V-382. Corrosion of the connector between the electric power steering module and the torque sensor connector may cause a loss of electric power steering assist.
The risk: A greater steering effort would be needed to control the vehicle if power steering is lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear assembly, free of charge. The recall began December 27, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GM customer service at 1-586-596-1733. GM's…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Chevrolet SS vehicles that previously received an inspect-only remedy under recall 17V-382. Corrosion of the connector between the electric power steering module and the torque sensor connector may cause a loss of electric power steering assist.
The risk: A greater steering effort would be needed to control the vehicle if power steering is lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear assembly, free of charge. The recall began December 27, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GM customer service at 1-586-596-1733. GM's…
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 SS or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Chevrolet SS has far fewer complaints per year (about 25 vs. 1,162 for the F-150), but its steering and seat belt issues are serious. The F-150's higher volume means more reported problems, especially with the powertrain and electrical systems. In practice, the SS may need fewer visits to the shop, but when something goes wrong, it can be safety-critical.
Key differences
- The Chevrolet SS has about 25 complaints per year, while the Ford F-150 has over 1,100 per year, but the SS's steering failures can cause sudden loss of control.
- Ford F-150 owners frequently report transmission limp mode and lead frame failures that can strand them, while SS owners report steering rack failures and seatbelt tensioner cable issues.
- The F-150 has 297 injuries and 1 death reported, compared to 0 injuries and 0 deaths for the SS, though these numbers don't capture all incidents.
- Both have recalls, but the F-150 has 151 recalls versus 23 for the SS, suggesting more widespread issues across model years.
- Check for any open recalls on the power steering rack and seatbelt tensioner; ask for proof of repair.
- Test the steering at low and high speeds for any assist loss or unusual noises, and inspect seatbelts for fraying or cuts.
- Scan for transmission trouble codes and test drive for limp mode, rough shifting, or getting stuck in gear.
- Inspect the rear window for cracks or signs of shattering, and test the defroster; also check for lead frame-related symptoms like erratic electrical behavior.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA's recall site to see if all recalls are completed, especially for steering (SS) and powertrain (F-150).
- Take a long test drive that includes highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic to check for transmission issues in the F-150 and steering assist loss in the SS.
- Have a mechanic inspect the SS's steering rack and seatbelt tensioner cables, and the F-150's transmission and rear window defroster circuit.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, focusing on any transmission repairs for the F-150 and steering or seatbelt work for the SS.
- Check for warning lights on the dashboard, especially airbag, check engine, and transmission temperature lights.
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 SS | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 7 | 59 |
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 SS 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 SS 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 SS vs FORD F 150
- Chevrolet SS total complaints
- 99
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Chevrolet SS total recalls
- 23
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Chevrolet SS avg complaints/year
- 24.8
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Chevrolet SS
- Chevrolet SS top complaint area
- STEERING
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN