Head-to-head reliability
Chevrolet Traverse vs FORD F 150
How the Chevrolet Traverse 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 Traverse vs FORD F 150: The Traverse averages 207.5 complaints per year and has 23 recalls, while the F-150 averages 1,162.1 complaints per year and has 151 recalls. Both show power train and electrical issues, but the F-150's rate is much higher. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chevrolet Traverse or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chevrolet Traverse
The Chevrolet Traverse is a three-row family SUV that averages about 208 complaints per year over the past decade, with 23 recalls. Owners most often report power train and electrical problems, including transmission jerking, reduced steering assist, and brake-assist warnings. While the overall complaint rate is lower than some rivals, the issues that do appear can affect drivability and safety systems.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup that generates about 1,162 complaints per year, far more than the Traverse, along with 151 recalls. The most common trouble spots are the power train and electrical system, with owners describing transmission limp mode, lead frame failures, and rear window defroster shorts. These problems can leave the truck stuck in gear or cause sudden electrical faults.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chevrolet Traverse | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2,075 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 23 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 66 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 207.5 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 69 Better | 297 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 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 Traverse
- 01POWER TRAIN542
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM401
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER360
- 04ENGINE335
- 05AIR BAGS293
Owners report hard jerking during acceleration and shifting, with the check engine light on and the transmission not operating normally. Some also mention repeated failures involving the engine, cooling system, and fuel-injector misfires. These issues can make the vehicle feel unsafe to drive and may lead to costly repairs.
Complaints include a 'SERVICE BRAKE ASSIST' message with hard brakes, and reduced steering assist with a 'Steering Assist Reduced – Drive with Care' warning. These electrical glitches can suddenly affect braking and steering, which are critical for control.
Reports describe exhaust leaks from the front pipe and repeated engine/cooling system failures. An exhaust leak can be a safety hazard and may fail emissions tests, while cooling problems can lead to overheating.
There are 293 air bag complaints, and recalls cover frontal impact sensors and side curtain air bags. Faulty air bag sensors or inflators may prevent proper deployment in a crash.
“I own a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse RS, VIN [XXX]. This vehicle has repeated safety-related failures involving the engine/cooling system, fuel-injector/misfire system, steering-assist warning system, and electronic parking brake system. The vehicle is currently a…”
“The contact's husband leases a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that after the vehicle had been parked for approximately 10 minutes, the contact who was occupying the front passenger's side seat turned off the vehicle while the driver's seat was un…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners describe a 'lead frame' issue that can cause the truck to go into limp mode or get stuck in 5th gear, and some report near collisions. Transmission malfunctions like these can leave you without full power when you need it.
The same lead frame problem can cause electrical faults, and one owner reported the rear window exploding outward after using the defroster. Electrical gremlins can affect multiple systems and may be hard to diagnose.
With 1,224 complaints, exterior lighting is a top concern, though specific failure details are not in the sample. Lighting failures can reduce visibility and increase crash risk.
Engine complaints number 880, and recalls include engine-related subjects. While the sample text does not detail specific engine failures, the high count suggests owners experience recurring engine problems.
“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 Traverse — 23 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Blazer and Traverse vehicles. The left-side half-shaft assemblies may be missing a retaining ring.
The risk: A missing retaining ring on the half-shaft can cause half-shaft inner joint separation, resulting in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the left-side half-shaft assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 23, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N222390180.
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Cadillac XT6, GMC Acadia, Chevrolet Blazer, Traverse, and 2022-2023 Cadillac XT5 vehicles. The transmission may have been built with an incorrect sun gear, which can result in the driver-side half-shaft disengaging from the transmission.
The risk: A half-shaft disengaging from the transmission can result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the sun gears, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 27, 2023. The remedy is expected to become available August 31, 2023. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevro…
The defect: Braun Corporation (Braun) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Chevrolet Traverse wheelchair accessible vehicles with Power In-floor Ramp conversion. The screw and clip that hold the inner wheel-well plastic shroud in place may chafe against the transmission case, possibly resulting in a transmission flu…
The risk: A transmission fluid leak can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, a leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the screw and clip, and inspect for signs of contact with the transmission, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 29, 2021. Owners may contact Braun customer service at 1-800-488-0359.
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave vehicles. During service by dealers, certain vehicles may have received incorrect air bag calibration software that may affect frontal airbag deployment.
The risk: Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will update the air bag calibration software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 29, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM…
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 Traverse or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Chevrolet Traverse has far fewer complaints per year (about 208) than the Ford F-150 (about 1,162), and also fewer recalls (23 vs. 151). In practice, this means a Traverse owner is likely to encounter fewer reported problems overall, though both vehicles have serious issues in power train and electrical systems. The F-150's much higher complaint volume suggests a greater chance of experiencing a recurring fault.
Key differences
- The Ford F-150 has about 5.6 times more complaints per year than the Chevrolet Traverse (1,162 vs. 208).
- The F-150 has 151 recalls versus 23 for the Traverse, indicating more frequent safety-related fixes.
- Traverse owners report transmission jerking and steering/brake assist warnings; F-150 owners report lead frame failures causing limp mode and stuck gears.
- The F-150 has a high number of exterior lighting complaints (1,224), while the Traverse's top non-power train issue is electrical system (401).
- During a test drive, watch for hard jerking or delayed shifting, and check for a check engine light that could indicate transmission or engine misfire issues.
- Test the brakes and steering for any 'Service Brake Assist' or 'Steering Assist Reduced' warnings, and listen for exhaust leaks from the front pipe.
- Check for any history of transmission limp mode or stuck-in-gear behavior, especially if the truck has a 6-speed automatic, and ask about lead frame replacement.
- Inspect the rear window defroster for signs of shorting or prior replacement, and test all exterior lights for proper function.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models, especially power train and air bag recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission for the Traverse (jerking) and the F-150 (lead frame/limp mode) before purchase.
- For the Traverse, test the electronic parking brake, steering assist, and brake assist systems for warning messages.
- For the F-150, verify that any recall software updates (like 26S28) have been performed and check the rear window defroster operation.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and specifically inquire about any recurring electrical or engine repairs.
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 Traverse | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 24 | 35 |
| 2025 | 179 | 345 |
| 2024 | 137 | 638 |
| 2023 | 89 | 1527 |
| 2022 | 98 | 3493 |
| 2021 | 89 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 229 | 44 |
| 2019 | 407 | 52 |
| 2018 | 462 | 79 |
| 2017 | 361 | 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 Traverse or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chevrolet Traverse vs FORD F 150
- Chevrolet Traverse total complaints
- 2,075
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Chevrolet Traverse total recalls
- 23
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Chevrolet Traverse avg complaints/year
- 207.5
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Chevrolet Traverse
- Chevrolet Traverse top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN