Head-to-head reliability
Chevrolet TRAX vs FORD F 150
How the Chevrolet TRAX 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 TRAX vs FORD F 150: The TRAX averages 75.6 complaints per year with 9 recalls, while the F-150 averages 1,162.1 complaints and 151 recalls. TRAX issues include turbo failures and electrical glitches; F-150 problems often involve transmission limp mode. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chevrolet TRAX or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chevrolet TRAX
The Chevrolet TRAX is a subcompact SUV that averages about 76 complaints per year over the last decade, with 9 recalls. Owner reports cluster around engine and electrical problems, including turbocharger failures and infotainment glitches. Suspension issues like tie rod and rear axle separation also appear, though less frequently. Overall, it's a smaller volume of complaints, but the failures can be serious.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup that generates about 1,162 complaints per year, with 151 recalls. Power train and electrical issues dominate, especially transmission limp mode and lead frame failures. Owners also report rear window shattering and other electrical gremlins. The sheer number of complaints and recalls suggests a higher likelihood of problems, though many are addressed by recalls.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chevrolet TRAX | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 756 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 9 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 54 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 75.6 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 57 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 TRAX
- 01ENGINE205
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM203
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER130
- 04SUSPENSION75
- 05SERVICE BRAKES73
Owners report sudden turbocharger failure without warning, sometimes leading to costly repairs. One owner received a letter from GM about a known condition that may cause turbo failure. This can leave you stranded and facing a large bill.
Complaints include intermittent CarPlay disconnects, a glitching vehicle cockpit unit that flickers or goes blank, and dash power loss. These issues can affect infotainment and possibly other electrical functions, frustrating to diagnose.
Reports of loose tie rod ends after dealer repairs and even rear axle separation from the vehicle, which can prevent braking. Such failures are rare but pose a serious safety risk if they occur.
While fewer complaints, some owners mention braking problems, including reduced braking ability after suspension failures. This highlights the importance of checking brake and suspension components together.
“The Turbo Charger failed suddenly without a prior display of a warning light and was replaced by an independent service center in June 2025. I received a letter from GM in November 2025 stating there was a known "condition" that may cause the Turbo Charger to…”
“The vehicle has 2 permanent codes. One is a communication blackout, the other code means the hardware is melting. GM is doing a formal inspection in April. The Ucode meant that the engine stopped talking to the transmission or visa versa. The vehicle “ran my…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners frequently report transmission limp mode, stuck in 5th gear, and lead frame issues that can cause sudden loss of power. One owner said a lead frame failure nearly ended their life. These problems can be dangerous and expensive to fix.
Electrical complaints include lead frame issues (also power train) and rear window defroster shorts that can cause the back window to shatter. These defects may lead to unexpected repairs and safety hazards.
With 1,224 complaints, exterior lighting problems are common, though specific failure details are not in the sample. Buyers should check all lights for proper function.
Engine complaints number 880, often related to the same lead frame or transmission issues that affect drivability. Some may involve stalling or poor performance.
“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 TRAX — 9 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC is recalling certain 2024-2025 Buick Envista, 2024-2026 Buick Encore GX, Chevrolet Trailblazer, and 2025 Chevrolet Trax vehicles. The rearview camera screen may display a distorted or blank image.
The risk: A rearview image that does not display correctly reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera, if necessary, free of charge. Letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed September 17, 2026. Another letter will be mailed once the parts are available. Owners may contact…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Chevrolet Trax vehicles. A joint in one or both of the front lower-control arms may have been improperly welded. An improperly welded joint may break, resulting in the partial separation of the lower-control arm from the vehicle.
The risk: A partial separation of the lower-control arm from the vehicle could cause the attached front wheel to toe outward, impacting the vehicle's handling and steering and increasing the risk of crash.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left and right front lower-control arms, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 14, 2019. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Chevrolet Trax vehicles. A joint in one or both of the front lower control arms may have been improperly welded. An improperly welded joint may break, resulting in the partial separation of the lower control arm from the vehicle.
The risk: A partial separation of the lower-control arm from the vehicle could cause the attached front wheel to toe outward, impacting the vehicle's handling and steering and increasing the risk of crash.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left and right front lower-control arms, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. G…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Poli…
The risk: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016. Owners…
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 TRAX or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Chevrolet TRAX has far fewer complaints per year (about 76) compared to the Ford F-150 (about 1,162), and fewer recalls (9 vs. 151). In practice, this means a used TRAX is likely to have fewer reported problems, but the F-150's issues are often addressed through recalls. However, the F-150's higher volume also reflects its popularity, so per-vehicle risk may differ.
Key differences
- The TRAX has about 76 complaints per year vs. the F-150's 1,162, indicating a much higher reported problem rate for the F-150.
- The F-150 has 151 recalls compared to 9 for the TRAX, meaning more safety-related fixes over its lifetime.
- TRAX owners report turbocharger failures and infotainment glitches; F-150 owners report transmission limp mode and lead frame failures that can cause sudden power loss.
- The F-150 has 1 death and 297 injuries in complaints, while the TRAX has 0 deaths and 57 injuries, though these numbers don't account for exposure or usage.
- Listen for turbo whine or loss of power; check for stored codes related to turbocharger or communication errors.
- Inspect suspension components, especially tie rod ends and rear axle, for looseness or signs of repair.
- Test drive at highway speeds and check for transmission shudder, limp mode, or stuck gears; scan for codes like P0722.
- Inspect rear window for cracks or signs of shattering; test defroster operation.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website.
- Have a mechanic inspect the turbocharger and electrical system on the TRAX, and the transmission and lead frame on the F-150.
- Test all electronics: infotainment, cameras, lights, and defroster.
- During test drive, accelerate hard and shift through gears to check for transmission issues.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes and any recall 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 TRAX | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 17 | 35 |
| 2025 | 87 | 345 |
| 2024 | 175 | 638 |
| 2023 | 0 | 1527 |
| 2022 | 9 | 3493 |
| 2021 | 24 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 96 | 44 |
| 2019 | 134 | 52 |
| 2018 | 101 | 79 |
| 2017 | 113 | 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 TRAX or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chevrolet TRAX vs FORD F 150
- Chevrolet TRAX total complaints
- 756
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Chevrolet TRAX total recalls
- 9
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Chevrolet TRAX avg complaints/year
- 75.6
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Chevrolet TRAX
- Chevrolet TRAX top complaint area
- ENGINE
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN