Head-to-head reliability
Chevrolet Uplander vs FORD F 150
How the Chevrolet Uplander 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 Uplander vs FORD F 150: The Uplander averaged 116.8 complaints per year over 5 years, while the F-150 averaged 1,162.1 over 10 years. The Uplander has 11 recalls and 59 injuries; the F-150 has 151 recalls and 297 injuries. Both have 1 death reported. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chevrolet Uplander or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chevrolet Uplander
The Chevrolet Uplander is a minivan that averaged about 117 complaints per year over five years, with 11 recalls. Owners frequently report electrical glitches like alarms going off randomly and sliding doors opening while driving, as well as structural issues such as rear suspension fractures. These problems can be scary and expensive, so a thorough inspection is essential.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup that averaged about 1,162 complaints per year over ten years, with 151 recalls. The most common complaints involve power train problems, especially transmission limp mode and lead frame failures, along with electrical issues. While the F-150 is popular, the high complaint volume suggests that many owners experience recurring mechanical troubles.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chevrolet Uplander | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 584 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 11 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 24 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 116.8 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 59 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 Uplander
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM142
- 02STRUCTURE126
- 03LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES82
- 04SERVICE BRAKES73
- 05STEERING55
Owners report the alarm sounding for no reason and automatic sliding side doors opening unexpectedly while driving at highway speeds. This is a serious safety concern because it could lead to occupants or pets falling out.
Complaints include the rear suspension fracturing and falling to the ground while driving, as well as the sliding doors opening on their own. These structural failures can cause loss of control and increase crash risk.
The automatic sliding doors may open without warning, which is a latch or linkage failure. This is dangerous because it can happen at any speed and may result in ejection.
Drivers report intermittent ABS/traction control warnings and brakes locking up unexpectedly. This can lead to loss of braking control, especially on highways or in heavy traffic.
“SAFETY ISSUE: THE FIRST OCCURRENCE DATE IS AN ESTIMATE, AS I DO NOT REMEMBER, BUT THE PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED AGAIN THIS NIGHT: FOR NO REASON AT ALL THE ALARM BEGAN GOING OFF (OF COURSE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT). I WAS AWAKE. I LIVE IN A PRETTY SAFE PARK. AT A…”
“BOTH AUTOMATIC SLIDING SIDE DOORS WOULD OPEN WITH NO WARNING TRAVELING 55 MPH, AFRAID MY TRIPLET GRAND CHILDREN OR MY 2 DOGS WOULD FALL OUT, THE DOGS DID GET OUT ONE DAY WHEN THE DOORS OPENED BY THEIR SELF, ONE OF MY DOGS RAN ACROSS THE BUSY STREET. AUTOMOBIL…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Many owners describe transmission problems such as limp mode, getting stuck in 5th gear, and lead frame failures that can cause sudden loss of power. These issues can leave you stranded or cause near collisions.
The lead frame issue also appears under electrical complaints, along with output speed sensor failures that trigger limp mode. These electrical faults can disable the transmission and create dangerous driving conditions.
Some owners report the rear window shattering unexpectedly, possibly due to a short in the defroster. This can cause injury from flying glass and is a surprising safety hazard.
Although not detailed in the sample complaints, exterior lighting is a top complaint category. Faulty lights can reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash, so check all lights carefully.
“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 Uplander — 11 recalls
The defect: THE BRAUN CORPORATION HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA ABOUT A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2008 GENERAL MOTORS MOBILITY CONVERSION, HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE LOW FLOOR MINIVANS. DURING CONVERSION, THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER SIDE TRAILING ARM MODIFICATION MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ADEQUATELY WELDED.
The risk: A SQUEAKING OR CLUNKING NOISE MAY DEVELOP. THE TRAILING ARM BUSHINGS MAY PREMATURELY WEAR AND THE TRAILING ARM MAY FRACTURE OR SEPARATE, ALLOWING THE REAR AXLE TO BECOME PARTIALLY SEPARATED FROM THE CHASSIS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND WILL HAVE A SUPPLY OF RETROFIT PARTS AVAILABLE TO REMEDY THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 4, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BRAUN AT 1-800-488-0359.
The defect: DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN…
The risk: A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The fix: DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING KNUCKLES FREE OF CHARGE AND REIMBURSE THE REPAIR FACILITY OR OWNER FOR LABOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN'S TOLL-FREE HOTLINE AT 1-800-523-24…
The defect: THE BRAUN CORPORATION HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA ABOUT A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2008 GENERAL MOTORS MOBILITY CONVERSION, HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE LOW FLOOR MINIVANS. DURING CONVERSION, THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER SIDE TRAILING ARM MODIFICATION MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ADEQUATELY WELDED.
The risk: A SQUEAKING OR CLUNKING NOISE MAY DEVELOP. THE TRAILING ARM BUSHINGS MAY PREMATURELY WEAR AND THE TRAILING ARM MAY FRACTURE OR SEPARATE, ALLOWING THE REAR AXLE TO BECOME PARTIALLY SEPARATED FROM THE CHASSIS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND WILL HAVE A SUPPLY OF RETROFIT PARTS AVAILABLE TO REMEDY THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 4, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BRAUN AT 1-800-488-0359.
The defect: DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN…
The risk: A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The fix: DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING KNUCKLES FREE OF CHARGE AND REIMBURSE THE REPAIR FACILITY OR OWNER FOR LABOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN'S TOLL-FREE HOTLINE AT 1-800-523-24…
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 Uplander or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Chevrolet Uplander has far fewer complaints per year (about 117) compared to the Ford F-150 (about 1,162), but both have serious safety-related issues. In practice, the Uplander's problems tend to cluster around doors and suspension, while the F-150's are more often transmission and electrical. Neither is trouble-free, but the F-150's higher volume means more reported incidents overall.
Key differences
- The Uplander's most common complaint is electrical (142), often involving alarms and sliding doors, while the F-150's top complaint is power train (3,648), mainly transmission and lead frame failures.
- Uplander owners report structural failures like rear suspension fracturing, whereas F-150 owners report electrical issues like rear window shattering and limp mode from sensor failures.
- The F-150 has 151 recalls versus 11 for the Uplander, indicating a much higher rate of safety-related fixes over its ten-year span.
- Both vehicles have 1 death reported, but the F-150 has 297 injuries versus 59 for the Uplander, though these numbers are not adjusted for vehicle population.
- Test both automatic sliding doors multiple times, including while driving at low speed, to see if they open unexpectedly or have delayed response.
- Inspect the rear suspension for cracks, rust, or signs of repair, as owners report the rear end fracturing and falling.
- Scan for transmission trouble codes (especially P0722) and test drive to feel for limp mode, harsh shifting, or getting stuck in gear.
- Check the rear window for cracks or signs of shattering, and test the defroster to ensure it doesn't short or overheat.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed, especially for the Uplander's suspension and the F-150's transmission software.
- Have a mechanic inspect the Uplander's sliding door mechanisms, latches, and rear suspension for cracks or wear.
- For the F-150, have a mechanic check the transmission, lead frame, and output speed sensor, and test drive at highway speeds to check for limp mode.
- Test all electrical features: alarms, windows, defrosters, and lights, looking for intermittent faults.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and specifically inquire about any prior transmission or door repairs.
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 Uplander or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chevrolet Uplander vs FORD F 150
- Chevrolet Uplander total complaints
- 584
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Chevrolet Uplander total recalls
- 11
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Chevrolet Uplander avg complaints/year
- 116.8
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Chevrolet Uplander
- Chevrolet Uplander top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN