Head-to-head reliability
Chevrolet Venture vs FORD F 150
How the Chevrolet Venture 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 Venture vs FORD F 150: The Venture averaged 204 complaints per year over 6 years, while the F-150 averaged 1,162 per year over 10 years. The Venture has 42 recalls and the F-150 has 151. Both have serious reported issues, but the F-150 has more complaints per year. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chevrolet Venture or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chevrolet Venture
The Chevrolet Venture is a minivan that averaged about 204 complaints per year over six years, with 42 recalls. Owners frequently report overheating, erratic electrical behavior, and problems with the automatic sliding door. These issues can leave you stranded or make daily use frustrating, 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. Many owners describe transmission problems, including sudden limp mode and harsh shifting, as well as electrical glitches. The high complaint volume means you should check for these common faults before buying.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chevrolet Venture | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,225 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 42 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 91 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 204.2 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 175 Better | 297 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 7 | 1 Better |
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 Venture
- 01ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING209
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM161
- 03STRUCTURE160
- 04FUEL SYSTEM118
- 05AIR BAGS98
Owners report the temperature gauge reading hot, sometimes forcing them to pull over in traffic. This can lead to engine damage if not addressed, so check for coolant leaks and overheating signs.
Complaints include erratic fuel gauges, air conditioning failure, and water in headlights causing dashboard lights to blink. These electrical gremlins can be annoying and expensive to trace.
The automatic sliding door can develop a triangular gap when closing, and the sensor may not detect obstructions. This is a safety concern, especially with children, so test the door operation carefully.
Owners have smelled gasoline and found fuel pouring from the connection pipe at the tank. This is a serious fire risk and should be inspected immediately.
“TEMP GAUGE READING HOT, DECIDED 95 S IN NEW YORK CITY WASN'T AN IDEAL PLACE TO STOP AND TRAFFIC WAS VERY BAD HAD TO DRIVE IN BREAKDOWN LANE TO GET TO NEAREST EXIT (APPROX 1.5 MILES) PULLED OVER IN A WATER WORKS LOT WITH MY 4 YR OLDS AND WIFE AT 11:30 PM, ON W…”
“TEMP GAUGE READING HOT, DECIDED 95 S IN NEW YORK CITY WASN'T AN IDEAL PLACE TO STOP AND TRAFFIC WAS VERY BAD HAD TO DRIVE IN BREAKDOWN LANE TO GET TO NEAREST EXIT (APPROX 1.5 MILES) PULLED OVER IN A WATER WORKS LOT WITH MY 4 YR OLDS AND WIFE AT 11:30 PM, ON W…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Many owners experience the truck going into limp mode, stuck in 5th gear, or failing to shift properly. This can happen suddenly and create dangerous driving situations.
The lead frame issue causes transmission problems and near collisions, while rear window defroster shorts can shatter the back window. These faults are recurring and may require costly repairs.
Complaints include lighting failures that affect visibility. This is a safety issue, especially at night, so check all lights before purchase.
Some owners report engine-related problems, though fewer than transmission issues. Still, any engine trouble in a used truck can be expensive, so a mechanic's inspection is wise.
“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 Venture — 42 recalls
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: ON CERTAIN MINIVANS EQUIPPED WITH SECOND-ROW BUCKET SEATS OR CAPTAIN'S CHAIRS AND A POWER SLIDING DOOR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE, A PASSENGER USING THE INTERIOR HANDLE TO OPEN THE POWER SLIDING DOOR COULD BE INJURED.
The risk: IF A PASSENGER USES THE INTERIOR HANDLE TO OPEN THE POWER SLIDING DOOR AND HOLDS ONTO THE HANDLE WHILE IT IS BEING OPENED BY THE MOTOR, THE PASSENGER'S ARM MAY BE PUSHED INTO THE SEAT BACK OR ARMREST AND A WRIST OR LOWER ARM INJURY MAY RES…
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POWER SLIDING DOOR INTERIOR HANDLE ON THE PASSENGER-SIDE. IF THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH A POWER OR MANUAL SLIDING DOOR ON THE DRIVER-SIDE, THE INTERIOR HANDLE WILL ALSO BE REPLACED FOR APPEARANCE REASONS. NOTE: B…
The defect: CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
The risk: FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
The fix: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.
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 Venture or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Chevrolet Venture has far fewer complaints per year (about 204) than the Ford F-150 (about 1,162). In practice, the Venture may have fewer overall issues, but its problems can be severe, like fuel leaks and door malfunctions. The F-150's higher volume means more reported faults, especially with the transmission.
Key differences
- The Chevrolet Venture has 204 complaints per year on average, while the Ford F-150 has 1,162 per year, indicating more reported issues with the F-150.
- Venture owners frequently report overheating and fuel leaks, while F-150 owners report transmission limp mode and lead frame failures.
- The Venture has 42 recalls over 6 years; the F-150 has 151 recalls over 10 years, showing a higher recall rate for the F-150.
- Both vehicles have electrical complaints, but the F-150's electrical issues often tie into transmission problems, while the Venture's are more varied (gauges, lights, AC).
- Check for overheating signs: look for coolant leaks, a hot temperature gauge, or a history of engine repairs.
- Test the automatic sliding door thoroughly: open and close it multiple times, look for gaps, and ensure the sensor stops the door when obstructed.
- Test drive at highway speeds and watch for sudden limp mode or harsh shifting, which indicates transmission issues.
- Inspect the rear window defroster for shorts and check for any cracks or previous shattering, as this is a reported fire and safety risk.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report to see if recalls were addressed, especially for the Venture's fuel system and the F-150's transmission software.
- Have a mechanic inspect the cooling system and transmission, as these are common failure points for each vehicle.
- Test all electrical components: gauges, lights, air conditioning, and power doors/windows.
- For the F-150, ask about the lead frame and any transmission repairs; for the Venture, check for fuel odors and door alignment.
- Verify that all open recalls have been completed by a dealer, as both vehicles have numerous recalls.
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 Venture or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chevrolet Venture vs FORD F 150
- Chevrolet Venture total complaints
- 1,225
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Chevrolet Venture total recalls
- 42
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Chevrolet Venture avg complaints/year
- 204.2
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Chevrolet Venture
- Chevrolet Venture top complaint area
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN