Head-to-head reliability
Chevrolet VOLT vs FORD F 150
How the Chevrolet VOLT 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 VOLT vs FORD F 150: The Volt averages 207 complaints per year with 12 recalls, while the F-150 averages 1,162 complaints per year with 151 recalls. The F-150 also has 330 crash-related complaints versus the Volt's 39. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chevrolet VOLT or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chevrolet VOLT
The Chevrolet Volt is a plug-in hybrid that owners often use as a daily driver, sometimes covering 100+ miles a day. Over 9 years, it has averaged about 207 complaints per year, with the most common issues in the electrical system, fuel/propulsion system, and power train. Owners frequently report charging failures, 'Propulsion Power Reduced' warnings that limit speed, and occasional airbag problems. While it has fewer complaints per year than the Ford F-150, the Volt's issues can leave you stranded or reduce power when you need it most.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup that many rely on for work and family hauling. Over 10 years, it has averaged about 1,162 complaints per year, with major categories being power train, electrical system, and exterior lighting. Owners describe serious transmission problems like limp mode and stuck gears, as well as electrical glitches such as lead frame failures and rear window defroster shorts that can shatter glass. With 151 recalls and 330 crash-related complaints, the F-150 demands careful inspection before purchase.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chevrolet VOLT | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,866 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 12 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 39 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 207.3 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 38 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 VOLT
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM703
- 02FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM498
- 03POWER TRAIN430
- 04ENGINE367
- 05AIR BAGS310
Owners report the vehicle failing to charge overnight using the supplied 120V cord, leaving them with a dead battery in the morning. Others mention multiple electrical gremlins like radio, door locks, and park assist engaging on their own, plus airbag failures that could affect safety.
A common complaint is a 'Propulsion Power Reduced' message on the dashboard, which cuts acceleration and makes it hard to keep up with highway traffic. This often happens after the battery is depleted and can last for several minutes until the system rebalances.
Some owners experience the 'Shift to Park' message even when the car is in park, preventing the vehicle from turning off for about 10 minutes. Others report frequent 'Propulsion Power Reduced' warnings that affect performance and safety.
Engine-related complaints often overlap with propulsion issues, such as the 'Service High Voltage Charging System' warning. These warnings can indicate problems with the hybrid system that may require costly repairs.
“OUR VOLT WAS LEFT OVERNIGHT TO CHARGE USING THE SUPPLIED 120V LEVEL ONE CHARGE CORD THAT COMES WITH THE VEHICLE (THEREFORE I CONSIDER IT PART OF THE VEHICLE.) IN THE MORNING THE VEHICLE WAS NOT CHARGED -- AT SOME POINT DURING THE NIGHT THE CHARGE FAILED AFTER…”
“THE CAR HAS PROCEEDED TO HAVE MULTIPLE ISSUES, WITH THE MOST PREDOMINANT AND LIFE THREATENING ISSUE BEING AN AIRBAG FAILURE...TWICE. OTHER ISSUES: RADIO, DOOR LOCKS, AND PARK ASSIST ENGAGE/DISENGAGE ON THEIR OWN. BRAKES NOT CATCHING CAUSING CAR TO ROLL. POWER…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Many owners report transmission problems, including limp mode and getting stuck in 5th gear almost daily. A recurring 'lead frame' issue can cause sudden loss of power and near collisions, with some saying it's been a problem for over a decade.
The lead frame issue also appears under electrical complaints, causing transmission malfunctions. Another reported problem is a short in the rear window defroster that can cause the back window to explode outward and shatter.
Complaints in this category include the rear window defroster short leading to shattered glass, which owners say happens without any impact. This is a safety concern because it can happen while driving.
While not detailed in the sample complaints, exterior lighting is a top component with 1,224 complaints. Buyers should check for issues with headlights, taillights, or turn signals that may fail prematurely.
“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 VOLT — 12 recalls
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Volt vehicles manufactured August 25, 2010, to June 26, 2013. If the driver exits the vehicle without turning off the electrical system, the battery may drain low enough that the gasoline engine will automatically start itself to rec…
The risk: If the engine runs for an extended period of time in an enclosed space, there may be a build up of carbon monoxide, increasing the risk of personal injury.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the engine management software to limit the time that the stationary vehicle can be left in the ON position, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet custo…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insu…
The risk: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrole…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Cadillac CT6, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Volt, and GMC Yukon XL vehicles. Certain second-row or third-row rear seatbelts retractor assemblies may not automatically lock when the seatbelt is fully pulled out of the retractor, possibly pre…
The risk: If the child seat is not properly secured in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear seatbelt retractors and replace them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 7, 2018. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet custom…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado, and 2016 Chevrolet Volt vehicles. The driver's frontal air bag may improperly inflate during second-stage deployment in the event of a high speed crash.
The risk: An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2017. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8…
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 VOLT or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Chevrolet Volt has far fewer complaints per year (about 207) compared to the Ford F-150 (about 1,162), meaning you're statistically less likely to encounter frequent problems with the Volt. However, the Volt's issues often involve the hybrid system and can be expensive to fix, while the F-150's problems include serious transmission and electrical faults that can be dangerous. In practice, the Volt may be less troublesome overall, but the F-150's issues are more numerous and potentially more severe.
Key differences
- The Volt averages about 207 complaints per year, while the F-150 averages about 1,162 per year, a five-fold difference.
- Volt owners commonly report charging failures and 'Propulsion Power Reduced' warnings, whereas F-150 owners report transmission limp mode and lead frame failures.
- The F-150 has 151 recalls and 330 crash-related complaints, compared to the Volt's 12 recalls and 39 crash-related complaints.
- Both vehicles have electrical issues, but the F-150's include a rear window defroster short that can shatter glass, while the Volt's include airbag and charging problems.
- Check the charging system: plug in the supplied 120V cord and ensure the vehicle charges overnight without failure.
- Test drive at highway speeds and watch for 'Propulsion Power Reduced' warnings, especially after the battery is depleted.
- Test the transmission: drive at various speeds and check for limp mode, rough shifting, or getting stuck in gear.
- Inspect the rear window defroster and look for any signs of shorting or previous glass replacement.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls using the VIN.
- Have a mechanic inspect the hybrid system (Volt) or transmission and electrical system (F-150).
- Test all electrical features: lights, windows, locks, and infotainment.
- For the Volt, verify the charging cord and charging port work properly.
- For the F-150, check for transmission software updates and lead frame replacement history.
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 VOLT | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 34 | 52 |
| 2018 | 225 | 79 |
| 2017 | 699 | 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 VOLT or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chevrolet VOLT vs FORD F 150
- Chevrolet VOLT total complaints
- 1,866
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Chevrolet VOLT total recalls
- 12
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Chevrolet VOLT avg complaints/year
- 207.3
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Chevrolet VOLT
- Chevrolet VOLT top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN