Head-to-head reliability
Chrysler 200 vs FORD F 150
How the Chrysler 200 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
Chrysler 200 vs FORD F 150: The Chrysler 200 averaged 596 complaints per year over 7 years, while the Ford F-150 averaged 1,162 per year over 10 years. The 200 has 24 recalls; the F-150 has 151. Both show serious transmission and electrical issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chrysler 200 or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chrysler 200
The Chrysler 200 is a midsize sedan that averaged about 596 NHTSA complaints per year over seven years, with 24 recalls. Owners frequently report stalling, electrical gremlins, and transmission problems that can leave the car undrivable. The volume of complaints suggests that living with a used 200 may mean ongoing repairs, especially to electrical and engine systems.
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. While the total number of complaints is higher, the truck's longer production run and popularity mean many issues are well-documented. Owners often report transmission and electrical problems, including a recurring 'lead frame' issue that can cause limp mode.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chrysler 200 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 4,172 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 24 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 204 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 596.0 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 173 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.
Chrysler 200
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,222
- 02ENGINE1,208
- 03POWER TRAIN936
- 04AIR BAGS843
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER544
Owners report the car needing frequent jump starts, random shutdowns while driving, and warning lights that come on without explanation. These electrical faults can leave you stranded and are often hard for mechanics to diagnose.
Complaints describe the engine shutting off while driving, sometimes with a shudder, and dealers blaming low oil or a safety feature. This can be dangerous if it happens in traffic, and the cause may not be obvious.
Drivers report unintended acceleration, loss of power, and the vehicle pulling or stalling. These transmission issues can make the car unpredictable and costly to repair.
The airbag warning light often comes on due to a defective wiring harness under the seats. Fixing it can cost over $1,000, and if ignored, the airbags may not deploy in a crash.
“The car is constantly needs a jump start , and the pedal will not accelerate. I have had multiple diagnosis and they don’t know what it is- the cruise control component comes on at the beginning of the jump start until the car runs. Auto Zone and Midas has ch…”
“The contact owns a 2014 Chrysler 200. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shut off inadvertently. The contact stated that the vehicle shuddered before shutting off independently on several occasions. The contact was able to pull to…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Many owners report the truck going into limp mode, getting stuck in 5th gear, or failing to shift properly, often linked to a 'lead frame' issue. This can happen without warning and leave you with reduced power on the road.
The same lead frame problem can cause electrical faults, and some owners report the rear window defroster shorting and shattering the back glass. These issues can be safety hazards and expensive to fix.
Complaints include the rear window exploding outward after using the defroster, which owners attribute to a short circuit. This is a serious safety concern that can happen with no warning.
While not detailed in the sample complaints, this is a top component with many reports. Buyers should check all lights for intermittent failures, as lighting problems can affect visibility and safety.
“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.
Chrysler 200 — 24 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysle…
The risk: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-8…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 200, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber and 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot, Compass and Dodge Avenger vehicles. The Occupant Restraint Control (OCR) module may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pret…
The risk: If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCR, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners that parts are not available yet were mailed on October 26, 2016. The recall began on August 15, 2017. Owners may contact Chrys…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysle…
The risk: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-8…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Jeep Cherokee and 2015 Chrysler 200, Jeep Renegade, RAM ProMaster, and 2016 Fiat 500X vehicles equipped with 9-speed automatic transmissions. The transmission sensor clusters may have insufficient crimps in the transmission wire harnes…
The risk: If the vehicle unexpectedly shifts to neutral, there is an increased risk of a crash.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module and the Transmission Control Module and if necessary replace the transaxle range sensor wire harness, free of charge. The recall began on November 7, 2016. O…
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
Chrysler 200 or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Chrysler 200 has fewer complaints per year (about 596) than the Ford F-150 (about 1,162), but the 200's issues often involve stalling and electrical failures that can be dangerous. The F-150's higher complaint rate reflects its longer production and popularity, but its transmission problems are also serious. In practice, the 200 may have fewer overall reports, but both vehicles have notable reliability concerns.
Key differences
- The Chrysler 200 has about 596 complaints per year, while the Ford F-150 has about 1,162 per year, but the F-150 was sold over more years.
- Chrysler 200 owners frequently report stalling and electrical shutdowns, while Ford F-150 owners often report transmission limp mode and lead frame failures.
- The Chrysler 200 has 24 recalls, while the Ford F-150 has 151 recalls, indicating more widespread issues for the truck.
- Airbag wiring harness problems are common in the Chrysler 200, while rear window shattering due to defroster shorts is reported in the Ford F-150.
- Check for any signs of electrical issues: test all lights, accessories, and look for a history of jump starts or battery replacements.
- Inspect the airbag warning light and ask if the passenger seat wiring harness has been replaced, as it's a known failure point.
- Test drive the truck at various speeds and watch for harsh shifting, limp mode, or getting stuck in gear, which can indicate lead frame problems.
- Check the rear window for cracks or signs of shattering, and test the defroster to ensure it doesn't short out.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report to see if recalls and technical service bulletins have been addressed.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the transmission, electrical system, and airbags.
- For the Chrysler 200, specifically ask about the airbag wiring harness and any stalling issues.
- For the Ford F-150, specifically ask about the lead frame and transmission behavior, and check for rear window integrity.
- Test drive both vehicles extensively, including highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic, to replicate common failure conditions.
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 | Chrysler 200 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 43 | 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 Chrysler 200 or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chrysler 200 vs FORD F 150
- Chrysler 200 total complaints
- 4,172
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Chrysler 200 total recalls
- 24
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Chrysler 200 avg complaints/year
- 596.0
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Chrysler 200
- Chrysler 200 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN