Head-to-head reliability
Chrysler 300 vs FORD F 150
How the Chrysler 300 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 300 vs FORD F 150: Over 10 years, the Chrysler 300 averaged 74.6 complaints per year and 31 recalls, while the Ford F-150 averaged 1,162.1 complaints per year and 151 recalls. The F-150 also had 330 crash-related complaints versus 59 for the Chrysler 300. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chrysler 300 or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chrysler 300
The Chrysler 300 is a full-size sedan that averaged about 75 complaints per year over the past decade, with 31 recalls. Owners most often report electrical problems, including sudden shutdowns while driving and 'SERVICE SHIFTER' warnings, as well as rear differential failures and air bag concerns. While the overall complaint rate is lower than the F-150's, the nature of these issues—especially loss of power or propulsion—can be serious and costly.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup that generated an average of about 1,162 complaints per year over the same period, along with 151 recalls. The most common trouble spots are the power train and electrical system, with many owners describing transmission limp mode, stuck gears, and lead frame failures that can cause sudden deceleration. These problems appear frequently and can affect drivability and safety, making pre-purchase inspections critical.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chrysler 300 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 746 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 31 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 59 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 74.6 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 43 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.
Chrysler 300
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM221
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER156
- 03POWER TRAIN135
- 04AIR BAGS100
- 05ENGINE54
Owners report the vehicle shutting down completely while driving, often accompanied by a 'SERVICE SHIFTER' message and a total loss of power. This can leave you stranded or in a dangerous position on the road, and the cause may be difficult to diagnose.
Complaints include rear differential failure before 100,000 miles, sometimes with a metal part falling out and the car becoming immobile. Others describe the car decelerating on its own and instructing the driver to shift into park, which points to transmission or control module issues.
Some owners link brake failure to crashes where air bags deployed, and there are Takata air bag inflator recalls. A recalled inflator can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin, so confirming recall repairs are done is essential.
Reports include interior panels pulling away from doors and console, which owners say could affect side air bag effectiveness. There are also post-recall check engine light issues after emissions repairs, suggesting follow-up problems can occur.
“This issue has been going on since February 2024. The vehicle will completely shutdown while driving ( no matter what speed I'm going ) it will say SERVICE THE SHIFTER and stop. The first time this happened I took (towed bc vehicle willl have no power since t…”
“1. Rear differential failed before 100,000 miles. I was driving and I heard something metal fall in the back of the car. I pressed gas but was not able to move. After inspection and call for help, the part that fell on the ground was the rear differential. Ho…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
The most common complaint is transmission problems, such as limp mode, getting stuck in 5th gear, and lead frame failures that can cause sudden deceleration or near collisions. These issues often recur and may require expensive repairs even after software updates.
Owners report lead frame issues and output speed sensor failures that trigger limp mode and trouble codes like P0722. A rear window defroster short has also been blamed for rear windows shattering outward, which is a surprising and potentially dangerous defect.
Some complaints describe the rear window exploding after the defroster is turned off, with no external impact. This can happen at any time and may be linked to electrical shorts, so checking for recall remedies or signs of overheating is wise.
Although not detailed in the sample complaints, exterior lighting is a top complaint category with 1,224 reports. Buyers should test all lights and look for recalls related to lighting, as failures 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 300 — 31 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2010 Dodge Ram 3500, Ram 4500/5500, 2010-2011 Dodge Dakota, 2010-2014 Dodge Challenger, 2010-2015 Dodge Challenger, Chrysler 300, and 2010-2016 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause t…
The risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 4, 2019. Owners may…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain Mopar Stage 1 Kit Performance Packages Powertrain Control Modules (PCM) Part Numbers P5160023, P5160025, and Demon Crate PCM Part Number 68412287AA. The PCMs are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengagi…
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 either perform a software update or replace the PCM, free of charge. The recall began July 26 , 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this…
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 2014-2017 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD). The front driveshaft bolts may loosen and allow the front driveshaft to disconnect, potentially causing a loss of motive power.
The risk: A loss of motive power can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace all eight front driveshaft bolts, free of charge. The recall began April 7, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T0…
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 300 or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Chrysler 300 has far fewer complaints per year (about 75) compared to the Ford F-150 (about 1,162), and fewer recalls (31 vs. 151). In practice, this means you are less likely to encounter frequent, recurring problems with the Chrysler 300, though the issues it does have—like sudden shutdowns or differential failure—can still be severe. The F-150's much higher complaint volume suggests a broader range of common problems that owners deal with more often.
Key differences
- The Ford F-150 has about 15 times more complaints per year than the Chrysler 300, with power train and electrical issues dominating.
- Chrysler 300 owners frequently report sudden vehicle shutdowns and rear differential failures, while F-150 owners report transmission limp mode and lead frame failures.
- The F-150 has 151 recalls versus 31 for the Chrysler 300, including engine, seat belt, and door latch recalls.
- Air bag concerns appear in both, but the Chrysler 300 sample includes a Takata inflator recall and brake failure leading to crashes.
- Check for any history of sudden electrical shutdowns or 'SERVICE SHIFTER' warnings; test drive and scan for stored codes.
- Inspect the rear differential for noise, leaks, or metal debris, and confirm the air bag inflator recall has been performed.
- Test the transmission for limp mode, rough shifting, or getting stuck in gear; scan for codes like P0722 and confirm lead frame recalls are done.
- Inspect the rear window for cracks or signs of shattering, and test the defroster; also check all exterior lights for function.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all open recalls are repaired, especially air bag and transmission recalls.
- Have a mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the transmission, electrical system, and differential.
- During a test drive, watch for warning messages, limp mode, unusual noises, or sudden loss of power.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially any transmission or electrical repairs.
- Check the NHTSA website for any additional recalls by VIN before purchase.
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 300 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 6 | 1527 |
| 2022 | 5 | 3493 |
| 2021 | 20 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 10 | 44 |
| 2019 | 60 | 52 |
| 2018 | 153 | 79 |
| 2017 | 82 | 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 300 or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chrysler 300 vs FORD F 150
- Chrysler 300 total complaints
- 746
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Chrysler 300 total recalls
- 31
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Chrysler 300 avg complaints/year
- 74.6
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Chrysler 300
- Chrysler 300 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN