Head-to-head reliability
Chrysler Cirrus vs FORD F 150
How the Chrysler Cirrus 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 Cirrus vs FORD F 150: The Cirrus has 107 complaints over 2 years (about 53.5 per year) and 9 recalls, while the F-150 has 11,621 complaints over 10 years (about 1,162 per year) and 151 recalls. The Cirrus reports more steering and brake issues; the F-150 reports more powertrain and electrical problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chrysler Cirrus or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chrysler Cirrus
The Chrysler Cirrus is a mid-1990s to early-2000s compact sedan that, in NHTSA data, shows 107 complaints over 2 years (about 53.5 per year) and 9 recalls. Owners frequently report power steering hose failures, brake line collapses, and electrical stalling, with 18 crash-related reports and 16 injuries. Living with one means staying on top of recalls and being alert to sudden steering or brake problems.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with 11,621 complaints over 10 years (about 1,162 per year) and 151 recalls. The most common owner-reported trouble spots are the powertrain, electrical system, and exterior lighting, with 330 crash-related reports and 297 injuries. Many complaints describe transmission limp mode, lead frame issues, and rear window defroster shorts.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chrysler Cirrus | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 107 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 9 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 18 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 53.5 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 16 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 Cirrus
- 01STEERING30
- 02SERVICE BRAKES16
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM15
- 04HYDRAULIC15
- 05AIR BAGS10
Owners report power steering hose failures, including a recall for a high-pressure hose, and at least one case where power steering failed at low speed and a fire started. A buyer should check for leaks, strange noises, and whether the recall was done.
Complaints describe rear brake lines collapsing so the rear brakes stay engaged, leading to repeated brake pad and caliper replacements. Another owner reported total brake and emergency brake failure in a crash. This matters because brake problems can be sudden and dangerous.
Owners report stalling at highway speeds and restarting on its own, as well as a parked vehicle catching fire in the engine compartment. These electrical faults can leave a driver without power or cause a fire, so a pre-purchase electrical inspection is wise.
The hydraulic complaints overlap with brake line failures, where rear brake lines collapse and brakes stay engaged. One owner said both the brakes and emergency brakes failed in an accident. This points to a need to inspect the entire brake hydraulic system.
“I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL FROM CHRYSLER. THE RECALL WAS FOR A HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE. SMITH CHRYSLER MADE THE REPAIR ON 07-06-06. WHEN I STARTED THE CAR I NOTICED THAT THE DRIVE BELTS WERE SLIPPING AND MAKING A STRANGE SOUND. LATER THA…”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHRYSLER CIRRUS. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER, RAISED THE HOOD, AND A FIRE IGNITED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC AND A REPAIR WAS PERFORMED. WHEN THE CONTACT ARRIVED TO PICK UP HIS…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners report a recurring 'lead frame' issue that can cause sudden transmission problems, and some 2017 V8 models go into limp mode and stick in 5th gear almost daily. These failures can happen while driving and may require expensive transmission repairs.
The lead frame problem also shows up as an electrical complaint, and one owner described a 2017 F-150 entering highway limp mode due to an output speed sensor failure. Electrical gremlins can trigger transmission limp mode and other safety issues.
A reported short in the rear window defroster caused the back window to explode outward shortly after the defroster was turned off. This is a surprising and potentially dangerous failure that a buyer should ask about or inspect.
Exterior lighting is one of the top complaint areas, though the sample text does not give a specific failure. In practice, lighting problems can affect visibility and safety, so check all lights and related wiring.
“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 Cirrus — 9 recalls
The defect: QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE IS RECALLING CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BALL JOINTS SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SOCKET MAY HAVE BEEN EXCESSIVELY HARDENED WHICH COULD CAUSE IT TO CRACK NEAR THE RETAINING RING GROOVE ALLOWING THE BALL STUD TO SEPARATE UNDER IMPACT LOAD. THE SUBJECT BALL JOINTS WERE SO…
The risk: SEPARATION OF THE BALL STUD FROM THE SOCKET OF THE BALL JOINT HOUSING WOULD ALLOW THE CONTROL ARM TO COLLAPSE AND THE WHEEL TO FOLD IN CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
The fix: QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE WILL REPLACE THE BALL JOINTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 9, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE AT 1-800-493-4128.
The defect: FEDERAL-MOGUL IS RECALLING CERTAIN REPLACEMENT CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLIES, PART NUMBERS K7425, 10945, FA4510X, K7427, 10946, AND FA4611X, SOLD FOR USE ON VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE BALL JOINT ON THE CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLY CAN FAIL CAUSING THE BALL STUD TO WEAR THROUGH THE CONTROL ARM HO…
The risk: IF THERE IS A SEPARATION OF THE BALL STUD FROM THE HOUSING, THE DRIVER CAN LOOSE STEERING CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE AFFECTED CONTROL ARMS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 28, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 1-877-489-6659.
The defect: IMPORT PRODUCTS IS RECALLING 30,351 FUEL FILTERS SOLD TO AND BRANDED BY THE AFFINIA GROUP AS CARQUEST P/N 86523, NAPA P/N 3523, AND WIX P/N 33523 FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THESE FILTERS MAY DEVELOP A LEAK IN THE HOSE ASSEMBLY AND/OR CONNECTORS DUE TO IMPROPERLY…
The risk: THIS CONDITION MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
The fix: THE AFFINIA GROUP WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE FILTERS WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT WIX FILTER RETURN CENTER AT 1-704-869-7411 OR IMPORT PRODUCTS AT 1-508-279-8207.
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.4 LITER ENGINES, THE HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE MAY PREMATURELY HEAT AGE AND DEVELOP A LEAK.
The risk: POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE FREE OF CHARGE. THE THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 10, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
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 Cirrus or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Chrysler Cirrus has far fewer complaints per year (about 53.5) than the Ford F-150 (about 1,162), but the Cirrus complaints often involve steering, brakes, and electrical fires. The F-150 has many more complaints overall, largely tied to powertrain and electrical issues like transmission limp mode. In practice, the Cirrus may have fewer reported problems, but the ones reported can be severe.
Key differences
- The Chrysler Cirrus has about 53.5 complaints per year, while the Ford F-150 has about 1,162 per year, so the F-150 generates many more owner reports.
- Cirrus owners frequently report power steering hose failures and brake line collapses, while F-150 owners often report transmission limp mode and lead frame problems.
- The Cirrus has 18 crash-related reports and 16 injuries over 2 years; the F-150 has 330 crash-related reports and 297 injuries over 10 years.
- The F-150 has 151 recalls versus 9 for the Cirrus, meaning the truck has a much longer recall history to verify.
- Check for power steering fluid leaks, whining noises, and whether the high-pressure power steering hose recall was performed.
- Inspect rear brake lines for rust or collapse, and test that the rear brakes release fully after braking.
- Ask for transmission service records and scan for stored codes related to the lead frame or output speed sensor, especially on 2017 V8 models.
- Test the rear window defroster and inspect the rear glass for cracks or signs of overheating or shattering.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA.gov to confirm all recalls are closed for the specific vehicle.
- Take the car to an independent mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection focused on the known problem areas.
- For the Cirrus, specifically ask the mechanic to pressure-test the power steering system and inspect brake lines.
- For the F-150, ask the mechanic to scan transmission codes and test-drive for limp mode or harsh shifting.
- Obtain a vehicle history report and look for repeated repairs to steering, brakes, transmission, or electrical systems.
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 Cirrus or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chrysler Cirrus vs FORD F 150
- Chrysler Cirrus total complaints
- 107
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Chrysler Cirrus total recalls
- 9
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Chrysler Cirrus avg complaints/year
- 53.5
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Chrysler Cirrus
- Chrysler Cirrus top complaint area
- STEERING
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN