Head-to-head reliability
Chrysler Grand Voyager vs FORD F 150
How the Chrysler Grand Voyager 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 Grand Voyager vs FORD F 150: The Grand Voyager has 10 complaints per year and no recalls, while the F-150 has 1,162 complaints per year and 151 recalls. The Grand Voyager's main reported issue is power steering loss from belt slip; the F-150's is transmission limp mode. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chrysler Grand Voyager or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chrysler Grand Voyager
The Chrysler Grand Voyager is a minivan that, based on 10 complaints over one year, shows a pattern of accessory belt and electrical problems. Owners frequently report the serpentine belt slipping off in rain or on uneven ground, which can cause sudden loss of power steering and overheating. Electrical gremlins like failed dashboard bulbs and air bag warning lights also appear. With no recalls on record, these are the kinds of issues a buyer should expect to address.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a much larger complaint volume: 11,621 over ten years, plus 151 recalls and 330 crash-related reports. The dominant theme is powertrain trouble, especially transmission limp mode and lead frame failures that can cause sudden gear changes or stalling. Electrical issues, including rear window defroster shorts that shatter glass, are also common. This is a high-volume vehicle with a wide range of reported problems, some serious.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chrysler Grand Voyager | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 10 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 10.0 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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 Grand Voyager
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3
- 02STEERING2
- 03ENGINE1
- 04ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING1
- 05AIR BAGS1
Owners report bulbs behind the heating and cooling controls failing, and air bag warning lights staying on. One owner also noted a clicking steering wheel and a dead horn. These are annoying and can mask more serious warning lights.
The power steering can suddenly quit when the serpentine belt slips off, often in rain or when driving through a puddle. Drivers describe the wheel becoming extremely hard to turn, barely making it to safety. This is a serious safety concern because it happens without warning.
The serpentine belt can fracture or slip off, leading to loss of steering, charging, and cooling. One owner said it happened more than ten times. This leaves you stranded and can cause overheating damage.
The same belt problem recurs in bad weather or on uneven land, and the dealer may not have a permanent fix. For a buyer, this means repeated breakdowns and repair bills unless the belt system is thoroughly checked.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHRYSLER GRAND VOYAGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BULB THAT ILLUMINATES THE HEATING AND COOLING CONTROLS FAILED. THE SAME BULB ALSO FITS FOR SEVERAL WARNING INDICATORS IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERN THAT THIS CO…”
“MY AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AS I WAS LEAVING MY DRIVEWAY, IT STAYED ON AND NEVER WENT OFF. MY STEERING WHEEL STARTED MAKING A CLICKING NOISE AS YOU TURN IT THE NEXT DAY AND THE HORN STOPPED WORKING. *TR”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Many owners report the transmission going into limp mode, stuck in 5th gear, or failing to shift. The 'lead frame' issue is a known defect that can cause sudden downshifts or loss of power. These problems can leave you stranded or cause a crash.
The lead frame problem also shows up as an electrical fault, and some trucks have output speed sensor failures that trigger limp mode. A rear window defroster short has been reported to shatter the back glass. Electrical gremlins can be hard to diagnose and expensive.
One owner described the rear window exploding outward after using the defroster, with no impact. This is a rare but frightening event. It suggests a possible defect in the defroster circuit that buyers should be aware of.
With 1,224 complaints, lighting issues are common, though specific failure details are not in the sample. Problems can include flickering or failed lights, which affect visibility and safety. A buyer should test all lights and check for recalls.
“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 Grand Voyager
No recalls on record.
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 Grand Voyager or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Chrysler Grand Voyager has far fewer complaints per year (10 vs. 1,162 for the Ford F-150), but that is partly because it is an older, lower-volume vehicle. The Ford F-150's issues are more numerous and include serious powertrain and electrical defects that can cause limp mode or glass shattering. In practice, the Grand Voyager's main risk is a sudden loss of power steering, while the F-150's risks are broader and more frequent.
Key differences
- The Grand Voyager's most alarming reported issue is sudden power steering loss when the serpentine belt slips off in rain, while the F-150's top issue is transmission limp mode from lead frame or sensor failures.
- The F-150 has 151 recalls and 330 crash-related complaints, compared to zero recalls and zero crash-related complaints for the Grand Voyager in the data provided.
- Electrical problems on the Grand Voyager are mostly minor bulb and warning light failures, but on the F-150 they include a rear window defroster short that can shatter the glass.
- The Grand Voyager averages 10 complaints per year; the F-150 averages 1,162 per year, a massive difference in reported problem frequency.
- Check the serpentine belt and all pulleys for wear, glazing, or misalignment, and ask if the belt has ever slipped off in rain.
- Test the power steering at low speed and after driving through water; listen for clicking in the steering wheel and verify the horn and air bag light work.
- Scan for transmission trouble codes, especially P0722 or lead frame related codes, and test drive at highway speeds to feel for limp mode or harsh shifting.
- Inspect the rear window defroster for signs of overheating or damage, and ask if the back glass has ever shattered or been replaced.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls, especially on the Ford F-150.
- Have a mechanic inspect the serpentine belt system on the Grand Voyager and the transmission/lead frame on the F-150.
- Test drive both vehicles in rain if possible, and on uneven roads, to reproduce belt slip or transmission issues.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, particularly for belt replacements on the Grand Voyager and transmission service on the F-150.
- Verify that all warning lights work and that no air bag or check engine lights stay on after starting.
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 Grand Voyager or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chrysler Grand Voyager vs FORD F 150
- Chrysler Grand Voyager total complaints
- 10
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Chrysler Grand Voyager total recalls
- 0
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Chrysler Grand Voyager avg complaints/year
- 10.0
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Chrysler Grand Voyager
- Chrysler Grand Voyager top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN