Head-to-head reliability
Chrysler TOWN AND Country vs FORD F 150
How the Chrysler TOWN AND Country 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 TOWN AND Country vs FORD F 150: The Chrysler averages 363 complaints per year with 45 recalls, while the Ford averages 1,162 complaints per year with 151 recalls. Both show serious power train and electrical issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chrysler TOWN AND Country or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chrysler TOWN AND Country
The Chrysler Town & Country is a minivan that owners often rely on for family hauling, but NHTSA data shows a steady stream of complaints over 10 years—about 363 per year. The most common trouble spots are electrical system failures and engine stalling, with some owners reporting sudden loss of power while driving. There are also 45 recalls and 152 injuries reported, so a thorough pre-purchase inspection is critical.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint volume—about 1,162 per year over the same 10-year span. Power train issues, especially transmission problems and a recurring 'lead frame' defect, dominate owner reports. Electrical glitches and rear-window shattering are also noted, along with 151 recalls and 297 injuries. It’s a popular truck, but the data suggests owners face frequent, sometimes serious, repairs.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chrysler TOWN AND Country | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 3,633 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 45 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 79 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 363.3 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 152 Better | 297 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 3 | 1 Better |
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 TOWN AND Country
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,695
- 02ENGINE598
- 03POWER TRAIN467
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER418
- 05SEATS276
Owners report transmission going into limp mode and electronics causing sudden slowdowns, as one complaint describes the transmission failing and electronics putting them at risk. This can leave you stranded or cause a dangerous loss of speed on the highway.
Multiple complaints describe the engine losing propulsion power while driving, sometimes shutting off randomly and requiring the driver to steer to safety. This is a serious safety concern because it can happen without warning at any speed.
Owners report shuddering during acceleration and transmission failing to shift properly, with the engine revving abnormally. These symptoms often lead to expensive transmission repairs or rebuilds.
A complaint notes the front seat active head restraint spontaneously deploying without a crash, leaving it dangling and permanently dislodged. This could affect head protection in a real collision and is a costly fix.
“Transmission completely failed and had to be risky rebuilt. I was just driving down the highway and the transmission went into limp mode and I came to a fast slow down as it dropped the gearing. Also have noticed a huge issue with electronics putting me into…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
The 'lead frame' issue is a recurring nightmare—owners report near collisions and transmission stuck in limp mode or 5th gear. One owner said it 'nearly ended my life,' and the problem persists even after repairs.
The same lead frame defect also appears under electrical complaints, causing highway limp mode and output speed sensor failures. A separate complaint describes the rear window exploding outward due to a defroster short, which is a shocking and dangerous event.
While fewer engine complaints than power train, owners still report issues that can lead to loss of power. Recalls for engine problems suggest a pattern that buyers should verify have been addressed.
With 1,224 complaints, lighting problems are common—likely failures that reduce visibility. This matters for safety, especially if lights go out unexpectedly at night.
“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 TOWN AND Country — 45 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2008-2010 Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan and 2007-2011 Dodge Nitro vehicles. These vehicles may have a loose or missing brand emblem in the center of the steering wheel. The loose emblem or the securing nuts for the emblem within the dri…
The risk: Projectiles as a result of driver air bag deployment in the event of a crash can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag cover with a redesigned cover, free of charge. The recall began February 11, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's numb…
The defect: Freedom Motors Inc., (Freedom Motors) of Savaria Vehicle Group (formerly The Liberty Motor Company) is recalling one model year 2009 Volkswagen Routan and certain model year 2008-2010 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country wheelchair accessible vehicles modified by The Liberty Motor Compan…
The risk: Failure of the rear axle may increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Freedom Motors will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected axles, free of charge. The recall began on April 1, 2014. Owners can contact Freedom Motors at 1-800-561-9600. Freedom Motors' number for this recall is ENGF0216-3.
The defect: This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling ce…
The risk: If the ignition key inadvertently moves into the OFF or ACCESSORY position, the engine will turn off, which will then depower various key safety systems including but not limited to air bags, power steering, and power braking. Loss of func…
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch and key FOBs, free of charge. The recall began on May 26, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is…
The defect: FCA US LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2009 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured December 31, 2007, to August 31, 2008, 2008-2009 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles manufactured June 18, 2007, to August 31, 2008. In the affected vehicles, the air bag control un…
The risk: If the air bag control unit fails, the air bags may not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of occupant injury. Additionally, the air bags may inadvertently deploy, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control unit, free of charge. The recall began on December 6, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S07.
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 TOWN AND Country or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Chrysler Town & Country has far fewer complaints per year (about 363 vs. 1,162 for the Ford F-150), but both have serious safety-related patterns. In practice, the Ford’s higher volume means you’re more likely to encounter frequent transmission and electrical repairs, while the Chrysler’s lower rate still includes alarming engine stalling and electrical failures.
Key differences
- The Ford F-150 has over three times as many complaints per year as the Chrysler Town & Country, with power train issues dominating both.
- Chrysler owners report sudden engine shutdowns and transmission limp mode, while Ford owners describe a recurring 'lead frame' defect causing limp mode and near collisions.
- Ford has a notable complaint about the rear window shattering due to a defroster short, a unique and dangerous issue not seen in the Chrysler data.
- Chrysler has a seat head restraint that can spontaneously deploy, while Ford has more exterior lighting complaints that could affect visibility.
- Check for transmission shuddering or failure to shift, especially during acceleration or uphill—common in owner complaints.
- Test all electronics and ensure the engine doesn’t stall or lose power during a test drive, as sudden shutdowns are reported.
- Ask if the lead frame has been replaced and check for transmission limp mode or stuck gears during a test drive.
- Inspect the rear window for cracks or signs of defroster damage, as owners report it can shatter unexpectedly.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed, especially for air bags and electrical issues.
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission for both models, focusing on shift quality and any stored fault codes.
- For the Chrysler, test the electrical system thoroughly, including lights, infotainment, and power windows.
- For the Ford, check the rear window defroster and look for any signs of stress or prior shattering.
- During a test drive, accelerate hard and drive at highway speeds to check for limp mode or power loss.
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 TOWN AND Country or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chrysler TOWN AND Country vs FORD F 150
- Chrysler TOWN AND Country total complaints
- 3,633
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Chrysler TOWN AND Country total recalls
- 45
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Chrysler TOWN AND Country avg complaints/year
- 363.3
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Chrysler TOWN AND Country
- Chrysler TOWN AND Country top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN