Head-to-head reliability

Chrysler Voyager vs FORD F 150

How the Chrysler Voyager and FORD F 150 compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.

Chrysler Voyager71 complaints · 38 recalls Fewer issues per year
FORD F 15011,311 complaints · 145 recalls

Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records

Which should you buy?

Chrysler Voyager vs FORD F 150: The Voyager averages 7.1 complaints per year and has 38 recalls, while the F-150 averages 1,131.1 complaints per year and has 145 recalls. The F-150 also has 287 injury reports versus 2 for the Voyager. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

The picture

Is the Chrysler Voyager or FORD F 150 more reliable?

A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.

Chrysler Voyager

The Chrysler Voyager is a minivan that averages about 7 complaints per year over the past decade, with 38 recalls. Owner reports center on electrical glitches, steering that sticks, and airbag warning lights that stay on. While the overall complaint count is low, the pattern suggests persistent small failures that can be annoying and potentially costly.

FORD F 150

The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint rate—over 1,100 per year—and 145 recalls. Power train and electrical issues dominate, with many owners reporting transmission problems and camera malfunctions. The sheer volume of complaints indicates that many owners experience significant reliability problems.

The numbers

Side-by-side NHTSA record

Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.

CategoryChrysler VoyagerFORD F 150
Total complaintsAll model years combined71 Better11,311
Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns38 Better145
Crash reportsCrash-related complaints4 Better328
Complaints per yearAveraged across model years7.1 Better1131.1
Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints2 Better287
Reported deathsTied to owner complaints0 Better1

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 Voyager

  1. 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM17
  2. 02STEERING12
  3. 03AIR BAGS8
  4. 04ENGINE8
  5. 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER6
What these mean
Electrical System

Owners report lift gate mechanisms failing and airbag lights that first flicker then stay on permanently. These electrical gremlins can affect safety systems and are often difficult to diagnose.

Steering

Complaints describe the steering wheel sticking when exiting a turn, requiring extra effort to straighten out. This can lead to overcompensation and a vague feeling in the steering, raising concerns about control.

Air Bags

The airbag warning light may illuminate intermittently before staying on, indicating a fault in the airbag system. This means the airbags might not deploy in a crash, a serious safety risk.

Engine

Some owners report unintended acceleration and electronic throttle control warnings. Others mention early repairs like radiator hose and fuel injector replacements at low mileage.

In owners' words — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

“We purchased this vehicle from a dealership in July 2024. The vehicle is only 2 years old and we have taken it to the dealership for repairs on multiple issues within the electrical components two times in one week. The first issue was the lift gate mechanism…”

“IN THE BEGINNING, IT BEGAN WITH THE AIRBAG LIGHT INTERMITTENT VIEWS. BUT QUICKLY, A FEW KILOMETERS LATER THIS LIGHT REMAINED LIT PERMANENTLY. AT THE TIME, THE CRUISE CONTROL WORKS ONCE ON THREE, AND THEN AFTER NOTHING. THE AIRBAG LIGHT REMAINS LIT CONTINUOUSL…”

FORD F 150

  1. 01POWER TRAIN3,553
  2. 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,071
  3. 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,401
  4. 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,164
  5. 05ENGINE847
What these mean
Power Train

Owners frequently report hard or delayed shifts, especially between 7th and 8th gears, and sometimes a complete loss of power. These transmission issues can cause jerking and clunking, and may lead to dangerous situations on the road.

Electrical System

Common complaints include front camera malfunction warnings and pre-collision assist not available messages. These electronic failures can disable driver-assist features and require dealer visits.

Exterior Lighting

Many owners report issues with exterior lighting, particularly headlights. Faulty lighting reduces visibility and can be a safety hazard, especially at night.

Engine

Engine-related complaints include various problems that may lead to stalling or reduced performance. Recalls for engine issues suggest potential defects that could affect reliability.

In owners' words — POWER TRAIN

“I started noticing hard and delayed shifts from 7th into 8th gear. My RPM's were not increasing when this happened, and then on a very crowded major road I lost all power, vehicle shut off and drifted, then started up and jerked again very hard. This failure…”

“I am reporting a safety-related transmission problem I experienced with my 2020 Ford F-150 equipped with the 10R80 automatic transmission. While driving normally, the transmission shifts hard (ie: jerks, clunks) between 4-5 and 5-6 gears, and has on occasion…”

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 Voyager — 38 recalls

Visibility — Windshield Wiper/Washer — Linkages
#22V619000Nov 2022

The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Voyager and Pacifica vehicles. The windshield wiper arm nuts may be improperly tightened, which can cause the wipers to not function properly.

The risk: Improperly functioning wipers can reduce the driver's visibility in certain weather conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: Dealers will tighten the wiper arm nuts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 30, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US's number for this recall is Z80.

Back Over Prevention — Sensing System — Camera
#24V436000

The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Dodge Durango, 2021-2023 Chrysler Pacifica, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, 2022 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, Chrysler Voyager, 2022-2023 Jeep Compass, Grand Cherokee, Wagoneer, Grand Wagoneer, and Ram Promaster vehicles. The radio software may prevent the rear…

The risk: A rearview camera image that does not display decreases the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: Dealers will update the radio software or the software will be OTA, "Over-The-Air," free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning July 9, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, L…

Air Bags — Side/Window — Curtain
#25V302000Aug 2025

The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2025 Pacifica and Voyager vehicles. The right and left side curtain air bags may have insufficient pressure retention from improperly sealed seams. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard…

The risk: An air bag with insufficient pressure retention increases the risk of ejection and injury during a crash.

The fix: Dealers will replace the side curtain air bags, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning October 14, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's numbers for this recal…

Equipment Adaptive/Mobility — Wheelchair Restraints/Securement — Latch/Anchor
#25V876000

The defect: Rollx Vans (Rollx) is recalling certain GMC Yukon, Sierra, Chevrolet Express 2500, Ford Transit, E-250, Toyota Sienna, Sienna Hybrid, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Town and Country, Voyager, Pacifica, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Ram Promaster vehicles equipped with QRT-Deluxe and QRT-Max wheelchair restrain…

The risk: An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit, increasing the risk of injury.

The fix: Rollx will work with Q'Straint to inspect and replace the retractors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 5, 2026. Owners may contact Rollx's customer service at 1-800-956-6668.

FORD F 150 — 145 recalls

Exterior Lighting — Headlights
#20V097000

The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 trucks equipped with high series LED headlamps with Autolamp (On/Off) functionality. The Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) may remain activated instead of dimming to parking lamps when the Master Lighting Switch (MLS) is manually rotated from…

The risk: DRL that cannot dim may reduce the visibility of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the body control module, free of charge. The recall began March 10, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C03.

Electrical System — 12v/24v/48v Battery — Cables
#19V805000Dec 2019

The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 F-150 vehicles. The fastener securing the Power Distribution Box (PDB) 12V cable and Battery Monitoring System (BMS) eyelets to the positive battery terminal may loosen and affect the vehicle's systems such as instrument panel displays and br…

The risk: Inoperative vehicle systems or an engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. Reduced braking and steering efforts increases the risk of a crash. This condition could also create a resistive short, increasing the risk of a fire.

The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the positive battery cable/BMS/PDB joint for excess sealant adhesive and remove any excessive adhesive, reassemble the joint, and retorque the fastener, as necessary, free of charge. The re…

Engine
#18V894000

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…

Seats — Front Assembly — Recliner
#19V633000

The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also…

The risk: A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

The fix: Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's num…

Buyer analysis

Chrysler Voyager or FORD F 150: which should you buy?

The Chrysler Voyager has far fewer complaints per year (7.1 vs. 1,131.1) and fewer recalls (38 vs. 145). In practice, this means a used Voyager is likely to have fewer reported problems, but the F-150's higher volume may reflect its popularity and greater number of vehicles on the road.

Recommendation. If low complaint volume and fewer recalls matter most, choose the Chrysler Voyager. If you need a full-size pickup and can accept a higher risk of power train and electrical issues, choose the Ford F-150, but budget for potential repairs.

Key differences

  • The Ford F-150 has over 11,000 complaints in 10 years, while the Chrysler Voyager has only 71, indicating a much higher reported problem rate for the F-150.
  • Power train issues dominate F-150 complaints, with reports of hard shifts and loss of power, whereas Voyager complaints are spread across electrical, steering, and airbag systems.
  • The F-150 has 328 crash-related complaints and 287 injuries, compared to 4 crash-related and 2 injuries for the Voyager, suggesting more severe incidents reported for the F-150.
  • Recalls are more frequent for the F-150 (145 vs. 38), covering major systems like engine and electrical, while Voyager recalls include windshield wipers and airbags.
Watch on Chrysler Voyager
  • Check for any airbag warning lights that stay on or flicker, as this indicates a potential fault in the airbag system.
  • Test the steering at low speeds and during turns for any sticking or vague feeling, which owners report as a common issue.
Watch on FORD F 150
  • Test drive the truck and pay attention to transmission shifts, especially between 4th and 5th or 7th and 8th gears, for jerking or delayed engagement.
  • Check for warnings like 'Front Camera Malfunction' or 'Pre Collision Assist Not Available' on the dashboard, as these are frequently reported electrical issues.

Before you buy

  • Obtain a full vehicle history report to see if all recalls have been addressed, especially for the F-150's power train and electrical recalls.
  • Have a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic, focusing on the transmission for the F-150 and electrical/steering systems for the Voyager.
  • During the test drive, specifically test the airbag light, steering feel, and transmission shifting as applicable to each model.
  • Ask the seller for maintenance records to see if common issues like transmission fluid changes or electrical repairs have been performed.
  • Check for any outstanding recalls on the NHTSA website using the 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.

YearChrysler VoyagerFORD F 150
2026024
20250329
20241617
202311507
202253432
2021165234
20201233
Years to scrutinize: the 2003 Chrysler Voyager drew the most complaints (32); the 2021 FORD F 150 drew the most (5,234). Inspect these model years especially closely.

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 Voyager or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.

Go deeper

Full reliability reports

Chrysler Voyager vs FORD F 150 — comparison facts
Comparison
Chrysler Voyager vs FORD F 150
Chrysler Voyager total complaints
71
FORD F 150 total complaints
11,311
Chrysler Voyager total recalls
38
FORD F 150 total recalls
145
Chrysler Voyager avg complaints/year
7.1
FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
1131.1
More reliable overall
Chrysler Voyager
Chrysler Voyager top complaint area
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FORD F 150 top complaint area
POWER TRAIN