Head-to-head reliability
Dodge Caliber vs FORD F 150
How the Dodge Caliber 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
Dodge Caliber vs FORD F 150: The Caliber has 1,939 complaints over 7 years (277/year) and 10 recalls, while the F-150 has 11,621 complaints over 10 years (1,162/year) and 151 recalls. The F-150's higher volume reflects greater sales, but both show notable transmission and electrical issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Dodge Caliber or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Dodge Caliber
The Dodge Caliber is a compact hatchback that owners often describe as having frequent front-end and electrical problems. With 1,939 complaints over 7 years (about 277 per year), it has a relatively high complaint rate for its class. Common issues include suspension noises, electrical failures, and structural rust, which can lead to costly repairs. Buyers should expect to deal with multiple small to moderate issues rather than one major defect.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a much higher total complaint count (11,621 over 10 years, about 1,162 per year) but also sells in far greater numbers. Owners frequently report transmission and electrical problems, including sudden limp mode and lead frame failures. While the overall rate per vehicle may be lower, the sheer volume of complaints means many trucks are affected. Buyers should be aware of potential powertrain and electrical gremlins.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Dodge Caliber | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,939 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 10 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 121 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 277.0 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 95 Better | 297 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 4 | 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.
Dodge Caliber
- 01SUSPENSION522
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM357
- 03STRUCTURE345
- 04POWER TRAIN227
- 05VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL201
Owners report clunking noises from the front end, leaking struts, and worn control arms, sometimes requiring replacement of multiple suspension parts at low mileage. This can affect ride comfort and handling, and repairs can add up quickly.
Complaints include keypad locking failures, random shutdowns, and various electrical glitches that can leave the car undrivable. These issues can be intermittent and hard to diagnose, leading to frustration and safety concerns.
Reports of rusted subframes and rattling noises from the front subframe indicate potential structural weakness. In severe cases, rust can compromise the vehicle's integrity, especially in areas with road salt.
The shift interlock assembly can fail, causing the vehicle to roll away even when parked. This is a serious safety defect that has led to recalls and should be addressed immediately if suspected.
“MY CAR CURRENTLY HAS 23000 MILES ON IT AND STILL UNDER STANDARD WARRANTY. WITHIN THE LAST MONTH & 1/2 OR SO THEY HAVE HAD TO REPLACE NEARLY EVERYTHING UNDERNEATH, ALL HAVING TO DO WITH SUSPENSION AND STEERING. STRUTS WERE LEAKING, CONTROL ARMS WERE REPLACED,…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE CALIBER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A CLUNKING NOISE EMERGING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CROSS MEMBERS ON BOTH SIDES NEED…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Transmission issues are common, including sudden limp mode, stuck gears, and lead frame failures that can cause near-collisions. These problems often recur and may require expensive repairs, even after software updates.
The lead frame issue also affects electrical systems, causing speed sensor failures and limp mode. Additionally, rear window defroster shorts have been reported to cause windows to shatter, posing a safety risk.
Complaints include rear window explosions due to defroster shorts, which can happen without warning. This is a serious safety concern that owners should be aware of.
While not detailed in the sample complaints, exterior lighting issues are among the top components, suggesting problems with lights that 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.
Dodge Caliber — 10 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 200, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber and 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot, Compass and Dodge Avenger vehicles. The Occupant Restraint Control (OCR) module may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pret…
The risk: If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCR, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners that parts are not available yet were mailed on October 26, 2016. The recall began on August 15, 2017. Owners may contact Chrys…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 200, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber and 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot, Compass and Dodge Avenger vehicles. The Occupant Restraint Control (OCR) module may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pret…
The risk: If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCR, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners that parts are not available yet were mailed on October 26, 2016. The recall began on August 15, 2017. Owners may contact Chrys…
The defect: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011DODGE JOURNEY, JEEP WRANGLER, CHRYSLER 200, CHRYSLER 200 CONVERTIBLE, DODGE AVENGER, DODGE NITRO, JEEP LIBERTY, DODGE CALIBER, JEEP COMPASS, JEEP PATRIOT, DODGE GRAND CARAVAN AND CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUIL…
The risk: A MISSING OR INCORRECTLY INSTALLED RIVET COULD COMPROMISE THE ABILITY OF THE STEERING COLUMN TO SUPPORT THE OCCUPANT LOADS IN THE EVENT OF A FRONTAL CRASH, DECREASING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE FRONTAL IMPACT SAFETY SYSTEM. AS A RESULT, THE…
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR RIVET PRESENCE AND ALIGNMENT AND REPAIR THE STEERING COLUMN PIVOT AS REQUIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 4, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 200, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber and 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot, Compass and Dodge Avenger vehicles. The Occupant Restraint Control (OCR) module may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pret…
The risk: If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCR, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners that parts are not available yet were mailed on October 26, 2016. The recall began on August 15, 2017. Owners may contact Chrys…
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
Dodge Caliber or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Dodge Caliber has a lower total complaint count but a higher annual rate (277 per year) compared to the Ford F-150 (1,162 per year), though the F-150 sells in much larger numbers. In practice, the Caliber may have more frequent issues per vehicle, while the F-150's problems are more widely reported due to its popularity. Buyers should weigh the severity of reported defects against the volume of complaints.
Key differences
- The Dodge Caliber has a higher complaint rate per year (277) than the Ford F-150 (1,162 per year) when adjusted for sales volume, but the F-150 has far more total complaints due to higher production.
- Suspension and structural rust issues are prominent in the Caliber, while the F-150 is plagued by transmission and electrical problems like lead frame failures.
- The Caliber has 4 deaths reported in complaints, while the F-150 has 1 death, but these numbers are not directly comparable without exposure data.
- Both vehicles have recalls for seat belt pretensioners and door latches, indicating shared safety-related defects.
- Listen for clunking or rattling noises from the front end during a test drive, which could indicate worn suspension components or a rusted subframe.
- Test all electrical functions, including keypad locks, windows, and dashboard lights, and check for any signs of intermittent shutdowns or battery drain.
- During a test drive, pay attention to transmission behavior: any hesitation, harsh shifting, or limp mode could signal a lead frame or speed sensor issue.
- Inspect the rear window defroster for proper operation and look for any cracks or signs of overheating, as shorts can cause the window to shatter.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report to check for open recalls, especially for seat belts, door latches, and transmission software updates.
- Have a mechanic inspect the suspension and undercarriage for rust, leaks, and worn parts, particularly on the Dodge Caliber.
- For the Ford F-150, scan for transmission error codes and test drive at highway speeds to check for limp mode or shifting problems.
- Verify that all electrical components work, including lights, windows, and infotainment systems, and check for any aftermarket modifications.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and confirm that any recall repairs have been completed by a dealership.
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 Dodge Caliber or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Dodge Caliber vs FORD F 150
- Dodge Caliber total complaints
- 1,939
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Dodge Caliber total recalls
- 10
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Dodge Caliber avg complaints/year
- 277.0
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Dodge Caliber
- Dodge Caliber top complaint area
- SUSPENSION
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN