Head-to-head reliability
Dodge Intrepid vs FORD F 150
How the Dodge Intrepid 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 Intrepid vs FORD F 150: The Intrepid averaged 465 complaints per year over 5 years, with 2 deaths and 80 injuries, while the F-150 averaged 1,162 complaints per year over 10 years, with 1 death and 297 injuries. The Intrepid's complaints are heavily engine-related, whereas the F-150's are spread across power train and electrical systems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Dodge Intrepid or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Dodge Intrepid
The Dodge Intrepid is a full-size sedan that can be affordable to buy but may come with significant engine-related risks. Over five years, owners filed 2,325 complaints, with the vast majority about engine and cooling problems. Many reports describe sudden engine failure, overheating, and stalling, often requiring major repairs. This suggests that living with an Intrepid demands vigilance and a budget for potential engine work.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a popular full-size pickup with a wide range of uses, but it has generated a high volume of complaints over ten years. With 11,621 complaints, the most common issues involve the power train and electrical system, including transmission problems and lead frame failures. While many trucks serve reliably, the frequency of these reports means buyers should carefully check for symptoms. Recalls are numerous, so verifying that recall work has been done is important.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Dodge Intrepid | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2,325 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 21 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 84 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 465.0 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 80 Better | 297 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 2 | 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 Intrepid
- 01ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING1,663
- 02POWER TRAIN166
- 03STEERING151
- 04SERVICE BRAKES80
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM80
Owners frequently report sudden engine failure, overheating, and oil light warnings, often linked to timing chain or internal component failures. These can strand drivers without warning and lead to costly engine replacement.
Complaints include stalling at highway speeds, loss of power, and unintended acceleration or bucking. Such behavior can be dangerous and may indicate transmission or control module issues.
Some owners hear a loud pop and then lose steering control, often while parking or at low speeds. This suggests possible steering component failure that could affect maneuverability.
Reports describe scraping noises, rear wheel lockup, and unintended acceleration leading to crashes. Brake-related failures can severely compromise stopping ability.
“I NEVER HAD A MAJOR PROBLEM, EXCEPT CLOUDY SMOKE COMING FROM THE TAILPIPE AND AN OIL. ALL OF A SUDDEN THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON IT BEGAN TO OVER HEAT AND STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSTATE. I HAD IT TOWED TO LANDMARK DODGE, THE MECHANIC SAID IT WAS THE TIMIN…”
“2003 DODGE INTREPID WITH 2.7 L ENGINE- EXPERIENCE SUDDEN AND CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE WHILE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. VERY DANGEROUS THAT THESE ENGINES EXPERIENCE THIS TYPE OF SUDDEN LOSS, AND IT COULD HAVE CAUSED A MAJOR ACCIDENT. PUBLIC WEB SITES STATE THIS ENG…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Many owners experience transmission problems such as limp mode, getting stuck in gear, and lead frame failures. These issues can cause sudden loss of power or harsh shifting, sometimes leading to near-collisions.
Complaints include lead frame issues affecting transmission sensors, as well as rear window defroster shorts that can cause the rear window to shatter. Electrical faults can disable safety features and create unexpected hazards.
This category often includes reports of rear window shattering due to defroster shorts, which can startle occupants and create a safety risk. Such failures are unpredictable and may be costly to repair.
Some owners report lighting failures, though fewer details are provided. Non-functioning lights can reduce visibility and increase crash risk, especially 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.
Dodge Intrepid — 21 recalls
The defect: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES…
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
The defect: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES…
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
The defect: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES…
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
The defect: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES…
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
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 Intrepid or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Dodge Intrepid has far fewer complaints per year (465) than the Ford F-150 (1,162), but the Intrepid's complaints are heavily concentrated in catastrophic engine failures. The F-150's higher volume reflects its longer production span and greater sales, yet its issues are spread across power train and electrical systems. In practice, the Intrepid may be riskier for sudden breakdowns, while the F-150 may require more frequent attention to transmission and electrical faults.
Key differences
- The Dodge Intrepid's complaints are dominated by engine and cooling failures, often sudden and severe, while the Ford F-150's top issue is power train problems like transmission limp mode and lead frame failures.
- The Intrepid has 2 deaths and 80 injuries reported over 5 years, whereas the F-150 has 1 death and 297 injuries over 10 years, indicating different crash severity patterns.
- The F-150 has 151 recalls versus 21 for the Intrepid, meaning more potential safety fixes but also more opportunities for unrepaired recalls.
- Electrical system complaints are prominent for the F-150 (2,100) but not for the Intrepid (80), highlighting different ownership experiences.
- Check for any signs of engine overheating, oil light warnings, or cloudy exhaust smoke, as these may indicate impending engine failure.
- Test the steering at low speeds for any popping noises or unusual resistance, which could signal steering component wear.
- During a test drive, watch for transmission shuddering, delayed engagement, or sudden limp mode, especially in 2017 models with the 6-speed automatic.
- Inspect the rear window for cracks or signs of defroster malfunction, as shorts can cause the glass to shatter unexpectedly.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and verify that all open recalls have been addressed, especially for the F-150's lead frame and air bag recalls.
- Have a mechanic perform a compression test and check for oil leaks or coolant issues on the Intrepid, focusing on the 2.7L engine.
- For the F-150, scan for transmission trouble codes and test the electrical system, including the rear defroster and lighting.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, particularly for transmission fluid changes and engine repairs.
- Take a lengthy test drive that includes highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic to replicate conditions where complaints occur.
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 Intrepid or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Dodge Intrepid vs FORD F 150
- Dodge Intrepid total complaints
- 2,325
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Dodge Intrepid total recalls
- 21
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Dodge Intrepid avg complaints/year
- 465.0
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Dodge Intrepid
- Dodge Intrepid top complaint area
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN