Head-to-head reliability
Dodge RAM Wagon vs FORD F 150
How the Dodge RAM Wagon 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 RAM Wagon vs FORD F 150: The Dodge averaged 543 complaints per year with 0 recalls, while the Ford averaged 1,162 complaints per year with 151 recalls. Both have air bag and power train issues, but the Dodge reports more structural failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Dodge RAM Wagon or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Dodge RAM Wagon
The Dodge RAM Wagon is a full-size van or truck-based vehicle that, over the four years of data, generated 2,172 complaints—about 543 per year. Owners frequently report structural issues like cracked dashboards and rusted frames, air bags that fail to deploy in crashes, and power train problems such as loose pinion nuts or driveshaft separation. With no recalls on record, these complaints suggest a pattern of aging-related failures that can be costly and potentially dangerous.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a popular full-size pickup that, over ten years, accumulated 11,621 complaints—averaging 1,162 per year—along with 151 recalls. Recurring themes include transmission problems (like limp mode and lead frame failures), electrical glitches, and rear window defroster shorts that can shatter glass. The high complaint volume and numerous recalls indicate a wide range of issues that owners may face.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Dodge RAM Wagon | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2,172 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 155 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 543.0 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 166 Better | 297 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 8 | 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 RAM Wagon
- 01STRUCTURE538
- 02AIR BAGS525
- 03POWER TRAIN252
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM165
- 05SUSPENSION148
Owners report dashboards cracking and developing holes, sometimes requiring a cover to prevent items from falling behind the instrument cluster. Others describe the frame around the steering box rusting and disconnecting from the steering, which can cause loss of control.
In multiple crashes, owners say the air bags did not deploy, even at speeds around 40 mph, resulting in injuries. This raises concerns about whether the air bag system will work when needed.
Complaints include pinion nuts becoming loose, which could lead to rear axle seizure, and driveshafts separating from the rear end with a loud bang, potentially causing loss of control. These failures can happen at highway speeds.
The front control module and power distribution center can corrode, causing brake lights, blinkers, headlights, and emergency flashers to stop working. This corrosion is often linked to water exposure and can make the vehicle unsafe to drive.
“A FEW YEARS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, THE DASH BEGAN TO DEVELOP CRACKS AND HOLES. THIS HAS GOTTEN WORSE AND WORSE TO THE POINT WHERE A DASH COVER HAD TO BE PURCHASED TO AVOID THINGS FALLING DOWN BEHIND THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. CURRENTLY, THERE IS MORE M…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE FRAME AROUND THE STEERING BOX DISCONNECTED FROM THE STEERING DUE TO EXCESSIVE RUST. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENC…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners describe a 'lead frame' issue that can cause the transmission to go into limp mode or get stuck in 5th gear, sometimes nearly causing collisions. Others report output speed sensor failures that trigger limp mode on the highway.
The same lead frame problem is also reported under electrical system complaints, leading to transmission malfunctions. Additionally, a short in the rear window defroster has caused back windows to explode outward and shatter.
Some owners report rear window defroster shorts that cause the back window to shatter unexpectedly, even when no other vehicles are around. This can be dangerous and expensive to fix.
While specific complaint text is not provided, this component ranks high in complaints, suggesting owners experience lighting failures that could 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 RAM Wagon
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
Dodge RAM Wagon or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Dodge RAM Wagon has far fewer complaints per year (about 543) compared to the Ford F-150 (about 1,162), but the Dodge's issues often involve structural and air bag failures that may be more severe. The Ford's higher complaint rate and 151 recalls mean more frequent trips to the shop, though many issues are covered by recalls. In practice, the Dodge may have fewer problems overall, but the Ford has more documented remedies.
Key differences
- The Dodge RAM Wagon has no recalls on record, while the Ford F-150 has 151 recalls, meaning the Ford has more known issues but also more potential fixes.
- Dodge owners report structural failures like rusted frames and cracked dashboards, whereas Ford owners report transmission limp mode and lead frame failures.
- Air bag non-deployment is a recurring complaint for the Dodge, while the Ford's air bag recall is for a specific inflator module.
- The Ford F-150 has a much higher complaint rate per year, but the Dodge's complaints include 8 deaths versus 1 for the Ford, suggesting different severity patterns.
- Check the frame around the steering box for excessive rust or cracks, as owners report it can disconnect from the steering.
- Test the air bag system if possible, and ask if the air bags have ever failed to deploy in a crash; look for any warning lights.
- Test drive the truck and watch for transmission shuddering, delayed engagement, or limp mode; ask if the lead frame has been replaced.
- Inspect the rear window defroster for signs of shorting or overheating, and check if the back window has ever shattered.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for any open recalls, especially for the Ford F-150.
- Have a mechanic inspect the Dodge's frame and undercarriage for rust, and the Ford's transmission for lead frame issues.
- Test all electrical components, including lights, blinkers, and rear defroster, on both vehicles.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, particularly for transmission services on the Ford and rust prevention on the Dodge.
- During a test drive, listen for unusual noises from the rear axle or driveshaft on the Dodge, and feel for transmission slipping on the Ford.
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 RAM Wagon or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Dodge RAM Wagon vs FORD F 150
- Dodge RAM Wagon total complaints
- 2,172
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Dodge RAM Wagon total recalls
- 0
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Dodge RAM Wagon avg complaints/year
- 543.0
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Dodge RAM Wagon
- Dodge RAM Wagon top complaint area
- STRUCTURE
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN