Head-to-head reliability
FIAT 124 Spider vs FORD F 150
How the FIAT 124 Spider 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
FIAT 124 Spider vs FORD F 150: The 124 Spider averages 16.3 complaints per year with 5 recalls, while the F-150 averages 1,162.1 per year with 151 recalls. The F-150 also shows 330 crash-related complaints versus 1 for the 124 Spider. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FIAT 124 Spider or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FIAT 124 Spider
The FIAT 124 Spider is a niche two-seat roadster with low annual complaint volume (about 16 per year), but the pattern shows recurring airbag recall frustration and seat belt retractor failures. Owners report waiting months for recall parts and dealing with electrical gremlins like warning lights and rattles. It's a car that demands patience with dealer support and recall follow-through.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a high-volume truck with a very high complaint count (over 1,100 per year) and a long history of powertrain and electrical problems. Owners repeatedly describe transmission limp mode, lead frame failures, and sudden electrical faults like a rear window shattering. The sheer number of recalls (151) and crash-related complaints (330) means buyers should expect ongoing safety campaign involvement.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FIAT 124 Spider | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 65 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 5 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 16.3 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 297 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
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.
FIAT 124 Spider
- 01AIR BAGS30
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM8
- 03SEAT BELTS8
- 04ENGINE7
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER6
Owners report airbag recall notices with no available fix, leaving them waiting for parts and updates. This matters because the recall involves the airbag control module software, and delays mean the safety system may not perform as intended.
Complaints include abnormal rattling, multiple warning lights (check engine, keyfob, TPMS) illuminating while driving, and recall repairs that only certain dealers can perform. These electrical faults can be intermittent and hard to diagnose, adding ownership hassle.
Both driver and passenger seat belt retractors are reported to fail at an alarming rate, with parts sometimes taking weeks to arrive. A non-retracting belt is a daily safety concern and a sign of premature wear.
One owner found more than an ounce of oil in the intake at low mileage, a blowby issue that can lead to carbon buildup. Another reported missing recall notifications due to dealer registration errors, meaning the car may have unresolved campaigns.
“I am writing to formally express my concern and disappointment regarding the lack of transparency and communication surrounding the airbag recall for the Fiat 124, first issued in 2024. As of today, Fiat has not provided any meaningful updates, solutions, or…”
“The contact owns a 2017 Fiat 124 Spyder. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V694000 (AIR BAGS) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners describe a 'lead frame' issue causing sudden limp mode and stuck gears, sometimes nearly causing collisions. A 2017 V8 with the 6-speed automatic reportedly went into limp mode daily and failed to shift properly, a serious drivability and safety problem.
The same lead frame problem is also filed under electrical, and one owner reported a rear window defroster short that caused the back window to explode outward. These faults can appear without warning and lead to costly repairs or safety risks.
A complaint about the rear window shattering after using the defroster highlights unpredictable failures not captured by a single component category. For buyers, this means inspecting electrical accessories and glass for signs of stress or prior repair.
With 1,224 complaints, lighting issues are a top category, though sample text is limited. Buyers should check all exterior lights for function and moisture, as repeated lighting faults can be a sign of wider electrical problems.
“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.
FIAT 124 Spider — 5 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2020 Fiat 124 Spider vehicles. A software error in the air bag control module may cause the front air bags to deploy with excessive force during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Sta…
The risk: An air bag that deploys with excessive force can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will update the air bag control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 26, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is A3B.
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Fiat 124 Spider vehicles. The impeller inside the fuel pump may be deformed, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.
The risk: Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety recall were mailed on January 6, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed July 5, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LL…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2020 Fiat 124 Spider vehicles. A software error in the air bag control module may cause the front air bags to deploy with excessive force during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Sta…
The risk: An air bag that deploys with excessive force can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will update the air bag control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 26, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is A3B.
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2020 Fiat 124 Spider vehicles. A software error in the air bag control module may cause the front air bags to deploy with excessive force during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Sta…
The risk: An air bag that deploys with excessive force can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will update the air bag control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 26, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is A3B.
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
FIAT 124 Spider or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The FIAT 124 Spider has far fewer issues per year (about 16 vs. over 1,100 for the F-150), but its problems cluster around safety recalls and seat belts. The F-150's much higher volume and crash-related complaints mean a used buyer faces a greater chance of encountering a serious powertrain or electrical fault.
Key differences
- The 124 Spider's top complaint is airbag recalls with parts delays, while the F-150's top complaint is power train limp mode and lead frame failures.
- Seat belt retractor failures are a repeated 124 Spider issue; the F-150 instead shows electrical faults like a shattering rear window.
- The F-150 has 330 crash-related complaints and 297 injuries reported, versus 1 crash-related and 0 injuries for the 124 Spider.
- Recall counts differ sharply: 5 for the 124 Spider versus 151 for the F-150, meaning the truck has a much longer safety campaign history.
- Check for open airbag recalls (campaign 24V694000) and confirm the software fix was actually performed, not just promised.
- Test both seat belt retractors for slow or failed retraction, and ask for service records showing replacement.
- During a test drive, watch for sudden limp mode, harsh shifting, or a stuck gear—signs of the lead frame or output speed sensor issue.
- Inspect the rear window and defroster operation for cracks or prior replacement, and scan for stored transmission codes like P0722.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN through NHTSA to list all open recalls for the specific vehicle and confirm completion dates.
- For the 124 Spider, ask a dealer to verify airbag software and seat belt retractor status in writing.
- For the F-150, request a transmission service history and have a mechanic scan for pending power train codes.
- Test all electrical features—lights, defroster, warning lights—on a cold start and during a 20-minute drive.
- Obtain a vehicle history report and compare reported mileage and repair dates against the complaint patterns above.
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.
| Year | FIAT 124 Spider | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 8 | 44 |
| 2019 | 9 | 52 |
| 2018 | 16 | 79 |
| 2017 | 32 | 59 |
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 FIAT 124 Spider or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FIAT 124 Spider vs FORD F 150
- FIAT 124 Spider total complaints
- 65
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- FIAT 124 Spider total recalls
- 5
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- FIAT 124 Spider avg complaints/year
- 16.3
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- FIAT 124 Spider
- FIAT 124 Spider top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN