Head-to-head reliability
FORD F 150 vs FORD Fusion
How the FORD F 150 and FORD Fusion compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
FORD F 150 vs FORD Fusion: The F-150 averages 1,086 complaints per year, while the Fusion averages 1,356. The F-150 has 144 recalls, the Fusion 91. The Fusion reports more steering failures, including a broken control arm, while the F-150 struggles with transmission issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD F 150 or FORD Fusion more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup known for capability, but owner complaints over the past decade reveal persistent issues with the powertrain, especially the transmission, which can cause delayed or hard shifting and even limp mode. Electrical problems also surface, sometimes tied to the same transmission control issues, and exterior lighting complaints point to headlight adjustment problems that can affect visibility for oncoming drivers. With over 10,000 complaints and 144 recalls, buyers should expect a truck that may need attention in these areas.
FORD Fusion
The Ford Fusion is a midsize sedan that, according to NHTSA data, has a high volume of steering-related complaints, including a broken lower control arm that can compromise safety. Engine issues are also prominent, with reports of knocking noises, vibration, and even a fire in a hybrid model. Transmission cooling line failures and electrical problems add to the picture, making the Fusion a vehicle where buyers should be particularly vigilant about steering and engine health.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD F 150 | FORD Fusion |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 10,861 Better | 13,561 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 144 | 91 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 319 Better | 468 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1086.1 Better | 1356.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 286 Better | 306 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 Better | 7 |
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.
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,363
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,019
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,374
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,122
- 05ENGINE803
Owners report the transmission can delay or hard shift, trigger a wrench warning light, and enter a reduced-power limp mode, sometimes making the truck unable to accelerate from a stop.
Electrical issues often overlap with transmission problems, causing warning lights and intermittent signal loss, which can be confusing and potentially dangerous if the truck loses power unexpectedly.
Headlights may not adjust properly, causing excessive glare for oncoming drivers, which is a safety concern for both the driver and others on the road.
“I was on Spencer street at the light about to cross on Saint rose park way. When the light turned green my truck wouldn’t let me proceed and the it went into a low gear and make a lot of noise until I crossed and stoped at the Horizon ridge light. At the ligh…”
“The vehicle experienced intermittent transmission-related drivability issues before the recall remedy was available. The vehicle had delayed/hard shifting, an intermittent wrench warning light, and a reduced power/limp mode condition where the transmission wo…”
FORD Fusion
- 01STEERING4,144
- 02ENGINE2,535
- 03POWER TRAIN2,016
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,285
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,144
A notable number of complaints involve the front lower control arm snapping, which can lead to loss of steering control. Other steering issues include a non-functional horn, which is a safety feature that should work.
Engine problems include loud knocking or clacking noises, significant vibration, and in one case, a sudden engine failure and fire in a hybrid model, indicating potential serious mechanical or electrical faults.
Transmission cooling line failures can leak fluid without any warning light, leading to transmission damage and potential breakdowns.
“I’ve learned a while ago that the vehicle doesn’t have a working horn, I’ve replaced the fuse at least five times and it’s still not working. Yes the car was sold to me this way. Also I’ve been getting this warning to my ford app: “The Blind Spot Information…”
“The front left lower control arm (driver's side) snapped off (broke) while turning a corner. There was no reason for the breakage other than turning. It was repaired through insurance. The driver's safety as well as the safety of pedestrians were put at risk…”
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.
FORD F 150 — 144 recalls
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.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 F-150 vehicles with manual and power release tailgates. The tailgate latches may unlatch unexpectedly while driving.
The risk: Unexpected tailgate opening may allow unrestrained cargo to fall out of the truck bed and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the left-hand and right-hand tailgate latches, free of charge. An interim notification letter was mailed January 31, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 31, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer servic…
The defect: Tenneco Automotive (DRiV) is recalling certain MOOG K500359 ball joints, for aftermarket installation on 2015-2018 Ford F-150 trucks. The ball joint may have a misaligned dust boot and may be missing alignment hole and installation warning tag, which may lead to improper alignment of the ball joint.
The risk: An incorrectly installed ball joint may cause the ball joint stud to break, which can compromise front wheel control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: DRiV will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and if necessary replace the ball joint, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 5, 2021. Owners may contact Tenneco Automotive customer service at 1-877-489-6659.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 F-150, 2018-2020 F-250, F-350, and 2019 Escape vehicles equipped with Continental tires. On the affected vehicles, it is possible that one or more tires were cured for too long during tire production.
The risk: Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall, resulting in sudden air loss or belt edge separation which could lead to tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21…
FORD Fusion — 91 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Fusion PHEV vehicles. The battery energy control module (BECM) may become damaged due to excessive voltage and current flow.
The risk: A damaged BECM can result in a loss of drive power or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Owners are advised not to charge their vehicles until the remedy is completed. Dealers will replace the battery and update the BECM software for free, or Ford will repurchase the vehicle. If your vehicle is currently operating normally, Fo…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2…
The risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations ca…
The fix: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it…
The risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded bl…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Fusion PHEV vehicles. The battery energy control module (BECM) may become damaged due to excessive voltage and current flow.
The risk: A damaged BECM can result in a loss of drive power or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Owners are advised not to charge their vehicles until the remedy is completed. Dealers will replace the battery and update the BECM software for free, or Ford will repurchase the vehicle. If your vehicle is currently operating normally, Fo…
Buyer analysis
FORD F 150 or FORD Fusion: which should you buy?
The Ford F-150 averages about 1,086 complaints per year, while the Ford Fusion averages about 1,356 per year, meaning the Fusion has roughly 25% more complaints annually. In practice, the Fusion's higher complaint rate, especially in steering and engine areas, suggests a higher likelihood of encountering issues that could affect safety and reliability.
Key differences
- The F-150's most common issues are transmission-related, often causing limp mode and drivability problems.
- The Fusion's most common issues are steering-related, including a broken control arm that can be a safety hazard.
- The Fusion has a higher annual complaint rate (1,356 vs 1,086) and more crash-related complaints (468 vs 319).
- The F-150 has more recalls (144 vs 91), but the Fusion's recalls include battery management system issues that could pose fire risks.
- Test the transmission for delayed or hard shifts, and watch for the wrench light or limp mode.
- Check headlight adjustment for proper aim to avoid glare issues.
- Inspect the front lower control arms for cracks or damage, especially on the driver's side.
- Listen for engine knocking or clacking noises and check for fluid leaks under the car.
Before you buy
- Get a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic, focusing on the transmission for the F-150 and steering/engine for the Fusion.
- Check for open recalls and ensure they have been addressed.
- Test drive at various speeds and in stop-and-go traffic to feel for transmission or steering issues.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes and oil changes.
- For the Fusion, check the hybrid battery health if it's a hybrid model.
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 | FORD F 150 | FORD Fusion |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 10 | 177 |
| 2019 | 14 | 370 |
| 2018 | 17 | 432 |
| 2017 | 11 | 1100 |
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 FORD F 150 or FORD Fusion in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD F 150 vs FORD Fusion
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 10,861
- FORD Fusion total complaints
- 13,561
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 144
- FORD Fusion total recalls
- 91
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1086.1
- FORD Fusion avg complaints/year
- 1356.1
- More reliable overall
- FORD F 150
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- FORD Fusion top complaint area
- STEERING