Head-to-head reliability
FORD F 150 vs RAM 1500
How the FORD F 150 and RAM 1500 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 RAM 1500: Over 10 years, the Ford F-150 had 11,621 complaints (1,162/year) and 1 death, while the Ram 1500 had 8,644 complaints (864/year) and 15 deaths. The Ford’s top issue is power train; the Ram’s is engine. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD F 150 or RAM 1500 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 that, based on owner complaints, demands attention to its powertrain and electrical systems. Power train complaints dominate, with many owners describing transmission limp modes and lead frame failures that can leave the truck stuck in gear. Electrical gremlins, including a rear window that can shatter from a defroster short, add to ownership friction. Overall, it’s a capable truck but one where transmission and electrical checks are essential before buying.
RAM 1500
The Ram 1500 is a full-size pickup whose owner complaints center on engine and electrical problems, with a notable number of crash-related reports and deaths in the data. Owners describe sudden engine shutdowns, instrument cluster malfunctions, and ABS warning lights that raise braking concerns. The Ram’s complaint volume is lower per year than the Ford’s, but the severity of some reported failures—like stalling at speed—makes pre-purchase scrutiny critical.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD F 150 | RAM 1500 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 11,621 | 8,644 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 151 | 129 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 330 Better | 400 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1162.1 | 864.4 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 297 | 272 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 Better | 15 |
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 TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners frequently report transmission limp mode, getting stuck in 5th gear, and lead frame failures that can cause sudden loss of power. These issues matter because they can strand a driver or create dangerous highway situations.
Complaints include lead frame-related electrical faults and a rear window defroster short that can cause the back glass to shatter. Such failures affect safety and can be costly to diagnose.
This is a top complaint area, though sample texts don’t detail specific failures; buyers should still verify all lights and wiring work correctly.
Engine complaints are present but less frequent than power train issues; sample texts don’t specify common engine failures, so a thorough mechanical inspection is advised.
“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…”
RAM 1500
- 01ENGINE2,539
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,369
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,297
- 04POWER TRAIN1,213
- 05STEERING1,055
Owners report sudden engine shutdowns while driving or idling, and EcoDiesel tone wheel defects that can stall the engine. These failures can happen at speed and may require costly repairs.
Complaints include ABS and brake warning lights staying on, instrument clusters that randomly adjust seats or make 911 calls, and cruise control failures. These electrical glitches can distract the driver and mask real braking problems.
Owners describe sudden slowing or failure during acceleration, including a case where a Ram 1500 Ecodiesel failed on the freeway. Such power train faults can be dangerous when towing or merging.
Steering is a top complaint component, though sample texts don’t provide specifics; buyers should test steering feel and check for recalls or service bulletins.
“As we were driving along the freeway at highway speeds, the dash lights completely cut out on my ram 1500 2019. At first, this seemed to simply affect the visibility of the central console, speed controls, light indicators, etc. But then as we continued on an…”
“I have a 2018 Ram 1500 ecodiesel with the 2nd gen 3.0L V6 diesel engine. This engine has a well known defect causing the tone wheel to delaminate and stall the engine. This is what happened to me and the dealership is telling me I need my tone wheel and posit…”
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 — 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…
RAM 1500 — 129 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2025 Ram 1500 vehicles. The front wheel hub encoder rings may be damaged, which can disable the electronic stability control system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electro…
The risk: Driving with a disabled electronic stability control system can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the front wheel bearing hub assembly, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2025 Ram 1500 pickup trucks. Incorrect headlight module software may cause the headlights to become inoperative. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective D…
The risk: Inoperative headlights can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the headlight module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 6, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is D4B.
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 4500 Cab Chassis, and Ram 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. A software error may cause the instrument panel display to fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the re…
The risk: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as gear selection and warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the instrument panel software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 5, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 35D. Vehicle Identification N…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 4500 Cab Chassis, and Ram 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles. A software error may cause the instrument panel display to fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the re…
The risk: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as gear selection and warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the instrument panel software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 5, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 35D. Vehicle Identification N…
Buyer analysis
FORD F 150 or RAM 1500: which should you buy?
The Ram 1500 has fewer complaints per year (864.4 vs. 1,162.1 for the Ford F-150), suggesting a lower overall complaint rate. However, the Ram’s data includes more crash-related reports (400 vs. 330) and far more deaths (15 vs. 1), so the difference in practice is not simply about frequency—it’s about the potential severity of reported failures.
Key differences
- The Ford F-150’s top complaint area is power train, with owners reporting limp modes and lead frame failures; the Ram 1500’s top area is engine, with sudden shutdowns and EcoDiesel tone wheel defects.
- Ram 1500 has more crash-related complaints (400) and deaths (15) than the Ford F-150 (330 crashes, 1 death), despite fewer total complaints per year.
- Ford F-150 electrical complaints include a rear window defroster short that can shatter the glass; Ram 1500 electrical complaints include instrument cluster malfunctions and ABS warning lights.
- Both trucks have recalls for electrical and lighting issues, but the Ford’s sample recalls include seat belt pretensioners and air bag inflators, while the Ram’s include wheel hubs and brake lights.
- During a test drive, watch for harsh shifting, limp mode, or getting stuck in a gear—signs of the power train issues owners report.
- Check the rear window defroster operation and inspect the glass for cracks or signs of shattering; a short can cause the window to explode outward.
- Listen for sudden engine shutdowns or stalling during idle and driving; also check for stored codes related to the EcoDiesel tone wheel if equipped.
- Test all electrical functions, including the instrument cluster, ABS lights, cruise control, and seat adjustments, as owners report random and distracting malfunctions.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls using the VIN, especially for power train and electrical issues.
- Have a qualified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on transmission operation (Ford) or engine stalling and electrical glitches (Ram).
- Test drive at highway speeds and in stop-and-go traffic to replicate conditions where limp modes or sudden shutdowns are reported.
- Verify that all warning lights (ABS, check engine, brake) illuminate briefly and then go out, and scan for any stored trouble codes.
- Inspect the rear window defroster and glass on the Ford, and the instrument cluster and wiring on the Ram for signs of malfunction.
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 | RAM 1500 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 35 | 0 |
| 2025 | 345 | 0 |
| 2024 | 638 | 0 |
| 2023 | 1527 | 603 |
| 2022 | 3493 | 3708 |
| 2021 | 5349 | 679 |
| 2020 | 44 | 631 |
| 2019 | 52 | 1481 |
| 2018 | 79 | 662 |
| 2017 | 59 | 880 |
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 RAM 1500 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD F 150 vs RAM 1500
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- RAM 1500 total complaints
- 8,644
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- RAM 1500 total recalls
- 129
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- RAM 1500 avg complaints/year
- 864.4
- More reliable overall
- RAM 1500
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- RAM 1500 top complaint area
- ENGINE