Head-to-head reliability
FORD F 450 vs FORD F 150
How the FORD F 450 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
FORD F 450 vs FORD F 150: The F-450 averages 12.5 complaints per year over 10 years, while the F-150 averages 1,131.1, with 328 crash-related reports versus 4 for the F-450. Both have recalls for engine and seat issues, but the F-150 also has electrical and lighting recalls. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD F 450 or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD F 450
The Ford F-450 is a heavy-duty truck that owners rely on for serious towing and hauling. Over 10 years, it has averaged about 12.5 complaints per year, with electrical and power train issues being the most common. Owners report water leaks that soak the dash and console, engine compartment fires near the fuel filter, and drivetrain vibrations that can lead to driveshaft failure. These are significant problems that can leave you stranded or facing costly repairs.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a popular light-duty truck, but it has a much higher complaint rate—about 1,131 per year over the same period. Power train problems dominate, especially transmission issues like hard shifts and sudden loss of power. Electrical glitches, such as camera malfunctions and warning lights, are also frequent. With over 11,000 complaints and 328 crash-related reports, this truck demands careful inspection before buying.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD F 450 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 125 Better | 11,311 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 60 Better | 145 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 4 Better | 328 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 12.5 Better | 1131.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 6 Better | 287 |
| 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.
FORD F 450
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM25
- 02POWER TRAIN22
- 03ENGINE18
- 04STRUCTURE17
- 05STEERING14
Owners report water pouring from doors and soaking the dash and console, which can cause electrical shorts and alarm malfunctions. Another complaint describes an engine compartment fire originating near the secondary fuel filter, a serious safety risk.
Drivers experience strong vibrations at highway speeds, followed by a loud bang and fractured driveshaft. This can lead to loss of control and expensive repairs, making it a critical concern for heavy-duty use.
Reports include engine compartment fires near the fuel filter and oil leaks from injector seals. These issues can cause sudden breakdowns and potential fire hazards, requiring immediate attention.
The tailgate can open unexpectedly while driving, and doors may fail to latch even at low mileage. These defects risk cargo loss and passenger safety, and they often recur after dealer fixes.
“WAS PASSING BY THE TRUCK THE ALARM WAS GOING OFF, UPON OPENING THE DOOR THERE WAS WATER POURING OUT OF THE DOOR, THEN I NOTICED THE FRONT DASH WAS SOAKING WET. THE CONSOLE HAD SEVERAL INCHES OF WATER IN IT. THE TRUCK WAS FLATBEDDED TO COLUMBIA FORD, FOUND SUN…”
“incidents Summary: The vehicle experienced a significant engine compartment fire while in operation. The fire originated in the engine valley near the secondary fuel filter, consistent with the failure mode described in NHTSA Investigation PE24014. 1. Compone…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,553
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,071
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,401
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,164
- 05ENGINE847
Owners describe hard, delayed shifts and sudden loss of power, especially with the 10-speed automatic transmission. These failures can cause jerking, stalling, and dangerous situations on busy roads.
Common complaints include front camera malfunctions and pre-collision assist warnings that appear every time the truck starts. These glitches can disable safety features and are frustrating to diagnose.
While less frequent than transmission issues, engine problems are reported, including recalls for engine-related defects. These can lead to performance loss and costly repairs.
Headlight issues are a top complaint category, with recalls for lighting problems. Faulty lights reduce visibility and increase crash risk, especially at night.
“I started noticing hard and delayed shifts from 7th into 8th gear. My RPM's were not increasing when this happened, and then on a very crowded major road I lost all power, vehicle shut off and drifted, then started up and jerked again very hard. This failure…”
“I am reporting a safety-related transmission problem I experienced with my 2020 Ford F-150 equipped with the 10R80 automatic transmission. While driving normally, the transmission shifts hard (ie: jerks, clunks) between 4-5 and 5-6 gears, and has on occasion…”
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 450 — 60 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: LGE Coachworks, Inc. (LGE Coachworks) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Ford E-450, F-550, and Freightliner M2-based vehicles equipped with ASA Electronics Voyager back-up camera displays. The displays may unexpectedly revert back to the factory default settings which may cause the camera image to be…
The risk: The driver may inadvertently turn the wrong direction to avoid an object behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: ASA will notify LGE Coachworks owners, and dealers will replace the displays, free of charge. The recall began May 9, 2019. Owners may contact ASA customer service at 1-800-384-4400 or LGE Coachworks at 1-800-209-3985.
The defect: Taylor Made Ambulances is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford E-350, F-450, E-450, F-550, and GMC G3500-based ambulances equipped with Whelen brake lights. Depending on the specific wiring of the vehicle, these brake lights may illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed.
The risk: If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Taylor Made will notify owners and Whelen will replace the brake lights, free of charge. The recall began June 5, 2019. Owners may contact Taylor Made Ambulances customer service at 1-800-468-1310.
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…
FORD F 150 — 145 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 2019-2020 F-150 vehicles. The fastener securing the Power Distribution Box (PDB) 12V cable and Battery Monitoring System (BMS) eyelets to the positive battery terminal may loosen and affect the vehicle's systems such as instrument panel displays and br…
The risk: Inoperative vehicle systems or an engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. Reduced braking and steering efforts increases the risk of a crash. This condition could also create a resistive short, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the positive battery cable/BMS/PDB joint for excess sealant adhesive and remove any excessive adhesive, reassemble the joint, and retorque the fastener, as necessary, free of charge. The re…
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 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also…
The risk: A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's num…
Buyer analysis
FORD F 450 or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Ford F-450 has far fewer complaints per year (12.5 vs. 1,131.1), suggesting it may have fewer recurring issues overall. However, the F-450's problems tend to be severe, like fires and drivetrain failures, while the F-150's higher volume includes many transmission and electrical glitches. In practice, the F-150 may require more frequent trips to the shop, but the F-450's issues can be more dangerous when they occur.
Key differences
- The F-450 averages 12.5 complaints per year, while the F-150 averages 1,131.1—a massive difference in reported problem frequency.
- F-450 owners report severe issues like engine fires and driveshaft fractures, whereas F-150 complaints often involve transmission jerking and electrical warnings.
- The F-150 has 328 crash-related complaints and 287 injuries, compared to 4 crashes and 6 injuries for the F-450, though the F-150's higher sales volume may influence this.
- Both trucks share recalls for seats and engine components, but the F-150 also has recalls for headlights and battery cables, adding to its electrical concerns.
- Check for water damage inside the cab, especially under the dash and in the console, as owners report leaks that can cause electrical shorts.
- Test drive at highway speeds to feel for vibrations or unusual noises from the driveshaft, and inspect for any signs of transmission housing damage.
- During a test drive, pay close attention to transmission shifts, especially between 4th and 5th or 7th and 8th gears, looking for jerks or delays.
- Start the truck and check for warning messages like 'Front Camera Malfunction' or 'Pre Collision Assist Not Available' on the dashboard.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission and drivetrain, focusing on the specific issues reported for each model.
- For the F-450, inspect for water intrusion and engine compartment fire damage; for the F-150, test all electrical features and camera systems.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially any repairs related to the common complaints.
- Take a lengthy test drive that includes highway speeds and varying road conditions to replicate potential failure symptoms.
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 450 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 24 |
| 2025 | 2 | 329 |
| 2024 | 8 | 617 |
| 2023 | 5 | 1507 |
| 2022 | 19 | 3432 |
| 2021 | 17 | 5234 |
| 2020 | 24 | 33 |
| 2019 | 19 | 36 |
| 2018 | 10 | 56 |
| 2017 | 20 | 43 |
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 450 or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD F 450 vs FORD F 150
- FORD F 450 total complaints
- 125
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,311
- FORD F 450 total recalls
- 60
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 145
- FORD F 450 avg complaints/year
- 12.5
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1131.1
- More reliable overall
- FORD F 450
- FORD F 450 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN