Head-to-head reliability
FORD Fiesta vs FORD F 150
How the FORD Fiesta 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 Fiesta vs FORD F 150: The Fiesta averages 351.8 complaints per year over 9 years, while the F-150 averages 1,162.1 over 10 years. The Fiesta has 23 recalls and 6 deaths; the F-150 has 151 recalls and 1 death. Both suffer power train issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD Fiesta or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD Fiesta
The Ford Fiesta is a subcompact car that owners often buy for fuel economy and low upfront cost. However, NHTSA data shows 3,166 complaints over 9 years, with the power train being the most complained-about area by far. Owners frequently report transmission shuddering, hard shifts, and jerking, which can make daily driving frustrating. With 23 recalls and 6 deaths reported, it's a vehicle that demands careful inspection before purchase.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup known for its utility and towing capability. NHTSA data shows 11,621 complaints over 10 years, averaging 1,162 per year, with power train and electrical issues dominating. Owners report transmission problems like limp mode and lead frame failures, as well as electrical glitches. With 151 recalls and 1 death, it's a complex machine that requires thorough checking.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD Fiesta | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 3,166 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 23 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 129 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 351.8 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 132 Better | 297 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 6 | 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.
FORD Fiesta
- 01POWER TRAIN1,497
- 02ENGINE505
- 03STRUCTURE409
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER397
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM338
Owners report jerking, hard shifts, and shuddering, especially between first and second gear. Some experience sudden acceleration or transmission failure, which can be dangerous and expensive to fix.
Complaints include abnormal knocking sounds, loss of power, and stalling after refueling. These issues can leave you stranded and may indicate serious internal engine problems.
Reports mention the rear of the vehicle lifting or feeling unstable at highway speeds. This could affect handling and safety, especially in windy conditions or during emergency maneuvers.
Owners describe various electrical glitches, though specific details are limited in the sample. These can cause warning lights, battery drain, or malfunctioning accessories.
“Hello, I have zero idea why I am emailing, I may be secretly hoping for...anything. I drive a 2018 Ford Fiesta SE, I have owned it since 2019 as that is when I purchased it used. Over the weekend I experienced transmission issues and an auto shop informed me…”
“The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked and experienced hard shifts from first to second gear and from second to third gear. The contact stated that the RPM were significantly high prior to s…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Frequent complaints about transmission malfunction, including limp mode, stuck gears, and lead frame failures. These can cause sudden loss of power and costly repairs.
Owners report lead frame issues and sensor failures that trigger limp mode. Electrical problems can also cause rear window defroster shorts leading to shattered glass.
Complaints include rear window defroster short causing the back window to explode outward. This is a serious safety hazard that can happen without warning.
While not detailed in the sample, this is a top complaint area. Owners may experience lighting failures that 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.
FORD Fiesta — 23 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Fiesta vehicles. The brake calipers may have been manufactured with the incorrect assembly fluid, which can cause the caliper's rubber seals to swell.
The risk: The swollen seals can cause the brakes to drag, potentially overheating the brakes and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will flush the brake fluid and replace the front brake calipers and brake hoses, free of charge. The recall began October 10, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's num…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Flex, Fiesta, and Lincoln MKT vehicles. The rearview camera may intermittently display a blank or distorted image.
The risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank or distorted image can reduce the drivers view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed January 22, 2025. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated March 2…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Flex, 2015 Explorer, Lincoln MKT, Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 C-Max, Escape, Taurus, 2016 Fusion, 2018-2019 Taurus, 2019 Lincoln MKT, Fiesta, and 2020 Mustang vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, intermittent, or blank image when…
The risk: A rearview camera that fails to properly display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters notifying owners of t…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 Escape, 2014-2015 Fiesta ST, 2013-2014 Fusion and 2013-2015 Transit Connect vehicles equipped with 1.6L GTDI engines. If the vehicle is started and driven with an insufficient level of coolant within the engine cooling system, the engine cylinder…
The risk: If the cylinder head cracks and leaks oil, the oil may contact a hot engine or exhaust component, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install a coolant level sensor and the supporting hardware and software, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed April 21, 2017. The recall began on January…
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
FORD Fiesta or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Ford Fiesta has far fewer complaints per year (about 352) compared to the Ford F-150 (about 1,162). However, the Fiesta's complaints are heavily concentrated in the power train, which can be a major headache. The F-150's higher volume reflects its popularity and complexity, but it also has more recalls and a wider range of issues.
Key differences
- The Fiesta averages about 352 complaints per year, while the F-150 averages about 1,162 per year, but the F-150 is far more common on the road.
- The Fiesta's top issue is power train (1,497 complaints), often transmission shuddering and hard shifts; the F-150's top issue is also power train (3,648 complaints), with lead frame and limp mode problems.
- The F-150 has 151 recalls versus 23 for the Fiesta, covering a wider range of systems including seat belts and air bags.
- The Fiesta has 6 reported deaths and 132 injuries, while the F-150 has 1 death and 297 injuries, though these numbers don't account for vehicle population.
- Test drive at various speeds and pay attention to any jerking, shuddering, or hard shifts, especially between first and second gear.
- Listen for abnormal knocking sounds from the engine and check for stalling after refueling.
- During test drive, watch for sudden loss of power, stuck gears, or limp mode, which may indicate lead frame or transmission issues.
- Check the rear window defroster operation and inspect for any cracks or signs of stress that could lead to shattering.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report to see if recalls were addressed.
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission and engine for signs of the reported issues.
- Test drive extensively, including highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic.
- Check for any open recalls by VIN with a Ford dealer.
- For the F-150, specifically ask about lead frame replacement and transmission software updates.
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 Fiesta | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 105 | 52 |
| 2018 | 35 | 79 |
| 2017 | 74 | 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 FORD Fiesta or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD Fiesta vs FORD F 150
- FORD Fiesta total complaints
- 3,166
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- FORD Fiesta total recalls
- 23
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- FORD Fiesta avg complaints/year
- 351.8
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- FORD Fiesta
- FORD Fiesta top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN