Head-to-head reliability
FORD FIVE Hundred vs FORD F 150
How the FORD FIVE Hundred 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 FIVE Hundred vs FORD F 150: The Five Hundred averaged 357.7 complaints per year over 3 years, while the F-150 averaged 1162.1 per year over 10 years. The Five Hundred had 6 recalls and 25 injuries; the F-150 had 151 recalls and 297 injuries. Both show transmission and electrical issues, but the F-150's higher volume means more potential problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD FIVE Hundred or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD FIVE Hundred
The Ford Five Hundred is a full-size sedan that, based on owner complaints, can be a mixed bag in terms of reliability. Over three years, it averaged about 358 complaints per year, with the most common issues involving the power train, vehicle speed control, and electrical system. Owners frequently report transmission problems, unintended acceleration, and flickering dashboard lights. While it has fewer complaints per year than the F-150, the nature of these issues—especially those affecting acceleration and transmission—can be concerning for a used-car buyer.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup truck that, according to NHTSA data, has a high volume of complaints—averaging over 1,100 per year over ten years. The most reported areas are the power train, electrical system, and exterior lighting. Owners describe serious issues like transmission limp mode, lead frame failures, and even rear window shattering. With 151 recalls and 297 injuries reported, it's clear that some problems can be safety-related and costly to fix.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD FIVE Hundred | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,073 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 6 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 57 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 357.7 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 25 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.
FORD FIVE Hundred
- 01POWER TRAIN299
- 02VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL292
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM168
- 04ENGINE115
- 05ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING91
Owners report ongoing CVT transmission issues, including failures and harsh operation, often requiring expensive repairs. The throttle body and MAF sensor have also been problematic, with some owners paying around $800 for replacements.
Complaints describe unintended acceleration, where the car accelerates on its own when shifting into drive or reverse, or while parking. This can be frightening and increases the risk of low-speed collisions.
Flickering dashboard lights and instrument cluster failures are common, with some owners experiencing complete darkness on the dash while driving. This can make it hard to see critical information like speed or fuel level.
Some engine complaints overlap with transmission issues, but also include throttle body failures that can cause stalling or poor performance. These repairs can be costly and may recur.
“THERE HAS BEEN A CONTINUING ISSUE WITH THE CVT TRANSMISSIONS IN 2005, 2006, AND 2007 MY FORD 500/FREESTYLE AND MERCURY MONTEGO. THERE WAS A RECALL REGARDING THE THROTTLE BODY & MAF SENSOR. WHAT IS NOW HAPPENING IS THE CARS EQUIPPED WITH THE CVT TRANSMISSION C…”
“MY THROTTLE BODY WENT COMPLETELY OUT AT 99481 MILES. I PAID APPROX. $800 FOR THE REPAIR/REPLACEMENT. FORD MOTOR COMPANY REIMBURSED FOR THE SERVICE ON 12/11/2012 AFTER SO MANY COMPLAINTS HAD BEEN MADE ABOUT THE THROTTLE BODY IN THIS MODEL THAT THEY WERE PAYING…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners frequently report transmission problems, including limp mode, getting stuck in gears, and lead frame failures that can cause sudden loss of power. These issues can leave drivers stranded or in dangerous situations.
Electrical complaints often involve the lead frame, causing transmission malfunctions and warning lights. Others report rear window defroster shorts that can lead to the rear window shattering unexpectedly.
Many owners report issues with exterior lights, such as flickering or failing headlights and taillights. This can reduce visibility and increase the risk of accidents, especially at night.
Engine-related complaints include various sensor failures and mechanical issues that can cause rough running or stalling. These may require dealer visits and expensive parts.
“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 FIVE Hundred — 6 recalls
The defect: FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007 FORD FIVE HUNDRED AND MERCURY MONTEGO VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 5, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 11, 2006. THE FUEL TANKS MAY NOT HAVE CONSISTENT WELDS BETWEEN THE FUEL TANK AND FUEL FILLER NECK SPUD WHICH CAN AFFECT THE STRENGTH OF THE JOINT. SOME FUE…
The risk: FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 16, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.
The defect: CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE…
The risk: FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
The fix: UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.
The defect: CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE…
The risk: FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
The fix: UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.
The defect: CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE…
The risk: FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
The fix: UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.
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 FIVE Hundred or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Ford Five Hundred has far fewer complaints per year (about 358) compared to the Ford F-150 (over 1,100). However, the Five Hundred's issues often involve unintended acceleration and transmission failures, which can be just as serious. In practice, the F-150's higher volume means more potential problems, but the Five Hundred's lower rate doesn't guarantee trouble-free ownership.
Key differences
- The Ford Five Hundred averages about 358 complaints per year, while the F-150 averages over 1,100 per year, indicating a much higher complaint rate for the truck.
- Five Hundred owners often report unintended acceleration and CVT transmission failures, whereas F-150 owners frequently mention transmission limp mode and lead frame issues.
- The F-150 has 151 recalls and 297 injuries reported, compared to the Five Hundred's 6 recalls and 25 injuries, suggesting more safety-related campaigns for the truck.
- Electrical problems in the Five Hundred often involve dashboard flickering, while in the F-150 they include rear window shattering and sensor failures.
- During a test drive, check for any unintended acceleration when shifting into drive or reverse, and ensure the transmission shifts smoothly without hesitation or shuddering.
- Inspect the dashboard lights for flickering or intermittent operation, and ask if the throttle body or MAF sensor has been replaced.
- Test the transmission for limp mode or rough shifting, especially when accelerating or climbing hills, and check for any stored trouble codes related to the lead frame.
- Inspect the rear window for cracks or signs of shattering, and test the defroster to ensure it doesn't short out.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls using the VIN on NHTSA's website.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on transmission, electrical, and throttle systems.
- During a test drive, pay attention to acceleration, shifting, and any warning lights on the dashboard.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially any repairs related to the transmission, throttle body, or electrical components.
- For the F-150, specifically test the rear window defroster and check for any signs of transmission issues like delayed engagement or limp mode.
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 FIVE Hundred or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD FIVE Hundred vs FORD F 150
- FORD FIVE Hundred total complaints
- 1,073
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- FORD FIVE Hundred total recalls
- 6
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- FORD FIVE Hundred avg complaints/year
- 357.7
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- FORD FIVE Hundred
- FORD FIVE Hundred top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN