Head-to-head reliability
FORD Focus vs FORD F 150
How the FORD Focus 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 Focus vs FORD F 150: The Focus averages 1,316 complaints per year and has 68 recalls, while the F-150 averages 1,162 complaints per year with 151 recalls. Focus owners often report steering and stalling issues; F-150 owners cite transmission limp mode and electrical faults. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the FORD Focus or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
FORD Focus
The Ford Focus is a compact car that has generated a high volume of owner complaints over the past decade, averaging about 1,316 per year. The most common trouble spots are the power train, engine, and steering, with owners frequently reporting stalling, transmission shuddering, and steering that fails to respond correctly. With 68 recalls and 12 deaths reported in the data, this is a vehicle that demands careful inspection and a thorough check of open recalls before purchase.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup that, despite its popularity, has accumulated over 11,600 complaints in ten years, averaging about 1,162 per year. Power train and electrical issues dominate, with many owners describing transmission limp mode, lead frame failures, and sudden electrical glitches. It has 151 recalls and only 1 death reported, but the high recall count means buyers should verify that all safety campaigns have been completed.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | FORD Focus | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 13,162 | 11,621 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 68 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 374 | 330 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1316.2 | 1162.1 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 293 Better | 297 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 12 | 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 Focus
- 01POWER TRAIN6,276
- 02ENGINE2,216
- 03STEERING1,656
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM1,390
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,273
Owners report shuddering, shaking, and abnormal noises from underneath, often with a wrench warning light. Some also describe door latches that fail to open or lock, which is a safety concern because it can trap occupants or prevent entry.
Complaints include stalling while driving at speeds like 35 mph, followed by a no-start condition with all warning lights on. This can leave a driver stranded and may indicate a serious electrical or fuel delivery fault.
Drivers report the steering wheel failing to turn in the intended direction or even turning the opposite way, sometimes without warning lights. This is a critical safety issue that could lead to loss of control.
Owners describe stalling at stop lights when RPM drops, mystery battery drains, and acceleration problems where the speedometer needle behaves erratically. These issues can cause sudden loss of power in traffic.
“The contact owns a 2011 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the wrench symbol was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was vibrating and shaking and there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle.…”
“ONLY 3 OUT OF 4 DOORS OPEN, THE OUTSIDE DOOR LATCHES HAVE FAILED SINCE PURCHASE IN 2013. HAVE ALSO CONTINUALLY FAILED/RE-BROKE AFTER BEING FIXED. CAR ALSO DOES NOT UNLOCK AFTER BEING LOCKED AND INSIDE DOOR MECHANISMS DO NOT UNLOCK AFTER BEING ENGAGED.. HUGE S…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
A recurring 'lead frame' issue causes transmission problems, and some owners report the truck going into limp mode and getting stuck in 5th gear almost daily. This can severely limit speed and drivability, especially on highways.
The same lead frame problem often appears as an electrical fault, and owners also report output speed sensor failures that trigger limp mode. These glitches can be intermittent and hard to diagnose, leading to expensive repairs.
One owner reported the rear window exploding outward shortly after using the defroster, which they attributed to a short in the defroster grid. This is a rare but dangerous event that could cause injury or shock.
Although no sample complaint text is provided, this component ranks high in complaint counts, suggesting owners frequently report lighting failures that could 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 Focus — 68 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Ford Focus vehicles with a 2.0L GDI or 2.0L GTDI engine. The Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, possibly causing excessive vacuum in fuel vapor management system.
The risk: The excessive vaccuum may result in an engine stall while driving, without warning and without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module. Dealers will also check for fault codes and replace the CPV as needed. If the CPV is replaced, dealers will inspect and replace the carbon canister, fuel ta…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Ford Focus vehicles equipped with a 1.0L Fox GTDI engine and a 6-speed manual transmission. The clutch may fracture, resulting in damage to the transmission assembly and possibly a transmission fluid leak.
The risk: A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update vehicles with software that detects and prevents prolonged clutch slip, and will replace the clutch, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Ford…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Ford Focus and 2018-2022 Ford EcoSport vehicles. The oil pump drive belt or drive belt tensioner may fail, resulting in a loss of engine oil pressure.
The risk: A loss of oil pressure can result in an engine stall and a loss of power braking assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the oil pump tensioner assembly and oil pump drive belt, free of charge. If engine failure occurs due to a damaged oil pump belt and/or oil pump belt tensioner, Ford has authorized dealers to replace the engine assembl…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
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 pl…
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 Focus or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Ford F-150 has fewer complaints per year (about 1,162) than the Ford Focus (about 1,316), but it also has more than twice as many recalls (151 vs. 68). In practice, the Focus may have more frequent owner-reported problems, while the F-150 has a broader range of safety recalls to track. Neither is trouble-free, so a pre-purchase inspection and recall check are essential for both.
Key differences
- The Focus has more complaints per year (1,316 vs. 1,162) but fewer recalls (68 vs. 151).
- Focus owners frequently report steering that fails to turn correctly, a severe safety concern not highlighted in F-150 complaints.
- F-150 owners commonly describe transmission limp mode and lead frame failures, which can leave the truck stuck in gear.
- The Focus has 12 reported deaths in the data, while the F-150 has 1, though these figures depend on many factors and should not be compared directly.
- During a test drive, check for any shuddering, shaking, or unusual noises from underneath, especially at around 35 mph, and watch for a wrench warning light.
- Test the steering at low and moderate speeds to ensure it responds correctly in the intended direction; any opposite or unresponsive steering is a major red flag.
- Ask if the truck has ever gone into limp mode or stuck in 5th gear; scan for transmission codes like P0722 and confirm the lead frame has been replaced or updated.
- Inspect the rear window defroster for signs of shorts or damage, and ask if the window has ever shattered unexpectedly after using the defroster.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA's recall website to see if all safety recalls, especially for the Focus fuel system and F-150 air bags and seat belts, have been completed.
- Take the vehicle to an independent mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection focusing on transmission, steering, and electrical systems.
- For the Focus, specifically test door latches, steering response, and look for stalling at idle; for the F-150, test transmission shifting and check for limp mode.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially any transmission or electrical repairs, and be wary of a history of repeated fixes for the same issue.
- Obtain a vehicle history report to check for accidents, and confirm the number of previous owners and typical usage.
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 Focus | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 835 | 79 |
| 2017 | 903 | 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 Focus or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- FORD Focus vs FORD F 150
- FORD Focus total complaints
- 13,162
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- FORD Focus total recalls
- 68
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- FORD Focus avg complaints/year
- 1316.2
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- FORD F 150
- FORD Focus top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN