Head-to-head reliability
GMC B7 vs FORD F 150
How the GMC B7 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
GMC B7 vs FORD F 150: The GMC B7 has 0 complaints over 3 years and 4 recalls, while the Ford F-150 has 11,621 complaints over 10 years, 151 recalls, and 330 crash-related reports. The F-150's owners report transmission limp mode and electrical failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the GMC B7 or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
GMC B7
The GMC B7 is a commercial-style vehicle that, over the three years of data provided, has no owner complaints on record. That means there is no reported pattern of real-world failures from drivers, which is unusual and suggests either very low ownership volume or strong initial quality. However, it does have four recalls covering the engine, antilock brakes, and automatic transmission, so buyers should verify those fixes were completed. Living with it means relying on recall history rather than complaint trends to judge reliability.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a huge owner base and a very high complaint volume: 11,621 complaints over ten years, averaging about 1,162 per year. The most common trouble spots are the power train, electrical system, exterior lighting, and engine, with 330 crash-related reports and 297 injuries. Owners describe serious, recurring problems like transmissions stuck in limp mode, lead frame failures, and even a rear window shattering. It is a popular truck, but the data shows many drivers dealing with repeated repairs.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | GMC B7 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 0 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 4 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.0 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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.
GMC B7
No component data available.
A recall covers gasoline engine issues, but no owner complaints describe the exact symptom. Buyers should confirm the recall repair was done, because an unaddressed engine defect could lead to stalling or performance loss.
Two separate recalls involve the antilock air brake system. No complaints explain what drivers felt, but brake recalls are safety-critical, so a buyer should check that both campaigns were completed to avoid potential braking problems.
A recall covers the automatic transmission, though no owner complaint text is available. Without real-world reports, the main risk is an unrepaired transmission defect that could cause shifting issues or loss of drive.
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
With 3,648 complaints, this is the top problem area. Owners report transmissions that go into limp mode, get stuck in 5th gear, and fail due to lead frame or output speed sensor issues. These failures can happen while driving and may require expensive repairs.
2,100 complaints include the same lead frame problem and a rear window defroster short that caused the back window to shatter. Electrical gremlins can be hard to diagnose and may affect safety and comfort.
1,224 complaints focus on exterior lights. While the sample text does not detail the exact failure, frequent lighting problems can mean bulbs, housings, or wiring that fail often, leading to repeat repairs and possible visibility issues.
880 complaints involve the engine. The sample text does not describe a specific engine symptom, but combined with the high overall complaint count, buyers should expect potential engine-related repairs and check for recalls.
“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.
GMC B7 — 4 recalls
The defect: CERTAIN MEDIUM DUTY C-SERIES AND B7 SCHOOL BUS CHASSIS EQUIPPED WITH A 7.4 LITER GAS ENGINE AND AN IMPCO LPG CONVERSION KIT. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE ENGINE BACKFIRES WITH SUFFICIENT FORCE TO DAMAGE THE ENGINE AIR INTAKE SYSTEM AND THE AIR CLEANER FILTER ELEMENT.
The risk: IF THE DAMAGED AIR CLEANER PARTS ARE DISLODGED FROM THEIR NORMAL POSITION, THESE PARTS COULD COME IN CONTACT WITH THE HOT EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND/OR HOT EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION (EGR) VALVE TUBE RESULTING IN A POSSIBLE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIR…
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REDESIGNED MIXER BONNET AND AIR CLEANER HOUSING COVER, SELECTIVE UPGRADES IN VARIOUS CONNECTIONS RELATED TO THE AIR INDUCTION SYSTEM, AND IF NEEDED, A NEW AIR CLEANER FILTER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 18, 200…
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL BUSES, MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS AND TRACTORS BUILT WITH BENDIX AIR ABS WITH AN EC-17 1030R ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU), THERE HAVE BEEN REPORTS OF UNWANTED ABS ACTIVATION AT LOW SPEEDS CAUSED BY 1) CHAFED ABS WHEEL SPEED SENSOR WIRES ON ROTATING PARTS OR 2) A DAMAGED COMPONE…
The risk: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE ABS ECU TO EXHAUST THE AIR AT THE AIR BRAKE MODULATORS FOR ONE OR MORE OF THE WHEELS. THIS COULD RESULT IN EXTENDED BRAKING DISTANCES AND A POSSIBLE CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ABS ECU.
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS. THE TRANSMISSION FLUID COULD LEAK FROM A HEAT DEGRADED TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER HOSE ONTO THE EXHAUST SYSTEM ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE.
The risk: THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER INLET HOSE AND OUTLET HOSE DESIGNED WITH A HEAT SLEEVE AND ENSURE ADEQUATE CLEARANCE TO THE EXHAUST SYSTEM TAKE-DOWN PIPE. DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE RIGHT-HAND EXHAUST MANIFOLD SEAL…
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SCHOOL BUSES, MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS AND TRACTORS BUILT WITH BENDIX AIR ABS WITH AN EC-17 1030R ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU), THERE HAVE BEEN REPORTS OF UNWANTED ABS ACTIVATION AT LOW SPEEDS CAUSED BY 1) CHAFED ABS WHEEL SPEED SENSOR WIRES ON ROTATING PARTS OR 2) A DAMAGED COMPONE…
The risk: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE ABS ECU TO EXHAUST THE AIR AT THE AIR BRAKE MODULATORS FOR ONE OR MORE OF THE WHEELS. THIS COULD RESULT IN EXTENDED BRAKING DISTANCES AND A POSSIBLE CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ABS ECU.
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
GMC B7 or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The GMC B7 has far fewer issues per year: 0 complaints per year versus about 1,162 per year for the Ford F-150. In practice, that means a B7 buyer sees no reported owner complaint pattern, while an F-150 buyer faces a well-documented history of transmission, electrical, and lighting problems. The F-150 also has 330 crash-related reports and 297 injuries, which the B7 does not have in the data.
Key differences
- The GMC B7 has 0 owner complaints over 3 years, while the Ford F-150 has 11,621 complaints over 10 years, a massive difference in reported problems.
- Ford F-150 owners specifically report power train failures like limp mode, stuck gears, and lead frame issues; the GMC B7 has no complaint text describing any failure.
- The Ford F-150 has 330 crash-related reports and 297 injuries, while the GMC B7 has 0 crash-related reports and 0 injuries.
- The GMC B7 has 4 recalls for engine, brakes, and transmission; the Ford F-150 has 151 recalls, including seat belts, door latches, and air bags.
- Check that all four recalls were completed, especially the two antilock brake recalls and the automatic transmission recall, since unrepaired safety defects could affect braking or shifting.
- Ask for any service records related to the engine and transmission, because even without complaints, the recalls suggest potential issues that should be documented.
- Test drive at highway speeds and watch for the transmission going into limp mode, getting stuck in 5th gear, or failing to shift; these are common owner complaints.
- Inspect the rear window and defroster for cracks or signs of shattering, and check for any electrical gremlins like warning lights or sensor failures.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA.gov to confirm all open recalls are fixed for whichever vehicle you consider.
- For the Ford F-150, ask for transmission service history and scan for codes like P0722 (output speed sensor) before buying.
- For the GMC B7, verify the antilock brake recall was performed and test the brakes on a safe road.
- Take any used truck to an independent mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the transmission, electrical system, and brakes.
- Ask the seller for a complete repair history and compare it to the complaint patterns in this report.
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 GMC B7 or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- GMC B7 vs FORD F 150
- GMC B7 total complaints
- 0
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- GMC B7 total recalls
- 4
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- GMC B7 avg complaints/year
- 0.0
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- GMC B7
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN