Head-to-head reliability
GMC Sierra vs FORD F 150
How the GMC Sierra 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 Sierra vs FORD F 150: Over 10 years, the Sierra averaged 434.5 complaints per year and 86 recalls, while the F-150 averaged 1,162.1 complaints and 151 recalls. The F-150 also had 330 crash-related complaints and 297 injuries, versus 107 and 68 for the Sierra. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the GMC Sierra or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
GMC Sierra
The GMC Sierra is a full-size pickup that owners rely on for work and towing. Over 10 years, it has averaged about 435 complaints per year, with most issues reported in the engine, power train, and electrical systems. Owners frequently describe glow plug and fuel system failures, transmission shuddering, and trailer brake warnings. While it has fewer complaints than the Ford F-150, the problems reported can still be serious and costly.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a popular full-size pickup with a high average of about 1,162 complaints per year over the past decade. The most common trouble spots are the power train, electrical system, and exterior lighting. Owners report recurring transmission problems, including limp mode and lead frame failures, as well as electrical glitches like rear window defroster shorts. These issues can lead to sudden loss of power and safety risks.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | GMC Sierra | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 4,345 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 86 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 107 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 434.5 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 68 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 Sierra
- 01ENGINE1,552
- 02POWER TRAIN949
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM665
- 04SERVICE BRAKES576
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER439
Owners report constant glow plug failures, fuel rail and fuel pressure failures, especially in diesel models. These can cause repeated dealership visits and expensive repairs, leaving the truck undriveable.
Complaints include abnormal shaking, stalling, and loss of power while driving, sometimes requiring reflashing at the dealership. This can be dangerous when merging or towing, as the truck may suddenly slow down.
Frequent 'Service Trailer Brake System' warnings that keep reappearing, and in rare cases, fires while parked. These electrical gremlins can be annoying and potentially hazardous.
Owners towing heavy loads report brake issues, such as difficulty stopping on downhill roads. This is a critical safety concern for those who use the truck for towing.
“Constant issues with glow plug failures, fuel rail failure, fuel pressure failure. Truck has been in the Gmc service regarding these issues constantly for the last year with a total of five repairs and replacement of glow plugs with releaning learning new plu…”
“GM Duramax L5P diesel engine electrical connector for #4 fuel injector. This failure caused the Diesel exhaust brake, which controls downhill speed, to disengage, extreme shaking of the vehicle, emissions system warning and speed limiting. This occurred while…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
The 'lead frame' issue causes transmission to go into limp mode, stuck in 5th gear, or sudden loss of power. Owners report near collisions and recurring failures even after repairs.
Same lead frame problem can also trigger electrical faults, and some owners report rear window defroster shorts causing the back window to shatter. These electrical issues can be unpredictable and costly.
Complaints include rear window explosion due to defroster short, which can happen while driving. This is a serious safety and quality concern.
Although not detailed in sample complaints, this is a top component with many complaints. Buyers should check for lighting malfunctions that could affect visibility.
“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 Sierra — 86 recalls
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The hood-latch striker wires may not have been heat-treated properly, possibly causing them to fracture.
The risk: If a striker wire fractures, the hood may open unexpectedly while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the hood assembly, free of charge. The recall began April 13, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267. GM's number for…
The defect: General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and GMC Sierra 2500 vehicles equipped with a 17" spare tire (RPO ZHQ or ZXT) and either the 20" accessory road tire (RPO REM) or the 18" accessory road tire (RPO Q2V). Operating the spare tire with other 20" or 18" ti…
The risk: An ABS system that cannot control the rear wheels independently increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will provide the appropriate spare tire and apply a new spare tire information label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 18, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; GMC…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe and GMC Yukon XL and 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The seat belt brackets may not be secured to the seat frame…
The risk: If a seat-belt bracket is not secured, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the front-row center seat position, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect left-side and right-side front-row center seat-belt bracket attachments and reassemble it correctly as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 26, 2021. Owners may contact GMC cus…
The defect: General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT5 and XT6, Chevrolet Blazer, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500 and Traverse and GMC Acadia and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The diffuser component of the Roof-Rail Air Bag (RRAB) inflator may not have been properly cr…
The risk: If the diffuser separates from the inflator during deployment, RRAB performance may be degraded, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect RRAB modules, free of charge. The recall began September 3, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, or…
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 Sierra or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The GMC Sierra has far fewer complaints per year (about 435) compared to the Ford F-150 (about 1,162). In practice, this means you're less likely to face frequent repair visits with the Sierra, but both trucks have notable issues. The Ford's higher complaint rate suggests a higher risk of recurring problems, especially with the transmission.
Key differences
- The Ford F-150 has nearly three times as many complaints per year as the GMC Sierra, with power train issues being the most common.
- Ford F-150 owners frequently report transmission limp mode and lead frame failures, while GMC Sierra owners report engine glow plug and fuel system failures.
- The GMC Sierra has fewer crash-related complaints (107 vs. 330) and injuries (68 vs. 297) over the same period.
- Both trucks have electrical system complaints, but the Ford's include rear window shattering, a unique and dangerous issue.
- Check for any signs of glow plug or fuel system issues, especially in diesel models, by asking for maintenance records and scanning for engine codes.
- Test the trailer brake system thoroughly and look for any recurring 'Service Trailer Brake System' warnings during a test drive.
- Test drive the truck at highway speeds and watch for transmission shuddering, delayed shifting, or limp mode; ask if the lead frame has been replaced.
- Inspect the rear window for any cracks or signs of stress, and test the defroster to ensure it doesn't short or cause overheating.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls, especially for the Ford's lead frame and the GMC's brake issues.
- Have a mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the transmission (Ford) and engine (GMC).
- During a test drive, pay attention to any warning lights, unusual noises, or shifting problems.
- Ask the seller for all maintenance records, especially for transmission or engine repairs.
- Verify that any outstanding recalls have been addressed by a dealership.
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 | GMC Sierra | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 84 | 35 |
| 2025 | 152 | 345 |
| 2024 | 525 | 638 |
| 2023 | 545 | 1527 |
| 2022 | 1250 | 3493 |
| 2021 | 0 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 0 | 44 |
| 2019 | 1122 | 52 |
| 2018 | 66 | 79 |
| 2017 | 601 | 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 GMC Sierra or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- GMC Sierra vs FORD F 150
- GMC Sierra total complaints
- 4,345
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- GMC Sierra total recalls
- 86
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- GMC Sierra avg complaints/year
- 434.5
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- GMC Sierra
- GMC Sierra top complaint area
- ENGINE
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN