Head-to-head reliability
Honda Cbr300r vs FORD F 150
How the Honda Cbr300r 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
Honda Cbr300r vs FORD F 150: The Honda Cbr300r has 11 complaints and 6 recalls over 10 years, while the Ford F 150 has 11,621 complaints and 151 recalls. The Honda’s main issue is engine stalling; the Ford’s is transmission and electrical problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Honda Cbr300r or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Honda Cbr300r
The Honda CBR300R is a small-displacement sport motorcycle often bought as a first bike or commuter. Over 10 years, NHTSA logged 11 complaints—about 1.1 per year—with most focused on the engine. Owners report sudden power loss and stalling, and there are 6 recalls, including one for an engine issue that can cause a crash. Living with it means staying on top of recall work and being alert to any sign of the engine cutting out.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup used for work and family duty, and it dominates the road. In 10 years, NHTSA recorded 11,621 complaints—about 1,162 per year—plus 151 recalls. The most common trouble spots are the power train and electrical system, with owners describing transmission limp mode and lead frame failures. It’s a high-volume vehicle with a long list of reported problems, so a thorough pre-purchase inspection is critical.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Honda Cbr300r | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 11 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 6 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1.1 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 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.
Honda Cbr300r
- 01ENGINE8
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2
- 03POWER TRAIN2
- 04ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING1
- 05ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)1
Owners report the engine suddenly losing power and shutting off while riding, sometimes locking the rear tire for a split second. This can happen at speed, so any stalling or rough running is a serious safety concern.
Complaints mention the bank angle sensor illuminating and recall-related service issues. Electrical glitches can leave you stranded or affect safety systems, so check for warning lights and confirm recall repairs.
After a recall repair, some owners say the rear of the motorcycle shakes when shifting or in neutral. Others report difficulty downshifting and a loose front sprocket. These symptoms point to transmission or driveline problems that can worsen over time.
One owner reported the motorcycle stalling at about 25 mph and not restarting, traced to a crank issue. Stalling in traffic is dangerous, so a buyer should test ride and listen for any irregular engine behavior.
“AS I WAS DRIVING GOING AROUND 60MPH, SUDDENLY MY ENGINE LOST POWER, THE MOTORCYCLE SHUT OFF AND AS A RESULT MY REAR TIRE LOCKED UP FOR A SPLIT SECOND. I WAS ABLE TO TO GET TO GET OFF THE ROAD, THANKFULLY NO ONE WAS HURT. AS I TRIED TURNING THE MOTORCYCLE BACK…”
“I RECEIVED A WARANTEE RECALL NOTICE FOR MY HONDA CB300R MOTORCYCLE EARLY AUGUST. IT IS NOW MIDDLE,LATE SEPT. ALMOST 60 DAYS. I MADE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE ENGINE REPAIRED AS DESCRIBED ON HONDA SAFTEY RECALL NOTICE NHTSA RECALL 16V-528 AT THE HONDA LOCATIO…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners describe a recurring lead frame issue that can cause the truck to enter limp mode or get stuck in 5th gear, sometimes almost causing a collision. Transmission problems are the most common complaint and can be expensive to fix.
The same lead frame problem also shows up as an electrical fault, and some report output speed sensor failures that trigger limp mode. Electrical gremlins can disable safety features and leave you stranded.
One owner reported the rear window defroster shorted and the back window exploded outward. While rare, this shows that even non-mechanical parts can fail in surprising and dangerous ways.
Exterior lighting is a top complaint area, though specific failure details are not in the sample. Lighting problems affect visibility and can be a safety risk, so check all lights during inspection.
“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.
Honda Cbr300r — 6 recalls
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019 CB300R, 2018 CBR300R, 2018 CRF250L, 2018 CRF250L Rally, and 2018-2019 CMX300 motorcycles. The circlip, on the transmission's main shaft, may detach allowing for gear misalignment.
The risk: A misaligned gear can shift the transmission from neutral into gear during engine start, potentially resulting in unexpected motorcycle movement or seize the transmission and rear wheel while the motorcycle is in motion. Both conditions in…
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission main shaft, free of charge. The recall began July 8, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is KK3.
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 CBR300RA, CBR300R and CB300F motorcycles. The affected motorcycles may have an improperly machined crankshaft which may result in the failure of the connecting rod bearing retainer.
The risk: If the connecting rod bearing retainer fails, the engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the crankshaft assembly, free of charge. The recall began on August 26, 2016. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is KB9.
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 CBR300RA, CBR300R and CB300F motorcycles. The affected motorcycles may have an improperly machined crankshaft which may result in the failure of the connecting rod bearing retainer.
The risk: If the connecting rod bearing retainer fails, the engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the crankshaft assembly, free of charge. The recall began on August 26, 2016. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is KB9.
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 ST1300PA, 2014-2015 CB500, CBR500, CRF250L, CBR650, CTX700, NSS300, VT750, VT1300, 2015 CB300F, CBR300, CBR600, and 2014-2016 NC700 motorcycles. In the affected motorcycles, sealant may have been incorrectly applied to the s…
The risk: A loss of electrical power may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace any affected starter relay switch, free of charge. The recall began on August 31, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is JS9 a…
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
Honda Cbr300r or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Honda CBR300R has far fewer issues per year—about 1.1 complaints annually versus about 1,162 for the Ford F-150. In practice, that means the motorcycle is less likely to generate frequent repair visits, while the F-150’s high complaint volume reflects a much larger fleet and a wide range of reported problems. Still, any single vehicle can have issues, so condition and maintenance history matter more than averages.
Key differences
- The Honda CBR300R has 11 complaints over 10 years, while the Ford F-150 has 11,621—about 1,000 times more, though the F-150 is sold in far greater numbers.
- Honda owners most often report engine stalling and power loss, whereas Ford owners most often report transmission limp mode and lead frame failures.
- The Honda has 6 recalls; the Ford has 151 recalls, covering issues from engines to seat belts and air bags.
- The Ford F-150 has 330 crash-related complaints and 297 injuries in the data, while the Honda has 1 crash-related complaint and 1 injury.
- Any history of the engine stalling or losing power while riding—test ride at various speeds and ask if the recall for the engine issue (NHTSA 16V-528) was done.
- Warning lights for the bank angle sensor or electrical system, and any shaking or difficulty shifting after a recall repair.
- Transmission that hesitates, slips, or gets stuck in a gear—especially limp mode or stuck in 5th—and any stored codes for output speed sensor or lead frame.
- Electrical issues like warning lights, dead battery, or inoperative accessories, and check if the rear window defroster has ever shorted or caused the glass to break.
Before you buy
- Ask for the VIN and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website for both vehicles.
- For the Honda, test ride at highway speed and listen for any engine cut-out or unusual noise; check for smooth shifting.
- For the Ford, scan for transmission codes and test drive at highway speeds to feel for limp mode or harsh shifting.
- Inspect all lights, including brake, turn, and reverse, on both vehicles.
- Request maintenance records and a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the specific model.
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 | Honda Cbr300r | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 0 | 638 |
| 2023 | 0 | 1527 |
| 2022 | 0 | 3493 |
| 2021 | 0 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 0 | 44 |
| 2019 | 0 | 52 |
| 2018 | 1 | 79 |
| 2017 | 1 | 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 Honda Cbr300r or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Honda Cbr300r vs FORD F 150
- Honda Cbr300r total complaints
- 11
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Honda Cbr300r total recalls
- 6
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Honda Cbr300r avg complaints/year
- 1.1
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Honda Cbr300r
- Honda Cbr300r top complaint area
- ENGINE
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN