Head-to-head reliability
Honda Cbr500r vs FORD F 150
How the Honda Cbr500r 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 Cbr500r vs FORD F 150: The CBR500R has 0 complaints over 10 years and 4 recalls, while the F-150 has 11,621 complaints, 151 recalls, and 330 crash-related reports. F-150 owners describe transmission limp mode and electrical shorts; the CBR500R has no complaint text. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Honda Cbr500r or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Honda Cbr500r
The Honda CBR500R is a midsize sport motorcycle with no owner complaints filed over the past decade, suggesting a quiet record in this data. Its four recalls cover brakes and exterior lighting, which are safety-related systems worth checking. With zero complaints, there is no reported pattern of recurring failures from owners. For a buyer, this points to a machine that has not generated the kind of repetitive problem reports seen on some other vehicles.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a very high complaint volume—over 11,600 in ten years—and 151 recalls. Owner reports center on power train and electrical problems, especially transmission limp mode, lead frame failures, and rear window defroster shorts that can shatter glass. These are not minor annoyances; some complaints describe near-collisions and highway breakdowns. A used F-150 needs a careful history check and a mechanic familiar with these patterns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Honda Cbr500r | 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.
Honda Cbr500r
No component data available.
Two of the four recalls involve hydraulic service brakes. No owner complaint text is on record, so the specific failure symptom is not described, but any brake recall means a buyer should confirm the fix was performed.
Two recalls cover exterior lighting. Again, no complaint details are available, but lighting failures can affect visibility and signaling, so verify the recall work was completed.
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners report the transmission suddenly entering limp mode and sticking in 5th gear, often daily, and a recurring 'lead frame' issue that one owner said nearly ended their life. These failures can leave the truck undrivable or dangerously slow on the highway.
The same lead frame problem is also filed under electrical, and one owner described a rear window defroster short that caused the back glass to explode outward. Electrical faults here can trigger transmission limp mode or unexpected glass breakage.
Complaints in this catch-all category include the rear window shattering after the defroster was turned off, with no external impact. This suggests a defect that can cause sudden, surprising damage.
Exterior lighting is a top complaint area by count, though no sample text is provided. Buyers should still check all lights and any related recalls, as lighting faults can affect 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.
Honda Cbr500r — 4 recalls
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 CB500X and CBR500R ABS motorcycles. Excessive grease in the ABS modulator may collect debris, which can get stuck in the check valve and cause a brake fluid leak.
The risk: A brake fluid leak can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the lot number on the ABS modulator, and replace the modulator as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 12, 2021. Owners may contact Honda Powersports customer service at 1-866-784-…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 CB500X and CBR500R ABS motorcycles. Excessive grease in the ABS modulator may collect debris, which can get stuck in the check valve and cause a brake fluid leak.
The risk: A brake fluid leak can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the lot number on the ABS modulator, and replace the modulator as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 12, 2021. Owners may contact Honda Powersports customer service at 1-866-784-…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Super Cub C125, CB500X, CB650R, CBR300R, CBR500R, CBR650R, Rebel 300, Rebel 500, Monkey, 2020 CRF250L, GROM, 2021 CRF300L, and CB500F motorcycles. The rear reflector lens may not reflect brightly enough. As such, these vehicles fail to…
The risk: A dim rear reflector may reduce the visibility of the motorcycle to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the rear reflector, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2021. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is KM3.
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Super Cub C125, CB500X, CB650R, CBR300R, CBR500R, CBR650R, Rebel 300, Rebel 500, Monkey, 2020 CRF250L, GROM, 2021 CRF300L, and CB500F motorcycles. The rear reflector lens may not reflect brightly enough. As such, these vehicles fail to…
The risk: A dim rear reflector may reduce the visibility of the motorcycle to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the rear reflector, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2021. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is KM3.
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 Cbr500r or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Honda CBR500R has zero complaints per year over ten years, while the Ford F-150 averages about 1,162 complaints per year. In practice, the F-150 has a documented pattern of recurring transmission and electrical failures that owners describe as dangerous, whereas the CBR500R has no such complaint record. The difference means a used F-150 carries far more reported risk of breakdown and costly repair.
Key differences
- The Ford F-150 has 11,621 complaints over ten years versus zero for the Honda CBR500R, a massive gap in reported owner problems.
- F-150 owners describe transmission limp mode, stuck gears, and lead frame failures that can cause near-collisions; the CBR500R has no complaint text describing any failure.
- The F-150 has 330 crash-related complaints and 297 injuries reported, while the CBR500R has none in this data.
- The CBR500R's four recalls are limited to brakes and lighting, while the F-150's 151 recalls span engine, seat belts, latches, and air bags.
- Confirm both hydraulic brake recalls were performed and test the brakes at low speed for any sponginess or noise.
- Check that both exterior lighting recalls were completed and verify all lights, including turn signals and brake lights, work.
- During a test drive, watch for the transmission suddenly dropping into limp mode or sticking in a gear, especially after highway speeds.
- Inspect the rear window and defroster operation; ask if the glass has ever shattered or if the defroster has shown any shorting.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA.gov to confirm all open recalls are closed for the specific vehicle you are considering.
- For the F-150, have a mechanic scan for transmission codes and check for lead frame or output speed sensor faults before purchase.
- For the CBR500R, ask for service records showing brake and lighting recall repairs were completed by a dealer.
- Test drive the F-150 on a highway ramp and note any harsh shifting, limp mode, or delayed engagement.
- Inspect the F-150's rear window and defroster wiring for signs of overheating or prior replacement.
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 Cbr500r | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 35 |
| 2025 | 0 | 345 |
| 2024 | 0 | 638 |
| 2023 | 0 | 1527 |
| 2022 | 0 | 3493 |
| 2021 | 0 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 0 | 44 |
| 2019 | 0 | 52 |
| 2018 | 0 | 79 |
| 2017 | 0 | 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 Cbr500r or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Honda Cbr500r vs FORD F 150
- Honda Cbr500r total complaints
- 0
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Honda Cbr500r total recalls
- 4
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Honda Cbr500r avg complaints/year
- 0.0
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Honda Cbr500r
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN