Head-to-head reliability
Honda Cbr650r vs FORD F 150
How the Honda Cbr650r 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 Cbr650r vs FORD F 150: The Honda CBR650R has 3 complaints and 5 recalls over 8 years, while the Ford F-150 has 11,621 complaints and 151 recalls over 10 years. The Ford also has 330 crash-related reports and 297 injuries. The Honda's main issue is e-clutch jolting; the Ford's are transmission and electrical failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Honda Cbr650r or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Honda Cbr650r
The Honda CBR650R is a sporty middleweight motorcycle that, over eight years, has generated only 3 complaints and 5 recalls. The complaint pattern centers on the electronic clutch system, which owners say can malfunction and cause the bike to jolt unpredictably. There are no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths in the data. For a buyer, this suggests a low-volume but potentially serious issue with the e-clutch that needs attention.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup that has accumulated 11,621 complaints and 151 recalls over ten years, with 330 crash-related reports, 297 injuries, and 1 death. The most common problem areas are the power train, electrical system, and exterior lighting. Owners describe recurring transmission problems, including limp mode and stuck gears, as well as electrical glitches like the lead frame issue. This is a high-volume vehicle with a wide range of reported failures.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Honda Cbr650r | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 3 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 5 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.4 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 Cbr650r
- 01UNKNOWN OR OTHER2
- 02POWER TRAIN1
Owners report the e-clutch system malfunctioning, with warning lights flickering and the bike jolting uncontrollably for about 3 seconds. This can happen at random, including mid-turn, which is dangerous. A buyer should test the e-clutch thoroughly and check for any software updates or recalls.
One owner found the gear shifter loose and sliding back and forth while parked. This suggests a potential assembly or fastener issue that could affect shifting. Inspect the shifter for tightness and wear.
“Vehicle E-Clutch system malfunctioning. When riding the e-clutch warning lights will flicker and cause the bike to jult uncontrollably for about 3 seconds. It happens at random, no one situation is the same, it could be in the middle of a turn, it could be at…”
“My motorcycle, which has presented constant failures with the e clutch system since the beginning of the purchase in October 2024 to the present date, having reported this many times to the dealership RAZEE Motorcycle Center. At first it was thought it could…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners report transmission problems such as limp mode, getting stuck in 5th gear, and lead frame failures. These can cause sudden loss of power and near-collisions. The lead frame issue is described as never-ending and may require repeated repairs.
The lead frame issue also appears under electrical, causing transmission malfunctions. Another owner reported a rear window defroster short that led to the back window shattering. Electrical faults can be intermittent and costly to diagnose.
A rear window defroster short caused the back window to explode outward. This is a safety hazard, especially if it happens while driving. Check for any signs of electrical arcing or previous window replacement.
With 1,224 complaints, exterior lighting is a frequent issue. Owners may experience failing lights, which can reduce visibility and increase crash risk. Test all lights and look for recalls related to lighting.
“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 Cbr650r — 5 recalls
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2024 CB650R and CBR650R motorcycles. The fasteners of the gear shift arm may loosen and detach, resulting in the inability to shift gears.
The risk: The inability to shift gears while riding increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the gear shift arm, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 31, 2025. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is KR7.
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2024-2025 CBR650R motorcycles. Engine vibration may cause the turn signal switch wire harness to become damaged, which can cause an electrical short circuit and blown fuse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal…
The risk: A blown fuse will cause a loss of turn signal, brake light, speedometer, and horn function, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and repair the turn signal switch wire harness as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 9, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for th…
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 2024-2025 CBR650R motorcycles. Engine vibration may cause the turn signal switch wire harness to become damaged, which can cause an electrical short circuit and blown fuse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal…
The risk: A blown fuse will cause a loss of turn signal, brake light, speedometer, and horn function, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and repair the turn signal switch wire harness as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 9, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for th…
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 Cbr650r or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Honda CBR650R has far fewer issues per year (0.4 complaints/year) compared to the Ford F-150 (1,162.1 complaints/year). In practice, the Honda is likely to have fewer problems overall, but the e-clutch issue can be severe. The Ford F-150 has a much higher volume of complaints and recalls, including crashes and injuries, making it a higher-risk used purchase.
Key differences
- The Honda CBR650R has 3 complaints and 5 recalls over 8 years, while the Ford F-150 has 11,621 complaints and 151 recalls over 10 years.
- The Honda's main reported issue is the e-clutch system causing jolts; the Ford's top issues are power train (transmission limp mode, lead frame) and electrical problems.
- The Ford F-150 has 330 crash-related reports, 297 injuries, and 1 death; the Honda has none in the data.
- The Ford F-150 has multiple recalls for engine, seat belts, latches, and air bags; the Honda's recalls are for clutch, wiring, and lighting.
- Test the e-clutch system extensively for any flickering warning lights or sudden jolts, especially at low speeds or in turns.
- Check the gear shifter for looseness or sliding, and ensure it engages gears properly.
- Scan for transmission trouble codes (like P0722) and test drive for limp mode or stuck gears, particularly in 2017 models with the 6-speed automatic.
- Inspect the rear window for cracks or signs of shattering, and test the defroster for proper function.
Before you buy
- Verify all open recalls are addressed by checking the NHTSA website with the VIN.
- For the Honda CBR650R, ask for service records related to the e-clutch and test ride in various conditions.
- For the Ford F-150, get a pre-purchase inspection focusing on transmission and electrical systems, including a diagnostic scan.
- Test all exterior lights and the rear window defroster on the Ford F-150.
- Obtain a vehicle history report to see if the vehicle has been in any crashes or had repeated repairs.
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 Cbr650r | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 35 |
| 2025 | 0 | 345 |
| 2024 | 1 | 638 |
| 2023 | 1 | 1527 |
| 2022 | 0 | 3493 |
| 2021 | 0 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 0 | 44 |
| 2019 | 0 | 52 |
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 Cbr650r or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Honda Cbr650r vs FORD F 150
- Honda Cbr650r total complaints
- 3
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Honda Cbr650r total recalls
- 5
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Honda Cbr650r avg complaints/year
- 0.4
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Honda Cbr650r
- Honda Cbr650r top complaint area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN