Head-to-head reliability
Honda Cmx300 vs FORD F 150
How the Honda Cmx300 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 Cmx300 vs FORD F 150: the CMX300 shows 1 complaint over 10 years (0.1/year) and 17 recalls, while the F-150 shows 11,621 complaints (about 1,162/year), 151 recalls, 330 crash-related reports, and 297 injuries. The F-150's reports center on transmission limp mode and lead-frame electrical faults. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Honda Cmx300 or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Honda Cmx300
The Honda CMX300 is a small-displacement motorcycle, and in ownership terms it shows very few reported problems: just one complaint over ten years, averaging 0.1 per year. That single complaint involved the clutch lever collapsing and the gear shifting inadvertently at about 25 mph, pointing to a power-train control concern rather than a broad pattern. Recalls exist (17 over the period), including steering and lighting items, so recall checks still matter even though owner-reported failures are rare.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a very high reported complaint volume: 11,621 complaints over ten years, about 1,162 per year, plus 151 recalls and 330 crash-related reports. The dominant owner-reported theme is power-train trouble, especially transmission limp mode, stuck gears, and lead-frame electrical faults that can affect shifting. Electrical-system complaints are the second-largest group, and owners also report engine, lighting, and body issues such as a rear-window defroster short that shattered the glass.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Honda Cmx300 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 17 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.1 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 Cmx300
- 01POWER TRAIN1
The one sample complaint describes a 2023 CMX300 where the clutch lever collapsed at about 25 mph and the gear shifted inadvertently. For a buyer, this means checking clutch-lever feel and adjustment, though the data shows this is an isolated report rather than a widespread pattern.
“The contact owns a 2023 Honda CMX300 Motorcycle. The contact stated while driving at approximately 25 MPH, the clutch lever collapsed, and the gear shifted inadvertently. The motorcycle was driven to the residence where the clutch lever was adjusted. The moto…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners repeatedly report transmission limp mode, getting stuck in 5th gear, and lead-frame faults that disrupt shifting, with one owner saying the issue 'nearly ended my life.' These are driving-relevant failures that can leave the truck in a reduced-power mode.
The same lead-frame problem appears in electrical complaints, and one owner reported an output-speed-sensor failure (code P0722) that triggered highway limp mode under a safety recall. Electrical faults here can directly affect transmission behavior, so a scan for stored codes is important.
One owner reported a short in the rear-window defroster that caused the back window to shatter outward shortly after the defroster was turned off. This is a body/electrical interaction worth inspecting on any used F-150.
Engine complaints are among the top component groups (880 reports), and engine-related recalls appear in the recall list. Buyers should treat engine and emissions-related recall history as part of the pre-purchase check.
“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 Cmx300 — 17 recalls
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2025 CMX300, CMX500, and CL500 motorcycles. The handlebar lock screw may loosen and detach.
The risk: A detached screw may lodge between the frame and stem, interfering with steering and increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the lock screw and apply thread lock, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 15, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is KUO. Vehicle…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023 Rebel 300 (CMX300) motorcycles. The right engine crank house cover was incorrectly painted, allowing the press-fit plug to fall out.
The risk: Oil can leak onto the exhaust pipe or rear tire without the plug, increasing the risk of a fire, crash, or injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the right crank case cover, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 25, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is KP2.
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2023, 2025 CMX500, 2017-2023, 2025-2026 CMX300, and 2025 Honda SCL500 motorcycles. The handlebar lock screw may loosen and detach.
The risk: A detached screw may lodge between the frame and stem, interfering with steering and increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the lock screw and apply thread lock, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 29, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is KU8. This recall expa…
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 Cmx300 or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Honda CMX300 has far fewer issues per year (0.1 complaints/year) than the Ford F-150 (about 1,162/year), a difference of roughly four orders of magnitude in reported complaint volume. In practice, the F-150 owner faces a much higher chance of encountering transmission, electrical, and engine-related problems, while the CMX300 data shows only an isolated power-train report.
Key differences
- Complaint volume: the CMX300 has 1 complaint over 10 years versus 11,621 for the F-150, so the F-150 shows a much broader reported problem pattern.
- Failure type: the CMX300's single report is a clutch-lever/gear-shift event, while the F-150's dominant reports are transmission limp mode, stuck gears, and lead-frame electrical faults.
- Safety outcomes in the data: the F-150 has 330 crash-related reports, 297 injuries, and 1 death, while the CMX300 shows 0 in each of those categories.
- Recall load: the F-150 has 151 recalls versus 17 for the CMX300, and the F-150 recall subjects include engine, seat-belt pretensioner, door latch, and air-bag inflator items.
- Check the clutch lever for looseness, collapse, or poor adjustment, since the one reported complaint involved the lever collapsing and the gear shifting inadvertently.
- Verify that all 17 recalls, especially steering/handlebar and lighting recalls, were completed by a dealer.
- Test-drive for transmission limp mode, stuck 5th gear, or harsh shifting, and scan for codes such as P0722 related to the output speed sensor.
- Inspect the rear-window defroster circuit and glass for signs of shorting or prior shattering, and confirm recall 26S28/26V23700 software was applied.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN through NHTSA to confirm open recalls on either vehicle, paying special attention to the F-150's 151 recalls and the CMX300's 17.
- On the F-150, request a pre-purchase scan for transmission and electrical codes, and test-drive enough to check for limp mode or stuck gears.
- On the CMX300, operate the clutch lever through its full range and confirm smooth gear engagement before buying.
- For the F-150, inspect the rear window and defroster operation, and ask whether the lead frame or output speed sensor has been replaced.
- Ask for service records showing recall remedies were performed, especially the F-150's 26S28 software update and any steering or lighting fixes on the CMX300.
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 Cmx300 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 35 |
| 2025 | 0 | 345 |
| 2024 | 0 | 638 |
| 2023 | 1 | 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 Cmx300 or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Honda Cmx300 vs FORD F 150
- Honda Cmx300 total complaints
- 1
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Honda Cmx300 total recalls
- 17
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Honda Cmx300 avg complaints/year
- 0.1
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Honda Cmx300
- Honda Cmx300 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN