Head-to-head reliability
Honda Crosstour vs FORD F 150
How the Honda Crosstour 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 Crosstour vs FORD F 150: The Crosstour averaged 34.5 complaints per year over 4 years, while the F-150 averaged 1,162.1 per year over 10 years. The F-150 also had 151 recalls versus 13 for the Crosstour. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Honda Crosstour or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Honda Crosstour
The Honda Crosstour is a mid-size crossover that averaged about 35 complaints per year over four years, with 13 recalls. Owners report electrical glitches, steering failures, and power train vibrations. The low complaint volume suggests fewer chronic issues, but the steering and engine complaints can be serious.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup that generated over 11,600 complaints in ten years—about 1,162 per year—and 151 recalls. Power train and electrical problems dominate, with many reports of limp mode, lead frame failures, and rear window shattering. The sheer volume indicates widespread, recurring issues that can affect safety and reliability.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Honda Crosstour | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 138 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 13 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 5 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 34.5 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 9 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 Crosstour
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM32
- 02STEERING28
- 03POWER TRAIN23
- 04ENGINE16
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER14
Owners report aftermarket ignition interlock devices malfunctioning, disabling the ignition and preventing starts. This can leave a driver stranded and is a recurring electrical headache.
Electronic power steering (EPS) can fail while driving, often at highway speeds, causing warning lights and loss of assist. Dealers may reset codes, but failures can recur, making steering unpredictable.
Harsh vibrations from the passenger side front, especially above 30 mph under acceleration, are commonly reported. Owners often spend time and money chasing the cause without a clear fix.
Some owners experience engine seizure while driving, requiring multiple restart attempts. Another report notes a timing belt failing 13.5 months after replacement, causing catastrophic engine damage.
“An aftermarket ignition interlock device (Intoxalock eLERT model) installed in my vehicle repeatedly malfunctioned and disabled the vehicle’s ignition system, preventing the vehicle from starting and operating normally. The device was installed on October 6,…”
“An aftermarket ignition interlock device installed in my vehicle requires “rolling retests” while the vehicle is in motion. During these rolling retests, the device alerts the driver and requires a breath sample within a short time window. To complete the tes…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Transmission issues are rampant: limp mode, stuck in 5th gear, and lead frame failures that can cause near-collisions. These problems often recur even after repairs, affecting drivability and safety.
The same lead frame issue also appears under electrical complaints, along with output speed sensor failures that trigger limp mode. A short in the rear window defroster has caused back windows to shatter outward.
Rear window defroster shorts can lead to spontaneous shattering of the back glass, posing a risk of injury and costly repairs. This is a surprising and dangerous defect.
With 1,224 complaints, exterior lighting problems are frequent, though specific failure patterns are not detailed in the sample. Buyers should check all lights and expect potential electrical gremlins.
“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 Crosstour — 13 recalls
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014 Honda Insight and Acura TSX and TSX Wagon, 2014-2015 Honda Crosstour and Pilot vehicles nationwide, as well as certain 2014 Honda FCX Clarity and Fit EV vehicles in Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississip…
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2014 TSX Sport Wagon, 2010-2013 ZDX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic and Civic Hybrid, 2008-2010 Civic GX NGV, 2012-2015 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2014 Fit EV, 2010-20…
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are F…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2013 TSX Sport Wagon, and 2010-2012 ZDX and 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV, 2012-2014 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2013 Insight, and 200…
The risk: An incorrectly installed air bag inflator may not properly deploy the passenger frontal air bag in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the inflator installation and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 5, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service…
The defect: HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 ACCORD AND CROSSTOUR VEHICLES. THE DRIVER-SIDE OR PASSENGER-SIDE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG INFLATOR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED ACCORDING TO CORRECT SPECIFICATIONS.
The risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG MAY FAIL TO DEPLOY, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
The fix: HONDA WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER'S SIDE OR PASSENGER'S SIDE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG AS NEEDED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 24, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-999-1009.
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 Crosstour or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Honda Crosstour has far fewer issues per year (about 35 vs. 1,162 for the F-150). In practice, that means a Crosstour buyer is less likely to face constant repairs, while an F-150 owner may deal with recurring power train and electrical faults that can be dangerous and expensive.
Key differences
- The Ford F-150 has over 11,600 complaints in 10 years, while the Honda Crosstour has only 138 in 4 years—a massive difference in reported problems per year.
- F-150 owners frequently report transmission limp mode and lead frame failures that can cause near-collisions; Crosstour owners more often report EPS steering failure and engine seizure.
- The F-150 has 151 recalls versus 13 for the Crosstour, including air bag, engine, and seat belt issues.
- Crosstour complaints include aftermarket ignition interlock malfunctions, while F-150 complaints include rear window shattering from defroster shorts.
- Test the electronic power steering thoroughly at various speeds and listen for warning chimes; EPS failure can occur suddenly while driving.
- Check for timing belt service records and verify the belt was replaced with quality parts, as premature failure can destroy the engine.
- Scan for transmission codes and test drive at highway speeds to check for limp mode or harsh shifting, especially around 5th gear.
- Inspect the rear window defroster for signs of shorting and ask if the back glass has ever shattered or been replaced.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models, especially air bag and engine recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission and electrical system on the F-150, and the steering and engine on the Crosstour.
- Test drive the F-150 extensively, including highway speeds, to feel for transmission slipping or limp mode.
- For the Crosstour, test the steering at low and high speeds and check for any warning lights related to ABS, traction control, or brakes.
- Ask for maintenance records, particularly timing belt replacement on the Crosstour and any transmission repairs on the F-150.
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 Crosstour or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Honda Crosstour vs FORD F 150
- Honda Crosstour total complaints
- 138
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Honda Crosstour total recalls
- 13
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Honda Crosstour avg complaints/year
- 34.5
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Honda Crosstour
- Honda Crosstour top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN