Head-to-head reliability
Honda Nc700x vs FORD F 150
How the Honda Nc700x 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 Nc700x vs FORD F 150: Over 10 years, the NC700X had 2 complaints and 2 recalls, while the F-150 had 11,621 complaints and 151 recalls. The F-150 also recorded 330 crash-related reports and 297 injuries; the NC700X had none. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Honda Nc700x or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Honda Nc700x
The Honda NC700X is a midsize motorcycle often used for commuting and light touring. Over ten years, NHTSA logged just 2 complaints and 2 recalls, with no crashes, injuries, or deaths reported. The few complaints center on the dual clutch transmission cover plate breaking during removal, and the recalls involve the starter relay. For a buyer, this suggests a low reported problem rate, but the data is thin and specific to a niche model.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup used for work and family duty. In ten years, NHTSA recorded 11,621 complaints and 151 recalls, including 330 crash-related reports, 297 injuries, and 1 death. Owners frequently describe transmission limp mode, lead frame failures, and electrical glitches. This volume indicates many reported issues, though not every truck will experience them.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Honda Nc700x | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 2 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.2 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 Nc700x
- 01POWER TRAIN2
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER1
Owners report the dual clutch transmission cover plate breaking into two pieces during removal. This can lead to transmission damage and costly repairs if not addressed.
A duplicate complaint repeats the same cover plate breakage under an unknown category. It highlights that the issue may be misclassified, so buyers should ask about transmission service history.
Two recalls address the starter relay, which could cause starting problems or electrical faults. A buyer should verify these recalls were performed.
“PLEASE REFER TO MY ORIGINAL COMPLAINT NUMBER OF 11217973 IN WHICH I DIDN'T LIST THE PROBLEM UNDER THE NC700 CATEGORY AND MISTAKENLY LISTED IT AS THE HONDA NM4 (COMMON NAME FOR THIS MOTORCYCLE). THE ORIGINAL INFO IS BELOW: THIS IS A HONDA MOTORCYCLE WITH A DUA…”
“COVER PLATE FOR THE DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION BROKE INTO TWO PIECES DURING REMOVAL.”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners describe recurring transmission problems, including limp mode, stuck gears, and lead frame failures that can cause sudden loss of power. One owner said a lead frame issue 'nearly ended my life.'
Complaints include lead frame issues and output speed sensor failures that trigger limp mode. A rear window defroster short reportedly caused the back window to shatter.
Some reports involve rear window defroster shorts leading to shattered glass. This is a safety concern because it can happen without warning.
With 1,224 complaints, lighting problems are common. Faulty lights can reduce visibility and increase crash risk, so check all lights function properly.
“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 Nc700x — 2 recalls
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…
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 Nc700x or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Honda NC700X has far fewer issues per year (0.2 complaints/year) compared to the Ford F-150 (1,162.1 complaints/year). In practice, the F-150 owner faces a much higher chance of encountering reported problems, especially transmission and electrical faults. The NC700X data is limited but suggests a lower reported failure rate.
Key differences
- The Ford F-150 has 11,621 complaints over 10 years versus just 2 for the Honda NC700X, a massive difference in reported issues.
- F-150 owners report serious transmission limp mode and lead frame failures; NC700X complaints focus on a dual clutch cover plate breaking during removal.
- The F-150 has 330 crash-related reports, 297 injuries, and 1 death; the NC700X has none of these in the data.
- Both have recalls, but the F-150 has 151 recalls covering engines, seat belts, latches, and air bags, while the NC700X has 2 starter relay recalls.
- Inspect the dual clutch transmission cover plate for cracks or signs of previous breakage, as owners reported it breaking during removal.
- Verify that the starter relay recall has been completed, since two recalls address this part.
- Test drive and scan for transmission codes, especially lead frame and output speed sensor issues that cause limp mode.
- Check the rear window defroster operation and look for any cracks or shattering, as owners reported the glass exploding after defroster use.
Before you buy
- Ask for the vehicle identification number (VIN) and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website.
- For the NC700X, request maintenance records for the dual clutch transmission and confirm starter relay recall work.
- For the F-150, have a mechanic scan for transmission trouble codes and test the lead frame and output speed sensor.
- On the F-150, operate the rear defroster and inspect the rear window for cracks or prior replacement.
- Take a thorough test drive on both vehicles, paying attention to transmission shifting and any warning lights.
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 Nc700x | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Nc700x or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Honda Nc700x vs FORD F 150
- Honda Nc700x total complaints
- 2
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Honda Nc700x total recalls
- 2
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Honda Nc700x avg complaints/year
- 0.2
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Honda Nc700x
- Honda Nc700x top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN