Head-to-head reliability
Honda Prologue vs FORD F 150
How the Honda Prologue 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 Prologue vs FORD F 150: The Prologue averages 334 complaints per year with 4 recalls, while the F-150 averages 1,162 complaints per year with 151 recalls. Prologue issues often involve steering noises; F-150 issues include transmission limp mode. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Honda Prologue or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Honda Prologue
The Honda Prologue is an electric SUV that has been on the road for about three years, averaging roughly 334 complaints per year. Owners frequently report clicking, knocking, or clunking noises from the steering and front suspension, especially during low-speed turns. Electrical issues, such as high-voltage charging failures and infotainment glitches, also appear in complaints. While the overall complaint volume is lower than the F-150's, the recurring nature of these noises and electrical faults can be frustrating for a new owner.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a long history, averaging about 1,162 complaints per year over the past decade. Power train problems, particularly transmission issues like limp mode and lead frame failures, dominate owner reports. Electrical system complaints, including sensor failures and rear window defroster shorts, are also common. With 151 recalls and a higher complaint rate, the F-150 demands more attention to maintenance and recall checks.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Honda Prologue | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,003 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 4 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 17 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 334.3 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 21 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 Prologue
- 01STEERING302
- 02SUSPENSION236
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM197
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER188
- 05POWER TRAIN182
Owners describe a clicking or knocking noise when turning the steering wheel at low speeds, often during parking or tight turns. Some report the noise originates from the front axle or wheel area, and dealerships may say it's a known issue without a fix.
Complaints include clicking or clunking sounds from the front suspension at slow speeds or over minor bumps. One owner reported the noise at just 750 miles, and another was told by a dealer that it's a known issue that can't be fixed yet.
Owners report high-voltage system alerts that prevent charging and render the vehicle inoperable. Others mention repeated issues with the HondaLink app not working properly, requiring multiple dealership visits.
The rearview camera is described as unusably dark at night, creating a safety hazard. The HondaLink app also fails to function correctly for some owners, even after multiple attempts to fix it.
“I bought the vehicle with about 12k a few months go. While making a shap left turn I noticed some clicking. This happen seminary regularly. After doing some research I found out this was a common issue. Since, it didn't happen that often I ignored it. On Tues…”
“My 2025 Honda Prologue is experiencing a consistent knocking/cracking noise when turning the steering wheel at low speeds, particularly during tight turns such as parking or exiting driveways. The noise appears to originate from the front axle or wheel area a…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners report recurring transmission problems, including limp mode, getting stuck in 5th gear, and lead frame failures that can cause near-collisions. Some say the lead frame issue has persisted for over a decade without a proper remedy.
Electrical complaints include lead frame issues affecting transmission sensors and output speed sensor failures that trigger limp mode. A rear window defroster short caused one owner's back window to shatter.
A short in the rear window defroster led to the back window exploding outward, according to one owner. This suggests potential electrical faults that can have dangerous consequences.
While specific complaint text is not provided, exterior lighting is a top component with 1,224 complaints. Buyers should check for lighting malfunctions, which can affect visibility and 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 Prologue — 4 recalls
The defect: American Honda Motor Company (Honda) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Honda Prologue and 2024 Acura ZDX vehicles. The rearview camera screen may display a distorted or blank image.
The risk: A rearview image that does not display correctly reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 7, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in late 2026. Owners may co…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2024 Prologue vehicles. The right front lower control arm may contain a manufacturing defect that can cause it to fracture.
The risk: A right front lower control arm fracture can cause loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the right front lower control arm as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 3, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2024 Acura ZDX and Prologue vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail. Additionally, a software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank screen when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles…
The risk: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash or injury. Additionally, the loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rea…
The fix: Dealers will update the vehicle radio control module software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed April 22, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are TNL and XNK. Vehicl…
The defect: American Honda Motor Company (Honda) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Honda Prologue and 2024 Acura ZDX vehicles. The rearview camera screen may display a distorted or blank image.
The risk: A rearview image that does not display correctly reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 7, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in late 2026. Owners may co…
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 Prologue or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Honda Prologue has far fewer complaints per year (about 334) compared to the Ford F-150 (about 1,162). In practice, this means Prologue owners may encounter fewer overall issues, but the recurring steering and suspension noises can still be annoying. The F-150's higher complaint rate reflects more frequent power train and electrical problems that can be costly and dangerous.
Key differences
- The Honda Prologue averages about 334 complaints per year, while the Ford F-150 averages about 1,162 per year, indicating a much higher complaint rate for the F-150.
- Prologue owners frequently report steering and suspension noises (clicking, knocking) at low speeds, whereas F-150 owners report serious power train issues like limp mode and lead frame failures.
- The F-150 has 151 recalls over 10 years, compared to 4 recalls for the Prologue over 3 years, suggesting the F-150 may require more frequent recall-related visits.
- Electrical problems differ: Prologue complaints include high-voltage charging failures and camera darkness, while F-150 complaints include sensor failures and a rear window defroster short that caused a window to shatter.
- Listen for clicking or knocking noises from the front suspension and steering while turning at low speeds, such as in parking lots.
- Test the high-voltage charging system and check for any alerts; also verify the rearview camera visibility at night and the functionality of the HondaLink app.
- Test drive and check for transmission shuddering, delayed engagement, or limp mode; ask if the lead frame or output speed sensor has been replaced.
- Inspect the rear window defroster for proper operation and look for any signs of electrical shorts or previous window damage.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic who specializes in the specific model (EV for Prologue, trucks for F-150).
- For the Prologue, test the charging system at a public station and listen for suspension noises during a slow, tight turn.
- For the F-150, scan for transmission error codes and test the rear defroster and all electrical accessories.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially any transmission or electrical repairs, and confirm that all recall work has been completed.
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 Prologue | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 11 | 35 |
| 2025 | 150 | 345 |
| 2024 | 842 | 638 |
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 Prologue or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Honda Prologue vs FORD F 150
- Honda Prologue total complaints
- 1,003
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Honda Prologue total recalls
- 4
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Honda Prologue avg complaints/year
- 334.3
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Honda Prologue
- Honda Prologue top complaint area
- STEERING
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN