Head-to-head reliability
Honda Vtx1300 vs FORD F 150
How the Honda Vtx1300 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 Vtx1300 vs FORD F 150: The VTX1300 averages 33 complaints per year with 2 recalls, while the F-150 averages 1,162 complaints per year with 151 recalls. The VTX1300's main issue is a front-end wobble; the F-150's is transmission limp mode. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Honda Vtx1300 or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Honda Vtx1300
The Honda VTX1300 is a cruiser motorcycle with a loyal following, but NHTSA data shows a steady stream of complaints—about 33 per year over seven years. The most common issues involve steering and suspension, particularly a front-end wobble at certain speeds that owners describe as unsettling. Electrical gremlins, like dim speedometer lights and odometers that black out, also appear. With only 2 recalls, it's not a recall-heavy machine, but the persistent wobble complaints suggest you should test-ride carefully.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is America's best-selling truck, and with over 11,600 complaints in ten years, it's clear that many owners have had problems. The most frequent complaints involve the power train—especially transmission issues like limp mode and stuck gears—and electrical system faults. There are also 151 recalls, covering engines, seat belts, and airbags. While the F-150 is capable, the volume of complaints and recalls means a used buyer should be diligent about checking for open recalls and transmission behavior.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Honda Vtx1300 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 231 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 2 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 6 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 33.0 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 8 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 Vtx1300
- 01STEERING125
- 02SUSPENSION58
- 03VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL16
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM14
- 05WHEELS13
Owners report a front-end wobble, often between 38-45 mph, that requires a firm grip on the handlebars. Some also note uneven front tire wear, with more wear on the left side. This matters because it can affect control and tire life.
Complaints describe a major front wheel wobble at 40-50 mph, sometimes noticed as early as 450 miles. Dealers may dismiss it as normal, but owners say it's persistent. A buyer should test ride at these speeds to feel for any shimmy.
The speedometer/odometer can be inaccurate by about 10%, reading high. Owners say this leads to driving slower than intended, causing tailgating and unsafe traffic flow. It's a constant distraction and could affect your sense of speed.
Dim speedometer lights make night riding difficult, and odometers can black out, leaving you unable to track mileage or fuel range. These are small but annoying failures that can compromise basic riding information.
“I HAVE OVER 17,000 MILES MY 2003 HONDA VTX 1300S. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE FRONT AND REAR TIRES SEVERAL TIMES DUE TO WHAT SEEMED TO BE NORMAL WEAR PATTERNS. HE FRONT TIRE WEAR IS UNACCEPTABLE. THERE IS OBVIOUSLY MORE WEAR ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE TIRE. THIS H…”
“THE VTX 1300 HAS A SEVERE WOBBLE ON DECELERATION FROM 45 - 40 MPH THAT REQUIRES THE RIDER TO MAINTAIN A FIRM GRIP ON THE BARS. I HAVE SPOKEN WITH 4 DIFFERENT HONDA DEALERS AND THEY ALL SAY THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM. I BELONG TO A VTX RIDERS GROUP…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners report transmission problems like limp mode, stuck in 5th gear, and lead frame issues that can cause sudden loss of power. One owner said a near-collision led them to replace the lead frame. These failures can be dangerous and expensive.
The lead frame issue also appears under electrical, causing transmission malfunctions. Another complaint describes a rear window defroster short that caused the back window to shatter. Electrical gremlins can be intermittent and hard to diagnose.
A rear window defroster short led to the back window exploding outward. This is a rare but alarming failure that could happen without warning. Buyers should check for any signs of electrical arcing or window damage.
While not detailed in the sample, exterior lighting is a top complaint area. Owners may report lights failing or flickering, which affects visibility and safety. Inspect all lights before purchase.
“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 Vtx1300 — 2 recalls
The defect: HONDA IS RECALLING 38,934 MY 2006-2007 VT600 AND MY 2007-2008 VT750 AND VTX1300 MOTORCYCLES. THE MOTORCYCLES MAY HAVE AN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED FUEL CONTROL VALVE DIAPHRAGM AND THE FUEL VALVE MAY DRIP FUEL.
The risk: IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, DRIPPING FUEL POSES THE RISK OF FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL CONTROL VALVE DIAPHRAGM ASSEMBLY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 22, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-866-784-1870.
The defect: HONDA IS RECALLING 38,934 MY 2006-2007 VT600 AND MY 2007-2008 VT750 AND VTX1300 MOTORCYCLES. THE MOTORCYCLES MAY HAVE AN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED FUEL CONTROL VALVE DIAPHRAGM AND THE FUEL VALVE MAY DRIP FUEL.
The risk: IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, DRIPPING FUEL POSES THE RISK OF FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL CONTROL VALVE DIAPHRAGM ASSEMBLY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 22, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-866-784-1870.
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 Vtx1300 or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Honda VTX1300 has far fewer complaints per year (33 vs. 1,162 for the F-150), but that's partly because motorcycles sell in lower volumes. In practice, the VTX1300's issues are more focused on handling wobbles and small electrical faults, while the F-150's problems are more numerous and can involve serious transmission failures. If you want fewer reported problems overall, the VTX1300 wins, but you must still test for the wobble.
Key differences
- The VTX1300's most common complaint is a front-end wobble at 38-50 mph, while the F-150's top issue is transmission limp mode and stuck gears.
- The F-150 has 151 recalls covering engines, seat belts, and airbags; the VTX1300 has only 2 recalls, both for fuel delivery.
- VTX1300 owners report speedometer inaccuracy and dim lights; F-150 owners report lead frame failures and a rear window shattering due to a defroster short.
- The F-150 has 330 crash-related complaints and 297 injuries; the VTX1300 has 6 crash-related and 8 injuries, though exposure differs.
- Test ride at 38-50 mph and feel for any front-end wobble or shimmy; if present, it may need steering or suspension work.
- Check the speedometer against a GPS to see if it reads about 10% high, and verify the odometer is legible and not blacked out.
- During a test drive, watch for transmission shudder, delayed engagement, or going into limp mode; scan for stored codes like P0722.
- Inspect the rear window for cracks or signs of defroster damage, and check for any electrical smells or arcing.
Before you buy
- For the VTX1300: test ride at 40 mph and check for wobble; inspect front tire for uneven wear.
- For the F-150: run a VIN check for open recalls, especially 26S28, and ask for transmission service records.
- For both: get a pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic who knows the model.
- For the F-150: test all electrical features, including rear defroster, lights, and infotainment.
- For the VTX1300: verify speedometer accuracy with a GPS and check that all dashboard lights work.
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 Vtx1300 or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Honda Vtx1300 vs FORD F 150
- Honda Vtx1300 total complaints
- 231
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Honda Vtx1300 total recalls
- 2
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Honda Vtx1300 avg complaints/year
- 33.0
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Honda Vtx1300
- Honda Vtx1300 top complaint area
- STEERING
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN