Head-to-head reliability
Isuzu Ascender vs FORD F 150
How the Isuzu Ascender 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
Isuzu Ascender vs FORD F 150: The Ascender averaged 51.5 complaints per year over 6 years, while the F-150 averaged 1,162.1 per year over 10 years. The F-150 also had 151 recalls versus 18 for the Ascender. Both have safety-related issues, but the F-150's volume is much higher. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Isuzu Ascender or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Isuzu Ascender
The Isuzu Ascender is a mid-size SUV that averaged about 52 complaints per year over six years, with 18 recalls. Owners frequently report electrical gremlins like no-starts and instrument cluster failures, plus fuel system issues such as gas leaks and inaccurate gauges. These patterns suggest that living with an Ascender means staying on top of electrical and fuel-related repairs, which can be safety-relevant.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup that generated about 1,162 complaints per year over ten years, with 151 recalls. The most common trouble spots are the powertrain and electrical system, with owners describing transmission limp mode, lead frame failures, and rear window explosions. This volume of reports indicates that many F-150s experience significant mechanical and electrical problems, though not every truck will.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Isuzu Ascender | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 309 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 18 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 10 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 51.5 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 6 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.
Isuzu Ascender
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM119
- 02FUEL SYSTEM81
- 03GASOLINE63
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING33
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM31
Owners report sudden no-start conditions, even after jump attempts, and instrument cluster failures that can cause smoke or flames. These issues can leave you stranded or create a fire risk, so a pre-purchase electrical inspection is wise.
Complaints include the service engine soon light coming on after fueling, a strong gasoline smell, and visible fuel leakage at the filler neck to tank connection. This is a fire hazard and should be repaired immediately if present.
Similar to fuel system complaints, owners report fuel leaks and persistent gasoline odors, often linked to the filler neck. These leaks can worsen over time and are a safety concern.
Headlights and daytime running lights can dim or go out without warning, especially at night. This reduces visibility and increases crash risk, so check all lighting functions carefully.
“HAD AUTO TOWED TO MIDAS AFTER INABILITY TO START, ATTEMPTED JUMP START, UNSUCCESSFUL. BATTERY REPLACED ON 12/28/15. DROVE AUTO NEXT SEVERAL DAYS AND ON 12/30/15 DROVE TO PICK UP MY HUSBAND, SHUT OFF CAR IN PARK. UNABLE TO START VEHICLE AGAIN, KEYS COULD NOT B…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 ISUZU ASCENDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GAUGES AND LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED SMOKE AND FLAMES COMING FROM THE CONTR…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners describe transmission limp mode, getting stuck in 5th gear, and lead frame failures that can cause near-collisions. These issues often require costly repairs and can affect drivability and safety.
Reports include lead frame problems and output speed sensor failures that trigger limp mode. Electrical faults can be intermittent and hard to diagnose, so a thorough scan for codes is essential.
Some owners report rear window defroster shorts leading to the back window shattering unexpectedly. This is a serious safety hazard that may not be covered by recalls.
While not detailed in the sample, exterior lighting is a top complaint category, suggesting issues like failing lights that can impair visibility. Inspect all lights for proper operation.
“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.
Isuzu Ascender — 18 recalls
The defect: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEM." THE OWNER'S MANUAL DOES NOT EXPLAIN THE MEANING OF THE LOCATION SYMBOLS FOR THE LOWER UNIVERSAL ANCHORAGE SYSTEM.
The risk: THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE STANDARD.
The fix: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A SUPPLEMENT FOR THEIR OWNER'S MANUAL. IT DESCRIBES AND SHOWS THE LOCATION SYMBOLS FOR THE CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORS THAT ARE LOCATED IN THE VEHICLE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 15, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTAC…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 SAAB 9-7x; 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT and GMC Envoy XL; and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier and Isuzu Ascender vehicles. Fluid may enter the driver's door master power window switch module, causing corro…
The risk: A short in the circuit board could lead to a fire, increasing the risk of personal injury. A fire could occur even while the vehicle is not in use. As a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until the remedy has been made.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the part number on the door module, and install a new door module if necessary, free of charge. Parts for the remedy are not currently available. An interim letter was mailed to owners in Aug…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 SAAB 9-7x; 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT and GMC Envoy XL; and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier and Isuzu Ascender vehicles. Fluid may enter the driver's door master power window switch module, causing corro…
The risk: A short in the circuit board could lead to a fire, increasing the risk of personal injury. A fire could occur even while the vehicle is not in use. As a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until the remedy has been made.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the part number on the door module, and install a new door module if necessary, free of charge. Parts for the remedy are not currently available. An interim letter was mailed to owners in Aug…
The defect: CERTAIN TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SHIPPED WITH TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABELS LISTING AN INACCCURATE VEHICLE CAPACITY WEIGHT.
The risk: A MISPRINTED LABEL COULD LEAD TO IMPROPER VEHICLE LOADING SPECIFICATIONS OR TIRE INFLATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN A TIRE FAILURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH CORRECTED LABELS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. AT THE CUSTOMER'S OPTION, A DEALER CAN INSTALL THE LABEL FOR THEM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-8…
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
Isuzu Ascender or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Isuzu Ascender has far fewer complaints per year (about 52) than the Ford F-150 (about 1,162), but both have notable safety-related issues. In practice, the F-150's higher volume means you're more likely to encounter problems, but the Ascender's lower volume doesn't guarantee reliability. Buyers should weigh the specific failure patterns against their needs.
Key differences
- The Isuzu Ascender averages about 52 complaints per year, while the Ford F-150 averages about 1,162 per year, a huge difference in reported problem frequency.
- Ascender owners frequently report no-start electrical issues and fuel leaks, whereas F-150 owners commonly report transmission limp mode and lead frame failures.
- The F-150 has 151 recalls over 10 years, compared to 18 recalls for the Ascender over 6 years, indicating more widespread safety actions for the Ford.
- Both vehicles have crash-related complaints and injuries, but the F-150 has far more in absolute numbers (330 crashes, 297 injuries) than the Ascender (10 crashes, 6 injuries).
- Check for any signs of fuel leaks or strong gasoline odors around the rear left corner, especially at the filler neck to tank connection.
- Test all electrical functions, including starting, instrument cluster lights, and headlights, for intermittent failures or dimming.
- Scan for transmission trouble codes and test drive for limp mode, rough shifting, or getting stuck in gear.
- Inspect the rear window and defroster for any signs of shorts or previous shattering, and check for electrical issues with the lead frame.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- Have a mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the Ascender's electrical and fuel systems, and the F-150's transmission and electrical systems.
- Test drive the vehicle extensively, including highway speeds, to check for transmission issues in the F-150 and lighting problems in the Ascender.
- Verify that all safety recalls have been addressed, especially for the F-150's lead frame and air bag recalls.
- Check for any signs of fuel leaks or odors in the Ascender and rear window integrity in 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 Isuzu Ascender or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Isuzu Ascender vs FORD F 150
- Isuzu Ascender total complaints
- 309
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Isuzu Ascender total recalls
- 18
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Isuzu Ascender avg complaints/year
- 51.5
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Isuzu Ascender
- Isuzu Ascender top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN