Head-to-head reliability
Isuzu I 280 vs FORD F 150
How the Isuzu I 280 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 I 280 vs FORD F 150: The Isuzu I 280 has 11 complaints and 2 recalls over 1 year, while the Ford F 150 has 11,621 complaints and 151 recalls over 10 years. The F 150 also reports 330 crash-related complaints and 297 injuries; the Isuzu reports none. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Isuzu I 280 or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Isuzu I 280
The Isuzu I 280 is a compact pickup that shares its design with the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon. Over one year, it has 11 complaints and 2 recalls, with no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths. Owners most often report electrical and lighting problems, including brake lights that fail and fuses that blow repeatedly. A fuel leak from the top of the gas tank is also reported, which could be a fire risk if not addressed.
FORD F 150
The Ford F 150 is a full-size pickup with a huge number of complaints—11,621 over 10 years—and 151 recalls. It has 330 crash-related complaints, 297 injuries, and 1 death reported. The most common issues involve the power train, electrical system, and lighting. Many owners describe transmission problems that cause limp mode and stuck gears, as well as electrical glitches like a rear window that can shatter.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Isuzu I 280 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 11 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 2 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 11.0 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.
Isuzu I 280
- 01EXTERIOR LIGHTING4
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM4
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER2
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM1
- 05AIR BAGS1
Owners report complete loss of brake lights and cruise control, often linked to a brake light switch that keeps blowing fuses. This means your brake lights may not work, increasing the risk of a rear-end collision.
Complaints include an anti-theft lock device that prevents the vehicle from starting for over 20 minutes, causing interior lights to dim. This can leave you stranded and points to broader electrical gremlins.
A strong gasoline odor and a leak from the top of the fuel tank are reported. This is a serious fire hazard and should be inspected immediately.
Owners mention replacing front wheel hub assemblies, which can affect the drive shaft, ABS, and emergency brake. They also hear clicking noises from underneath, suggesting possible drivetrain or suspension wear.
“COMPLETE LOSS OF BRAKE LIGHTS / CRUISE CONTROL / KEEPS BLOWING FUSES. LEARNED OF RECALL ID # 52989 DATED 7/29/2009 - SO I TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER ( COURTESY GMC - 205.836.2000 ) THEIR SERVICE MANAGER SENT ME AWAY - SAID TRUCK HAD RECALL #06030 PERFORMED ON 11/…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 ISUZU I280. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE ABS WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND A MESSAGE DISPLAYED FAULTY BRAKES ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKES WOULD MAKE A GRINDING NOISE WHEN DEPRESSED. THERE WAS A RE…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Many owners report transmission problems, including limp mode, getting stuck in 5th gear, and failures related to the lead frame. These issues can cause sudden loss of power and near-collisions.
Complaints include the lead frame issue causing transmission problems, and a rear window defroster short that can cause the back window to shatter. Electrical faults can be unpredictable and expensive to fix.
Lighting problems are frequently reported, though specific details are not in the sample. Given the high count, expect potential issues with brake lights, turn signals, or headlights.
Engine-related complaints are common, though the sample does not specify symptoms. Recalls include engine issues, so buyers should check for open recalls and any signs of engine trouble.
“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 I 280 — 2 recalls
The defect: CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS MAY EXPERIENCE THE PERMANENT LOSS OF BRAKE LAMP FUNCTION OR BRAKE LAMPS THAT ARE ILLUMINATED AT ALL TIMES. THE CENTER HIGH-MOUNTED STOP LAMP (CHMSL) IS AFFECTED IN BOTH INSTANCES. ALSO, IF EQUIPPED, THE CRUISE CONTROL WILL BECOME INOPERATIVE. ANY TRAILER BRAKE LAMPS WHICH ARE…
The risk: A FOLLOWING DRIVER MAY NOT KNOW WHEN THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN APPLIED, AND A REAR-END CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH ASSEMBLY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 5, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 OR ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727.
The defect: GM IS RECALLING 185,903 MODEL YEAR 2004-2009 COLORADO, GMC MODEL YEAR 2009-2004 CANYON, MODEL YEAR 2006 I-280, I-350, MODEL YEAR 2007-2008 I-290, AND I-370, PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ALABAMA, ARIZONA, FLORIDA, GEORGIA, HAWAII, LOUISIANA, MISSISSI…
The risk: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE SIMULTANEOUS LOSS OF ALL BRAKE LAMPS OR CAUSE ALL OF THE BRAKE LAMPS TO STAY ON CONTINUOUSLY. BOTH OF THESE CONDITIONS COULD FAIL TO WARN OTHERS OF THE DRIVER'S INTENTIONS AND COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE NECESSARY COMPONENTS AS SPECIFIED IN THE RECALL BULLETIN FREE OF CHARGE. GM ANTICIPATES THAT PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE BY JUNE 2010. A SPECIAL COVERAGE FOR VEHICLES REGISTERED IN ALL OTHER STATES WILL BE…
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 I 280 or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Isuzu I 280 has far fewer complaints per year (11.0) compared to the Ford F 150 (1,162.1), but this is partly because the F 150 sells in much higher numbers. In practice, the F 150 has a much larger volume of reported problems, including serious transmission and electrical faults that can lead to crashes and injuries. The Isuzu’s issues are fewer but still include safety-critical brake light and fuel leak problems.
Key differences
- The Ford F 150 has 11,621 complaints over 10 years, while the Isuzu I 280 has 11 over 1 year—a massive difference in reported volume.
- The F 150 has 330 crash-related complaints, 297 injuries, and 1 death; the Isuzu has none reported.
- Isuzu owners most often report brake light failures and fuel leaks; F 150 owners most often report transmission limp mode and electrical shorts.
- The F 150 has 151 recalls versus 2 for the Isuzu, covering major systems like engines, seat belts, and air bags.
- Check that the brake lights work and that fuses are not blown; a recall for the brake light switch may not have been performed.
- Inspect the fuel tank area for a strong gasoline odor or visible leak, especially around the top of the tank.
- Test drive at highway speeds and check for transmission shudder, limp mode, or getting stuck in 5th gear; ask if the lead frame has been replaced.
- Inspect the rear window for cracks or signs of shattering, and test the defroster for proper function.
Before you buy
- Ask for the vehicle's recall history and confirm all open recalls have been fixed.
- Have a mechanic inspect the brake light switch and fuses on the Isuzu, and the transmission and lead frame on the Ford.
- Check for fuel leaks under the Isuzu and electrical shorts or window issues on the Ford.
- Obtain a vehicle history report to see if the truck has been in any crashes or had major repairs.
- Test drive both trucks in various conditions, including highway driving, to feel for transmission problems or brake issues.
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 I 280 or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Isuzu I 280 vs FORD F 150
- Isuzu I 280 total complaints
- 11
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Isuzu I 280 total recalls
- 2
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Isuzu I 280 avg complaints/year
- 11.0
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Isuzu I 280
- Isuzu I 280 top complaint area
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN