Head-to-head reliability
Isuzu I 350 vs FORD F 150
How the Isuzu I 350 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 350 vs FORD F 150: The Isuzu I 350 has only 4 complaints and 2 recalls, while the Ford F 150 has 11,311 complaints and 145 recalls over 10 years. Ford owners report more transmission and electrical issues, including 328 crash-related complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Isuzu I 350 or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Isuzu I 350
The Isuzu I 350 is a rebadged mid-size pickup with very few owner complaints filed—only 4 over one year. The main pattern is electrical and brake-related: turn signals that can display the wrong direction, and ABS problems after brake work. With just 2 recalls, both for the brake light switch, this truck may appeal to buyers who want a simple, low-tech vehicle, but parts and service for a discontinued brand can be hard to find.
FORD F 150
The Ford F 150 is a full-size pickup with a massive complaint volume—over 11,000 in ten years—and 145 recalls. The most common owner-reported issues involve the transmission (hard shifts, loss of power) and electrical glitches (warning lights, camera failures). While many trucks are on the road, the high number of crash-related complaints (328) and injuries (287) suggests some problems can be serious.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Isuzu I 350 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 4 Better | 11,311 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 2 Better | 145 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 328 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 4.0 Better | 1131.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 287 |
| 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 350
- 01EXTERIOR LIGHTING2
- 02SERVICE BRAKES1
- 03HYDRAULIC1
- 04VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1
- 05EQUIPMENT1
Owners report turn signals that work incorrectly—the left signal can flash on the right side and vice versa. This is a safety concern because other drivers may misinterpret your turn, and it can be hard to diagnose.
One owner reported that after replacing rotors, the ABS system constantly failed and could not be fixed even after spending over $1,500. This suggests brake repairs on this truck can lead to persistent, expensive ABS problems.
The same owner complaint about ABS failure after rotor replacement also appears under the hydraulic component. It points to a potential issue with the brake hydraulic system that may not be easily resolved by dealers or shops.
A complaint references a recall for the brake switch (GM recall 06030). This switch can affect speed control and brake lights, and if not fixed, may cause the brake lights to stay on or the cruise control to malfunction.
“2006 ISUZU I-350 TRUCK THIS IS TO FILE A COMPLAINT REGARDING OUR 2006 ISUZU I-350 TRUCK PURCHASED IN 2006 AND RELATES TO A RECALL OF THE BRAKE SWITCH (GM RECALL NO. 06030, NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NO. 06V139000). FOLLOWING ARE THE CHRONOLOGICAL FACTS REGARDING MY CO…”
“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TURNING AT 10MPH ANOTHER MOTORIST NOTICED THE VEHICLE TURN SIGNALS WORKED INCORRECTLY. THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL GAVE A RIGHT SIGNAL OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE AND THE RIGHT GAVE A LEFT SIGNAL OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,553
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,071
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,401
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,164
- 05ENGINE847
Many owners report hard or delayed shifts, especially between 7th and 8th gear, and some experience a sudden loss of power where the truck shuts off and drifts. This can be dangerous in traffic and often points to transmission problems.
Owners describe warning messages like 'Front Camera Malfunction' and 'Pre Collision Assist Not Available' appearing every time they start the truck. Others hear loud bangs or popping sounds from the transmission or rear suspension, which may indicate electrical or mechanical faults.
There are over 1,100 complaints about exterior lighting, including headlight issues. Recalls also cover headlights, so buyers should check that all lights work and that any recall repairs have been done.
With 847 engine complaints and multiple engine-related recalls, owners may face issues like stalling, rough running, or other engine problems. These can be costly and affect reliability.
“I started noticing hard and delayed shifts from 7th into 8th gear. My RPM's were not increasing when this happened, and then on a very crowded major road I lost all power, vehicle shut off and drifted, then started up and jerked again very hard. This failure…”
“I am reporting a safety-related transmission problem I experienced with my 2020 Ford F-150 equipped with the 10R80 automatic transmission. While driving normally, the transmission shifts hard (ie: jerks, clunks) between 4-5 and 5-6 gears, and has on occasion…”
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 350 — 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 — 145 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 trucks equipped with high series LED headlamps with Autolamp (On/Off) functionality. The Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) may remain activated instead of dimming to parking lamps when the Master Lighting Switch (MLS) is manually rotated from…
The risk: DRL that cannot dim may reduce the visibility of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the body control module, free of charge. The recall began March 10, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C03.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 F-150 vehicles. The fastener securing the Power Distribution Box (PDB) 12V cable and Battery Monitoring System (BMS) eyelets to the positive battery terminal may loosen and affect the vehicle's systems such as instrument panel displays and br…
The risk: Inoperative vehicle systems or an engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. Reduced braking and steering efforts increases the risk of a crash. This condition could also create a resistive short, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the positive battery cable/BMS/PDB joint for excess sealant adhesive and remove any excessive adhesive, reassemble the joint, and retorque the fastener, as necessary, free of charge. The re…
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 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also…
The risk: A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's num…
Buyer analysis
Isuzu I 350 or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Isuzu I 350 has far fewer issues per year (4.0 vs. 1,131.1 for the Ford F 150), but that is partly because it is a low-volume, discontinued model. In practice, the Ford F 150 has a much higher chance of needing repairs, especially for transmission and electrical problems, while the Isuzu’s issues are fewer but can still be serious, like brake and turn signal failures.
Key differences
- The Ford F 150 has over 11,000 complaints in 10 years, while the Isuzu I 350 has only 4 in 1 year—a huge difference in reported problem volume.
- Ford F 150 owners frequently report transmission problems like hard shifts and sudden power loss, while Isuzu I 350 complaints focus on turn signals and ABS brakes.
- The Ford F 150 has 145 recalls and 328 crash-related complaints; the Isuzu I 350 has 2 recalls and 0 crash-related complaints.
- Isuzu I 350 is a discontinued brand, so finding parts and service may be harder than for the Ford F 150, which has a large dealer network.
- Check that the turn signals flash on the correct side—left should blink left, right should blink right. If they are reversed, it may be a wiring or switch issue.
- Test the ABS brakes after any recent brake work; if the ABS light stays on or the system feels like it is failing, it could be an expensive repair.
- During a test drive, pay attention to transmission shifts, especially between 4th and 5th or 7th and 8th gears. Hard jerks or delayed engagement are common complaints.
- Start the truck and look for warning messages like 'Front Camera Malfunction' or 'Pre Collision Assist Not Available' on the dashboard—these are frequently reported electrical issues.
Before you buy
- Ask for the vehicle's recall history and confirm that all open recalls (especially brake switch for Isuzu, and engine/electrical for Ford) have been fixed.
- For the Isuzu I 350, test all lights and turn signals, and have a mechanic inspect the ABS system and brake hydraulics.
- For the Ford F 150, take a long test drive that includes highway speeds to check for transmission shudder, hard shifts, or sudden power loss.
- On the Ford F 150, check all electrical features: camera, collision warning, and infotainment. Look for any warning lights on the dash.
- Get a pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic familiar with the specific model, focusing on the areas mentioned in owner complaints.
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 350 or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Isuzu I 350 vs FORD F 150
- Isuzu I 350 total complaints
- 4
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,311
- Isuzu I 350 total recalls
- 2
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 145
- Isuzu I 350 avg complaints/year
- 4.0
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1131.1
- More reliable overall
- Isuzu I 350
- Isuzu I 350 top complaint area
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN