Head-to-head reliability
Isuzu NQR vs FORD F 150
How the Isuzu NQR 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 NQR vs FORD F 150: the NQR shows 0 complaints and 14 recalls over ten years, while the F-150 shows 11,621 complaints, 151 recalls, and 330 crash-related reports. The F-150's power train and electrical complaints dominate its record. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Isuzu NQR or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Isuzu NQR
The Isuzu NQR is a commercial cab-over truck, and in this data set it shows zero owner complaints over ten years, so there is no reported pattern of parts failing from the driver's seat. What it does have is 14 recalls, several of which involve rear leaf spring U-bolts, wheel studs, steering, and the instrument cluster. For a buyer, that means the record is about safety campaigns rather than repeated breakdown stories, and you should check that recall work was actually completed.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a very large complaint record: 11,621 complaints over ten years, about 1,162 per year, plus 151 recalls and 330 crash-related complaints. The dominant themes are power train and electrical problems, especially transmission limp mode and lead frame failures, along with lighting and engine issues. Owners describe recurring, sometimes dangerous symptoms rather than one-off wear items.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Isuzu NQR | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 0 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 14 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.0 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 NQR
No component data available.
Recalls list rear leaf spring assembly U-bolt issues, which can affect how securely the axle is held to the springs. A buyer should confirm the recall repair was done, because a loose or broken U-bolt is a load-carrying safety concern.
A recall covers wheel lug nuts, bolts, or studs, which are the fasteners that keep the wheels on. This matters because fastener problems can lead to wheel loss if not corrected, so check for the recall remedy.
Steering is listed as a recall subject, meaning a steering-related defect was serious enough for a safety campaign. There is no owner complaint text to describe the exact symptom, so the practical step is to verify the steering recall was performed.
The instrument cluster/panel appears as a recall subject, so dash display or gauge problems were significant enough to trigger a campaign. A buyer should check that the cluster recall was completed and that warning lights and gauges work.
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners report the truck going into limp mode and sticking in 5th gear, and repeat lead frame failures that can cause sudden transmission trouble. One owner said a lead frame issue nearly ended their life, so test drive for harsh or delayed shifting and ask for transmission service records.
The lead frame problem also shows up under electrical complaints, and one owner described a rear-window defroster short that shattered the back window. Check that recall 26S28 software work was done and inspect the rear window and defroster for signs of overheating or repair.
Exterior lighting is one of the top complaint components, though the sample text does not give a specific lamp failure. For a buyer, this means checking that all lights work and looking for repeated bulb or housing repairs in the service history.
Engine is a top complaint area and also appears as a recall subject, so engine-related defects have been common enough to generate both complaints and campaigns. Ask whether engine recalls were completed and listen for unusual noises or warning lights on a test drive.
“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 NQR — 14 recalls
The defect: Isuzu Technical Center of America, Inc. (Isuzu) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Isuzu NPR, Reach, 2016-2020 Isuzu NPR XD, NPR HD, NQR, 2016-2021 Isuzu NRR, 2017-2020 Chevrolet 4500XD, 4500HD, 5500HD, and 2020 Chevrolet 5500XD vehicles. The U-bolt nuts for the rear axle may not have been properly tig…
The risk: The misalignment may cause the propeller shaft to separate, causing a loss of power to the rear wheels and a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Isuzu will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if needed, replace and tighten the rear axle U-bolt nuts, free of charge. The recall began on April 23, 2021. Owners may contact Isuzu customer service at 1-866-441-9638. Isuzu's numb…
The defect: Isuzu Technical Center of America, Inc. (Isuzu) is recalling certain 2017-2020 NPR-HD, 2019-2020 NPR-XD, NQR, NRR, Chevrolet 4500HD, Chevrolet 5500HD and Chevrolet 5500XD, and 2020 Chevrolet 4500XD vehicles. The lug nuts on the rear outer wheels may not have been properly tightened when installed o…
The risk: If the lug nuts were not properly tightened, they can loosen, causing the to wheel separate from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Isuzu will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear outer wheel lug nuts and tightening or replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 20, 2019. Owners may contact Isuzu customer service at 1-866-441-9638…
The defect: Isuzu Technical Center of America, Inc. (Isuzu) is recalling certain 2019 Isuzu NPR-HD, NPR-XD, NQR, NRR, Chevrolet 4500HD, 4500XD, 5500HD, and 5500XD. The odometer accurately measures the distance traveled in miles, but erroneously indicates that they are kilometers in the LCD display instead of m…
The risk: An incorrect odometer reading could lead to an unintended delay in critical safety related maintenance, potentially impairing the safe operation of the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Isuzu will notify customers and dealers to inspect the odometer LCD on their vehicle. If the distance traveled is listed as 'mi' (miles), the customer or dealer will be requested to inform Isuzu and the recall for that vehicle will be deem…
The defect: Diesel Modification Center LLC. (Diesel Modification Center) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Isuzu NQR ,NRR, and NPR vehicles modified to be equipped with dual steering. The keystock may become dislodged from the steering cross shaft and cause unexpected loss of right hand steering.
The risk: Unexpected loss of steering increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Diesel Modification Center will notify owners, and dealers will verify the keystock is in place or replace it, as necessary. In addition, the set screw will be retorqued and a stamp will be drifted in the keyed slot to ensure the keystock…
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 NQR or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Isuzu NQR has far fewer issues per year in this data: zero complaints per year versus about 1,162 for the Ford F-150, and 14 recalls versus 151. In practice, the F-150 owner is much more likely to face repeated transmission and electrical problems, while the NQR record is mostly about completing recall repairs.
Key differences
- Complaint volume is dramatically different: 0 for the NQR versus 11,621 for the F-150 over ten years.
- The F-150 has 330 crash-related complaints, 297 injuries, and 1 death in the data; the NQR has none of these reported.
- The F-150's top complaint is power train with 3,648 reports, including limp mode and lead frame failures; the NQR has no complaint text at all.
- The NQR's record is recall-heavy (14 recalls) covering suspension U-bolts, wheel studs, steering, and instrument cluster, while the F-150 has 151 recalls plus a large complaint pattern.
- Check for the rear leaf spring U-bolt recall remedy and inspect the U-bolts and leaf springs for looseness or corrosion.
- Verify the wheel lug/stud and steering recalls were completed, and inspect lug nuts and steering play before buying.
- Test drive for transmission limp mode, sticking in 5th gear, or delayed shifting, and confirm recall 26S28 software was applied.
- Inspect the rear window and defroster for cracks or shattering repair, and check for lead frame replacement records.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN through NHTSA to confirm all open recalls are closed on the specific vehicle.
- For the F-150, get a pre-purchase inspection focused on transmission codes, lead frame history, and electrical function.
- For the NQR, inspect suspension U-bolts, wheel studs, steering, and instrument cluster operation.
- Ask for service records showing recall repairs and any repeat transmission or electrical work.
- Test drive both vehicles in conditions that would trigger limp mode or warning lights, including highway speeds.
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 | Isuzu NQR | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 35 |
| 2025 | 0 | 345 |
| 2024 | 0 | 638 |
| 2023 | 0 | 1527 |
| 2022 | 0 | 3493 |
| 2021 | 0 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 0 | 44 |
| 2019 | 0 | 52 |
| 2018 | 0 | 79 |
| 2017 | 0 | 59 |
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 NQR or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Isuzu NQR vs FORD F 150
- Isuzu NQR total complaints
- 0
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Isuzu NQR total recalls
- 14
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Isuzu NQR avg complaints/year
- 0.0
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Isuzu NQR
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN