Head-to-head reliability
Isuzu NRR vs FORD F 150
How the Isuzu NRR 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 NRR vs FORD F 150: The NRR has just 1 complaint over 10 years (0.1/yr) versus the F-150's 11,311 (1,131/yr). F-150 owners report transmission hard shifts and electrical malfunctions, while NRR's main issue is a crash-related air bag concern. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Isuzu NRR or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Isuzu NRR
The Isuzu NRR is a commercial-duty truck, typically used for hauling or delivery work, and its complaint history is remarkably thin—just one report over a decade. That single complaint describes a severe frontal crash where the cab's A-pillar took the full impact, which is a structural concern but not a pattern of everyday failures. With 17 recalls, mostly for suspension and frame components, buyers should focus on verifying that all recall work has been done, as these are proactive fixes rather than signs of widespread owner-reported issues.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a hugely popular light-duty pickup, and its complaint volume is massive—over 11,000 in ten years, averaging more than 1,100 per year. The dominant issues are transmission problems (hard shifts, jerks, and even power loss) and electrical glitches (camera and pre-collision warnings), which appear frequently in owner reports. While the F-150 has many recalls, the real-world experience for many owners is marked by drivability and electronic annoyances that can affect confidence and safety.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Isuzu NRR | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1 Better | 11,311 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 17 Better | 145 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 328 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.1 Better | 1131.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 287 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 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 NRR
- 01AIR BAGS1
The only owner complaint for the NRR involves a crash where the bumper underrode a tractor-trailer, and the impact was absorbed through the A-pillar. This suggests that in severe underride collisions, the air bag system may not deploy as expected, but it's a single incident, not a recurring defect.
Multiple recalls target the rear leaf spring U-bolts that secure the axle. If these loosen or fail, the axle can shift, affecting handling and stability. Owners should ensure these recalls were performed, as failure could lead to loss of control.
Recalls for the frame and members indicate potential issues with structural integrity, possibly from corrosion or manufacturing defects. While no owner complaints detail these, a compromised frame is a serious safety risk, so a thorough inspection is advised.
“ISUZU NRR VS RIGHT REAR OF A TRACTOR OF A TRACTOR TRAILER COMBINATION. THE ISUZU'S BUMPER TRAVELED UNDER THE TRACTOR AND FULL IMPACT WAS THROUGH THE "A" PILLAR AREA OF THE ISUZU NRR CAB. *TT *JS”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,553
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,071
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,401
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,164
- 05ENGINE847
Owners report hard and delayed shifts, especially between 7th and 8th gears, and some describe sudden loss of power and stalling. This points to the 10-speed automatic transmission (10R80) having internal issues that can make the truck unpredictable and potentially dangerous in traffic.
Many complaints involve warning lights for front camera malfunction and pre-collision assist being unavailable, often appearing every time the truck starts. This suggests a persistent electronic fault that disables safety features, reducing driver assistance and increasing risk of collisions.
With over 1,100 complaints, headlight problems are common, though specific symptoms aren't detailed in the samples. Likely issues include condensation, flickering, or failure, which compromise visibility at night.
Engine-related complaints number in the hundreds, but no specific symptoms are given in the samples. Owners may experience stalling, misfires, or power loss, which can be alarming and lead to breakdowns.
“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 NRR — 17 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 2015-2017 NPR HD, NPR XD, NQR and NRR trucks. During manufacturing, the stamping equipment may have created burrs on the frame crossmember that the transmission is mounted to. These burrs may cause the transmission mounting studs…
The risk: If the studs break, the transmission may not be properly supported, preventing it from shifting correctly and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Isuzu will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and install a metal shim to prevent stress on the mounting studs, free of charge. The recall on April 17, 2017. Owners may contact Isuzu customer service at 1-866-441-9638.
The defect: Isuzu Technical Center of America, Inc. (Isuzu) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Isuzu NPR, 2008 NPR HD and NPR-HD Gas, 2011-2018 NPR HD and NRR, 2015-2018 NPR XD, 2012-2018 NQR, 2012-2017 NPR Gas and NPR-HD Gas, 2016-2017 Chevrolet Low Cab Forward 3500 HD, 3500 and 4500 and 2017-2018 Chevrolet Low C…
The risk: In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Isuzu will notify owners, instructing them to contact Kidde to get a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in December 2017. Owners may contact Isuzu customer service at 1-866-441-9638 or Walter Kid…
The defect: Isuzu Technical Center of America, Inc. (Isuzu) is recalling certain 2011-2016 NPR, 2011-2017 NPR-HD, NQR, NRR, 2015-2017 NPR-XD, 2012-2016 Reach, NPR Gas and NPR-HD Gas incomplete trucks. The left rear wheel bearing hub locking bolts may not have been properly tightened during assembly.
The risk: The loose bolts can allow the wheel assembly to move outward from the axle housing, affecting the control of the vehicle and reducing braking performance, thereby increasing a risk of a crash.
The fix: Isuzu will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left rear wheel bearing hub locking bolts, tightening them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 19, 2017. Owners may contact Isuzu customer service at 1-866-441-9638.
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 NRR or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Isuzu NRR has far fewer owner complaints per year (0.1) compared to the Ford F-150 (1,131.1), indicating a much lower rate of reported issues. In practice, this means the NRR is likely to be more reliable in terms of day-to-day problems, but its commercial nature and recall history require careful maintenance verification. The F-150, while popular, has a high frequency of transmission and electrical complaints that could lead to costly repairs and safety concerns.
Key differences
- Complaint volume: NRR has 1 complaint in 10 years; F-150 has over 11,000, with transmission and electrical issues dominating.
- Transmission: F-150 owners report hard shifts and power loss; NRR has no transmission complaints but has axle hub recalls.
- Safety systems: F-150 has frequent camera and pre-collision malfunctions; NRR's only complaint is a crash-related air bag issue.
- Recall scope: NRR has 17 recalls focusing on suspension and frame; F-150 has 145 recalls covering many systems, but owner complaints highlight persistent problems.
- Check for any signs of frame damage or corrosion, especially near the front and rear, given the frame recalls.
- Verify that all rear leaf spring U-bolt recalls have been performed, as loose U-bolts can cause axle shift.
- Test drive the F-150 through all gears, especially 4-5 and 7-8 shifts, to feel for hard jerks or clunks.
- Start the truck and watch for warning lights like 'Front Camera Malfunction' or 'Pre-Collision Assist Not Available'—if they appear, expect electrical issues.
Before you buy
- For the Isuzu NRR, obtain the VIN and check with a dealer that all 17 recalls have been completed, especially suspension and frame ones.
- For the Ford F-150, ask for service records showing transmission fluid changes and any previous repairs to the 10R80 transmission.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the F-150's electrical system, including cameras and sensors, for signs of water damage or loose connections.
- On the NRR, inspect the rear axle area for any signs of movement or wear on the leaf spring mounts.
- For both, get a vehicle history report to see if the F-150 has been in accidents or had major repairs, and if the NRR has been used for heavy hauling.
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 NRR | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 24 |
| 2025 | 0 | 329 |
| 2024 | 0 | 617 |
| 2023 | 0 | 1507 |
| 2022 | 0 | 3432 |
| 2021 | 0 | 5234 |
| 2020 | 0 | 33 |
| 2019 | 0 | 36 |
| 2018 | 0 | 56 |
| 2017 | 1 | 43 |
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 NRR or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Isuzu NRR vs FORD F 150
- Isuzu NRR total complaints
- 1
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,311
- Isuzu NRR total recalls
- 17
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 145
- Isuzu NRR avg complaints/year
- 0.1
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1131.1
- More reliable overall
- Isuzu NRR
- Isuzu NRR top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN