Head-to-head reliability
Isuzu Trooper vs FORD F 150
How the Isuzu Trooper 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 Trooper vs FORD F 150: The Trooper averaged 30 complaints per year over 3 years, while the F-150 averaged 1,162 per year over 10 years. The F-150 also has 151 recalls versus 3 for the Trooper. Both show serious issues, but the F-150’s volume is far higher. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Isuzu Trooper or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Isuzu Trooper
The Isuzu Trooper is a rugged SUV that, based on owner complaints, can be a handful to live with. Over three years, it averaged 30 complaints per year, with engine and power train issues dominating. Owners report serious problems like unintended acceleration, transmission failure, and excessive oil consumption. While the overall complaint count is low, the severity of reported issues—including 8 injuries—means a thorough inspection is critical.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a popular full-size pickup, but its complaint volume is enormous: over 11,600 complaints in ten years, averaging more than 1,100 per year. Power train and electrical problems are the most common, with many owners reporting transmission limp mode, lead frame failures, and electrical glitches. With 151 recalls and 297 injuries reported, this truck demands careful attention to known trouble spots.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Isuzu Trooper | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 90 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 3 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 8 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 30.0 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 8 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 Trooper
- 01ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING35
- 02POWER TRAIN17
- 03VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL11
- 04SERVICE BRAKES9
- 05FUEL SYSTEM9
Owners report excessive oil consumption—adding 1-2 quarts every couple thousand miles—without visible leaks, and some experience sudden unintended acceleration when shifting into reverse. These issues can lead to engine damage or loss of control, making regular fluid checks and a pre-purchase scan for engine codes essential.
Transmission failure is a recurring theme, with owners describing breakdowns, warning lights, and the vehicle needing a tow. One complaint mentions a faulty transmission accumulator and a bad U-joint. A test drive should include checking for smooth shifting and any hesitation.
Multiple owners report the engine revving and the vehicle lunging forward or accelerating without pressing the gas, even reaching 35 mph on its own. This is a serious safety concern that could cause a crash, so any history of throttle-related repairs should be investigated.
Complaints include extreme heat from the engine area and brake issues that may be linked to transmission problems. Brake performance should be tested thoroughly, and any signs of overheating or poor stopping power are red flags.
“MY SUV , ISUZU TROOPER OF 10YEARS, WAS PARKED IN A LIBRARY PARKING GARAGE AND AFTER IGNITION TURNED ON, I PUT IT IN REVERSE GEAR TO GET OUT OF THE PARKING LOT AND THE CAR RAPIDLY REVERSED AND BEFORE I COULD FIGURE OUT AND REACT, THE CAR SHOT LIKE A ROCKET TOW…”
“WE HAVE HAD TO ADD 1-2 QTS OF OIL EVERY COUPLE THOUSAND MILES ALTHOUGH WE DID NOT SEE AN OIL LEAK (NO MARKS ON THE DRIVEWAY) MECHANIC COULD FIND NO OIL LEAK OR PROBLEM OUR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN ON,AND MECHANIC SAID WE NEEDED EMISSIONS SENSOR REPLACED. W…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
The most common complaint area, with over 3,600 reports. Owners describe transmission limp mode, getting stuck in 5th gear, and lead frame failures that can cause sudden loss of power or near collisions. These issues often recur even after repairs, so a detailed transmission service history is a must.
Over 2,100 complaints, often related to the lead frame and output speed sensor failures that trigger limp mode. One owner reported a rear window defroster short that caused the back window to shatter. Electrical gremlins can be intermittent and expensive to diagnose.
This catch-all category includes bizarre issues like the rear window exploding outward after using the defroster. Such unpredictable failures highlight the importance of a thorough inspection and checking for any open recalls.
With over 1,200 complaints, lighting problems are frequent. While not always safety-critical, faulty lights can lead to tickets or accidents. Check all exterior lights, including brake and turn signals, for proper function.
“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 Trooper — 3 recalls
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4-WHEEL DRIVE AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS BUILT WITH TOD (TORQUE-ON-DEMAND). IN CERTAIN HIGH SPEED, FRONTAL CRASHES, MOVEMENT OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT COMPONENTS CAN CAUSE THE POTENTIAL FOR FUEL LEAKAGE.
The risk: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW, REINFORCED FUEL HOSE ASSEMBLY. NOTE: THE FUEL LEAKAGE ISSUE IN THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN IS NOT THE SAME AS THE ONE ADDRESSED IN THEIR PREVIOUS CAMPAIGN 00V-253.
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4-WHEEL DRIVE AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS BUILT WITH TOD (TORQUE-ON-DEMAND). IN CERTAIN HIGH SPEED, FRONTAL CRASHES, MOVEMENT OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT COMPONENTS CAN CAUSE THE POTENTIAL FOR FUEL LEAKAGE.
The risk: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW, REINFORCED FUEL HOSE ASSEMBLY. NOTE: THE FUEL LEAKAGE ISSUE IN THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN IS NOT THE SAME AS THE ONE ADDRESSED IN THEIR PREVIOUS CAMPAIGN 00V-253.
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4-WHEEL DRIVE AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS BUILT WITH TOD (TORQUE-ON-DEMAND). IN CERTAIN HIGH SPEED FRONTAL CRASHES, AN INTERIOR FUEL LINE AND FUEL HOSE CAN BE SEPARATED, ALLOWING FUEL TO LEAK.
The risk: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL FUEL SYSTEM SHIELDS.
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 Trooper or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Isuzu Trooper has far fewer complaints per year (30 vs. 1,162 for the Ford F-150), but its issues tend to be severe, including unintended acceleration and transmission failure. The Ford F-150’s massive complaint volume means many owners face recurring problems, especially with the power train and electrical systems. In practice, the Trooper may be simpler but riskier per incident, while the F-150 demands more frequent attention.
Key differences
- The Isuzu Trooper has 90 complaints over 3 years, while the Ford F-150 has 11,621 over 10 years—a huge difference in reported problem frequency.
- Trooper owners report unintended acceleration and transmission failure, whereas F-150 owners commonly cite transmission limp mode and lead frame issues.
- The Ford F-150 has 151 recalls versus 3 for the Trooper, indicating more widespread safety-related fixes over its lifetime.
- Both vehicles have crash-related complaints and injuries, but the F-150’s higher counts (330 crashes, 297 injuries) reflect its larger owner base and longer period.
- Check for excessive oil consumption by asking about oil top-off frequency and inspecting for blue exhaust smoke; also scan for engine codes related to emissions sensors.
- Test the transmission thoroughly for slipping, delayed engagement, or warning lights, and ask if the transmission accumulator or U-joints have been replaced.
- During a test drive, watch for the transmission suddenly entering limp mode or getting stuck in a gear; ask if the lead frame or output speed sensor has been replaced.
- Inspect the rear window and defroster for any cracks or signs of shattering, and verify that all electrical components, including lights and sensors, work properly.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the engine, transmission, and electrical systems.
- Test drive for at least 20 minutes, including highway speeds, to check for transmission issues, unintended acceleration, or limp mode.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes, engine repairs, and any recall work.
- Scan the vehicle for stored trouble codes with an OBD-II scanner, even if no warning lights are on.
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 Trooper or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Isuzu Trooper vs FORD F 150
- Isuzu Trooper total complaints
- 90
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Isuzu Trooper total recalls
- 3
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Isuzu Trooper avg complaints/year
- 30.0
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Isuzu Trooper
- Isuzu Trooper top complaint area
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN