Head-to-head reliability

Jaguar F TYPE vs FORD F 150

How the Jaguar F TYPE and FORD F 150 compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.

Jaguar F TYPE34 complaints · 16 recalls Fewer issues per year
FORD F 15011,621 complaints · 151 recalls

Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records

Which should you buy?

Jaguar F TYPE vs FORD F 150: The F TYPE averages 3.4 complaints per year with 16 recalls, while the F 150 averages 1,162.1 complaints per year with 151 recalls. The F 150 also has 330 crash-related complaints and 297 injuries, versus 1 crash and 1 injury for the F TYPE. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

The picture

Is the Jaguar F TYPE or FORD F 150 more reliable?

A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.

Jaguar F TYPE

The Jaguar F TYPE is a low-volume sports car, averaging just 3.4 complaints per year over a decade, which suggests a smaller pool of owners reporting issues. Still, the pattern shows recurring electrical gremlins, engine underperformance, and fuel injector failures that can leave a driver stranded. With 16 recalls and one crash-related complaint, it demands a careful pre-purchase inspection and a budget for potential sensor or wiring repairs.

FORD F 150

The Ford F 150 is a high-volume pickup with an average of 1,162 complaints per year, reflecting its massive sales numbers but also a steady stream of serious powertrain and electrical problems. Owners repeatedly describe transmission limp mode, lead frame failures, and even a rear window shattering from a defroster short. With 151 recalls and 330 crash-related complaints, it is a workhorse that needs a thorough history check and attention to known safety campaigns.

The numbers

Side-by-side NHTSA record

Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.

CategoryJaguar F TYPEFORD F 150
Total complaintsAll model years combined34 Better11,621
Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns16 Better151
Crash reportsCrash-related complaints1 Better330
Complaints per yearAveraged across model years3.4 Better1162.1
Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints1 Better297
Reported deathsTied to owner complaints0 Better1

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.

Jaguar F TYPE

  1. 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM10
  2. 02ENGINE10
  3. 03POWER TRAIN7
  4. 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM6
  5. 05EXTERIOR LIGHTING5
What these mean
Electrical System

Owners report driver-side wiring harness shorts near the footwell that can disable door functions, plus intermittent ABS warning lights with no stored codes. These electrical faults are hard to diagnose and may leave you with inoperative accessories or unexpected braking warnings.

Engine

Complaints describe engine underperformance that sometimes forces a complete stop, and recurring fuel injector failures on the 2019 F-Type at around 20,000 miles. Such issues can cause rough running, stalling, or expensive fuel-system repairs.

Power Train

The same fuel injector and powertrain complaints appear under this category, often linked to the engine issues above. Buyers should expect that powertrain faults may overlap with engine diagnostics and could require dealer-level software or hardware fixes.

Fuel/Propulsion System

Fuel injector failure is a repeated theme, with owners reporting recurring engine problems tied to the injection system. This can lead to misfires, poor fuel economy, and potential breakdowns if not addressed promptly.

In owners' words — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

“What component or system failed, and is it available for inspection upon request? The following component failures occurred in my 2020 Jaguar F-PACE (VIN [XXX] ): Electrical System – Driver-side wiring harness short circuits near the footwell, disabling door…”

“I have been encountering a persistent issue with the engine, which exhibits symptoms of underperformance, occasionally necessitating a complete stop. Additionally, the ABS warning light activates intermittently without providing any diagnostic codes before su…”

FORD F 150

  1. 01POWER TRAIN3,648
  2. 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
  3. 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
  4. 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
  5. 05ENGINE880
What these mean
Power Train

Owners describe a never-ending lead frame issue that can cause near collisions, and 2017 V8 models with the 6-speed automatic frequently go into limp mode and stick in 5th gear. These transmission faults can strand you or create dangerous driving conditions.

Electrical System

The lead frame problem also appears here, along with output speed sensor failures that trigger highway limp mode and code P0722. A rear window defroster short has even caused the back glass to shatter outward, posing a safety risk.

Unknown or Other

A specific complaint details the rear window exploding after the defroster was turned off, with no external impact. This suggests a possible electrical short in the defroster circuit that buyers should inspect or test.

Exterior Lighting

With 1,224 complaints in this area, lighting problems are common, though the sample text does not detail specific failures. Buyers should check all exterior lights, including turn signals and brake lights, for intermittent operation.

In owners' words — POWER TRAIN

“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.

Jaguar F TYPE — 16 recalls

Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — Control Unit/Module
#21V167000Nov 2021

The defect: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Jaguar) is recalling certain 2020 Jaguar F-Type vehicles. The diagnostic check for the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) that runs at vehicle startup may not complete in the time required, which could disable the ABS and the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system du…

The risk: A disabled ABS or DSC system could increase the risk of a crash.

The fix: Jaguar will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software, free of charge. The recall began April 12, 2021. Owners may contact Jaguar customer service at 1-800-452-4827. Jaguar's number for this recall is H335.

Equipment — Other — Labels
#19V682000

The defect: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Jaguar) is recalling certain 2019-2020 F-Type vehicles equipped with 18-inch rear wheels. The tire placard label on the driver's side door opening states an incorrect size for the rear tires. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Feder…

The risk: An incorrect tire placard label may mislead the vehicle owner to install the wrong tire size, potentially affecting vehicle handling, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: Jaguar will notify owners, and dealers will replace the tire placard label with a label that states the correct rear tire size, free of charge. The recall began October 23, 2019. Owners may contact Jaguar customer service at 1-800-452-4827…

Exterior Lighting — Turn Signal
#17V341000

The defect: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Jaguar) is recalling certain 2018 Jaguar F-TYPE vehicles equipped with Highline headlamps. If a front turn signal indicator stops working, the visual and audible turn signal reminders do not flash or chime faster as required. As such, these vehicles fail to com…

The risk: Without the change to the flash and chime rate, the driver may not know that a turn signal is not working. If the turn signal is not working, other drivers will not be aware that the vehicle is turning, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: Jaguar will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle's software, free of charge. The recall began on July 12, 2017. Owners may contact Jaguar customer service at 1-800-452-4827. Jaguar's number for this recall is H026.

Air Bags — Frontal
#21V500000Jan 2021

The defect: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Jaguar) is recalling one 2018 F-Type vehicle. A portion of the instrument panel may interfere with the front passenger air bag during deployment, possibly tearing the air bag cushion.

The risk: An air bag that tears on deployment can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

The fix: A dealer will replace the instrument panel facia, free of charge. The owner notification letter was mailed August 5, 2021. Owners may contact Jaguar customer service at 1-800-452-4827. Jaguar's number for this recall is H365.

FORD F 150 — 151 recalls

Engine
#18V894000

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…

Engine
#19V278000Aug 2019

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…

Seat Belts — Pretensioner
#18V568000

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-…

Latches/Locks/Linkages — Doors — Latch
#17V652000

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

Jaguar F TYPE or FORD F 150: which should you buy?

The Jaguar F TYPE has far fewer issues per year (3.4 vs. 1,162.1), but that reflects its much smaller production and owner base. In practice, the F 150’s higher complaint volume means you are more likely to encounter a reported problem, especially with the transmission and electrical system, while the F TYPE’s lower count still includes serious engine and electrical faults that can be costly.

Recommendation. If you prioritize a lower reported complaint rate and can accept a sports car with potential electrical and fuel-injector quirks, the Jaguar F TYPE may suit you. If you need a high-volume truck and are willing to thoroughly vet transmission and electrical history, the Ford F 150 could work—but only after confirming all recalls are addressed. In either case, a pre-purchase inspection focused on the specific failure patterns is essential.

Key differences

  • The Ford F 150 has 11,621 complaints over 10 years versus 34 for the Jaguar F TYPE, but the F 150 sells in far greater numbers, so per-vehicle risk is not directly comparable.
  • F 150 owners repeatedly report transmission limp mode, stuck gears, and lead frame failures that can cause near collisions, while F TYPE owners report engine underperformance and fuel injector failures.
  • The F 150 has 330 crash-related complaints and 297 injuries, whereas the F TYPE has 1 crash-related complaint and 1 injury, indicating a much higher absolute safety-report volume for the truck.
  • Both vehicles have electrical complaints, but the F 150’s include a rear window shattering from a defroster short, while the F TYPE’s include wiring harness shorts and intermittent ABS lights.
Watch on Jaguar F TYPE
  • Check for driver-side wiring harness damage or shorts near the footwell, as owners report this can disable door functions.
  • Test the fuel injection system and look for any history of fuel injector replacement, especially on 2019 models with around 20,000 miles.
Watch on FORD F 150
  • Scan for transmission codes and test drive for limp mode or stuck gears, particularly on 2017 V8 models with the 6-speed automatic.
  • Inspect the rear window defroster circuit and look for any signs of overheating or previous shattering, as a short has been reported to cause the glass to explode.

Before you buy

  • Obtain a full NHTSA recall history for the specific VIN and confirm all open recalls are completed before purchase.
  • Have a mechanic scan all electronic control modules for stored or pending codes, especially transmission and ABS codes.
  • Test drive the vehicle extensively, including highway speeds, to check for limp mode, hesitation, or warning lights.
  • Inspect wiring harnesses, especially in the footwell area for the F TYPE and around the rear window for the F 150.
  • Ask for service records documenting any fuel injector, transmission, or electrical repairs, and budget for potential follow-up fixes.

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.

YearJaguar F TYPEFORD F 150
20240638
202301527
202203493
202105349
2020444
2019352
2018879
2017259
Years to scrutinize: the 2016 Jaguar F TYPE drew the most complaints (11); the 2021 FORD F 150 drew the most (5,349). Inspect these model years especially closely.

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 Jaguar F TYPE or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.

Go deeper

Full reliability reports

Jaguar F TYPE vs FORD F 150 — comparison facts
Comparison
Jaguar F TYPE vs FORD F 150
Jaguar F TYPE total complaints
34
FORD F 150 total complaints
11,621
Jaguar F TYPE total recalls
16
FORD F 150 total recalls
151
Jaguar F TYPE avg complaints/year
3.4
FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
1162.1
More reliable overall
Jaguar F TYPE
Jaguar F TYPE top complaint area
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FORD F 150 top complaint area
POWER TRAIN