Head-to-head reliability
Jaguar S TYPE vs FORD F 150
How the Jaguar S TYPE 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
Jaguar S TYPE vs FORD F 150: The Jaguar averages 57.9 complaints per year with 24 recalls, while the Ford averages 1,162.1 complaints per year with 151 recalls. Jaguar owners report transmission and suspension failures; Ford owners report lead frame and electrical issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Jaguar S TYPE or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Jaguar S TYPE
The Jaguar S TYPE is a luxury sedan with a relatively low complaint rate of about 58 per year, but owners report serious issues with the powertrain, suspension, and brakes. Many complaints involve transmission faults, ball joint failures, and electronic parking brake problems that can be expensive to fix. With 24 recalls and 4 deaths reported, it's a vehicle that demands careful inspection and a healthy repair budget.
FORD F 150
The Ford F 150 is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint rate of over 1,100 per year, reflecting its huge popularity and widespread use. Common problems include transmission limp mode, electrical glitches, and rear window shattering. Despite 151 recalls and 1 death, many issues are covered by recalls or extended warranties, but buyers should still be vigilant.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Jaguar S TYPE | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 521 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 24 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 52 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 57.9 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 34 Better | 297 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 4 | 1 Better |
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 S TYPE
- 01POWER TRAIN106
- 02SUSPENSION65
- 03SERVICE BRAKES61
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM60
- 05VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL52
Owners report transmission fault codes (P0500, P0721) causing gearbox and speed sensor failures, often leaving the car unable to shift out of park or losing power. These repairs can be costly and may require dealer-only diagnostics.
Complaints include ball joint breakage that can cause loss of control, as well as air conditioning leaks and battery drain issues. A broken ball joint is a critical safety hazard that should be checked immediately.
The electronic parking brake may fail to release when shifting out of park, requiring 15-20 minutes of driving to disengage. This can leave the car stuck and lead to brake overheating.
Reports include electronic throttle malfunctions causing sudden shutdowns or unintended acceleration, as well as gearbox and braking system malfunctions. These electrical gremlins can be intermittent and hard to diagnose.
“On 5/8/23 called JLR NA on transmission issues fault codes C0003A(abs) P0500 and PO721 gear box and speed sensors. They recommended not to drive and have towed and connected to JLR road side, but $225 to closest JLR dealer, so called back and JLR recommended…”
“JAGUAR S-TYPE SEDAN 2003 WAS SUBJECT TO RECALL R-513 BUT NOT LIMITED TO THIS. THIS VEHICLE EXPERIENCED MAJOR MALFUNCTIONS IN PERFORMANCE WITH GEAR BOX AND BRAKING SYSTEMS IN WHICH IT COULD NOT BE PROPERLY SHIFTED OUT OF PARK, LOST RPM, PARKING BRAKE FAILURE,…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
The 'lead frame' issue in the transmission is a recurring problem that can cause limp mode, stuck gears, and near-collisions. Many owners report daily transmission malfunctions, especially in 2017 V8 models with the 6-speed automatic.
Output speed sensor failures trigger limp mode and fault code P0722, even after recall software updates. The lead frame issue also falls under electrical, causing intermittent no-start or shifting problems.
Rear window defroster shorts can cause the back window to shatter outward without impact, posing a safety risk. This is a surprising and dangerous defect that owners have reported.
While not detailed in the sample complaints, exterior lighting is a top complaint category, suggesting frequent bulb or housing failures that can affect visibility and safety.
“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 S TYPE — 24 recalls
The defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES WERE INADVERTENTLY RELEASED AFTER BEING ASSEMBLED WITH PROTOTYPE FUEL TANKS THAT WERE PRODUCED FOR TEST PURPOSES ONLY.
The risk: THE TANKS WERE MANUFACTURED WITH PROCESSES THAT VARY SIGNIFICANTLY FROM REGULAR PRODUCTION. THE DURABILITY OF THESE PROTOTYPE FUEL TANKS HAS NOT BEEN VALIDATED AND IS UNKNOWN.
The fix: THESE VEHICLES HAVE NOT BEEN RELEASED TO CUSTOMERS AND ARE LOCATED AT DEALER LOTS . THE FUEL TANK WILL BE REPLACED.
The defect: CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE…
The risk: FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
The fix: UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.
The defect: CERTAIN SEDANS MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN INCORRECTLY MANUFACTURED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PARKING PAWL GUIDE PLATE.
The risk: CONSEQUENTLY 'PARK' MAY NOT ENGAGE WHEN THE LEVER IN THE VEHICLE IS MOVED TO 'PARK" AND ALL INDICATORS SHOW 'PARK' POSITION IS ACHIEVED.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PARKING PAWL GUIDE PLATE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN NOVEMBER 22, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT JAGUAR AT 1-800-452-4827.
The defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 135, "PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEM." THE BRAKE FLUID MASTER CYLINDER RESERVOIR IS RECESSED AND ORIENTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT BENEATH A LEAF SCREEN, SUCH THAT THE BRAKE FLUID WARNING STATE…
The risk: THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE STANDARD.
The fix: OWNERS WILL BE SENT LETTERS WHICH WILL INCLUDE INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS AND LABELS CONTAINING THE REQUIRED WARNING STATEMENT. IF THEY PREFER, OWNERS MAY CONTACT DEALERS TO HAVE THEM INSTALL THE LABELS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 25, 2005…
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
Jaguar S TYPE or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Jaguar S TYPE has far fewer complaints per year (about 58 vs. 1,162 for the Ford F 150), but its issues tend to be severe and expensive, such as transmission and suspension failures. The Ford F 150's higher volume means more overall problems, but many are addressed by recalls or are less catastrophic. In practice, the Jaguar may be cheaper to buy but riskier to own, while the Ford is more common and better supported.
Key differences
- The Jaguar S TYPE averages 57.9 complaints per year, while the Ford F 150 averages 1,162.1 per year, a 20-fold difference.
- Jaguar owners report transmission fault codes and ball joint failures, whereas Ford owners report lead frame issues causing limp mode and rear window shattering.
- The Ford F 150 has 151 recalls versus 24 for the Jaguar, meaning more potential for free fixes but also more defects.
- Jaguar has 4 deaths and 34 injuries reported, while Ford has 1 death and 297 injuries, indicating different severity patterns.
- Check for transmission fault codes (P0500, P0721) and ensure the car shifts smoothly out of park; a history of gearbox repairs is a major warning.
- Inspect suspension ball joints for wear or cracks, as sudden breakage has been reported and can cause loss of control.
- Test the transmission for limp mode or stuck gears, especially in 2017 V8 models; ask if the lead frame has been replaced.
- Check the rear window defroster operation and look for any cracks or shattering, as this has been reported as a sudden failure.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models using the NHTSA VIN lookup.
- For the Jaguar, have a mechanic inspect the transmission, suspension, and electronic parking brake before purchase.
- For the Ford, test drive extensively to check for transmission shudder or limp mode, and verify the lead frame recall was performed.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially any transmission or electrical repairs, and be wary of frequent shop visits.
- Budget for a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic familiar with the specific model's common issues.
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 S TYPE or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Jaguar S TYPE vs FORD F 150
- Jaguar S TYPE total complaints
- 521
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Jaguar S TYPE total recalls
- 24
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Jaguar S TYPE avg complaints/year
- 57.9
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Jaguar S TYPE
- Jaguar S TYPE top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN