Head-to-head reliability
Jaguar XJ vs FORD F 150
How the Jaguar XJ 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 XJ vs FORD F 150: The XJ averages 11.4 complaints per year with 20 recalls, while the F-150 averages 1,162.1 complaints per year with 151 recalls. The F-150 also has 330 crash-related complaints versus 18 for the XJ. Both have electrical and power train issues, but the F-150's are more frequent. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Jaguar XJ or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Jaguar XJ
The Jaguar XJ is a luxury sedan with a relatively low complaint volume—about 11.4 per year over a decade—but owners report a range of electrical and engine issues that can be frustrating and costly. Complaints include random alarm triggers, slow touch screens, and engine problems like throttle body failures that cause shaking and stalling. With 20 recalls and 18 crash-related complaints, it's a car that demands careful maintenance and a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a massive complaint count—over 11,600 in ten years, averaging more than 1,100 annually—dominated by power train and electrical problems. Owners frequently describe transmission limp mode, lead frame failures, and sudden electrical glitches that can affect safety. With 151 recalls and 330 crash-related complaints, it's a high-volume vehicle with widespread, recurring issues that buyers should take seriously.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Jaguar XJ | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 114 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 20 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 18 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 11.4 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 20 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.
Jaguar XJ
- 01ENGINE33
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM21
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER20
- 04POWER TRAIN12
- 05SERVICE BRAKES12
Owners report throttle body failures that trigger stability control warnings and cause the car to shake and shut down while driving. One owner had the throttle body replaced twice but the problem persisted, leaving the car undrivable at times.
Complaints include a faulty alarm that goes off randomly, touch screen functions that are exceptionally slow, and control buttons that become sticky. One owner also reported unintended acceleration while parking, which is a serious safety concern.
This category captures miscellaneous issues like the alarm and touch screen problems, as well as a report of a crash after getting off a highway. These varied complaints suggest a lack of a single fix and potential for unpredictable faults.
The same unintended acceleration incident was also filed under power train, indicating that transmission or throttle control issues may contribute to sudden acceleration. This is a critical safety issue that buyers should investigate.
“THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD NUMEROUS"UNUSUAL" ISSUES FROM "STICK-TO-YOUR-FINGERS" CONTROL BUTTONS THAT WERE CHANGED UNDER WARRANTY TO A FAULTY ALARM SYSTEM THAT GOES OFF RANDOMLY ONCE ACTIVATED,TO EXCEPTIONALLY SLOW TOUCH SCREEN FUNCTIONS THAT CAN ONLY BE CONTROLLED…”
“A SERIS OF ISSUES PLAQUE THIS MODEL. CHANGED THROTTLE BODY TWICE BUT CAR KEEP SHOWING STABILITY CONTROL NOT AVAILABLE, THROTTLE BODY ACTUATION ISSUES WITH P2119,P2118 CODES AMONG SEVERAL OTHERS. CAR SHAKES AND SHUTS DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING. AT IDLE, THE…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners describe a never-ending lead frame issue that can cause the truck to enter limp mode or get stuck in gear, sometimes nearly causing collisions. A 2017 F-150 owner reported daily limp mode and failure to shift, requiring costly repairs.
Electrical complaints include the lead frame problem and an output speed sensor failure that triggered limp mode on the highway. One owner also reported a rear window defroster short that caused the back window to shatter unexpectedly.
This area includes the rear window shattering incident, which owners say happened without impact. Such sudden failures can be dangerous and expensive to fix, and they point to broader quality control issues.
With 1,224 complaints, exterior lighting is a top concern, though specific owner text isn't provided. Buyers should check for recurring bulb failures, moisture in housings, or flickering lights that could 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 XJ — 20 recalls
The defect: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Jaguar) is recalling certain 2019 Jaguar F-Pace, F-Type, and XJ vehicles equipped with V6 or V8 gasoline engines. The crankshaft pulley retaining bolt may have been improperly manufactured, possibly causing the crankshaft pulley bolt to fracture, potentially re…
The risk: Engine failure may increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Jaguar has notified owners, and dealers will replace the crankshaft pulley center retaining bolt, free of charge. The recall began February 11, 2019. Owners may contact Jaguar customer service at 1-800-452-4827. Jaguar's number for this re…
The defect: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Jaguar) is recalling certain 2010-2011 and 2017 XJ vehicles. The Restraint Control Module (RCM) software may cause the frontal air bags to deploy improperly in the event of a frontal impact crash.
The risk: Failure of the air bags to deploy properly increases the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Jaguar will notify owners, and dealers will update the RCM software, free of charge. The recall began October 7, 2020. Owners may contact Jaguar customer service at 1-800-369-1000. Jaguar's number for this recall is H294.
The defect: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Jaguar) is recalling certain 2010-2011 XJ vehicles. If, while servicing the vehicle, the vehicle does not successfully receive an update to the Restraint Control Module (RCM) software, the default air bag calibration settings may be incorrect.
The risk: In the event of a crash, the incorrect calibration may not activate the air bag deployment as intended, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Jaguar will notify owners, and dealers will update the RCM with the latest software, free of charge. The recall began on August 15, 2017. Owners may contact Jaguar customer service at 1-800-452-4827. Jaguar's number for this recall is H034.
The defect: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Jaguar) is recalling certain 2010-2011 and 2017 XJ vehicles. The Restraint Control Module (RCM) software may cause the frontal air bags to deploy improperly in the event of a frontal impact crash.
The risk: Failure of the air bags to deploy properly increases the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Jaguar will notify owners, and dealers will update the RCM software, free of charge. The recall began October 7, 2020. Owners may contact Jaguar customer service at 1-800-369-1000. Jaguar's number for this recall is H294.
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 XJ or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Jaguar XJ has far fewer complaints per year (11.4 vs. 1,162.1), but that doesn't automatically make it more reliable—it's a lower-volume vehicle. The Ford F-150's huge complaint count reflects its popularity and widespread power train and electrical issues that can strand drivers. In practice, the XJ may have fewer overall problems, but the F-150's issues are more frequently reported and potentially more severe.
Key differences
- The Ford F-150 has over 11,600 complaints in 10 years, while the Jaguar XJ has only 114—a massive difference in reported problem frequency.
- Power train issues dominate F-150 complaints (3,648), often involving limp mode and lead frame failures, whereas the XJ's top issue is engine (33) with throttle body and stalling problems.
- The F-150 has 151 recalls and 330 crash-related complaints, compared to the XJ's 20 recalls and 18 crash-related complaints, indicating broader safety-related campaigns for the Ford.
- Electrical problems are common in both, but the XJ's include random alarms and slow touch screens, while the F-150's include lead frame faults and a shattering rear window.
- Check for throttle body issues: test drive and look for shaking, stalling, or stability control warnings, as owners report repeated failures.
- Inspect electrical functions: ensure the alarm doesn't go off randomly, touch screen responds quickly, and control buttons aren't sticky or malfunctioning.
- Test the transmission thoroughly: look for limp mode, rough shifting, or getting stuck in gear, especially in 2017 models with the 6-speed automatic.
- Check the rear window and defroster: inspect for cracks or signs of shattering, and test the defroster to ensure it doesn't short out.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models, especially the F-150's many campaigns.
- Have a mechanic inspect the Jaguar XJ's throttle body, alarm system, and touch screen for proper function.
- For the Ford F-150, scan for transmission codes and test drive at highway speeds to check for limp mode or shifting issues.
- Verify that all electrical components work, including lights, defroster, and infotainment, as both vehicles have electrical complaints.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, particularly for transmission or engine repairs, to gauge how well the vehicle was cared for.
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 | Jaguar XJ | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 | 52 |
| 2018 | 2 | 79 |
| 2017 | 4 | 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 Jaguar XJ or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Jaguar XJ vs FORD F 150
- Jaguar XJ total complaints
- 114
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Jaguar XJ total recalls
- 20
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Jaguar XJ avg complaints/year
- 11.4
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Jaguar XJ
- Jaguar XJ top complaint area
- ENGINE
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN