Head-to-head reliability
LAND Rover LR4 vs FORD F 150
How the LAND Rover LR4 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
LAND Rover LR4 vs FORD F 150: The LR4 averaged 27.3 complaints per year over 7 years, with 15 recalls, while the F-150 averaged 1,162.1 per year over 10 years, with 151 recalls. The LR4's issues often involve fuel leaks and engine failures; the F-150's are mainly transmission and electrical. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the LAND Rover LR4 or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
LAND Rover LR4
The Land Rover LR4 is a luxury SUV that demands careful ownership. Over 7 years, it averaged 27.3 complaints per year, with fuel and engine problems dominating. Owners frequently report fuel leaks and sudden engine failures, often linked to recalls. This suggests that living with an LR4 means staying on top of recalls and being alert to fuel odors and warning lights.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a massive owner base, generating 11,621 complaints over 10 years—an average of 1,162 per year. Power train and electrical issues are most common, with many reports of transmission limp mode and lead frame failures. While the sheer volume reflects high sales, the frequency of serious complaints indicates that buyers should be diligent about maintenance and recall checks.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | LAND Rover LR4 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 191 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 15 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 12 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 27.3 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 7 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.
LAND Rover LR4
- 01FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM45
- 02ENGINE43
- 03FUEL SYSTEM40
- 04GASOLINE38
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM27
Owners report fuel leaks and strong gasoline odors, sometimes while driving. In some cases, the fuel pump mounting flange fails, leading to sudden engine shutdown. This is a serious fire risk and can strand you without warning.
Complaints include engine failure, often after a recall repair, causing abrupt stops at highway speeds. Some owners also note that lightly resting a foot on the brake can trigger multiple warning lights. These issues can be dangerous and expensive to fix.
Many reports involve fuel leaks and odors, with some vehicles included in recall 21V635000 for fuel system problems. The smell of gas inside the cabin is a common warning sign. Buyers should check for any open recalls and inspect for leaks.
Electrical glitches, such as warning lights illuminating unexpectedly, are reported. These can be intermittent and hard to diagnose, potentially leading to costly repairs. A thorough electrical check is wise before purchase.
“VEHICLE WAS LEAKING FUEL. I COULD ALWAYS SMELL GAS BUT COULD SEE NOTHING DRIPPING. WAS DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY WHEN THE VEHICLE JUST DIED. THE GAS MONITOR SAID I HAD 50 MILES TO GO BEFORE NEEDING FUEL. I GOT IT TOWED IN AND WAS TOLD THE FUEL PUMP WAS LEAKING…”
“Recall caused full engine failure which caused 75mph to abrupt stop on Highway. Violently shaking and leaked gas inside vehicle. I was confused because I had no collision and liberty mutual denied my claims, but I was hurt from a recall - dealer frequently re…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Transmission problems are rampant, including limp mode, stuck gears, and lead frame failures. Owners describe near-collisions and recurring issues even after repairs. This can make the truck unreliable and unsafe if not addressed.
Electrical faults often relate to the lead frame and output speed sensor, causing limp mode and error codes. Some also report rear window defroster shorts leading to shattered glass. These issues can disable the vehicle or cause injury.
While not detailed in the sample, exterior lighting complaints are numerous. This could mean frequent bulb failures or more serious wiring issues, affecting visibility and safety. Buyers should test all lights and check for recalls.
Engine complaints are less frequent than power train but still significant. Issues may include rough running or stalling, though specifics aren't in the sample. Regular maintenance and recall checks are important.
“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.
LAND Rover LR4 — 15 recalls
The defect: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Range Rover Sport and 2010-2016 LR4 vehicles equipped with 3.0L V6 or 5.0L V8 engines. The fuel outlet flange mounted on the fuel tank may crack, possibly resulting in a fuel leak.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel outlet flange, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed October 7, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed May 11, 2022. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6…
The defect: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Range Rover Sport and 2010-2016 LR4 vehicles equipped with 3.0L V6 or 5.0L V8 engines. The fuel outlet flange mounted on the fuel tank may crack, possibly resulting in a fuel leak.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel outlet flange, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed October 7, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed May 11, 2022. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6…
The defect: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Range Rover Sport and 2010-2016 LR4 vehicles equipped with 3.0L V6 or 5.0L V8 engines. The fuel outlet flange mounted on the fuel tank may crack, possibly resulting in a fuel leak.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel outlet flange, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed October 7, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed May 11, 2022. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6…
The defect: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Range Rover Sport and 2010-2016 LR4 vehicles equipped with 3.0L V6 or 5.0L V8 engines. The fuel outlet flange mounted on the fuel tank may crack, possibly resulting in a fuel leak.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel outlet flange, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed October 7, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed May 11, 2022. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6…
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
LAND Rover LR4 or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Land Rover LR4 has far fewer complaints per year (27.3) compared to the Ford F-150 (1,162.1), but the LR4's issues are often severe, like fuel leaks and engine failures. The F-150's higher volume means more overall problems, but many are transmission-related and can be managed with recalls and repairs. In practice, the LR4 may require more vigilant attention to fuel and engine systems, while the F-150 demands scrutiny of its transmission and electrical components.
Key differences
- The LR4 averages 27.3 complaints per year; the F-150 averages 1,162.1, but the F-150 sells in much higher numbers.
- LR4 complaints center on fuel leaks and engine failures, often tied to recalls; F-150 complaints are dominated by transmission and electrical issues like limp mode.
- The F-150 has 151 recalls over 10 years, while the LR4 has 15 over 7 years, indicating different recall frequencies.
- Crash-related complaints: LR4 has 12, F-150 has 330, but the F-150's higher volume means more exposure.
- Check for fuel odors or leaks around the fuel tank and lines, especially after filling up; this could indicate a failing fuel pump flange.
- Look for any signs of engine misfires or sudden stalling, and verify that all open recalls (especially fuel system) have been performed.
- Test drive at highway speeds and watch for transmission shuddering, delayed engagement, or limp mode; these are common lead frame symptoms.
- Inspect the rear window defroster operation and look for any cracks or shattering; electrical shorts have caused windows to explode.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA.gov to check for open recalls on both vehicles and confirm they've been remedied.
- For the LR4, have a mechanic inspect the fuel system for leaks and the engine for any stored fault codes.
- For the F-150, scan for transmission codes (especially P0722) and test the lead frame and output speed sensor function.
- Obtain a full vehicle history report to see if major components like the transmission or fuel pump have been replaced.
- During the test drive, listen for unusual noises, check all electrical features, and note any warning lights.
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 LAND Rover LR4 or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- LAND Rover LR4 vs FORD F 150
- LAND Rover LR4 total complaints
- 191
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- LAND Rover LR4 total recalls
- 15
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- LAND Rover LR4 avg complaints/year
- 27.3
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- LAND Rover LR4
- LAND Rover LR4 top complaint area
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN