Head-to-head reliability
Lexus GX vs FORD F 150
How the Lexus GX 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
Lexus GX vs FORD F 150: The GX averages 5.4 complaints per year with 6 recalls, while the F-150 averages 1,162.1 complaints per year with 151 recalls. The F-150 also has 330 crash-related reports versus 3 for the GX. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Lexus GX or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Lexus GX
The Lexus GX is a luxury SUV with a relatively low complaint volume: 54 complaints over 10 years, averaging 5.4 per year. That suggests most owners don't experience frequent problems, but the complaints that do appear include serious brake shudder on descents and transmission harshness. There are 6 recalls and 3 crash-related reports, so while overall counts are low, some issues can affect confidence.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a very high complaint volume: 11,621 complaints over 10 years, averaging 1,162 per year. The most common areas are power train and electrical system, with many owners reporting transmission limp mode, lead frame failures, and electrical glitches. There are 151 recalls and 330 crash-related reports, indicating a wide range of potential problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Lexus GX | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 54 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 6 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 3 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 5.4 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 2 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.
Lexus GX
- 01SERVICE BRAKES13
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER10
- 03ENGINE8
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM7
- 05POWER TRAIN6
Owners report violent shaking during downhill braking, making the vehicle feel like it might not stop. Another complaint describes a sharp metal edge on the parking brake pedal that can cut a foot. These issues matter because brakes are critical for safety and comfort.
Complaints include rough shifting when slowing or accelerating, and a harsh downshift from 2nd to 1st gear that feels like a jerk or thud. A software update may not fix it, so buyers should test-drive at low speeds.
One owner reported a 'Low Steering Power' warning at start-up, with all electrical accessories working. Another described a sudden screech and the wheel jerking. These electrical faults can affect steering assist and are concerning.
Reports include a driver-side window cracking spontaneously near the side mirror, and a 'Low Steering Power' message. These unexplained failures can be frustrating and costly to diagnose.
“At approximately 6,000 miles we drove this vehicle from Chattanooga to Nashville and back. The interstate has one steep grade. On the decent home the vehicle was violently shaking. It felt as if the car might not be able to stop or something had been broken.…”
“Parking brake foot pedal on my GX460 has a very sharp edge on the metal piece on the back side of it. In disengaged position, it sits directly above the left footrest position. If I slight lift my left feet or stretch the foot on a drive, it hits the back sid…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners describe a 'lead frame' issue that can cause sudden limp mode or stuck gears, sometimes nearly causing collisions. Others report daily transmission malfunction, stuck in 5th gear, and failure to downshift. These problems can leave you stranded or in danger.
The same lead frame problem also appears under electrical, causing limp mode and sensor failures. One owner had a rear window explode outward due to a defroster short. Electrical gremlins are common and can be hard to trace.
A rear window shattered outward after the defroster was turned off, with no impact. This suggests a possible defect in the defroster or glass, which could be a safety risk.
Although not detailed in the sample complaints, exterior lighting is a top component with 1,224 complaints. Buyers should check all lights, including brake and turn signals, for intermittent failures.
“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.
Lexus GX — 6 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or d…
The risk: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the parking assist software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB13 and 25LB06. Subaru's nu…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Toyota Tundra, Tacoma Hybrid, Tacoma, RAV4 Hybrid, Land Cruiser Hybrid, Lexus GX550, 2024-2026 Tundra Hybrid, 2025 Sequoia Hybrid, Crown Signia, Grand Highlander, Lexus TX500 Hybrid, Lexus NX350 Hybrid, 2025-2026 Grand…
The risk: A vehicle with an incorrect maximum capacity weight value may be overloaded, which can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the load carrying capacity modification label, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 26, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 26LB04, 26LA04…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or d…
The risk: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the parking assist software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB13 and 25LB06. Subaru's nu…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Toyota Tundra, Lexus LX, and 2024 Lexus GX vehicles equipped with a V35A engine. Debris from the manufacturing process may contaminate the engine and cause the main bearings to fail, which can result in an engine stall…
The risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will perform an inspection on the #1 main bearing using vehicle inspection software and drive data, and if necessary, replace the engine. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner letters were mailed August 28, 2026. Owners m…
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
Lexus GX or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Lexus GX has far fewer issues per year (5.4 vs. 1,162.1), meaning you are much less likely to encounter frequent problems. The Ford F-150's high complaint rate and many recalls suggest a higher chance of recurring repairs, especially for power train and electrical systems.
Key differences
- The Lexus GX averages 5.4 complaints per year; the Ford F-150 averages 1,162.1 per year, a massive difference in reported problem frequency.
- Ford F-150 owners frequently report transmission limp mode and lead frame failures that can cause sudden loss of power; Lexus GX complaints are more varied but include brake shudder and transmission harshness.
- The Ford F-150 has 151 recalls and 330 crash-related reports; the Lexus GX has 6 recalls and 3 crash-related reports.
- Lexus GX electrical complaints include steering power loss warnings; Ford F-150 electrical complaints include lead frame and rear window shattering.
- During a test drive, brake firmly from highway speeds on a downhill grade to check for violent shaking or vibration.
- Test low-speed acceleration and deceleration to feel for harsh downshifts or jerking, especially from 2nd to 1st gear.
- Ask for a pre-purchase inspection focusing on transmission codes and lead frame history; test drive at highway speeds to check for limp mode or stuck gears.
- Inspect the rear window and defroster for cracks or signs of overheating; turn on the defroster and watch for any unusual behavior.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls using the VIN.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, including transmission and electrical system diagnostics.
- Test drive on varied roads, including highways and hills, to replicate common complaint conditions.
- For the Ford F-150, specifically ask about transmission software updates and lead frame replacements.
- For the Lexus GX, check brake pedal feel and listen for unusual noises during braking.
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 | Lexus GX | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 35 |
| 2025 | 13 | 345 |
| 2024 | 19 | 638 |
| 2023 | 6 | 1527 |
| 2022 | 7 | 3493 |
| 2021 | 3 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 5 | 44 |
| 2019 | 0 | 52 |
| 2018 | 0 | 79 |
| 2017 | 0 | 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 Lexus GX or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Lexus GX vs FORD F 150
- Lexus GX total complaints
- 54
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Lexus GX total recalls
- 6
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Lexus GX avg complaints/year
- 5.4
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Lexus GX
- Lexus GX top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN