Head-to-head reliability
Lexus HS vs FORD F 150
How the Lexus HS 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 HS vs FORD F 150: The Lexus HS has 0 complaints and 3 recalls over 3 years, while the Ford F-150 has 11,311 complaints and 145 recalls over 10 years. The F-150 also reports 328 crash-related incidents and 287 injuries. The HS shows far fewer reported problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Lexus HS or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Lexus HS
The Lexus HS is a small hybrid sedan that, based on NHTSA data, has no owner complaints filed over three years. It has three recalls covering brakes and fuel storage, but no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths. For a used-car buyer, this suggests a very low reported failure rate, though the absence of complaints means there is little owner feedback to learn from.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a huge number of owner complaints—over 11,000 in ten years—and 145 recalls. The most common problem areas are the power train, electrical system, and exterior lighting. Many complaints describe serious issues like hard shifting, loss of power, and warning lights, and there have been 328 crash-related reports, 287 injuries, and one death.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Lexus HS | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 0 Better | 11,311 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 3 Better | 145 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 328 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.0 Better | 1131.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 287 |
| 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 HS
No component data available.
The Lexus HS has a recall for service brakes, but no owner complaints describe the actual failure. A buyer should still verify that the recall work was completed, as brake problems can affect stopping distance.
A recall covers the gasoline storage system, which could involve fuel leaks or evaporation issues. Without complaint text, it is unclear how often this occurs, but any fuel smell or leak should be checked.
The antilock brake control module is under recall. A faulty module might disable ABS or trigger warning lights, so confirm the recall was performed and that no ABS light stays on.
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,553
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,071
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,401
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,164
- 05ENGINE847
Owners report hard or delayed shifts, jerking, clunking, and even sudden loss of power, often linked to the 10-speed automatic transmission. These symptoms can happen at highway speeds and may lead to dangerous situations.
Complaints include loud bangs from the transmission, popping sounds from the rear suspension, and warnings like 'Front Camera Malfunction' and 'Pre Collision Assist Not Available.' These electrical glitches can distract the driver and may indicate deeper wiring or module problems.
There are many complaints about exterior lighting, especially headlights, and a recall for headlights. Faulty headlights reduce visibility at night, increasing the risk of a crash.
Engine-related complaints and recalls exist, though fewer than for the power train. Issues could include stalling, rough running, or check-engine lights, which may require costly repairs.
“I started noticing hard and delayed shifts from 7th into 8th gear. My RPM's were not increasing when this happened, and then on a very crowded major road I lost all power, vehicle shut off and drifted, then started up and jerked again very hard. This failure…”
“I am reporting a safety-related transmission problem I experienced with my 2020 Ford F-150 equipped with the 10R80 automatic transmission. While driving normally, the transmission shifts hard (ie: jerks, clunks) between 4-5 and 5-6 gears, and has on occasion…”
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 HS — 3 recalls
The defect: Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 Prius vehicles manufactured March 31, 2009, through October 9, 2009; and model year 2010 Lexus HS250h vehicles manufactured June 19, 2009, through October 9, 2009. Nitrogen gas from a component of the brake booster pump assembly could leak into the brake…
The risk: As nitrogen is released into the brake fluid, the brake pedal may have reduced hydraulic pressure. Under certain circumstances, this condition could affect stopping distance and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected brake booster pump assemblies. The recall began on August 7, 2013. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
The defect: TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 HS250h LEXUS VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY." WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS ROTATED FOLLOWING A CRASH TEST AS REQUIRED, THE AMOUNT OF FUEL LEAKAGE EXCEEDED THE ALLOWABLE…
The risk: FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE AFFECTED VEHICLES BY INSTALLING A NEWLY DESIGNED PROTECTOR COMPONENT FOR THE FUEL FILLER INLET PIPE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 9, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT LEXUS A…
The defect: TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 TOYOTA PRIUS AND LEXUS HS250H PASSENGER VEHICLES. CUSTOMERS HAVE EXPERIENCED INCONSISTENT BRAKE FEEL AFTER ABS ACTUATION DURING SLOW AND STEADY APPLICATION OF THE BRAKES ON ROUGH OR SLICK ROAD SURFACES. STOPPING DISTANCES MAY BE INCREASED COMPARED WITH A…
The risk: VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCES MAY INCREASE RELATIVE TO A CUSTOMER'S EXPECTATION INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REWRITE THE PROGRAMMING OF THE ABS CONTROL UNIT FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 3, 2010, AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN LATE MARCH 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331 AND LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3…
FORD F 150 — 145 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 trucks equipped with high series LED headlamps with Autolamp (On/Off) functionality. The Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) may remain activated instead of dimming to parking lamps when the Master Lighting Switch (MLS) is manually rotated from…
The risk: DRL that cannot dim may reduce the visibility of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the body control module, free of charge. The recall began March 10, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C03.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 F-150 vehicles. The fastener securing the Power Distribution Box (PDB) 12V cable and Battery Monitoring System (BMS) eyelets to the positive battery terminal may loosen and affect the vehicle's systems such as instrument panel displays and br…
The risk: Inoperative vehicle systems or an engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. Reduced braking and steering efforts increases the risk of a crash. This condition could also create a resistive short, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the positive battery cable/BMS/PDB joint for excess sealant adhesive and remove any excessive adhesive, reassemble the joint, and retorque the fastener, as necessary, free of charge. The re…
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 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also…
The risk: A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's num…
Buyer analysis
Lexus HS or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Lexus HS has far fewer issues per year—0 complaints per year versus about 1,131 for the Ford F-150. In practice, this means a used HS is likely to have fewer reported problems, while the F-150 has a much higher volume of serious complaints and recalls that a buyer should be prepared to handle.
Key differences
- The Lexus HS has 0 complaints and 3 recalls over 3 years, while the Ford F-150 has 11,311 complaints and 145 recalls over 10 years.
- Ford F-150 owners frequently report transmission problems like hard shifts, jerking, and sudden power loss, which are not seen in the Lexus HS data.
- The F-150 has 328 crash-related reports, 287 injuries, and 1 death, whereas the HS has none reported.
- The HS recalls cover brakes and fuel storage, while F-150 recalls include headlights, battery cables, engine, and seat recliners.
- Check for any open recalls on the brakes and fuel storage system, and confirm they were fixed by a dealer.
- Look for an illuminated ABS or brake warning light, which could indicate a problem with the antilock brake control module.
- Test drive at various speeds and watch for hard shifts, jerking, or delayed engagement, especially between 4th and 8th gears.
- Check for recurring dashboard warnings like 'Front Camera Malfunction' or 'Pre Collision Assist Not Available,' and listen for loud bangs or popping sounds from the transmission or rear suspension.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all safety recalls have been completed for the specific vehicle.
- For the Lexus HS, ask a mechanic to inspect the brakes, ABS module, and fuel system for any signs of leaks or warning lights.
- For the Ford F-150, have a trusted mechanic scan for transmission and electrical fault codes, and test drive extensively in stop-and-go and highway conditions.
- Check the NHTSA website by VIN to see if any unrepaired recalls remain on the vehicle you are considering.
- Budget for a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the model, as both vehicles have recall histories that may affect long-term reliability.
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 HS or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Lexus HS vs FORD F 150
- Lexus HS total complaints
- 0
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,311
- Lexus HS total recalls
- 3
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 145
- Lexus HS avg complaints/year
- 0.0
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1131.1
- More reliable overall
- Lexus HS
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN