Vehicle 1

Lexus IS

47 complaints · 1 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

FORD F 150

27,152 complaints · 135 recalls

📊 Based on NHTSA owner complaint & recall data
Which Should I Buy?

Lexus IS vs FORD F 150: The Lexus IS has 47 complaints over 10 years (4.7/year) and 1 recall, while the Ford F-150 has 27,152 complaints (2,715/year) and 135 recalls. The Lexus is far less problematic, but the Ford offers truck utility. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

Lower numbers are better for complaints, recalls, and crashes.

4
Lexus IS
wins all 4 categories
0
FORD F 150
no category wins
CategoryLexus ISFORD F 150
Total Complaints
All years combined
47
✓ lower
27,152
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
1
✓ lower
135
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
1
✓ lower
745
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
4.7
✓ lower
2715.2

Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records. Lower is better.

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

Lexus IS

1. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM13
2. STRUCTURE10
3. ENGINE9
4. POWER TRAIN7
5. UNKNOWN OR OTHER6

FORD F 150

1. POWER TRAIN9,864
2. ENGINE4,840
3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3,415
4. UNKNOWN OR OTHER3,136
5. STRUCTURE1,477
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Lexus IS has far fewer complaints per year (4.7) than the Ford F-150 (2715.2), indicating a much lower rate of reported issues. This suggests the Lexus IS is likely more reliable, but the Ford's high volume may reflect its popularity and fleet use.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize reliability and fewer headaches, choose the Lexus IS. If you need a truck for towing or hauling, the Ford F-150 is the only option, but be prepared for potential powertrain and electrical issues.

Key Differences
  • Lexus IS has 47 total complaints vs Ford's 27,152.
  • Ford has 135 recalls; Lexus has 1.
  • Ford has 745 crash complaints; Lexus has 1.
  • Ford's top issue is powertrain (9,864); Lexus's top is fuel/propulsion (13).
⚠ Watch on Lexus IS
  • Watch for fuel system problems (13 complaints) and structural issues (10 complaints).
  • Check for any open recalls, especially the single one.
⚠ Watch on FORD F 150
  • Be wary of powertrain issues (9,864 complaints) and engine problems (4,840).
  • Electrical system failures (3,415 complaints) are also common.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Check NHTSA recall status for both vehicles.
  • For Lexus IS, inspect fuel system and body structure.
  • For Ford F-150, test drive for transmission and engine noises.
  • Request service records for any powertrain repairs.
  • Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

Lexus ISFORD F 150
2026
0
3
2025
3
294
2024
3
559
2023
9
1396
2022
13
3161
2021
2
4782
2020
4
2530
2019
2
5724
2018
3
5505
2017
8
3198
Lexus IS vs FORD F 150 — comparison facts
Comparison
Lexus IS vs FORD F 150
Lexus IS total complaints
47
FORD F 150 total complaints
27,152
Lexus IS total recalls
1
FORD F 150 total recalls
135
Lexus IS avg complaints/year
4.7
FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
2715.2
More reliable overall
Lexus IS
Lexus IS top complaint area
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FORD F 150 top complaint area
POWER TRAIN
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

Lexus IS Reliability & Problems

47 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

FORD F 150 Reliability & Problems

27,152 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Buying a specific Lexus IS or FORD F 150?

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