Head-to-head reliability
Lexus IS vs FORD F 150
How the Lexus IS 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 IS vs FORD F 150: The Lexus IS averages 5.8 complaints per year with 1 recall, while the Ford F-150 averages 1,162.1 complaints per year with 151 recalls. The IS has 3 injuries reported, the F-150 has 297. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Lexus IS or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Lexus IS
The Lexus IS is a compact luxury sedan that, based on NHTSA data, generates relatively few complaints—about 6 per year over a decade. The most common owner-reported issues involve the fuel/propulsion system and engine, with several complaints describing recurring misfires, reduced power, and sudden loss of acceleration. There is also a notable structural complaint about a sticky, decomposing dashboard that can reflect sunlight and obscure visibility. Overall, the IS appears to have a lower volume of reported problems, but the engine-related complaints are serious and may require persistent diagnosis.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup that, according to NHTSA data, accumulates a very high number of complaints—over 1,100 per year on average—and has 151 recalls over the same period. The most frequent trouble spots are the power train and electrical system, with owners describing transmission limp mode, stuck gears, and lead frame failures that can cause sudden loss of power. Other reported issues include rear window defroster shorts leading to shattered glass and various electrical glitches. The sheer volume of complaints and recalls suggests that owning an F-150 may involve more frequent trips to the shop and a higher chance of encountering a safety-related defect.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Lexus IS | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 58 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 1 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 5.8 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 3 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 IS
- 01FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM14
- 02ENGINE12
- 03STRUCTURE10
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER8
- 05POWER TRAIN7
Owners report intermittent engine misfires, flashing check-engine lights, reduced engine power, and sudden loss of acceleration. These symptoms can leave a driver stranded or unable to accelerate safely in traffic, and multiple repair attempts may not fully resolve the issue.
Complaints describe recurring misfires and engine shaking, often accompanied by a flashing malfunction indicator lamp. The problem can lead to reduced power and sudden acceleration loss, which is both frustrating and potentially dangerous.
Some owners of newer models report a sticky, decomposing dashboard that becomes reflective in sunlight and obscures the view of the road. This is a comfort and visibility concern that may require dashboard replacement.
A few complaints mention engine shaking and check-engine lights without a clear component, as well as dashboard deterioration. These vague reports can make it harder to pinpoint the cause before purchase.
“I am filing this updated complaint to supplement my prior complaint (NHTSA ID No. XXX, filed January 27, 2026) regarding a recurring, safety-critical engine defect in my 2020 Lexus IS300 RWD, 8AR-FTS engine. DEFECT: Three documented misfire events over seven…”
“This vehicle has a recurring, safety-critical defect involving intermittent engine misfires, flashing MILs, reduced engine power, sudden loss of acceleration, and noticeable engine shaking. Despite multiple repair attempts and extended diagnostics by a dealer…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners frequently report transmission problems such as limp mode, getting stuck in 5th gear, and lead frame failures that can cause sudden loss of power or near-collisions. These issues often recur even after repairs, making the truck unreliable for daily driving.
Complaints include lead frame issues affecting transmission operation, output speed sensor failures that trigger limp mode, and rear window defroster shorts that can cause the back window to shatter. Electrical gremlins can be intermittent and hard to diagnose.
Some owners report rear window defroster shorts leading to exploding glass, as well as other unexplained electrical faults. These can be safety hazards and expensive to fix.
Although not detailed in the sample complaints, exterior lighting is a top complaint category, suggesting owners experience frequent bulb or housing failures that can 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.
Lexus IS — 1 recall
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2015-2022 Lexus RC, 2016-2020 GS, and 2022 IS vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
The risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed June 5, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Toyota's cust…
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 IS or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Lexus IS has far fewer complaints per year (about 6) compared to the Ford F-150 (over 1,100), and also fewer recalls (1 vs. 151). In practice, this means a used Lexus IS is likely to require less frequent unscheduled repairs, while the F-150 may demand more time and money for maintenance and could expose you to more safety-related defects.
Key differences
- The Ford F-150 has about 200 times more complaints per year than the Lexus IS, with power train and electrical issues dominating.
- Lexus IS complaints often center on engine misfires and a sticky dashboard, while F-150 complaints frequently involve transmission limp mode and lead frame failures.
- The F-150 has 151 recalls over 10 years, including engine, seat belt, door latch, and air bag issues; the Lexus IS has only 1 recall for a fuel pump.
- F-150 complaints include 330 crash-related reports and 297 injuries, whereas the Lexus IS has 1 crash-related report and 3 injuries.
- During a test drive, watch for engine misfires, hesitation, or a flashing check-engine light—these are common in complaints and can indicate a persistent fuel or ignition problem.
- Inspect the dashboard for any sticky, shiny, or decomposing areas, especially on older models, as this can become reflective and impair visibility.
- Test the transmission for harsh shifting, slipping, or getting stuck in gear; complaints describe limp mode and lead frame failures that can cause sudden power loss.
- Check the rear window defroster operation and look for any signs of electrical shorts or previous window replacement, as some owners report the glass shattering.
Before you buy
- Ask for a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the specific model, focusing on engine and transmission codes.
- Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall database to confirm all recalls have been addressed, especially for the F-150's many campaigns.
- For the Lexus IS, request service records related to fuel system and engine repairs, and test drive long enough to trigger any misfire.
- For the Ford F-150, specifically test the transmission in stop-and-go traffic and on the highway to check for limp mode or shifting problems.
- Check the dashboard condition on the Lexus IS and the rear window and defroster on the F-150 for signs of the reported issues.
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 IS | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 35 |
| 2025 | 3 | 345 |
| 2024 | 3 | 638 |
| 2023 | 15 | 1527 |
| 2022 | 13 | 3493 |
| 2021 | 2 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 6 | 44 |
| 2019 | 2 | 52 |
| 2018 | 3 | 79 |
| 2017 | 10 | 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 IS or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Lexus IS vs FORD F 150
- Lexus IS total complaints
- 58
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Lexus IS total recalls
- 1
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Lexus IS avg complaints/year
- 5.8
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Lexus IS
- Lexus IS top complaint area
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN