Head-to-head reliability
Lexus UX vs FORD F 150
How the Lexus UX 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 UX vs FORD F 150: The UX has 20 complaints over 8 years (2.5/year) and 0 recalls, while the F-150 has 11,621 complaints over 10 years (1,162/year) and 151 recalls. The F-150 also shows 297 injuries and 1 death in complaints, versus 1 injury for the UX. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Lexus UX or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Lexus UX
The Lexus UX is a compact luxury SUV with a very low complaint rate—about 2.5 per year over eight years and no recalls on record. Owners report a handful of serious-sounding issues, mainly brakes failing without warning and sudden acceleration or stalling. Most complaints are isolated, but the brake and speed-control reports involve crashes, so a careful pre-purchase inspection is wise.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a massive complaint volume—over 11,600 in ten years, averaging more than 1,100 per year, plus 151 recalls. The dominant theme is powertrain trouble, especially transmission limp mode and lead frame failures, along with electrical glitches. With 297 injuries and one death reported, the data shows a pattern of recurring, sometimes dangerous problems that buyers should take seriously.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Lexus UX | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 20 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 9 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 2.5 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 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 UX
- 01SERVICE BRAKES6
- 02VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL4
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3
- 04POWER TRAIN3
- 05STRUCTURE3
Owners of 2019–2020 UX models report brakes failing to operate when pressed, sometimes without warning, leading to collisions. One owner said the brake malfunction caused a crash into a restaurant; another collided with a car after leaving a car wash. This is the most concerning pattern because it can happen at low speed and with no prior symptom.
Complaints describe unintended acceleration or sudden loss of power, including while parallel parking and while driving on the freeway with a check-engine light. These events can surprise a driver in tight spaces or at speed, so any history of throttle or software updates should be checked.
Reports include brake malfunction tied to electrical faults and door locks failing to engage even when the child lock was set. Electrical gremlins can affect safety systems and are hard to diagnose, so a full scan for stored codes is important.
Some owners of 2022 UX200 report the engine stalling at around 30 mph or when accelerating from a stop, with the check-engine light on and transmission issues noted. Stalling in traffic is a serious safety risk, so a test drive should include stop-and-go and highway acceleration.
“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? My Lexus 2020 UX200's brake malfunctioned and caused a crash accident into a restaurant on February 29th. It was inspected by Lexus Liability and an independent…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 LEXUS UX250 HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON EXITING A CAR WASH, THE BRAKES FAILED TO OPERATE UPON DEPRESSION WITHOUT WARNING. DUE TO FAILURE, THE CONTACT COLLIDED WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HIM. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPL…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
The most common complaint is transmission limp mode, often stuck in 5th gear, and lead frame failures that can cause near collisions. One owner said the lead frame issue 'nearly ended my life.' These problems can recur even after repairs, so a pre-purchase inspection should focus on transmission behavior and any related recalls.
Owners report the same lead frame issue affecting electrical signals, plus output speed sensor failures that trigger limp mode and code P0722. A 2017 owner said the truck entered highway limp mode despite a recall software update. Electrical faults here can strand you or cause sudden power loss.
One owner described the rear window defroster shorting and the back window exploding outward and shattering. While this is a single report, it shows that even non-powertrain systems can fail dramatically, so check rear defroster operation and window integrity.
Engine-related complaints appear in the top components, and recalls include engine subjects. Combined with powertrain issues, this suggests buyers should verify all engine recalls were performed and look for rough running, warning lights, or hesitation.
“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 UX
No recalls on record.
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 UX or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Lexus UX has far fewer issues per year—about 2.5 complaints annually versus more than 1,100 for the Ford F-150—and zero recalls versus 151. In practice, that means the UX is likely to need less unscheduled repair attention, while the F-150 has a well-documented pattern of recurring powertrain and electrical problems that can be costly and sometimes dangerous.
Key differences
- Complaint volume: Lexus UX averages 2.5 complaints per year; Ford F-150 averages over 1,160 per year.
- Recalls: Lexus UX has 0 recalls on record; Ford F-150 has 151 recalls, including engine, seat belt, door latch, and airbag subjects.
- Crash and injury reports: Lexus UX shows 9 crash-related complaints and 1 injury; Ford F-150 shows 330 crash-related complaints and 297 injuries.
- Top failure patterns: Lexus UX complaints center on brakes and speed control; Ford F-150 complaints center on power train (limp mode, lead frame) and electrical system failures.
- Brake pedal feel and function: test at low speed and after a car wash, since owners report brakes failing without warning.
- Transmission and stalling behavior: during a test drive, check for hesitation, stalling at stops, or check-engine lights, especially on 2022 UX200 models.
- Transmission limp mode: test drive at highway speed and from a stop; watch for getting stuck in 5th gear or sudden power loss.
- Lead frame and electrical symptoms: ask for repair records and scan for codes like P0722; check that recall 26S28 or similar was performed.
Before you buy
- Run a full OBD-II scan for stored or pending codes, especially transmission and brake-related codes.
- Verify all open recalls are completed by checking the VIN with a dealer or NHTSA.
- Test drive the Lexus UX at low speed, after a car wash, and on the highway to check brakes and stalling.
- Test drive the Ford F-150 in stop-and-go traffic and at highway speed to feel for transmission limp mode or hesitation.
- Ask for complete service records and specifically look for prior brake, transmission, or electrical repairs.
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 UX | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 35 |
| 2025 | 2 | 345 |
| 2024 | 1 | 638 |
| 2023 | 1 | 1527 |
| 2022 | 2 | 3493 |
| 2021 | 4 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 4 | 44 |
| 2019 | 6 | 52 |
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 UX or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Lexus UX vs FORD F 150
- Lexus UX total complaints
- 20
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Lexus UX total recalls
- 0
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Lexus UX avg complaints/year
- 2.5
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Lexus UX
- Lexus UX top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN