Head-to-head reliability
Lincoln Corsair vs FORD F 150
How the Lincoln Corsair 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
Lincoln Corsair vs FORD F 150: The Corsair averages about 25 complaints per year over 7 years, while the F-150 averages over 1,160 per year over 10 years. The F-150 also has 297 injuries and 1 death reported, compared to 9 injuries and 0 deaths for the Corsair. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Lincoln Corsair or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Lincoln Corsair
The Lincoln Corsair is a compact luxury SUV that averages about 25 complaints per year over seven years, with 79 recalls. Owners frequently report electrical glitches, sudden loss of power, and backup camera failures. While the overall complaint count is low, the presence of open recalls with no remedy and multiple crash-related reports means buyers should verify recall status carefully.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup that averages over 1,160 complaints per year across ten years, with 151 recalls. Common owner reports include transmission problems like limp mode and harsh shifting, electrical issues, and rear window defroster fires. The high volume of complaints and injuries (297) indicates that many owners experience significant reliability problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Lincoln Corsair | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 173 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 79 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 7 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 24.7 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 9 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.
Lincoln Corsair
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM48
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER38
- 03BACK OVER PREVENTION38
- 04POWER TRAIN17
- 05ENGINE16
Owners report sudden loss of motive power, vehicles that won't start, and complete electrical shutdowns where only hazard lights work. A 2022 owner noted an open recall for a high-voltage battery cell short circuit that can cause sudden power loss with no remedy available.
Complaints describe the rearview camera image turning blue while reversing, and recall parts not being available for backup camera software issues. This can make it harder to see behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a backup collision.
Some owners report transmission shudder when shifting gears, and a retired mechanic suspected transmission, torque converter, or accelerator problems. These symptoms can affect drivability and may require costly repairs.
Engine-related complaints appear in the data, though specific owner text is limited. Buyers should be aware that engine issues are among the top components reported, which could mean unexpected breakdowns or repair bills.
“Several problems have occurred, not sure if they are related or not. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. In my opinion as a retired mechanic the problem components might include transmission, torque converter, accelerator or any electrical c…”
“My 2022 Lincoln Corsair has an open NHTSA recall (25V789 / Ford 25SC4) for a high-voltage battery cell internal short circuit that can cause sudden loss of motive power. There is currently NO remedy available. Before this recall was issued, my vehicle already…”
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 harsh shifting. One owner described a lead frame issue that nearly caused a collision, and another reported daily limp mode on a 2017 F-150.
Electrical complaints include the same lead frame issue affecting transmission sensors, and a 2017 owner experienced highway limp mode due to an output speed sensor failure. These failures can leave the truck undrivable or create dangerous driving conditions.
One owner reported that the rear window defroster shorted and caused the back window to explode outward and shatter. This is a serious safety concern that could injure occupants or cause a crash.
Exterior lighting is a top complaint category, though specific owner text is not provided. Lighting failures can reduce visibility and increase the risk of accidents, especially at night.
“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.
Lincoln Corsair — 79 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape, 2022-2023 Maverick, and 2021-2023 Corsair vehicles equipped with 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources s…
The risk: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noises, notice a reduction in vehicle power, or see smoke. Dealers will replace the engine long-block in 2023 Escape and Corsair vehic…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Lincoln Corsair, 2023-2024 Escape, 2024 Mustang, and 2025 Explorer vehicles. The fuel injectors may have been assembled without O-ring support discs, which can result in a fuel leak.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will install new fuel injector O-rings and O-ring support discs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 7, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall i…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement…
The risk: Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Ford Escape, and 2021-2024 Lincoln Corsair vehicles. A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.
The risk: Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Battery failure can also increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Owners are advised not to charge battery till the remedy has been completed. Dealers will perform a battery energy control module (BECM) software update, and replace the high voltage battery pack, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notifi…
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
Lincoln Corsair or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Lincoln Corsair has far fewer issues per year (about 25 complaints annually) compared to the Ford F-150 (over 1,160 annually). In practice, this means a Corsair owner is much less likely to experience frequent breakdowns or safety-related failures, though the Corsair still has notable electrical and backup camera problems.
Key differences
- The Ford F-150 has over 11,600 complaints in 10 years, while the Lincoln Corsair has only 173 in 7 years, showing a massive difference in reported problem frequency.
- F-150 owners commonly report transmission limp mode and lead frame failures, while Corsair owners more often report electrical shutdowns and backup camera problems.
- The F-150 has 297 injuries and 1 death reported, compared to 9 injuries and 0 deaths for the Corsair, indicating more severe outcomes in the truck.
- Both vehicles have open recalls with no remedy available, but the Corsair's high-voltage battery recall and the F-150's transmission software recall are key issues to check.
- Check for open recalls, especially the high-voltage battery cell short circuit recall (25V789) that can cause sudden loss of power with no remedy yet.
- Test the rearview camera and backup sensors thoroughly, as owners report the camera image turning blue and recall parts being unavailable.
- Test drive the truck at highway speeds and check for transmission shudder, limp mode, or getting stuck in 5th gear, which owners report frequently.
- Inspect the rear window defroster and look for any signs of shorting or previous window replacement, as one owner reported the window exploding.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to see if any open recalls apply, especially for the Corsair's battery or the F-150's transmission software.
- Ask for a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the specific model, focusing on transmission and electrical systems.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any hesitation, shudder, or warning lights, and test all cameras, lights, and defrosters.
- Request service records to see if transmission or electrical repairs have already been done, and check for repeated visits for the same issue.
- For the F-150, specifically ask about the lead frame and output speed sensor; for the Corsair, ask about battery and backup camera 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 | Lincoln Corsair | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 35 |
| 2025 | 8 | 345 |
| 2024 | 21 | 638 |
| 2023 | 14 | 1527 |
| 2022 | 35 | 3493 |
| 2021 | 34 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 61 | 44 |
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 Lincoln Corsair or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Lincoln Corsair vs FORD F 150
- Lincoln Corsair total complaints
- 173
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Lincoln Corsair total recalls
- 79
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Lincoln Corsair avg complaints/year
- 24.7
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Lincoln Corsair
- Lincoln Corsair top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN