Head-to-head reliability
Mazda B Series vs FORD F 150
How the Mazda B Series 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
Mazda B Series vs FORD F 150: The Mazda averaged 22.3 complaints per year with 0 recalls, while the Ford F-150 averaged 1,162.1 complaints per year with 151 recalls. The Ford also had 1 death and 297 injuries reported, versus 0 deaths and 24 injuries for the Mazda. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mazda B Series or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mazda B Series
The Mazda B Series is a compact pickup that averaged about 22 complaints per year over the past decade, with no recalls on record. The most common owner-reported problem is air bag issues, including Takata inflator recalls and faulty wiring that triggers warning lights. Other reports involve rear differential play, random engine stalling, and cruise control deactivation. For a first-time buyer, this suggests a truck that may need attention to air bag and drivetrain components, but with far fewer total complaints than the Ford F-150.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup that generated an average of 1,162 complaints per year over the same period, along with 151 recalls. Owners frequently report transmission problems such as limp mode and stuck gears, often linked to lead frame or speed sensor failures. Electrical issues, including rear window defroster shorts that can shatter glass, are also common. The high volume of complaints and recalls means a used F-150 requires careful inspection of transmission and electrical systems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mazda B Series | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 223 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 21 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 22.3 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 24 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.
Mazda B Series
- 01AIR BAGS106
- 02POWER TRAIN20
- 03ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING19
- 04VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL16
- 05SERVICE BRAKES15
Owners report Takata inflator recalls and intermittent air bag warning lights due to faulty harnesses. A buyer should confirm that any open recalls have been completed, as an unaddressed air bag issue could affect safety.
Complaints include noticeable play in the rear differential and transmission leaks or failures, sometimes with smoke or burning smells. These issues can lead to costly repairs, so a pre-purchase inspection of the drivetrain is wise.
Reports describe internal cooling system corrosion causing heater failure and random engine stalling without warning. In cold climates, a non-working heater is more than a comfort problem, and stalling can be a safety risk.
Owners mention cruise control deactivation due to recalls, with some experiencing ABS light illumination afterward. This suggests that even after recall work, related brake or speed control issues may appear.
“1. Received notification in February 2024 of open Takata inflator passenger airbag recall for inspection/replacement. 2. Contacted twice by online scheduler and twice by VM messages to service dept. of only listed Mazda service dealer on the Eastside of Hawai…”
“THE VEHICLE IS A 2002 MAZDA B4000 TRUCK. PROBLEM: INTERMITTENT AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT ON DASH. TOOK TO LOCAL DEALER ON 6-29-06 AND DIAGNOSTIC ANALYSIS SHOWED A FAULTY AIR BAG HARNESS. WARRANTY PURCHASE DATE WAS 03-31-03 WITH 3 YEAR EXPIRATION 03-31-06. CURRE…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Many owners report transmission limp mode, stuck gears, and lead frame failures that can cause near-collisions. These problems often recur and may require expensive repairs, making a thorough transmission check essential.
Complaints include lead frame issues affecting speed sensors and rear window defroster shorts that can shatter the back glass. Electrical gremlins can be intermittent and hard to diagnose, so testing all electrical functions is important.
Some reports describe rear window defroster shorts causing the window to explode outward. This is a rare but serious safety concern that a buyer should inspect for any signs of electrical arcing or prior replacement.
While fewer in number, engine-related complaints exist and recalls cover engine issues. A buyer should check for any outstanding engine recalls and listen for unusual noises during a test drive.
“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.
Mazda B Series
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
Mazda B Series or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Mazda B Series has far fewer issues per year (about 22 complaints annually) compared to the Ford F-150 (over 1,100 annually). In practice, this means a used Mazda B Series is likely to have fewer reported problems overall, while the F-150's higher complaint volume suggests a greater chance of encountering transmission or electrical faults.
Key differences
- The Mazda B Series has 0 recalls and about 22 complaints per year, while the Ford F-150 has 151 recalls and over 1,100 complaints per year.
- Mazda B Series owners most often report air bag and drivetrain issues, whereas Ford F-150 owners frequently report transmission limp mode and electrical shorts.
- The Ford F-150 has a reported death and 297 injuries in complaints, compared to 24 injuries and 0 deaths for the Mazda B Series.
- Ford F-150 complaints include recurring lead frame failures that can cause near-collisions, a pattern not seen in the Mazda B Series data.
- Check for any open Takata air bag recalls and confirm the passenger inflator has been replaced; also look for intermittent air bag warning lights.
- Listen for whining or clunking from the rear differential and check for transmission fluid leaks or burning smells during a test drive.
- Test the transmission for limp mode, delayed engagement, or getting stuck in gear, especially around 5th gear; scan for stored codes like P0722.
- Inspect the rear window for cracks or signs of shattering, and test the defroster for any electrical shorting or unusual behavior.
Before you buy
- Verify all open recalls are completed by checking the NHTSA website with the VIN, focusing on air bag and cruise control recalls for the Mazda and transmission/electrical recalls for the Ford.
- Take a long test drive that includes highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic to check for transmission limp mode or stalling.
- Have a mechanic inspect the rear differential and transmission for play, leaks, or unusual noises on the Mazda B Series.
- For the Ford F-150, ask for service records related to the lead frame, transmission, and any electrical repairs, and scan for trouble codes.
- Check the heater and air conditioning operation on the Mazda, and test all electrical accessories including the rear defroster on the Ford.
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 Mazda B Series or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mazda B Series vs FORD F 150
- Mazda B Series total complaints
- 223
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Mazda B Series total recalls
- 0
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Mazda B Series avg complaints/year
- 22.3
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Mazda B Series
- Mazda B Series top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN