Head-to-head reliability
Mazda CX 50 vs FORD F 150
How the Mazda CX 50 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 CX 50 vs FORD F 150: The CX 50 has 169 complaints over 4 years (about 42/year) and 7 recalls, while the F 150 has 11,621 complaints over 10 years (about 1,162/year) and 151 recalls. The F 150's complaints often involve power train limp mode, whereas the CX 50's center on forward collision avoidance braking. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mazda CX 50 or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mazda CX 50
The Mazda CX 50 is a newer compact SUV with a relatively short ownership record, averaging about 42 complaints per year over four years. Owners most often flag the forward collision avoidance system, brakes, and power train, with reports of unexpected automatic braking and inconsistent sensor behavior. Electrical issues like battery drain also appear. With only 7 recalls and no deaths in the data, it presents a lower-volume but still notable set of owner concerns.
FORD F 150
The Ford F 150 is a full-size pickup with a long, high-volume complaint history—over 11,600 complaints in ten years, averaging more than 1,100 per year. Power train and electrical problems dominate, including recurring transmission limp mode and lead frame failures. Recalls are frequent (151), and there is one reported death. This suggests a vehicle with well-documented, sometimes serious, reliability patterns that buyers should research carefully.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mazda CX 50 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 169 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 7 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 17 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 42.3 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 17 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 CX 50
- 01FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE32
- 02SERVICE BRAKES29
- 03POWER TRAIN26
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM21
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER21
Owners report the automatic emergency braking misinterprets obstacles—like parking garage ceilings—and brakes inconsistently, sometimes at very low speeds. One complaint describes a rear-end collision after the driver was distracted, raising questions about system reliability. Buyers should test the system and be aware it may require adaptation.
Complaints include rear backup sensor warnings during slow reversing and a case of unintended acceleration where braking did not slow the vehicle. These are serious safety concerns, though isolated. A pre-purchase inspection should include brake and sensor function checks.
Owners describe a severe burning smell after highway driving and mountain climbs, and odd adaptive cruise behavior where the car revs hard to regain speed. These suggest potential overheating or software calibration issues. A test drive should include varied driving conditions.
Reports include repeated battery drain—one owner is on a third battery since 2024—and backup sensor warnings tied to electrical faults. This can leave you stranded or cause annoying warnings. Check battery health and ask about software updates.
“The contact owned a 2024 Mazda CX-50. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, after exiting the freeway, the contact was distracted, and when the contact turned to face the road, the vehicle rear-ended the vehicle in front. The contact…”
“The automatic emergency braking in this vehicle is faulty. It misinterprets obstacles and uses the emergency braking inconsistently. I park in a parking garage and I have to slowly (less than 5 MPH) drive up any ramps because it apparently sees the ceiling of…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
The most common complaint area, with owners citing recurring transmission limp mode, stuck gears, and lead frame failures that can cause near-collisions. One owner said the issue 'nearly ended my life.' These are not rare; they dominate the complaint list and affect drivability and safety.
Lead frame issues also appear here, along with output speed sensor failures that trigger limp mode even after recall software. A rear window defroster short allegedly caused the back window to shatter. Electrical gremlins can be persistent and costly.
This catch-all includes the exploding rear window incident and other miscellaneous failures. While vague, it signals that problems aren't confined to one system. Buyers should inspect glass, defroster, and body seals.
With 1,224 complaints, lighting issues are a top component. Though sample texts don't detail them, the volume suggests frequent bulb or housing failures. Check all lights and consider this a wear item.
“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 CX 50 — 7 recalls
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024-2025 CX-50 vehicles equipped with Mazda Genuine Accessory trailer hitches. The trailer hitch assembly bolts may loosen and cause the assembly to separate from the vehicle body during towing or normal driving conditions.
The risk: A detached trailer hitch assembly can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will tighten the trailer hitch bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 4, 2025. Mazda's number for this recall is 7225C.
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024 Mazda 3, CX-30, and 2025 CX-50 vehicles. A malfunction in the forward sensing camera (FSC) may prevent the automatic emergency braking system and the lane-keep assist system from functioning. In addition, the headlights will not auto…
The risk: Automatic braking, steering assist, and headlight control systems that do not function as intended can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the forward sensing camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2024. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 6. Mazda's number for…
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024-2025 CX-50 vehicles equipped with Mazda Genuine Accessory trailer hitches. The trailer hitch assembly bolts may loosen and cause the assembly to separate from the vehicle body during towing or normal driving conditions.
The risk: A detached trailer hitch assembly can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will tighten the trailer hitch bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 4, 2025. Mazda's number for this recall is 7225C.
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain CX-50 Hybrid and CX-50 vehicles. Incorrectly configured module software may cause the air bag to deploy improperly.
The risk: An air bag that deploys improperly increases the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the module software, free of charge. Owner notifications will not be mailed due to all vehicles being under Mazda dealer control. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. The manufacturer's…
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 CX 50 or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Mazda CX 50 has far fewer complaints per year (about 42 vs. 1,162 for the F 150) and fewer recalls (7 vs. 151), but it is also much newer with a shorter track record. In practice, the F 150's issues are more numerous and include serious power train failures, while the CX 50's concerns center on driver-assist and brake behavior. Neither is problem-free, but the F 150 demands more diligence.
Key differences
- Complaint volume: CX 50 averages ~42/year vs. F 150 ~1,162/year, a huge gap in reported issues.
- Recalls: 7 for CX 50 vs. 151 for F 150, indicating different recall frequencies.
- Serious power train reports: F 150 owners describe limp mode and lead frame failures; CX 50 power train complaints are fewer and include burning smells and cruise control surging.
- Driver-assist concerns: CX 50 has 32 forward collision avoidance complaints about inconsistent braking; F 150's top issues are mechanical/electrical rather than advanced safety systems.
- Test the forward collision avoidance and automatic emergency braking at low speeds and in parking garages; note any unexpected braking.
- Check battery health and service history for repeated battery replacements or electrical warnings.
- Scan for transmission trouble codes and ask about limp mode or harsh shifting; test drive at highway speeds and check for stuck gears.
- Inspect the rear window defroster and glass for cracks or signs of overheating; verify all electrical functions.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed, especially for the F 150's power train and the CX 50's lane departure camera.
- During the test drive, specifically test the automatic emergency braking (CX 50) and transmission shifting (F 150) under varied conditions.
- Have a mechanic inspect brakes, sensors, and battery/charging system on the CX 50; for the F 150, focus on transmission, lead frame, and electrical grounds.
- Ask the seller about any recurring warnings, smells, or limp mode incidents, and request service records.
- Check NHTSA for open recalls by VIN before purchase and confirm remedies were completed.
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 | Mazda CX 50 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 26 | 35 |
| 2025 | 47 | 345 |
| 2024 | 33 | 638 |
| 2023 | 63 | 1527 |
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 CX 50 or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mazda CX 50 vs FORD F 150
- Mazda CX 50 total complaints
- 169
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Mazda CX 50 total recalls
- 7
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Mazda CX 50 avg complaints/year
- 42.3
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Mazda CX 50
- Mazda CX 50 top complaint area
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN