Head-to-head reliability
Mazda Mazda2 vs FORD F 150
How the Mazda Mazda2 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 Mazda2 vs FORD F 150: The Mazda2 has 31 complaints and 6 recalls over 10 years, while the F-150 has 11,621 complaints and 151 recalls. The F-150 also has 297 injury reports versus 1 for the Mazda2. This suggests the Mazda2 may have fewer reported problems, but both need careful inspection. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mazda Mazda2 or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mazda Mazda2
The Mazda Mazda2 is a subcompact car with a low complaint rate—31 over 10 years, about 3 per year. Owners most often report steering and suspension noises, like knocking or vibration, and some air bag concerns. It's a simple, cheap-to-run car, but you should check for front-end noises and seat security.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a very high complaint volume—11,621 over 10 years, about 1,162 per year. The most common trouble spots are the powertrain and electrical system, with many reports of transmission limp mode and lead frame failures. Recalls are frequent (151), and there are 297 injury reports, so a thorough pre-purchase inspection is critical.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mazda Mazda2 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 31 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 6 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 3 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 3.1 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.
Mazda Mazda2
- 01STEERING9
- 02SUSPENSION5
- 03AIR BAGS5
- 04SEATS4
- 05VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL3
Owners describe shaking, vibrating, and loud popping or clicking noises from the front end, sometimes at low speeds or when turning. One complaint notes a 'hitch' in the steering. These symptoms can indicate worn steering components and may be costly to diagnose and fix.
Reports include a vibration from the front driver's side at lower speeds and loud knocking noises during low-speed turns. A recall (16V203000) addressed a steering knuckle that could separate from the strut assembly, which could cause loss of control. Buyers should check for any front-end noises or vibrations.
One owner reported that air bags did not deploy in a rollover crash, resulting in a chest injury. Another complaint links vibration to air bag sensor issues. While not widespread, these reports highlight the importance of checking for any air bag warning lights or recall status.
Some owners report the seat height adjuster mechanism becoming loose, causing the seat to rock back and forth. This can affect driving comfort and safety. A recall was issued for 2011 models, but later models may exhibit similar issues.
“I bought this 2014 Mazda 2 Sport HB on Thursday January 26, 2023. Upon driving it home, this vehicle with only 41,280 miles on it, shook, vibrating , hearing a very loud popping clicking sounds. Like body metal clanging. It was hard to see. I don’t know if th…”
“MY 2012 MAZDA HAS APPROXIMATELY 42,000 MILES ON IT. I PURCHASED IT USED IN 2013 WHEN IT HAD 35,570 MILES ON IT. WHEN I BOUGHT IT USED FROM A RENTAL-CAR SALE LOT, I NOTICED A SLIGHT "HITCH" IN THE STEERING IF THE WHEELS WERE TURNED FAR TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT. BU…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Many owners report transmission problems, including limp mode, getting stuck in 5th gear, and lead frame failures. One owner said a lead frame issue 'nearly ended my life' after a near collision. These issues can leave you stranded or cause sudden loss of power.
Complaints include lead frame issues (often related to the transmission) and output speed sensor failures that trigger limp mode. One owner reported a rear window defroster short that caused the back window to shatter. Electrical gremlins can be intermittent and hard to diagnose.
This category includes odd failures like the rear window exploding outward after using the defroster. Such unpredictable issues can be dangerous and expensive. Buyers should inspect the rear window and defroster operation.
While not detailed in the sample complaints, exterior lighting is a top component with 1,224 complaints. This could include headlight failures or other lighting problems that affect visibility and safety. Check all lights before buying.
“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 Mazda2 — 6 recalls
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3, Mazda6, 2019 CX-3, 2018-2019 MX-5, CX-5, CX-9, and 2019-2020 Mazda2 vehicles. The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.
The risk: Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pumps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2022. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5321K.
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3, Mazda6, 2019 CX-3, 2018-2019 MX-5, CX-5, CX-9, and 2019-2020 Mazda2 vehicles. The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.
The risk: Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pumps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2022. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5321K.
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 2, 2015, 2013-2014 Mazda2 vehicles manufactured July 3, 2013, to August 8, 2014, 2014-2016 CX-5 vehicles manufactured January 19, 2013, to December 2, 2015, and 2013-201…
The risk: If the steering knuckle separates from the strut assembly, it can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the lower mounting nuts and bolts that secure the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle. If the bolts are loose, they will be replaced and then correctly tightened, free of charge.…
The defect: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 2, 2015, 2013-2014 Mazda2 vehicles manufactured July 3, 2013, to August 8, 2014, 2014-2016 CX-5 vehicles manufactured January 19, 2013, to December 2, 2015, and 2013-201…
The risk: If the steering knuckle separates from the strut assembly, it can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the lower mounting nuts and bolts that secure the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle. If the bolts are loose, they will be replaced and then correctly tightened, free of charge.…
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 Mazda2 or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Mazda Mazda2 has far fewer complaints per year (about 3) compared to the Ford F-150 (over 1,100). In practice, the Mazda2 is likely to have fewer reported problems, but the F-150's issues are more severe and frequent, often involving powertrain and electrical failures that can be dangerous.
Key differences
- The Mazda2 averages about 3 complaints per year, while the F-150 averages over 1,100—a massive difference in reported problem frequency.
- Mazda2 issues often involve steering and suspension noises, which are usually mechanical and can be inspected; F-150 issues often involve powertrain and electrical failures that can cause sudden limp mode or loss of power.
- The F-150 has 151 recalls and 297 injury reports, compared to 6 recalls and 1 injury for the Mazda2, indicating more widespread safety-related defects.
- Mazda2 complaints include air bag non-deployment in a crash, while F-150 complaints include lead frame failures that owners say nearly caused collisions.
- Listen for popping, clicking, or knocking noises from the front end when turning or driving over bumps—this could indicate steering or suspension wear.
- Check the seat height adjuster for looseness or rocking; if the seat moves back and forth, it may need repair.
- Test drive at highway speeds and watch for sudden limp mode, rough shifting, or getting stuck in gear—signs of transmission or lead frame problems.
- Inspect the rear window and test the defroster; if the window appears cracked or the defroster doesn't work, it could be a fire or shatter risk.
Before you buy
- Ask for the vehicle's complete recall history and confirm all open recalls have been repaired.
- Take a test drive that includes low-speed turns, highway driving, and braking to check for vibrations, noises, or transmission issues.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the front suspension and steering components, especially on the Mazda2.
- For the F-150, scan for transmission error codes and check for any signs of electrical problems, such as flickering lights or malfunctioning accessories.
- Review the NHTSA complaint database for the specific model year you're considering to see if common issues apply.
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 Mazda2 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 0 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 0 | 44 |
| 2019 | 0 | 52 |
| 2018 | 0 | 79 |
| 2017 | 0 | 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 Mazda Mazda2 or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mazda Mazda2 vs FORD F 150
- Mazda Mazda2 total complaints
- 31
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Mazda Mazda2 total recalls
- 6
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Mazda Mazda2 avg complaints/year
- 3.1
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Mazda Mazda2
- Mazda Mazda2 top complaint area
- STEERING
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN