Head-to-head reliability
Mercedes BENZ GLB Class vs FORD F 150
How the Mercedes BENZ GLB Class 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
Mercedes BENZ GLB Class vs FORD F 150: The GLB has 89 complaints over 7 years and 0 recalls, while the F-150 has 11,621 complaints over 10 years and 151 recalls. The F-150 also has 330 crash-related complaints versus 5 for the GLB. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mercedes BENZ GLB Class or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mercedes BENZ GLB Class
The Mercedes-Benz GLB Class is a compact luxury SUV that has averaged about 13 complaints per year over seven years, with no recalls on record. Owners most often report issues with unknown or other areas, structure, engine, and electrical systems. While the overall complaint count is low, the nature of the complaints—such as transmission slipping into neutral, hood-latch warnings, and wiper failures—suggests that when problems occur, they can be safety-relevant and frustrating. For a used buyer, this means fewer reported problems overall, but potential for costly repairs if something does go wrong.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup that has generated over 11,600 complaints in ten years, averaging more than 1,100 per year, along with 151 recalls. The most common trouble spots are the power train, electrical system, and exterior lighting. Owners describe serious issues like transmissions stuck in limp mode, lead frame failures, and rear window defroster shorts that can shatter glass. This high volume of complaints and recalls indicates that many F-150s have had persistent, sometimes dangerous, problems that require attention.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mercedes BENZ GLB Class | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 89 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 5 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 12.7 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 5 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.
Mercedes BENZ GLB Class
- 01UNKNOWN OR OTHER18
- 02STRUCTURE17
- 03ENGINE16
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM15
- 05SUSPENSION9
Owners report the power liftgate sensor failing to retract, which can trap someone reaching into the trunk, and transmission slipping into neutral at highway speeds with a 'transmission malfunction' warning. These issues matter because they can leave you stranded or cause injury.
Complaints mention rear spoiler detachment (linked to a recall) and delays in getting recall remedies. A detached spoiler could become a road hazard, and unresolved recalls mean ongoing safety risk.
Drivers describe sudden power loss, check engine lights, and limp mode, sometimes requiring towing. This can be dangerous if it happens in traffic and may lead to expensive repairs.
Reports include the hood-open warning appearing while driving and windshield wipers cutting in and out or shutting off unexpectedly. These glitches can impair visibility and distract the driver.
“Power Liftgate (via key fob – SmartKey). Mercedes GLB250. Was told by Mercedes employees that all cars operate the same. oSensor that automatically stops liftgate if it detects an obstruction does not retract to allow someone reaching in the trunk to safely e…”
“When driving on the highway going 65mph the car slipped in neutral and error showed on dashboard "transmission malfunction stop." I could steer and break, but not accelerate. Pulling over on side of highway, I was able to put in park and then drive. I pulled…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners frequently report transmission problems, including limp mode, getting stuck in 5th gear, and lead frame failures that can cause sudden loss of power. These issues are recurring and can be life-threatening if they occur at speed.
Complaints include lead frame issues affecting transmission operation and output speed sensor failures that trigger limp mode. Electrical faults can disable critical systems and are often expensive to diagnose and fix.
A reported short in the rear window defroster caused the back window to shatter outward. This is a severe safety hazard that could injure occupants or others nearby.
While specific complaint text is not provided, this is a top component with over 1,200 complaints. Lighting failures can reduce visibility and increase crash risk, 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.
Mercedes BENZ GLB Class
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
Mercedes BENZ GLB Class or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Mercedes-Benz GLB Class has far fewer complaints per year (about 13) compared to the Ford F-150 (over 1,100), and no recalls versus 151 for the F-150. In practice, this means a used GLB is likely to have fewer reported problems, but when issues arise they can still be serious. The F-150's much higher complaint and recall volume suggests a greater likelihood of encountering persistent, sometimes dangerous, defects.
Key differences
- The GLB has 89 complaints over 7 years with 0 recalls, while the F-150 has 11,621 complaints over 10 years with 151 recalls.
- GLB owners report transmission slipping into neutral and liftgate sensor failures; F-150 owners report transmission limp mode, lead frame failures, and rear window shattering.
- The F-150 has 330 crash-related complaints and 297 injuries, compared to 5 crash-related and 5 injuries for the GLB.
- The F-150's top issue is the power train (3,648 complaints), while the GLB's top issue is 'unknown or other' (18 complaints), indicating different problem patterns.
- Check the power liftgate operation, especially the obstruction sensor, to ensure it retracts properly and doesn't trap objects or people.
- Test the transmission for any hesitation, slipping, or warning messages, and verify that the hood-latch warning and windshield wipers function correctly.
- Inspect the transmission for signs of limp mode, rough shifting, or getting stuck in gear; ask about any lead frame or output speed sensor repairs.
- Check the rear window defroster for proper operation and look for any cracks or signs of shattering; also test all exterior lights.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls, especially on the F-150.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on transmission, electrical, and structural components.
- Test drive both vehicles extensively, including highway speeds, to check for transmission slipping or limp mode.
- For the GLB, verify that all recalls (if any) are addressed and test the liftgate and wipers.
- For the F-150, ask for maintenance records related to the transmission and electrical system, and check the rear window for integrity.
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 | Mercedes BENZ GLB Class | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 35 |
| 2025 | 0 | 345 |
| 2024 | 0 | 638 |
| 2023 | 13 | 1527 |
| 2022 | 13 | 3493 |
| 2021 | 2 | 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 Mercedes BENZ GLB Class or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mercedes BENZ GLB Class vs FORD F 150
- Mercedes BENZ GLB Class total complaints
- 89
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Mercedes BENZ GLB Class total recalls
- 0
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Mercedes BENZ GLB Class avg complaints/year
- 12.7
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Mercedes BENZ GLB Class
- Mercedes BENZ GLB Class top complaint area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN