Head-to-head reliability
Mitsubishi Endeavor vs FORD F 150
How the Mitsubishi Endeavor 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
Mitsubishi Endeavor vs FORD F 150: The Endeavor averaged 37 complaints per year over 8 years, while the F-150 averaged 1,162 per year over 10 years. The F-150 also had 151 recalls and 297 injuries reported, compared to 28 recalls and 22 injuries for the Endeavor. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mitsubishi Endeavor or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mitsubishi Endeavor
The Mitsubishi Endeavor is a mid-size SUV that, based on owner complaints, can be frustrating to live with due to recurring electrical and structural issues. Over 8 years, it averaged 37 complaints per year, with the most common problems involving the structure, electrical system, and power train. Owners frequently report no-start conditions after refueling, keys stuck in the ignition, and liftgate failures. While it has fewer complaints overall than the F-150, the pattern suggests persistent annoyances that could lead to costly repairs.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup that, according to NHTSA data, has a high volume of complaints—averaging over 1,100 per year—with power train and electrical issues dominating. Owners describe serious problems like transmissions stuck in limp mode, lead frame failures causing near collisions, and rear window defroster shorts leading to shattered glass. These are not just minor nuisances; some complaints involve safety risks and expensive fixes. The sheer number of complaints and recalls indicates that while popular, this truck can be demanding to own.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mitsubishi Endeavor | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 296 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 28 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 30 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 37.0 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 22 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.
Mitsubishi Endeavor
- 01STRUCTURE81
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM30
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER30
- 04POWER TRAIN28
- 05ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING28
Owners report liftgate and glass that won't open, often requiring manual release, and a no-start condition after refueling that requires pressing the accelerator. These issues can leave you stranded or unable to access the rear cargo area.
Complaints include the key getting stuck in the ignition, failure to restart after refueling, and air conditioning blowing warm air. These electrical gremlins can be intermittent and difficult to diagnose, leading to repeated shop visits.
Drivers report the gear shifter failing to shift out of Park and the ignition key not releasing, sometimes requiring battery disconnection to turn off the vehicle. This can be a major inconvenience and safety concern if it happens while parked.
Issues include water soaking the driver's side floor when the A/C or defroster runs, and brake calipers rusting with fluid leaks. These problems can cause odors, mold, and reduced braking performance.
“FROM THE TIME OF PURCHASE THE CAR WILL NOT START AFTER GAS IS PUT INTO IT WHEN THE CAR IS CUT OFF. BY PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR SLIGHTLY IT WILL RESUME NORMAL OPERATION.THE KEY DOES NOT COME OUT OF THE IGNITION AND THE PARKING BRAKE WILL NOT DISENGAGE IT. KEYL…”
“ORIGINALLY THE LIFTGATE WOULD NOT OPEN ONLY THE GLASS TOP WOULD OPEN. A COMMON ISSUE ACCORDING TO SEVERAL MITSUBISHI ENDEAVOR OWNER FORUMS FOR ENDEAVORS FROM 2004 TO 2008. RECENTLY BOTH LIFTGATE AND GLASS WOULD NOT OPEN AT ALL UNLESS I USED THE MANUAL RELEASE…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners describe transmissions stuck in limp mode or 5th gear, and lead frame failures that can cause sudden loss of power. One owner said a lead frame issue 'nearly ended my life,' highlighting the safety risk.
Complaints include output speed sensor failures triggering limp mode, and rear window defroster shorts that can cause the back window to shatter. These electrical faults can lead to expensive repairs and safety hazards.
A reported short in the rear window defroster caused the back window to explode outward, shattering glass. This is a severe safety concern that owners should be aware of.
With 1,224 complaints, exterior lighting issues are common, though specific failure patterns are not detailed in the sample. Buyers should check all lights for proper function.
“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.
Mitsubishi Endeavor — 28 recalls
The defect: MITSUBISHI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2008 ENDEAVOR WITH MANUAL AIR CONDITIONING. DUE TO AN INCORRECT HEATER (HVAC) CONTROLLER SIGNAL, THE AIR FLOW FROM THE AIR VENTS MAY RANDOMLY CHANGE DIRECTION AND/OR THE TEMPERATURE MAY BRIEFLY CYCLE BETWEEN HOT AND COLD.
The risk: THIS CONDITION COULD AFFECT DEFROSTER PERFORMANCE, RESULTING IN POOR WINDSHIELD VISIBILITY AND POTENTIALLY CAUSE A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR DAMAGE AND IF NECESSARY REPAIR THE MODE DOOR SHAFT FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 7, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-800-222-0037.
The defect: MITSUBISHI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 ENDEAVOR VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENN…
The risk: FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL FILLER PIPE WITH A NEW IMPROVED PART FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE JULY 5, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-800-222-0037.
The defect: MITSUBISHI IS RECALLING 120,000 MY 2004-2006 ENDEAVOR PASSENGER VEHICLES. DURING VEHICLE USE, THE IGNITION KEY INTERLOCK CABLE (WHICH IS A COMPONENT OF THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM) MAY ALLOW THE INTERLOCKING CAM TO FALL FORWARD AND ALLOW THE IGNITION KEY TO BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH WHEN THE GEA…
The risk: IF THE DRIVER DOES NOT SHIFT TO PARK BEFORE REMOVING THE KEY AND FAILS TO ENGAGE THE PARKING BRAKE, THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND CORRECT THESE VEHICLES FOR THE REPORTED CONDITION. THE RECALL WILL BEGIN ON JULY 7, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-888-648-7820.
The defect: MITSUBISHI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 ENDEAVOR VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENN…
The risk: FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL FILLER PIPE WITH A NEW IMPROVED PART FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE JULY 5, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-800-222-0037.
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
Mitsubishi Endeavor or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Mitsubishi Endeavor has far fewer complaints per year (37 vs. 1,162 for the F-150), but both have recurring issues. The Endeavor's problems tend to be annoying and inconvenient, while the F-150's include serious safety risks like transmission limp mode and shattering windows. In practice, the Endeavor may be easier to live with day-to-day, but the F-150's issues can be more dangerous and costly.
Key differences
- The F-150 has over 11,000 complaints in 10 years, while the Endeavor has under 300 in 8 years, indicating a much higher reported problem rate for the Ford.
- Ford F-150 owners report dangerous transmission limp mode and lead frame failures; Endeavor owners report no-start after refueling and stuck keys.
- The F-150 has 151 recalls vs. 28 for the Endeavor, suggesting more widespread safety-related defects.
- Endeavor complaints often involve structural issues like liftgate failure, while F-150 complaints include electrical shorts causing windows to shatter.
- Check the liftgate and rear glass operation—if they don't open smoothly, it could be a recurring structural issue.
- Test starting the vehicle immediately after refueling; if it hesitates or requires accelerator pressure, it may have the common no-start defect.
- Test drive at highway speeds and watch for transmission shudder or limp mode; ask if the lead frame or output speed sensor has been replaced.
- Inspect the rear window defroster for signs of shorting or prior shattering; turn it on briefly to check for unusual behavior.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models, especially the F-150's transmission and airbag recalls.
- For the Endeavor, test the ignition key removal, gear shifter operation, and liftgate function multiple times.
- For the F-150, scan for transmission trouble codes and test drive extensively, including highway speeds and gear changes.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the brake system for leaks or rust, particularly on the Endeavor.
- Verify that all electrical components—A/C, defroster, lights, and windows—work correctly, as both vehicles have electrical complaints.
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 Mitsubishi Endeavor or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mitsubishi Endeavor vs FORD F 150
- Mitsubishi Endeavor total complaints
- 296
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Mitsubishi Endeavor total recalls
- 28
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Mitsubishi Endeavor avg complaints/year
- 37.0
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Mitsubishi Endeavor
- Mitsubishi Endeavor top complaint area
- STRUCTURE
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN