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 36.9 complaints per year over 8 years, while the F-150 averaged 1,131.1 per year over 10 years. The F-150 also had 145 recalls and 287 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 a headache to live with due to a range of electrical and structural gremlins. Over 8 years, it averaged about 37 complaints per year, with the most common issues involving the structure, electrical system, and power train. Many complaints describe frustrating problems like the vehicle failing to start after refueling, keys stuck in the ignition, and liftgate failures. While it has fewer complaints overall than the F-150, the per-year rate is much lower, but the types of problems can be persistent and annoying.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup that, according to NHTSA data, has a very high volume of complaints—over 11,000 in 10 years, averaging more than 1,100 per year. The most frequent trouble spots are the power train, electrical system, and exterior lighting, with many owners reporting transmission issues like hard shifts and sudden loss of power. There are also numerous recalls, including for headlights, batteries, and engines. This suggests that while the F-150 is popular, it can suffer from significant reliability problems that may require frequent repairs.
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 | 295 Better | 11,311 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 28 Better | 145 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 30 Better | 328 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 36.9 Better | 1131.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 22 Better | 287 |
| 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 hatch failures, where the liftgate won't open or only the glass opens, often requiring manual release. This can be a safety issue if you need to access the rear quickly, and repairs may be costly.
Complaints include the vehicle failing to start after refueling, requiring the accelerator to be pressed, and keys getting stuck in the ignition. These issues can leave you stranded and point to underlying electrical faults.
Some owners report the vehicle rolling away after being parked, and gear shifters failing to shift out of park. This poses a serious safety risk of unintended movement or being unable to drive.
While specific complaints are not detailed in the sample, this is a top component with 28 complaints. Buyers should be aware of potential engine-related issues that could lead to breakdowns.
“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 TRAIN3,553
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,071
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,401
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,164
- 05ENGINE847
Many owners report transmission problems, such as hard or delayed shifts, jerking, clunking, and even sudden loss of power while driving. These issues can be dangerous and often require expensive transmission repairs.
Complaints include warning messages like 'Front Camera Malfunction' and 'Pre Collision Assist Not Available,' as well as loud bangs from the transmission. Electrical glitches can affect safety features and overall drivability.
With 1,164 complaints, headlight issues are common. Recalls for headlights suggest potential failures that could reduce visibility and increase accident risk.
Engine-related complaints number 847, and there are recalls for engine issues. Problems could include stalling, poor performance, or other failures that may lead to costly repairs.
“I started noticing hard and delayed shifts from 7th into 8th gear. My RPM's were not increasing when this happened, and then on a very crowded major road I lost all power, vehicle shut off and drifted, then started up and jerked again very hard. This failure…”
“I am reporting a safety-related transmission problem I experienced with my 2020 Ford F-150 equipped with the 10R80 automatic transmission. While driving normally, the transmission shifts hard (ie: jerks, clunks) between 4-5 and 5-6 gears, and has on occasion…”
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 — 145 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 trucks equipped with high series LED headlamps with Autolamp (On/Off) functionality. The Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) may remain activated instead of dimming to parking lamps when the Master Lighting Switch (MLS) is manually rotated from…
The risk: DRL that cannot dim may reduce the visibility of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the body control module, free of charge. The recall began March 10, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C03.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 F-150 vehicles. The fastener securing the Power Distribution Box (PDB) 12V cable and Battery Monitoring System (BMS) eyelets to the positive battery terminal may loosen and affect the vehicle's systems such as instrument panel displays and br…
The risk: Inoperative vehicle systems or an engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. Reduced braking and steering efforts increases the risk of a crash. This condition could also create a resistive short, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the positive battery cable/BMS/PDB joint for excess sealant adhesive and remove any excessive adhesive, reassemble the joint, and retorque the fastener, as necessary, free of charge. The re…
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 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also…
The risk: A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's num…
Buyer analysis
Mitsubishi Endeavor or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Mitsubishi Endeavor has far fewer complaints per year (about 37) compared to the Ford F-150 (over 1,100). In practice, this means an Endeavor owner might face fewer overall trips to the shop, but the issues reported can still be serious and persistent. The F-150's higher complaint rate suggests a greater likelihood of encountering problems, especially with the transmission and electrical system.
Key differences
- The Endeavor averages about 37 complaints per year, while the F-150 averages over 1,100 per year, indicating a much higher complaint rate for the F-150.
- Endeavor owners frequently report liftgate and starting problems, whereas F-150 owners commonly report transmission jerking and sudden power loss.
- The F-150 has 145 recalls over 10 years, compared to 28 for the Endeavor over 8 years, suggesting more widespread safety-related defects in the F-150.
- Both vehicles have electrical issues, but the F-150's electrical complaints often involve advanced driver-assist warnings, while the Endeavor's are more basic starting and key problems.
- Check the liftgate and rear glass operation—test both the electronic release and manual release to ensure they work, as failures are common.
- Test starting after refueling: drive the vehicle, fill the tank, and try restarting to see if it hesitates or requires accelerator input.
- Test drive at various speeds and pay attention to transmission shifts, especially between 4th-5th and 7th-8th gears, looking for jerks or delays.
- Check for warning messages on the dashboard, such as 'Front Camera Malfunction' or 'Pre Collision Assist Not Available,' which may indicate electrical problems.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website for both models.
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission on the F-150, focusing on shift quality and any stored codes.
- For the Endeavor, test all electrical components: ignition, key removal, liftgate, and starting after refueling.
- Verify that all safety recalls have been performed, especially for the F-150's headlights and battery cables.
- Take a long test drive that includes highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic to replicate common complaint scenarios.
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
- 295
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,311
- Mitsubishi Endeavor total recalls
- 28
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 145
- Mitsubishi Endeavor avg complaints/year
- 36.9
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1131.1
- More reliable overall
- Mitsubishi Endeavor
- Mitsubishi Endeavor top complaint area
- STRUCTURE
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN