Head-to-head reliability
Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback vs FORD F 150
How the Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback 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 Lancer Sportback vs FORD F 150: The Lancer Sportback averages 17 complaints per year and has 12 recalls, while the F-150 averages 1,162 complaints per year and has 151 recalls. The F-150 also has 330 crash-related complaints versus 19 for the Lancer. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
The Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback is a compact hatchback that averages about 17 owner complaints per year over the past decade, with 12 recalls. The most common trouble spots are the engine, power train, electrical system, and brakes, based on owner reports. Many complaints describe stalling, overheating, transmission problems, and brake light failures. It's a lower-volume vehicle, so problems may be less frequent but still need attention.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup that generates roughly 1,162 complaints per year, far more than the Lancer Sportback, along with 151 recalls. The most frequent complaints involve the power train, electrical system, and engine. Owners report serious issues like transmissions stuck in limp mode, lead frame failures, and rear window defroster shorts. With such high complaint volume, buyers should expect a higher likelihood of encountering problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 170 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 12 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 19 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 17.0 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 16 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 Lancer Sportback
- 01ENGINE36
- 02POWER TRAIN26
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM25
- 04SERVICE BRAKES24
- 05EXTERIOR LIGHTING17
Owners report stalling and overheating while driving at various speeds without warning, often requiring mechanic attention. This can leave you stranded and lead to costly repairs.
Complaints include complete transmission failure and issues with a defective transmission fluid dipstick that Mitsubishi addressed via a service bulletin but not a recall. A failing transmission can be expensive and dangerous.
Owners describe brake lights that stop working while tail lights still function, traced to the ECU. This can cause failed inspections and rear-end collision risk.
Reports include brake failure with ABS warning light illumination, requiring repeated pumping to stop. This is a serious safety concern that needs immediate attention.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MITSUBISHI LANCER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL AND OVERHEAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FROM WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED. THE MECHANIC G…”
“I WENT TO A RECALL SERVICE FOR SUNROOF AND DRIVE BELT ON APRIL 09,2018.TODAY, AFTER ONE YEAR I'M WAITING YET FOR THE MITSUBISHI CALL BECAUSE THE PARTS WAS UNAVAILABLE, SO THEY ORDERED THEM. I CALLED MANY TIMES, THEY SAID THE DRIVE BELT ARRIVED BUT NOT THE SUN…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners report recurring transmission problems, including limp mode, getting stuck in 5th gear, and lead frame failures that can cause near collisions. These issues often require costly repairs and can compromise safety.
Complaints include lead frame issues affecting the electrical system and output speed sensor failures that trigger limp mode. These can lead to sudden loss of power and expensive diagnostic and repair bills.
One owner reported a rear window defroster short that caused the back window to shatter outward. This is a rare but dangerous defect that could cause injury or costly glass replacement.
While fewer engine complaints appear in the sample, the F-150 has 880 engine complaints overall, often related to drivability and performance. Engine issues can be costly and affect reliability.
“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 Lancer Sportback — 12 recalls
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Lancer, 2008-2012 Outlander, 2010-2012 Lancer Sportback, and 2011-2012 Outlander Sport vehicles equipped with either a 4B11 or 4B12 engine. The drive belt automatic tensioner flange may crack, allowing the accessory drive b…
The risk: If the drive belt detaches, the battery will discharge and the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the belt tensioner with one that has an improved shape, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 27, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's nu…
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Lancer, 2008-2012 Outlander, 2010-2012 Lancer Sportback, and 2011-2012 Outlander Sport vehicles equipped with either a 4B11 or 4B12 engine. The drive belt automatic tensioner flange may crack, allowing the accessory drive b…
The risk: If the drive belt detaches, the battery will discharge and the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the belt tensioner with one that has an improved shape, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 27, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's nu…
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Lancer, Lancer Evolution, and Outlander; 2009-2011 Lancer Sportback, Lancer Rilliart, and Lancer Sportback Ralliart; and 2011 Outlander Sport vehicles. The affected vehicles, manufactured with 4B1 engines,…
The risk: If the drive belt detaches, the battery may discharge, resulting in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the drive belt with a rubber belt. Drive pulleys that are excessively worn will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 15, 2014. Owne…
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Lancer vehicles manufactured March 16, 2009, to March 30, 2011, 2010-2011 Lancer Sportback vehicles manufactured June 17, 2009, to December 1, 2010, 2010-2011 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured July 14,…
The risk: Failure of the blower motor may reduce the performance of the windshield defroster, diminishing the driver's visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace a suspect blower motor, free of charge. The recall began on June 15, 2015. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-…
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 Lancer Sportback or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback has far fewer complaints per year (about 17) compared to the Ford F-150 (about 1,162), meaning you're less likely to encounter reported problems with the Lancer. However, the F-150's higher volume means more owners are reporting issues, and some are severe like transmission limp mode. In practice, the Lancer may be easier to live with day-to-day, but both need careful inspection.
Key differences
- The Ford F-150 has about 68 times more complaints per year than the Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback (1,162 vs. 17), indicating a much higher volume of reported issues.
- Ford F-150 owners frequently report transmission limp mode and lead frame failures, while Lancer Sportback owners more often report engine stalling and brake light failures.
- The F-150 has 151 recalls versus 12 for the Lancer Sportback, suggesting more widespread safety-related fixes over the decade.
- The Lancer Sportback has 0 reported deaths in the data, while the F-150 has 1 death, though this single figure should be interpreted cautiously.
- Check for signs of engine overheating or stalling during a test drive, and ask for maintenance records related to the cooling system and engine.
- Test all brakes, including ABS, and verify that brake lights work properly; look for any warning lights on the dashboard.
- During a test drive, pay attention to transmission shifting; any hesitation, limp mode, or stuck gears is a major red flag.
- Inspect the rear window defroster for proper function and look for any cracks or signs of shattering; also check for electrical gremlins like flickering lights.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models using the NHTSA VIN lookup tool.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the transmission for the F-150 and the engine and brakes for the Lancer Sportback.
- Test drive the vehicle under various conditions, including highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic, to check for transmission or engine issues.
- Ask the seller for all maintenance and repair records, especially any related to recalls or known problem areas.
- Verify that all safety features, including lights, brakes, and seat belts, are functioning correctly before purchase.
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 | Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback vs FORD F 150
- Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback total complaints
- 170
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback total recalls
- 12
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback avg complaints/year
- 17.0
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
- Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback top complaint area
- ENGINE
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN