Head-to-head reliability
Mitsubishi Lancer vs FORD F 150
How the Mitsubishi Lancer 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 vs FORD F 150: The Lancer averaged 45.5 complaints per year with 29 recalls, while the F-150 averaged 1,162.1 complaints per year with 151 recalls. Both suffer power train and electrical issues, but the F-150's lead frame problem can cause sudden limp mode. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mitsubishi Lancer or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mitsubishi Lancer
The Mitsubishi Lancer is a compact car that, over 10 years, generated 455 complaints—about 45.5 per year—and 29 recalls. The most common trouble spots are the power train, engine, and electrical system, with owners describing transmission slipping, engine noise, and sudden power loss. While the overall complaint rate is relatively low, the pattern suggests that when problems occur, they often involve major mechanical systems.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup that, over 10 years, amassed 11,621 complaints—roughly 1,162 per year—and 151 recalls. Power train and electrical issues dominate, with owners reporting transmission limp mode, lead frame failures, and electrical shorts. The sheer volume of complaints indicates that many owners experience recurring problems, some of which can affect drivability and safety.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mitsubishi Lancer | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 455 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 29 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 39 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 45.5 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 29 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
- 01POWER TRAIN134
- 02ENGINE78
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM51
- 04SERVICE BRAKES41
- 05SUSPENSION38
Owners report complete loss of power while driving, transmission slipping out of gear, and RPMs surging to 6000-7000. These issues can leave a driver stranded or cause sudden deceleration, making it critical to check transmission service history and test-drive for smooth shifting.
Complaints include heavy engine noises, loss of power, increased exhaust noise, and illuminated powertrain fault lights. Such symptoms may indicate internal engine wear or sensor failures, so a pre-purchase inspection should include a scan for stored codes and a listen for abnormal sounds.
Electrical problems often accompany power train issues, with reports of complete power loss and fault lights. These can stem from wiring or sensor faults, so buyers should verify that all electrical components—lights, infotainment, and warning systems—function correctly.
Owners describe brake fluid leaks inside the vehicle, abnormal clicking from the clutch pedal, and difficulty shifting out of park due to a faulty clutch master cylinder. These are safety-related and should be inspected immediately, especially for fluid leaks or unusual pedal feel.
“I BOUGHT MY 2014 MITSUBISHI LANCER IN NOV. 2014 AT LONG LEWIS FORD IN FLORENCE, AL, WHERE I RECEIVED ALL REGULAR MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE PERFORMANCES FOR IT. ON SEPT. 15, 2017, I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD IN MY 2014 MITSUBISHI LANCER AND EXPERIENCED COMPLETE…”
“RECEIVED VEHICLE AT 10KM, AFTER 2 OIL CHANGES, AT 16000KM MILIEGE DROPPED FROM 700KM ON A TANK OF GAS TO 300KM TANK OF GAS. AT 24000KM HEAVY TRANSMISSION AND ENGINE NOISES OCCURRED. GEARS SLIPPING OUT WHILE ACCELERATING CAUSING RPMS TO SHOOT UP TO 6000-7000 W…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
The most frequent complaint is the 'lead frame' issue, which can cause sudden downshifting, limp mode, and near-collisions. Transmission malfunctions, such as getting stuck in 5th gear, are also common. Buyers should check for recall completion and test-drive for harsh or delayed shifts.
Electrical complaints include the same lead frame problem, output speed sensor failures leading to limp mode, and rear window defroster shorts that can cause the back window to shatter. These issues can be dangerous and costly, so a thorough electrical inspection is advised.
This category includes reports of rear window defroster shorts causing the window to explode outward. Such unexpected failures highlight the need to test the defroster and inspect the rear window for cracks or prior repairs.
With 1,224 complaints, exterior lighting problems are significant. Owners may report lights flickering or failing, which affects visibility and safety. Check all lights, including brake, turn signal, and headlights, for proper operation.
“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 — 29 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. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured from December 12, 2007, through March 5, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the clutch master cylinder can fail.
The risk: Failure of the clutch master cylinder reduces the ability to shift the vehicle into or out of gear, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected clutch master cylinders free of charge. The recall began on November 12, 2013. Owners may contact Mitsubishi at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's campaign number for this reca…
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured January 31, 2014, to September 5, 2014, and 2014-2015 Lancer Ralliart vehicles manufactured February 3, 2014, to September 5, 2014. The affected turbocharged vehicles…
The risk: Without the protective coating, the fuel tank may rust and leak. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the right parking brake cable, and inspect the fuel tank, free of charge. If the fuel tank's exterior coating shows signs of damage from abrasive contact with the right parking brake…
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2014 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured January 31, 2014, through February 21, 2014, and 2014 Lancer Ralliart vehicles manufactured February 3, 2014, through February 14, 2014. The affected vehicles may have insu…
The risk: Due to abrasion and rust, a hole may develop in the power steering tube, allowing the fluid to leak out, resulting in added steering effort, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, the leaking fluid increases the risk of a fire in th…
The fix: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the power steering tube for sufficient clearance. If the vehicle has insufficient clearance, the power steering tube assembly will be replaced, free of charge. The manufacturer notifi…
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 or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Mitsubishi Lancer has far fewer complaints per year (45.5 vs. 1,162.1) and fewer recalls (29 vs. 151), suggesting a lower frequency of reported issues. In practice, this means a Lancer buyer may encounter fewer problems overall, while an F-150 buyer should be prepared for more frequent repairs, especially involving the power train and electrical systems.
Key differences
- The Lancer averages 45.5 complaints per year; the F-150 averages 1,162.1, a 25-fold difference.
- Power train issues are the top complaint for both, but the F-150's lead frame problem can cause sudden limp mode and near-collisions, while the Lancer's transmission slipping can cause power loss.
- The F-150 has 151 recalls versus 29 for the Lancer, meaning more potential safety fixes to verify.
- Electrical problems are prominent in both, but the F-150 has reports of rear window defroster shorts causing the window to shatter, a unique and dangerous issue.
- During a test drive, listen for transmission slipping, hesitation, or RPM surges, and check for illuminated powertrain warning lights.
- Inspect for brake fluid leaks near the clutch pedal and test that the car shifts out of park smoothly; a faulty clutch master cylinder is a reported issue.
- Ask for proof that the lead frame recall (if applicable) has been performed, and test-drive at highway speeds to check for sudden downshifts or limp mode.
- Test the rear window defroster and inspect the rear window for cracks or signs of replacement, as shorts can cause the glass to shatter.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been addressed, especially for the F-150's lead frame and the Lancer's clutch master cylinder.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the model, focusing on transmission, engine, and electrical systems.
- Test-drive for at least 20 minutes, including highway speeds, to check for transmission issues, power loss, and unusual noises.
- Scan for stored diagnostic trouble codes, even if no warning lights are on, to uncover hidden issues.
- For the F-150, specifically check the rear window defroster operation and inspect the glass for any cracks or prior repairs.
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 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 6 | 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 or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mitsubishi Lancer vs FORD F 150
- Mitsubishi Lancer total complaints
- 455
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Mitsubishi Lancer total recalls
- 29
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Mitsubishi Lancer avg complaints/year
- 45.5
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Mitsubishi Lancer
- Mitsubishi Lancer top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN