Head-to-head reliability
Mitsubishi Montero Sport vs FORD F 150
How the Mitsubishi Montero Sport 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 Montero Sport vs FORD F 150: the Montero Sport logged 492 complaints over 5 years with 3 recalls, while the F-150 logged 11,621 over 10 years with 151 recalls. The Mitsubishi's complaints center on brakes; the Ford's on power train and electrical faults. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mitsubishi Montero Sport or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mitsubishi Montero Sport
The Mitsubishi Montero Sport is a mid-size SUV that shows a modest complaint volume of about 98 per year over the five years covered, but the pattern is concentrated in the braking system. Brakes and hydraulic components together account for the largest share of complaints, and owners describe noises, leaks, and stopping trouble at highway speed. With 72 crash-related complaints, 63 injuries, and 3 deaths in the data, the braking pattern is the thing a buyer should take most seriously. It reads as an older vehicle where brake hardware and engine upkeep drive most ownership headaches.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a much larger complaint footprint, averaging about 1,162 complaints per year over ten years and carrying 151 recalls. The dominant theme is the powertrain, especially transmission behavior, with electrical issues close behind. Owners describe limp mode, stuck gears, and a recurring lead frame problem that some say has gone unresolved for years. It is a high-volume truck with a long list of reported faults, so condition and service history matter more than the badge.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mitsubishi Montero Sport | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 492 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 3 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 72 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 98.4 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 63 Better | 297 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 3 | 1 Better |
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 Montero Sport
- 01SERVICE BRAKES139
- 02HYDRAULIC108
- 03POWER TRAIN58
- 04ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING57
- 05AIR BAGS56
Owners report abnormal noise from the left side of the dash traced to a leaking hydraulic brake booster accumulator, and discomfort stopping at speeds above 45 mph. Brake trouble at highway speed is the kind of failure a buyer should not ignore.
One owner reported caliper retaining bolts falling out, letting the caliper strike the wheel at highway speed and crack it, causing a flat. Loose or failing brake hardware on this SUV can escalate quickly.
Complaints describe engine sludge blamed on oil pan positioning that leaves oil behind, plus a recurring issue one owner says was not an isolated incident. Sludge risk means maintenance records and oil-change habits deserve close scrutiny.
Owners report A/C compressor failure at low mileage and a hard knocking noise with the oil lamp on right after an oil change, with no oil showing on the dipstick. Oil pressure loss is a serious warning sign on any used engine.
“MY MECHANIC SAID THAT THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE BOOSTER HAS BEEN MANUFACTURED IMPROPERLY WHICH RESULTED IN LEAKAGE OF THE PRESSURIZED NITRGEN GAS FROM INSIDE THE ACCUMULATOR. THE LOSS OF THIS GAS PRESSURE RESULTED IN AN ABNORMAL NOISE FROM THE LEFT SIDE OF THE DASH…”
“I HAVE HAD SEVERAL TIMES TO TAKE MY CAR TO A SERVICE CENTER TO HAVE MY BRAKES CHECKED AND/OR REPLACED. I HAVE A 2002 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT LX THAT HAVE GIVEN ME DISCOMFORT WHEN HAVING TO STOP WHEN TRAVELING AT SPEED ABOVE 45 MPH. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners describe a recurring lead frame issue and transmissions that drop into limp mode and stick in 5th gear almost daily on some trucks. A transmission that limits itself while driving is a real safety and cost concern.
The lead frame problem also shows up here, along with an output speed sensor failure that triggered highway limp mode on a 2017 truck. Electrical faults that cut power on the highway are the pattern to watch.
One owner reported the rear window exploding outward minutes after using the defroster, attributed to a short in the rear defroster. Glass and defroster faults are worth checking on any used example.
Lighting is among the most-complained components on this truck, though the sample text does not detail specific failures. Buyers should still verify all lights and related wiring work.
“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 Montero Sport — 3 recalls
The defect: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE VEHICLE CAPACITY WEIGHTS AS STATED ON THE TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABEL ARE IN ERROR.
The risk: THIS INFORMATION COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN CONSUMERS LOADING THEIR VEHICLES BEYOND THE GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING (GVWR).
The fix: OWNERS WILL BE SENT REPLACEMENT LABELS WITH INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO INSTALL THEM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 14, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-800-222-0037.
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.5L ENGINES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 106, "BRAKE HOSES." THESE VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH NONCOMPLIANT BRAKE VACUUM HOSES.
The risk: THESE HOSES COULD BURST CAUSING FLUID LEAKAGE, INCREASING THE BRAKING CAPABILITY OF THE VEHICLE AND COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE VACUUM HOSE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 15, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONT…
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.5L ENGINES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 106, "BRAKE HOSES." THESE VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH NONCOMPLIANT BRAKE VACUUM HOSES.
The risk: THESE HOSES COULD BURST CAUSING FLUID LEAKAGE, INCREASING THE BRAKING CAPABILITY OF THE VEHICLE AND COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE VACUUM HOSE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 15, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONT…
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 Montero Sport or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Montero Sport has far fewer complaints per year, about 98 versus roughly 1,162 for the F-150, and only 3 recalls versus 151. In practice that means the Mitsubishi presents a smaller volume of reported problems, but its complaints cluster around brakes, which matter a lot. The Ford's issues are more numerous and spread across transmission and electrical systems.
Key differences
- Complaint volume: about 98 per year for the Montero Sport versus about 1,162 per year for the F-150.
- Recalls: 3 for the Montero Sport versus 151 for the F-150.
- The Montero Sport's top complaints are brakes and hydraulic parts, including booster leaks and caliper hardware.
- The F-150's top complaints are power train and electrical, including limp mode, stuck gears, and lead frame faults.
- Test the brakes thoroughly at highway speed and listen for abnormal noise from the left dash area, which owners link to a leaking brake booster accumulator.
- Check for engine sludge and oil pressure warnings, and ask for oil-change records given complaints about oil left in the pan.
- Scan for transmission codes and confirm any lead frame or output speed sensor recall work was actually performed.
- Test the rear defroster and inspect the rear window, and check all exterior lighting for faults.
Before you buy
- Pull the full NHTSA complaint and recall history for the exact year and trim you are considering.
- On the Montero Sport, have a mechanic inspect the brake booster, calipers, and lines before buying.
- On the F-150, get a transmission scan and confirm recall repairs were completed with documentation.
- Ask for complete maintenance records, especially oil changes on the Mitsubishi and transmission service on the Ford.
- Take a highway test drive in both to feel for braking trouble and transmission limp mode.
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 Montero Sport or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mitsubishi Montero Sport vs FORD F 150
- Mitsubishi Montero Sport total complaints
- 492
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Mitsubishi Montero Sport total recalls
- 3
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Mitsubishi Montero Sport avg complaints/year
- 98.4
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Mitsubishi Montero Sport
- Mitsubishi Montero Sport top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN