Head-to-head reliability
Mitsubishi Montero vs FORD F 150
How the Mitsubishi Montero 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 vs FORD F 150: The Montero has 81 complaints per year, with brake failures being a top issue, while the F-150 has 1131 complaints per year, dominated by transmission problems. The Montero had 3 deaths, the F-150 had 1. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mitsubishi Montero or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mitsubishi Montero
The Mitsubishi Montero, a body-on-frame SUV, shows a high complaint rate concentrated in braking systems, with owners reporting hard pedals, loss of brake power, and ABS issues that sometimes led to near-accidents. Electrical problems, including a battery explosion, and engine issues like a cracked block also appear. Recalls focus on fuel system and labels, not the brake defects, so buyers should expect ongoing brake maintenance.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150, a full-size pickup, has a much higher complaint volume, dominated by powertrain issues, especially harsh shifting and loss of power in the 10-speed automatic transmission. Electrical problems, including camera and pre-collision malfunctions, are also common. Recalls cover headlights, battery cables, engine, and seats, but not the transmission, which is a major concern for owners.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mitsubishi Montero | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 568 Better | 11,311 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 14 Better | 145 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 69 Better | 328 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 81.1 Better | 1131.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 62 Better | 287 |
| 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
- 01SERVICE BRAKES206
- 02HYDRAULIC148
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM63
- 04ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING61
- 05AIR BAGS56
Owners report brake pedals that become hard to depress, requiring emergency brake use to stop, and complete loss of brake power that forces pumping the pedal. ABS issues have nearly caused accidents, indicating a serious safety concern.
Brake hydraulic problems manifest as creaking noises and illuminated brake lights, followed by loss of brake power. Dealers often attribute early creaks to interior plastic, but the issue persists and worsens.
A battery explosion spewed acid and caused total electrical failure, while another owner experienced repeated brake failures due to stuck calipers, suggesting electrical or component defects affecting braking.
Engine issues include unexpected acceleration while in park and a cracked engine block, along with a separated heater core, indicating potential overheating and mechanical failures.
“THE VEHICLE STARTED CREAKING AFTER THE SECOND MONTH , WE WERE ORIGINALLY TOLD THAT IT WAS NEW AND THAT IT WAS THE INTERIOR PLASTIC THAT WAS ADJUSTING DO TO TEMP. CHANGES. THIS CONTINUED AND THAN THE SECOND ISSUE THE ABS BRAKES ALMOST CAUSED 2 ACCIDENTS WHEN G…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MITSUBISHI MONTERO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO ENGAGE THE BRAKES, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS HARD TO DEPRESS. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE HAD TO BE ACTIVATED IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. ALSO, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNOR…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,553
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,071
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,401
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,164
- 05ENGINE847
The 10R80 transmission is a major trouble spot, with owners reporting hard and delayed shifts, jerking, clunking, and even complete loss of power while driving, which can be dangerous in traffic.
Electrical gremlins include loud bangs from the transmission and rear suspension, plus persistent dashboard warnings for front camera and pre-collision assist malfunctions, which may disable safety features.
Headlight issues are common enough to be a top complaint area, though specific symptoms are not detailed in the sample; recalls indicate headlight problems that could affect visibility.
Engine-related complaints are frequent, but the sample focuses on transmission and electrical issues; recalls suggest engine problems that may require attention.
“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 Montero — 14 recalls
The defect: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." THE OWNER'S MANUAL DOES NOT CONTAIN A STEP-BY-STEP DESCRIPTION FOR HEADREST ADJUSTMENT WHEN INSTALLING A CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM (CRS) TETHER STRAP.
The risk: IF THE TETHER STRAP IS IMPROPERLY INSTALLED TO THE TETHER ANCHOR, THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENT RESTRAINED. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CHILD COULD BE INJURED.
The fix: A LETTER OUTLINING THE PROBLEM WILL BE SENT TO OWNERS ALONG WITH A STICKER CONTAINING THE CORRECT INSTRUCTIONS AS WELL AS INSTRUCTIONS ON WHERE TO AFFIX THE STICKER IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 29, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD C…
The defect: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, WHEN THE FUEL TANK IS FULL AND THE VEHICLE IS PARKED FACING FORWARD ON AN UPWARD SLOPE, THE FUEL TANK LEVELING VALVE MAY NOT MAINTAIN PROPER SEALING IN THE EVENT THE FUEL EXPANDS FROM A RISE IN THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE.
The risk: IF THE FUEL LEVELING VALVE DOES NOT SEAL PROPERLY, FUEL MAY LEAK ONTO THE GROUND. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEVELING VALVE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 30, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-800-222-0037 OR MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN AT 1-787-251-8715.
The defect: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, WHEN THE FUEL TANK IS FULL AND THE VEHICLE IS PARKED FACING FORWARD ON AN UPWARD SLOPE, THE FUEL TANK LEVELING VALVE MAY NOT MAINTAIN PROPER SEALING IN THE EVENT THE FUEL EXPANDS FROM A RISE IN THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE.
The risk: IF THE FUEL LEVELING VALVE DOES NOT SEAL PROPERLY, FUEL MAY LEAK ONTO THE GROUND. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEVELING VALVE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 30, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-800-222-0037 OR MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN AT 1-787-251-8715.
The defect: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, WHEN THE FUEL TANK IS FULL AND THE VEHICLE IS PARKED FACING FORWARD ON AN UPWARD SLOPE, THE FUEL TANK LEVELING VALVE MAY NOT MAINTAIN PROPER SEALING IN THE EVENT THE FUEL EXPANDS FROM A RISE IN THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE.
The risk: IF THE FUEL LEVELING VALVE DOES NOT SEAL PROPERLY, FUEL MAY LEAK ONTO THE GROUND. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEVELING VALVE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 30, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-800-222-0037 OR MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN AT 1-787-251-8715.
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 Montero or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Mitsubishi Montero has far fewer complaints per year (81.1) compared to the Ford F-150 (1131.1), but its brake failures are more safety-critical. The F-150's transmission issues are widespread and disruptive, but the Montero's brake loss is a more immediate danger. In practice, the Montero may require less frequent repairs, but brake failures demand vigilance.
Key differences
- The Montero's brake failures (hard pedal, loss of power) are safety-critical, while the F-150's transmission issues (hard shifts, loss of power) are more about drivability.
- The F-150 has a much higher complaint rate (1131/yr vs 81/yr), indicating more frequent problems overall.
- Electrical issues in the Montero include a battery explosion, whereas the F-150's electrical problems are more about sensor malfunctions.
- Recalls differ: Montero focuses on fuel system and labels, while F-150 covers headlights, battery cables, engine, and seats.
- Inspect the brake system thoroughly: test for pedal firmness, check ABS operation, and look for signs of caliper sticking or brake fluid leaks.
- Check the engine for cracks or overheating issues, and examine the battery and electrical system for corrosion or damage.
- Test drive the F-150 through all gears, especially 4-5 and 5-6 shifts, to detect hard shifts or clunks; also check for any warning lights on the dash.
- Inspect the transmission fluid condition and service records; ask about any previous transmission repairs or software updates.
Before you buy
- For the Montero: have a mechanic perform a brake system inspection, including ABS sensors and hydraulic lines.
- For the Montero: check the engine for any signs of coolant leaks or cracks, and review maintenance history for cooling system work.
- For the F-150: take a thorough test drive, including highway speeds, to evaluate transmission shift quality.
- For the F-150: check for any outstanding recalls and ensure they have been addressed.
- For both: obtain a vehicle history report and have a pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic.
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 or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mitsubishi Montero vs FORD F 150
- Mitsubishi Montero total complaints
- 568
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,311
- Mitsubishi Montero total recalls
- 14
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 145
- Mitsubishi Montero avg complaints/year
- 81.1
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1131.1
- More reliable overall
- Mitsubishi Montero
- Mitsubishi Montero top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN