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 averages 81 complaints per year with 14 recalls, while the F-150 averages 1,162 complaints per year with 151 recalls. The Montero's issues cluster around brakes and hydraulics; the F-150's around powertrain and electrical. 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 is a body-on-frame SUV with a modest complaint volume for its era, averaging about 81 complaints per year over seven years. The most common owner-reported trouble centers on the brakes and hydraulic system, with some reports of hard pedal, loss of brake power, and ABS issues. Electrical gremlins and engine cooling problems also appear, but the overall pattern suggests a vehicle that can be maintained if you watch the brake system closely.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint rate, averaging over 1,100 complaints per year across ten years. The dominant theme is powertrain trouble, especially transmission limp mode and lead frame failures, along with electrical and lighting complaints. While far more F-150s are on the road, the sheer volume of reports means a used buyer should expect to encounter these issues.
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 | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 14 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 69 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 81.1 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 62 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
- 01SERVICE BRAKES206
- 02HYDRAULIC148
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM63
- 04ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING61
- 05AIR BAGS56
Owners report a hard brake pedal that requires pumping or the emergency brake to stop, and some say the ABS nearly caused accidents. This matters because brake failure is a direct safety concern and can be expensive to diagnose.
Complaints include complete loss of brake power and illuminated brake lights on the instrument panel. These hydraulic faults often overlap with brake issues and can leave the vehicle undrivable until repaired.
Reports range from a battery exploding and spewing acid to persistent starting problems that require multiple part replacements. Electrical faults can be intermittent and frustrating to trace, affecting reliability and cost of ownership.
Owners describe engine racing while in park, cracked engine blocks, and separated heater cores. These are serious mechanical failures that can lead to major repair bills or engine replacement.
“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 TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners frequently report transmission limp mode, stuck in 5th gear, and lead frame failures that can cause near collisions. These issues affect drivability and safety, often requiring dealer software updates or hardware replacement.
The same lead frame problem is often filed under electrical, along with output speed sensor failures that trigger limp mode. Electrical gremlins can strand a driver and are sometimes addressed only after multiple visits.
One owner reported the rear window exploding outward after using the defroster, suggesting a short in the defroster circuit. Such unexpected failures are hard to predict and can be dangerous.
Although no sample text is provided, this is a top complaint category, indicating owners often deal with lighting failures that can affect visibility and safety.
“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 — 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 — 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 or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Mitsubishi Montero has far fewer complaints per year (about 81) compared to the Ford F-150 (over 1,100), but the F-150 is far more common on the road. In practice, the Montero's issues are concentrated in brakes and hydraulics, while the F-150's are spread across powertrain and electrical systems. A buyer should weigh the lower complaint rate against the Montero's age and the F-150's widespread but well-documented problems.
Key differences
- The Montero's top complaint is service brakes (206 reports), with owners describing hard pedals and loss of braking, while the F-150's top complaint is power train (3,648 reports), often transmission limp mode and lead frame failures.
- The F-150 has 151 recalls versus 14 for the Montero, reflecting a much larger and more complex vehicle with more safety campaigns.
- The Montero's sample complaints include engine block cracks and battery explosions, while the F-150's include rear window shattering and recurring limp mode.
- The F-150 has 330 crash-related complaints and 297 injuries, compared to 69 crash-related and 62 injuries for the Montero, though these totals are influenced by the far higher number of F-150s on the road.
- Check for a hard or spongy brake pedal and any history of ABS or hydraulic repairs, as owners report loss of brake power and near accidents.
- Listen for engine noises and check for coolant leaks or overheating signs, since cracked engine blocks and heater core failures are reported.
- Test drive at highway speeds and watch for transmission limp mode, stuck gears, or delayed engagement, which owners link to lead frame and speed sensor faults.
- Inspect the rear window and defroster operation, as one owner reported the window exploding after using the defroster.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls, especially the F-150's lead frame and software campaigns.
- Have a mechanic inspect the brake system on the Montero, including ABS function and hydraulic lines.
- For the F-150, scan for transmission trouble codes and test the 6-speed automatic through all gears.
- Check the electrical system on both vehicles, including battery condition, starting reliability, and any aftermarket wiring.
- Verify that any recall repairs have been completed by a dealer and ask for documentation.
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
- 11,621
- Mitsubishi Montero total recalls
- 14
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Mitsubishi Montero avg complaints/year
- 81.1
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Mitsubishi Montero
- Mitsubishi Montero top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN