Head-to-head reliability
Mitsubishi Outlander vs FORD F 150
How the Mitsubishi Outlander 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 Outlander vs FORD F 150: The Outlander averages about 50 complaints per year and 33 recalls, while the F-150 averages over 1,160 complaints per year and 151 recalls. The F-150 also has more crash-related complaints (330 vs. 47). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mitsubishi Outlander or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mitsubishi Outlander
The Mitsubishi Outlander is a compact SUV that, based on NHTSA data, generates relatively few complaints per year—about 50—over the past decade. The most common owner-reported issues involve the structure (especially the liftgate), electrical system, and engine, with some complaints about unexplained noises and warning lights. While recalls exist, the overall volume of problems is low compared to larger vehicles, suggesting a more manageable ownership experience if you keep up with recall repairs.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup that, according to NHTSA data, attracts a very high number of complaints—over 1,100 per year—with powertrain and electrical problems dominating the list. Owners frequently report transmission issues like limp mode and lead frame failures, as well as electrical glitches and rear window defects. The sheer volume of complaints and recalls indicates that living with an F-150 can mean more frequent trips to the shop for some owners.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mitsubishi Outlander | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 496 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 33 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 47 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 49.6 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 41 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 Outlander
- 01STRUCTURE92
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM88
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER77
- 04ENGINE57
- 05SERVICE BRAKES57
Owners report issues with the liftgate support struts, which can fail and cause the hatch to fall unexpectedly. This is a safety concern because a falling liftgate could injure someone, and it's a common complaint area for the Outlander.
Complaints include abnormal sounds from the hood and windshield area, as well as warning lights and unusual noises after service. These electrical gremlins can be frustrating and may indicate underlying wiring or sensor problems.
Some owners report warning lights and unusual sounds shortly after oil changes or other service, sometimes leading to further repairs. This suggests that the engine or its sensors may be sensitive to maintenance procedures.
While specific brake complaints aren't detailed in the sample, the component ranks high, indicating owners have reported brake-related issues. Buyers should have the brakes inspected for wear or malfunction.
“The contact owns a 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V507000 (Structure) and requested to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was repaired. The ma…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners frequently report transmission problems, including limp mode, getting stuck in gears, and lead frame failures that can cause sudden loss of power. These issues can be dangerous and expensive to fix, making the powertrain a major concern.
Electrical complaints often involve the same lead frame issue, as well as other glitches like sensor failures and warning lights. These problems can leave you stranded or require costly diagnostics.
Many owners report issues with exterior lights, which can affect visibility and safety. This is a common complaint area, so check all lights function properly.
Engine-related complaints include various malfunctions, though specifics are less detailed in the sample. Given the high number of complaints, potential buyers should be aware of possible engine issues.
“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 Outlander — 33 recalls
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Outlander and 2026 Outlander PHEV vehicles. Due to improper software programming, the Alliance In-Vehicle Infotainment (A-IVI) system may fail to display the rearview camera image when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As s…
The risk: A rearview image that does not display properly reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the A-IVI software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 24, 2026. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-26-002. Vehicl…
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Outlander and 2019 Outlander PHEV vehicles. The seat belt for the right side second-row seat may have been assembled incorrectly.
The risk: An incorrectly assembled seat belt may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the right side second-row seat belt and replace it as necessary, free of charge. This recall began June 17, 2020. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number f…
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Outlander PHEV and 2014-2020 Outlander vehicles sold and/or currently registered in Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, M…
The risk: A gas spring cylinder rupture or a liftgate falling unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: MMNA will replace the left and right liftgate gas springs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 6, 2025. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-25-002
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Outlander PHEV and 2014-2020 Outlander vehicles. The liftgate gas spring cylinders may corrode and lose pressure, which can result in a gas spring cylinder rupture or the liftgate falling unexpectedly.
The risk: A gas spring cylinder rupture or a liftgate falling unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: MMNA will replace the left and right liftgate gas springs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 17, 2026. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-26-001. Vehicl…
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 Outlander or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Mitsubishi Outlander has far fewer complaints per year (about 50) compared to the Ford F-150 (over 1,100), meaning you're likely to encounter fewer reported problems with the Outlander. However, the F-150's higher volume may reflect its popularity and greater number of vehicles on the road, so the rate per vehicle could be different. In practice, the Outlander may offer a less troublesome ownership experience based on complaint frequency.
Key differences
- The Ford F-150 has over 20 times more complaints per year than the Mitsubishi Outlander, with powertrain issues like transmission limp mode being a major theme.
- Outlander complaints often center on structural liftgate struts and electrical noises, while F-150 complaints frequently involve lead frame failures and rear window defects.
- The F-150 has far more recalls (151 vs. 33), indicating more widespread safety-related fixes.
- Crash-related complaints and injuries are much higher for the F-150, though this may be due to its larger fleet size.
- Inspect the liftgate struts for weakness or failure, as owners report the hatch falling unexpectedly.
- Listen for abnormal sounds from the hood or windshield area, which could indicate electrical or engine issues.
- Test drive and check for transmission shuddering, delayed engagement, or limp mode, especially in 2017 models with the 6-speed automatic.
- Inspect the rear window defroster and window for cracks or shattering, as owners report spontaneous breakage.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- For the Outlander, test the liftgate operation and listen for unusual noises from the engine bay.
- For the F-150, scan for transmission trouble codes and test drive at highway speeds to check for limp mode.
- Have a mechanic inspect the electrical system and brakes on either vehicle.
- Verify that all safety recalls have been performed, especially the lead frame recall on the F-150.
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 Outlander | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5 | 35 |
| 2025 | 15 | 345 |
| 2024 | 26 | 638 |
| 2023 | 47 | 1527 |
| 2022 | 216 | 3493 |
| 2021 | 19 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 31 | 44 |
| 2019 | 29 | 52 |
| 2018 | 57 | 79 |
| 2017 | 51 | 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 Outlander or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mitsubishi Outlander vs FORD F 150
- Mitsubishi Outlander total complaints
- 496
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Mitsubishi Outlander total recalls
- 33
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Mitsubishi Outlander avg complaints/year
- 49.6
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Mitsubishi Outlander
- Mitsubishi Outlander top complaint area
- STRUCTURE
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN