Head-to-head reliability
Nissan 370Z vs FORD F 150
How the Nissan 370Z 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
Nissan 370Z vs FORD F 150: The 370Z has 41 complaints over 10 years (about 4 per year) and 1 recall, while the F-150 has 11,621 complaints (about 1,162 per year) and 151 recalls. The 370Z's main reported issue is a sudden clutch failure, while the F-150 sees recurring transmission and electrical problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Nissan 370Z or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Nissan 370Z
The Nissan 370Z is a two-seat sports car with a relatively low complaint volume—41 over ten years, about 4 per year—but the pattern shows a serious recurring clutch problem. Power train complaints dominate, often describing the clutch pedal sinking to the floor or the car getting stuck in gear due to a failed slave cylinder. Air bag and brake issues also appear, including one report of air bags deploying in a low-speed bump. For a buyer, the 370Z can be fun but needs a careful clutch check.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a huge complaint count—over 11,600 in ten years, averaging more than 1,100 per year—and 151 recalls. Power train and electrical complaints are most common, with owners repeatedly describing transmission limp mode, stuck gears, and lead frame failures. There are also reports of rear window shattering from a defroster short. This is a high-volume vehicle with many reported problems, so a thorough pre-purchase inspection is essential.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Nissan 370Z | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 41 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 1 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 3 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 4.1 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 4 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.
Nissan 370Z
- 01POWER TRAIN22
- 02AIR BAGS6
- 03SERVICE BRAKES4
- 04ENGINE4
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER3
Owners report the clutch pedal going straight to the floor with no pressure, often due to a failed concentric slave cylinder (CSC), leaving the car stuck in gear or unable to shift. This can happen suddenly in traffic and may require transmission repairs.
One owner reported both air bags exploding open at a stop sign after a very slow roll into a hitch, and another described air bag deployment in a highway collision. These reports raise questions about air bag sensitivity, though they are isolated.
A brake complaint mentions a suspected breakage after track use, and another describes a recurring 'front radar obstruction' warning that dealers could not fix. Brake and sensor issues can affect confidence and cost.
One owner reported the clutch pedal sticking to the floor during normal driving, and another said the engine stalled at 20 mph and then failed to accelerate after restart. These symptoms suggest potential clutch or engine control problems.
“SUMMARY: THE VEHICLE CONCENTRIC SLAVE CYLINDER (CSC), A COMPONENT OF THE TRANSMISSION AND CLUTCH, FAILED ABRUPTLY IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, LEAVING THE VEHICLE FORCED IN-GEAR AND UNABLE TO SHIFT OUT OF GEARS OR TO NEUTRAL WITHOUT DAMAGING THE TRANSMISSION. THIS IS A…”
“AS I BEGAN TO START MY VEHICLE ONE DAY, THE CLUTCH PEDAL WENT STRAIGHT TO THE GROUND BECAUSE IT HAD NO PRESSURE ON IT. I FOUND THAT THE CLUTCH FLUID WAS COMPLETELY EMPTY AND REFILLED IT. AFTER IT REBUILT PRESSURE, IT WAS OPERABLE AGAIN FOR SEVERAL MONTHS UNTI…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners describe a 'lead frame' issue that has persisted for over a decade, causing transmission problems, and many report the truck going into limp mode and sticking in 5th gear. These failures can happen while driving and may require costly repairs.
The same lead frame problem is often filed under electrical system, and one owner reported a 2017 F-150 entering highway limp mode due to an output speed sensor failure. Electrical faults can disable safety features and strand the truck.
A rear window defroster short caused the back window to shatter outward within minutes of use, according to one report. This is a surprising and potentially dangerous failure that buyers should be aware of.
Exterior lighting is a top complaint area with 1,224 reports, though the sample text does not detail specific failures. Given the volume, buyers should check all lights and related wiring for function and signs of trouble.
“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.
Nissan 370Z — 1 recall
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018 Nissan 370Z vehicles. The driver's side curtain air bag may have been installed incorrectly during production, possibly affecting its deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safet…
The risk: The incorrect curtain air bag installation can prevent the air bag from deploying correctly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the curtain air bag, correcting its installation as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 1, 2018. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669.
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
Nissan 370Z or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Nissan 370Z has far fewer complaints per year (about 4 versus over 1,100 for the F-150), but that partly reflects much lower production. In practice, the 370Z's main risk is a sudden clutch failure, while the F-150's much larger complaint volume includes recurring transmission and electrical problems that can affect many owners.
Key differences
- The 370Z's complaints center on a sudden clutch pedal failure (CSC), while the F-150's center on recurring transmission limp mode and lead frame problems.
- The F-150 has 151 recalls versus 1 for the 370Z, including air bag, engine, and seat belt recalls, meaning more safety-related campaigns to track.
- The 370Z has 3 crash-related complaints and 4 injuries; the F-150 has 330 crash-related complaints and 297 injuries, though these are raw counts not rates.
- The F-150 has a reported rear window shattering from a defroster short, a failure type not seen in the 370Z sample.
- Check the clutch pedal feel and fluid level; a soft or sinking pedal or low fluid can signal a failing concentric slave cylinder (CSC).
- Ask for service records related to the clutch and transmission, and test drive in stop-and-go traffic to see if shifting becomes difficult.
- Test drive the truck and watch for limp mode, harsh shifting, or getting stuck in a gear, which owners link to lead frame and transmission problems.
- Inspect the rear window defroster operation and look for any signs of overheating or cracking around the rear glass.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and all recall repair records, especially for the F-150's many recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect the clutch system on the 370Z, including the CSC, and the transmission on the F-150 for lead frame issues.
- Test drive both vehicles in conditions that mimic your daily driving, including traffic and highway speeds.
- Check all electrical features on the F-150, including lights, defroster, and transmission sensors, for proper operation.
- Verify that any open recalls have been completed before purchase, and confirm with a dealer using the VIN.
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 | Nissan 370Z | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 0 | 3493 |
| 2021 | 0 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 0 | 44 |
| 2019 | 1 | 52 |
| 2018 | 2 | 79 |
| 2017 | 5 | 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 Nissan 370Z or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Nissan 370Z vs FORD F 150
- Nissan 370Z total complaints
- 41
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Nissan 370Z total recalls
- 1
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Nissan 370Z avg complaints/year
- 4.1
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Nissan 370Z
- Nissan 370Z top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN