Head-to-head reliability
Nissan GT R vs FORD F 150
How the Nissan GT R 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 GT R vs FORD F 150: the GT R has 0 complaints over 10 years and 4 recalls, while the F 150 has 11,621 complaints, about 1,162 per year, and 151 recalls. F 150 owners report transmission limp mode and rear-window defroster shorts; the GT R has no complaint text. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Nissan GT R or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Nissan GT R
The Nissan GT R is a low-volume performance car, and its NHTSA record reflects that: zero owner complaints over ten years. That silence doesn't prove flawless reliability, but it means there is no pattern of recurring failures reported by owners. The four recalls cover a backup camera, a rear axle spindle, and equipment labels, which are the kind of issues a buyer can check and resolve. Living with one is more about specialized maintenance than managing a stream of complaints.
FORD F 150
The Ford F 150 is a high-volume pickup with a very active complaint record: 11,621 complaints over ten years, about 1,162 per year, plus 151 recalls. Owners repeatedly describe transmission limp mode, lead frame failures, electrical glitches, and rear-window defroster shorts that can shatter glass. The volume of reports means a used F 150 buyer should expect to screen carefully for specific powertrain and electrical problems rather than assume any truck is fine.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Nissan GT R | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 0 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 4 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.0 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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 GT R
No component data available.
A recall covers the backup camera system. Owners have not filed complaints about it, but a buyer should confirm the recall work was done so the camera works when reversing.
A recall addresses the rear axle spindle. No owner complaints describe a failure pattern, but an unrepaired spindle issue could affect rear suspension integrity, so verify the recall status.
Two recalls involve equipment labels, likely tire or load information. These are low-risk but should be corrected so the vehicle carries accurate safety placards.
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners report the transmission going into limp mode and sticking in 5th gear, often tied to lead frame or output speed sensor failures. One owner said the lead frame issue nearly ended their life, and another described daily limp mode on a 2017 V8 with the 6-speed automatic.
The same lead frame problem appears under electrical complaints, and one owner reported a short in the rear window defroster that caused the back window to shatter outward. These electrical faults can disable the truck or create sudden safety hazards.
This catch-all includes the rear-window defroster short that shattered glass within minutes of use. Because the cause is not always clear, a buyer should test the defroster and look for prior window replacement.
Exterior lighting is a top complaint area with 1,224 reports, though the sample text does not detail specific failures. A buyer should check all lights, including brake and reverse lamps, for intermittent operation.
“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 GT R — 4 recalls
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020 Nissan Murano, INFINITI QX60, 2021 Nissan GT-R, INFINITI QX50, and Q50 vehicles. The front steering knuckle or rear axle housing may have insufficient strength due to improper heat-treatment.
The risk: The steering knuckle or rear axle could deform upon impact, such as from hitting a curb, resulting in a loss of steering control, or possible wheel separation. Both of these conditions can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the front steering knuckle and rear axle housing, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2021. Nissan owners may contact customer service at 1-800-867-7669. INFINITI o…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additio…
The risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 GT-R vehicles manufactured February 24, 2014, to June 16, 2015 to be sold in Puerto Rico. The affected vehicles have a Certification Label that is missing the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and Gross Axle Weight Ratin…
The risk: Due to the label missing the GVWR/GAWR information, the operator may overload the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will apply a corrected label, free of charge. The recall began on December 23, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 GT-R vehicles manufactured February 24, 2014, to June 16, 2015 to be sold in Puerto Rico. The affected vehicles have a Certification Label that is missing the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and Gross Axle Weight Ratin…
The risk: Due to the label missing the GVWR/GAWR information, the operator may overload the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will apply a corrected label, free of charge. The recall began on December 23, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
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 GT R or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Nissan GT R has zero complaints per year over ten years, while the Ford F 150 averages about 1,162 complaints per year. In practice, the GT R presents no owner-reported failure pattern to screen for, whereas the F 150 requires careful checking of transmission, electrical, and window issues before purchase.
Key differences
- The GT R has zero owner complaints over ten years; the F 150 has 11,621, with power train alone at 3,648 complaints.
- F 150 owners describe transmission limp mode and stuck-in-5th-gear behavior tied to lead frame and output speed sensor failures; the GT R has no complaint text on record.
- F 150 electrical complaints include a rear-window defroster short that shattered the back glass; the GT R's recalls are camera, axle spindle, and labels.
- The F 150 has 151 recalls and 330 crash-related complaints; the GT R has 4 recalls and zero crash-related complaints.
- Confirm the backup camera recall was performed and that the camera displays correctly in reverse.
- Ask for proof that the rear axle spindle recall was completed, and have a mechanic inspect the rear suspension for unusual play or noise.
- Test-drive long enough to catch transmission limp mode or harsh shifting, especially on 2017 V8 models with the 6-speed automatic, and scan for output speed sensor codes like P0722.
- Turn on the rear window defroster and inspect the glass and wiring for signs of shorting, cracking, or prior replacement.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN through NHTSA to confirm all open recalls are closed on the specific vehicle.
- For the F 150, ask for transmission service records and scan for lead frame or output speed sensor repairs.
- For the GT R, verify the camera, axle spindle, and label recalls were completed and keep documentation.
- On the F 150, test every electrical feature including the rear defroster, lights, and backup camera.
- Have a independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on the F 150's transmission and the GT R's rear suspension.
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 GT R | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 0 | 638 |
| 2023 | 0 | 1527 |
| 2022 | 0 | 3493 |
| 2021 | 0 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 0 | 44 |
| 2019 | 0 | 52 |
| 2018 | 0 | 79 |
| 2017 | 0 | 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 GT R or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Nissan GT R vs FORD F 150
- Nissan GT R total complaints
- 0
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Nissan GT R total recalls
- 4
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Nissan GT R avg complaints/year
- 0.0
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Nissan GT R
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN