Head-to-head reliability
Nissan Rogue Select vs FORD F 150
How the Nissan Rogue Select 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 Rogue Select vs FORD F 150: The Rogue Select has 422 complaints in 1 year and 0 recalls, while the F-150 has 11,621 complaints over 10 years and 151 recalls. Both show power train issues, but the F-150's rate is higher. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Nissan Rogue Select or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Nissan Rogue Select
The Nissan Rogue Select is a compact SUV that, based on owner complaints, can be a mixed bag for used-car buyers. Over one year, it has 422 complaints, with the power train being the most common issue, often involving CVT transmission problems like overheating and juddering. Air bag and fuel system complaints also appear, suggesting potential safety and reliability concerns. With no recalls on record, buyers should be aware that repairs may come out of pocket.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a massive complaint volume: 11,621 over ten years, averaging 1,162 per year. Power train and electrical issues dominate, with many owners reporting transmission limp mode and lead frame failures. There are 151 recalls, indicating frequent safety fixes, and 330 crash-related complaints. This suggests that while popular, the F-150 can require ongoing attention and repair.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Nissan Rogue Select | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 422 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 20 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 422.0 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 22 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 Rogue Select
- 01POWER TRAIN112
- 02AIR BAGS71
- 03FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM64
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM63
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER62
Owners report CVT transmission overheating, losing power at highway speeds, and violent juddering between 1,500 and 2,000 RPM. These failures can leave you stranded and often require costly repairs or replacement.
Complaints include passenger occupancy sensor failures that deactivate the entire airbag system, and airbags not deploying in crashes. This is a critical safety concern, especially if you carry passengers.
Some owners mention transmission slipping alongside airbag light issues, indicating potential fuel system or propulsion problems. These can affect drivability and may be expensive to diagnose.
Reports include water leaks into the driver's side floorboard and battery terminal corrosion leading to electrical failures. These issues can cause mysterious electrical gremlins and costly repairs.
“about 2 years ago (2021) both me and my wife's my nissan cvt transmission went out and needed repair. In my case the transmission overheated, losing power while driving 80mph almost leaving me and my family stranded on the highway while coming back from trip…”
“The vehicle was experiencing judder on two recent occasions. The vehicle was just over 90K miles and due for a CVT fluid inspection. After experiencing brief but violent jerks/judders while operating between 1,500 and 2,000 rpms, I took the vehicle into the N…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Frequent complaints about transmission limp mode, stuck in 5th gear, and lead frame failures that can cause sudden loss of power. These issues can be dangerous and often require dealer repairs.
Owners report lead frame issues causing electrical faults, and rear window defroster shorts that can shatter the back window. These electrical problems can be unpredictable and costly.
Complaints include rear window defroster shorts leading to shattered glass, which is a safety hazard. This falls outside typical component categories but is a notable failure pattern.
While not detailed in samples, exterior lighting is a top complaint area, suggesting issues like failing lights or wiring. This 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.
Nissan Rogue Select
No recalls on record.
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 Rogue Select or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Nissan Rogue Select has far fewer complaints per year (422) compared to the Ford F-150 (1,162), but both have serious power train issues. The F-150 also has many recalls, meaning more safety fixes but also more potential problems. In practice, the Rogue may be simpler to own, but its CVT and airbag issues are still significant.
Key differences
- The Nissan Rogue Select has no recalls on record, while the Ford F-150 has 151 recalls, indicating more manufacturer safety actions.
- Power train complaints are common in both, but the Rogue's CVT overheating and juddering differ from the F-150's limp mode and lead frame failures.
- The F-150 has a much higher complaint rate per year (1,162 vs. 422), suggesting more frequent issues overall.
- Air bag complaints in the Rogue involve sensor failures and non-deployment, while the F-150's electrical issues include rear window shattering.
- Test drive at highway speeds and listen for juddering or hesitation between 1,500 and 2,000 RPM, which could indicate CVT problems.
- Check the airbag warning light and have a mechanic verify the passenger occupancy sensor; if the airbag system is deactivated, it's a major safety risk.
- Scan for transmission trouble codes like P0722 and test for limp mode or rough shifting, especially in 2017 models with the 6-speed automatic.
- Inspect the rear window defroster for signs of shorting and check for any cracks or shattering, as this is a reported issue.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls, especially on the Ford F-150.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic, focusing on transmission and electrical systems for both vehicles.
- For the Nissan Rogue Select, specifically ask the mechanic to check CVT fluid condition and airbag system functionality.
- For the Ford F-150, test all electrical components, including rear defroster, and scan for transmission codes.
- Budget for potential repairs: the Rogue may need CVT service, while the F-150 could require lead frame or transmission work.
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 Rogue Select or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Nissan Rogue Select vs FORD F 150
- Nissan Rogue Select total complaints
- 422
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Nissan Rogue Select total recalls
- 0
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Nissan Rogue Select avg complaints/year
- 422.0
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Nissan Rogue Select
- Nissan Rogue Select top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN