Head-to-head reliability
Oldsmobile Aurora vs FORD F 150
How the Oldsmobile Aurora 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
Oldsmobile Aurora vs FORD F 150: The Aurora has 170 complaints over 3 years (about 57 per year) and 5 recalls, while the F-150 has 11,621 complaints over 10 years (about 1,162 per year) and 151 recalls. The F-150 also has 330 crash-related complaints and 1 death. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Oldsmobile Aurora or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Oldsmobile Aurora
The Oldsmobile Aurora is a discontinued luxury sedan with a relatively low complaint rate of about 57 per year over three years. Owners frequently report steering clunks and electrical gremlins, and there are five recalls including fuel tank and air bag issues. With only 10 crash-related complaints and 4 injuries, it may be a manageable used car if you inspect carefully, but parts availability and age-related failures are concerns.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint rate of about 1,162 per year over ten years, reflecting its huge sales volume. Power train and electrical problems dominate, with many reports of transmission limp mode and lead frame failures. There are 151 recalls and 330 crash-related complaints, including one death. While it's a popular truck, the frequency of serious issues means buyers should be diligent.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Oldsmobile Aurora | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 170 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 5 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 10 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 56.7 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.
Oldsmobile Aurora
- 01STEERING35
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM28
- 03ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING22
- 04SERVICE BRAKES19
- 05EXTERIOR LIGHTING17
Owners report clunking or clicking noises from the front end, especially on turns or bumps, often felt through the steering wheel. Some had multiple dealer visits and replaced steering gear or intermediate shaft without a permanent fix. This can indicate worn components and may be costly to diagnose.
Complaints include check engine lights, flickering headlights and instrument lights, and alternator charging fluctuations. One owner replaced the generator but the issue persisted. Electrical gremlins can be frustrating and expensive to trace.
Reports of stalling after highway driving, often when leaving exit ramps or making left turns. This is a safety concern as it can happen without warning. The cause may be related to fuel or sensor issues.
One owner reported the brake pedal going to the floor at 55 mph, leading to a crash where air bags did not deploy. Another had sudden loss of steering, brakes, and anti-lock function. These are severe safety issues that require immediate attention.
“CLUNKING NOISE IN FRONT END/UNDERCARRAIGE, ON TURNS OR BUMPS, CAN BE FELT IN STEERING, SINCE 15000 MILES (NOTICED SOMETIME AFTER IMPLODED GAS TANK REPLACEMENT). FOUR DEALERS WORKED ON AT LEAST 10 TIMES - REPLACED STEERING GEAR, LUBED INTERMEDIATE SHAFT, REPLA…”
“I HAVE OWNED MY CAR FOR A TOTAL OF 3 WEEKS. WHEN TAKING THE CAR FOR A TEST DRIVE BEFORE BUYING IT, I NOTICED A "CLICKING" IN THE STEERING. I WAS TOLD IT WOULD BE FIXED. I HAVE ALREADY HAD THE CAR IN 3 TIMES, AND THE PART IS STILL NOT FIXED. AFTER BRINGING IT…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Many owners report transmission problems, including limp mode, stuck in 5th gear, and lead frame failures that can cause sudden loss of power. One owner said a near collision occurred due to a lead frame issue. These can be dangerous and expensive to repair.
Lead frame issues also appear under electrical, causing speed sensor failures and limp mode. Another complaint describes a rear window defroster short that caused the back window to shatter. Electrical faults can lead to safety hazards.
This category includes the rear window shattering incident, which owners link to a defroster short. Such unexpected failures can be alarming and costly.
Although not detailed in the sample complaints, exterior lighting is a top component with 1,224 complaints. This suggests frequent bulb or housing failures, which 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.
Oldsmobile Aurora — 5 recalls
The defect: ON CERTAIN CADILLAC DEVILLE AND SEVILLE PASSENGER VEHICLES, FUNERAL COACHES, AND LIMOUSINES EQUIPPED WITH A V8 (4.6L) ENGINE, OLDSMOBILE AURORA PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A V8 (4.0L ) ENGINE, AND PONTIAC BONNEVILLE SSEI PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A SUPERCHARGED V6 (3.8L) ENGINE, THE FUE…
The risk: FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENTS CAN BE DAMAGED AND FUEL CAN LEAK FROM THE VEHICLE WHEN IT IS REFUELED. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK PRESSURE SENSOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON OCTOBER 17, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339; OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537; OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.
The defect: ON CERTAIN CADILLAC DEVILLE AND SEVILLE PASSENGER VEHICLES, FUNERAL COACHES, AND LIMOUSINES EQUIPPED WITH A V8 (4.6L) ENGINE, OLDSMOBILE AURORA PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A V8 (4.0L ) ENGINE, AND PONTIAC BONNEVILLE SSEI PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A SUPERCHARGED V6 (3.8L) ENGINE, THE FUE…
The risk: FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENTS CAN BE DAMAGED AND FUEL CAN LEAK FROM THE VEHICLE WHEN IT IS REFUELED. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK PRESSURE SENSOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON OCTOBER 17, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339; OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537; OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.
The defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER, MINI VANS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE AN AIR BAG INFLATOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE THAT COULD FRACTURE AT A WELD DURING A DEPLOYMENT.
The risk: PIECES OF THE INFLATOR COULD STRIKE AND INJURE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS AND THE AIR BAG CUSHION WOULD NOT INFLATE FULLY, REDUCING THE CAPABILITY OF THE BAG TO PROTECT THE DRIVER.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND REPLACE, IF NECESSARY, THE AIR BAG MODULE ASSEMBLY ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 15, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT R…
The defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER, MINI VANS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE AN AIR BAG INFLATOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE THAT COULD FRACTURE AT A WELD DURING A DEPLOYMENT.
The risk: PIECES OF THE INFLATOR COULD STRIKE AND INJURE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS AND THE AIR BAG CUSHION WOULD NOT INFLATE FULLY, REDUCING THE CAPABILITY OF THE BAG TO PROTECT THE DRIVER.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND REPLACE, IF NECESSARY, THE AIR BAG MODULE ASSEMBLY ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 15, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT R…
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
Oldsmobile Aurora or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Oldsmobile Aurora has far fewer complaints per year (about 57) compared to the Ford F-150 (about 1,162), but the F-150's higher volume means individual risk may still be significant. In practice, the Aurora may have fewer overall issues, but its age means parts are harder to find, while the F-150's common problems like transmission limp mode are well-documented and potentially dangerous.
Key differences
- The Aurora averages about 57 complaints per year; the F-150 averages about 1,162 per year, but the F-150 sold in far greater numbers.
- Aurora owners report steering clunks and stalling; F-150 owners report transmission limp mode and lead frame failures.
- The Aurora has 5 recalls; the F-150 has 151 recalls, including air bag and seat belt issues.
- Both have crash-related complaints, but the F-150 has 330 versus 10 for the Aurora, though exposure differs.
- Listen for clunking or clicking noises from the front end when turning or going over bumps, which could indicate steering gear or intermediate shaft wear.
- Check for signs of stalling, especially after highway driving, and have the fuel and ignition systems inspected.
- Test drive and watch for transmission shudder, delayed engagement, or limp mode; scan for stored codes like P0722.
- Inspect the rear window for cracks or signs of defroster malfunction, as some owners reported shattering.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the Aurora's steering and brakes, and the F-150's transmission and electrical system.
- For the Aurora, verify that the fuel tank recall was performed and inspect for leaks or odors.
- For the F-150, ask if the lead frame or transmission software updates have been done, and test all electrical features including lights and defroster.
- Budget for potential repairs: Aurora parts may be scarce, while F-150 transmission repairs can be costly.
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 Oldsmobile Aurora or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Oldsmobile Aurora vs FORD F 150
- Oldsmobile Aurora total complaints
- 170
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Oldsmobile Aurora total recalls
- 5
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Oldsmobile Aurora avg complaints/year
- 56.7
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Oldsmobile Aurora
- Oldsmobile Aurora top complaint area
- STEERING
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN