Head-to-head reliability
RAM Promaster 2500 vs FORD F 150
How the RAM Promaster 2500 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
RAM Promaster 2500 vs FORD F 150: Over 10 years, the Promaster 2500 had 9 complaints (0.9/year) and 0 recalls, while the F-150 had 11,621 complaints (1,162.1/year) and 151 recalls. The F-150 also had 330 crash-related reports and 297 injuries, versus 1 crash and 1 injury for the Promaster. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the RAM Promaster 2500 or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
RAM Promaster 2500
The RAM Promaster 2500 is a full-size commercial van often used for work or converted campers. Over ten years, owners filed only 9 complaints, averaging 0.9 per year, with no recalls on record. The few complaints cluster around power train and brake problems, including one crash and one injury. This suggests a relatively low complaint volume, but the reported issues can be serious when they occur.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a best-selling full-size pickup with a huge owner base. Over ten years, it has 11,621 complaints (about 1,162 per year) and 151 recalls, with 330 crash-related reports, 297 injuries, and 1 death. The most common complaint areas are power train, electrical system, and exterior lighting. The sheer volume of reports means many owners have experienced recurring problems, especially with transmission and electrical components.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | RAM Promaster 2500 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 9 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.9 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 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.
RAM Promaster 2500
- 01POWER TRAIN4
- 02SERVICE BRAKES2
- 03VISIBILITY1
- 04SEATS1
- 05STRUCTURE1
Owners report issues like the accelerator pedal becoming unresponsive at highway speeds and vibration while reversing that prevents shifting into park. These can affect control and leave you unable to secure the vehicle.
Complaints describe the brake pedal going to the floor without warning, causing a total loss of braking, and a parking brake that randomly engages at low speeds. Such failures are dangerous and can lead to crashes.
One owner reported the passenger-side power mirror closing on its own at interstate speeds, and the button would not reopen it. This can create blind spots and reduce safety while driving.
A complaint about brakes was also filed under seats, suggesting possible confusion or a related safety concern. However, the specific seat issue is not detailed in the sample.
“The contact owns a 2020 Ram ProMaster 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V301000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the accelerator pedal wa…”
“The contact owns a 2020 Ram Promaster 2500. The contact stated while reversing at approximately 5 MPH, the contact felt vibration in the steering wheel. The contact depressed the brake pedal and attempted to shift into park(P). The contact was unable to shift…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners frequently report transmission problems, such as going into limp mode, getting stuck in 5th gear, and lead frame failures that can cause sudden loss of power. These issues can happen daily and may lead to near-collisions.
Many complaints involve the lead frame and output speed sensor failures, which trigger limp mode and error codes. A separate report describes the rear window defroster shorting and causing the back window to shatter.
This category includes the rear window shattering incident, which owners say happened without impact. Such unexpected failures can be costly and alarming.
With 1,224 complaints, exterior lighting issues are common, though specific details are not provided in the sample. Problems here 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.
RAM Promaster 2500
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
RAM Promaster 2500 or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The RAM Promaster 2500 has far fewer complaints per year (0.9) compared to the Ford F-150 (1,162.1), and no recalls versus 151 for the F-150. In practice, this means a Promaster owner is much less likely to file a complaint, but the few reported issues can still be severe. The F-150's high complaint volume reflects widespread, recurring problems that many owners face.
Key differences
- Complaint volume: Promaster averages 0.9 complaints per year; F-150 averages 1,162.1 per year.
- Recalls: Promaster has 0 recalls on record; F-150 has 151 recalls, including engine, seat belts, and air bags.
- Common issues: Promaster complaints center on power train and brakes; F-150 complaints heavily involve power train and electrical system, with many transmission limp-mode reports.
- Crash/injury reports: Promaster has 1 crash and 1 injury; F-150 has 330 crash-related reports and 297 injuries.
- Check for brake pedal feel—if it goes to the floor or requires pumping, it could indicate the reported brake failure.
- Test the accelerator pedal response at highway speeds and listen for transmission vibration while reversing.
- Scan for transmission trouble codes (especially P0722) and test for limp mode or harsh shifting during a test drive.
- Inspect the rear window and defroster for cracks or signs of shattering, and verify all electrical functions work.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls, especially on the F-150.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the model, focusing on transmission and brakes.
- Test drive at various speeds, including highway, to check for limp mode, vibration, or brake issues.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, particularly any transmission or electrical repairs.
- Verify that all safety recalls have been addressed, and confirm parts availability if a recall is open.
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 | RAM Promaster 2500 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 35 |
| 2025 | 0 | 345 |
| 2024 | 0 | 638 |
| 2023 | 2 | 1527 |
| 2022 | 0 | 3493 |
| 2021 | 4 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 3 | 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 RAM Promaster 2500 or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- RAM Promaster 2500 vs FORD F 150
- RAM Promaster 2500 total complaints
- 9
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- RAM Promaster 2500 total recalls
- 0
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- RAM Promaster 2500 avg complaints/year
- 0.9
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- RAM Promaster 2500
- RAM Promaster 2500 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN