Head-to-head reliability
RAM Promaster 3500 vs FORD F 150
How the RAM Promaster 3500 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 3500 vs FORD F 150: The Promaster averages 0.3 complaints per year with no recalls, while the F-150 averages 1,131 complaints per year and has 145 recalls. The F-150's transmission issues are prominent, but the Promaster's low data may hide long-term problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the RAM Promaster 3500 or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
RAM Promaster 3500
The RAM Promaster 3500 is a commercial van that, based on NHTSA data, has a very low complaint rate over the past decade—averaging just 0.3 complaints per year. The few issues reported center on the engine cooling system and electrical system, including a radiator leak and an engine fan that kept running after shutdown, leading to a no-start. There are no recalls on record, which suggests a relatively trouble-free ownership experience compared to many vehicles, but the small sample size means less data to identify long-term patterns.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a popular full-size pickup with a much higher complaint volume—over 11,000 in 10 years, averaging about 1,131 per year. The dominant issue is the powertrain, particularly the 10-speed automatic transmission, with owners reporting hard shifts, jerking, and even sudden power loss. Electrical system problems are also frequent, including camera and pre-collision assist malfunctions. With 145 recalls, the F-150 has a more complex reliability history, but the high sales volume means more reports overall.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | RAM Promaster 3500 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 3 Better | 11,311 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 145 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 328 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.3 Better | 1131.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 287 |
| 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 3500
- 01ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING2
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1
Owners report radiator tube joint fractures causing coolant leaks, and engine fans that continue running for hours after shutdown, leading to battery drain and no-start conditions. These issues can leave you stranded and require cooling system repairs.
There is a report of an engine compartment fire in a parked van, which is a serious safety concern. Another electrical issue involves the fan staying on, which may indicate a faulty relay or control module.
The fire incident is also categorized here, highlighting that some problems may not fit neatly into standard categories but can have severe consequences.
“The contact owns a 2024 Ram 3500. The contact stated that after turning the vehicle off, the engine fan kept running for approximately five hours. The contact stated that the following morning, the vehicle failed to start. Roadside Assistance was called to th…”
“The contact owns a 2023 Ram Promaster 3500. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that the radiator tube joint was fractured. The contact became aware there was coolant leaking from the radiator. There was no warning light…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,553
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,071
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,401
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,164
- 05ENGINE847
The most common complaints involve the 10R80 automatic transmission, with owners describing hard or delayed shifts, jerking, clunking, and occasional loss of power. Some report the vehicle shutting off while driving, which is a major safety risk.
Frequent issues include dashboard warnings for front camera malfunction and pre-collision assist not available, which can disable safety features. These problems often appear on startup and may require dealer visits.
Headlight-related recalls and complaints are common, potentially affecting visibility at night. Owners may experience flickering or complete failure of headlights.
Engine-related complaints are less frequent than transmission but still present, possibly involving performance issues or stalling, though specific details are limited in the sample.
“I started noticing hard and delayed shifts from 7th into 8th gear. My RPM's were not increasing when this happened, and then on a very crowded major road I lost all power, vehicle shut off and drifted, then started up and jerked again very hard. This failure…”
“I am reporting a safety-related transmission problem I experienced with my 2020 Ford F-150 equipped with the 10R80 automatic transmission. While driving normally, the transmission shifts hard (ie: jerks, clunks) between 4-5 and 5-6 gears, and has on occasion…”
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 3500
No recalls on record.
FORD F 150 — 145 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 trucks equipped with high series LED headlamps with Autolamp (On/Off) functionality. The Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) may remain activated instead of dimming to parking lamps when the Master Lighting Switch (MLS) is manually rotated from…
The risk: DRL that cannot dim may reduce the visibility of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the body control module, free of charge. The recall began March 10, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C03.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 F-150 vehicles. The fastener securing the Power Distribution Box (PDB) 12V cable and Battery Monitoring System (BMS) eyelets to the positive battery terminal may loosen and affect the vehicle's systems such as instrument panel displays and br…
The risk: Inoperative vehicle systems or an engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. Reduced braking and steering efforts increases the risk of a crash. This condition could also create a resistive short, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the positive battery cable/BMS/PDB joint for excess sealant adhesive and remove any excessive adhesive, reassemble the joint, and retorque the fastener, as necessary, free of charge. The re…
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 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also…
The risk: A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's num…
Buyer analysis
RAM Promaster 3500 or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The RAM Promaster 3500 has far fewer complaints per year (0.3 vs. 1,131) and no recalls, indicating a lower rate of reported issues. However, the F-150's higher volume reflects its popularity, and the nature of its transmission problems can be more disruptive and costly. In practice, the Promaster appears to be a more reliable choice based on complaint frequency, but the F-150's issues are well-documented and may be more predictable.
Key differences
- The Promaster has a radiator leak and fan issue, while the F-150 has widespread transmission shifting problems.
- The F-150 has 145 recalls, including headlights and electrical system, whereas the Promaster has zero recalls.
- The Promaster's complaint rate is minuscule (0.3/yr) compared to the F-150's 1,131/yr, but the F-150's numbers are inflated by high sales.
- The F-150 has reports of sudden power loss and shutdown, which is more dangerous than the Promaster's cooling/electrical issues.
- Inspect the radiator and coolant hoses for leaks or cracks, as a fractured tube joint has been reported.
- Check the engine cooling fan operation: after a test drive, turn off the engine and ensure the fan stops within a reasonable time to avoid battery drain.
- Test drive the F-150 through various speeds and gears, paying attention to hard shifts or jerking, especially between 4-5 and 5-6 gears.
- Check for any dashboard warnings like 'Front Camera Malfunction' or 'Pre-Collision Assist Not Available' on startup, which indicate electrical issues.
Before you buy
- For the Promaster, have a mechanic inspect the cooling system for leaks and verify the fan shuts off properly.
- For the F-150, get a transmission fluid analysis and a diagnostic scan for transmission codes.
- Check the recall status for both vehicles using the VIN on the NHTSA website.
- Ask for service records, especially for transmission repairs on the F-150.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic familiar with each model.
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 3500 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 24 |
| 2025 | 0 | 329 |
| 2024 | 1 | 617 |
| 2023 | 2 | 1507 |
| 2022 | 0 | 3432 |
| 2021 | 0 | 5234 |
| 2020 | 0 | 33 |
| 2019 | 0 | 36 |
| 2018 | 0 | 56 |
| 2017 | 0 | 43 |
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 3500 or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- RAM Promaster 3500 vs FORD F 150
- RAM Promaster 3500 total complaints
- 3
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,311
- RAM Promaster 3500 total recalls
- 0
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 145
- RAM Promaster 3500 avg complaints/year
- 0.3
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1131.1
- More reliable overall
- RAM Promaster 3500
- RAM Promaster 3500 top complaint area
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN