Head-to-head reliability
Saturn L200 vs FORD F 150
How the Saturn L200 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
Saturn L200 vs FORD F 150: The L200 has 0 complaints over 1 year and 4 recalls, while the F-150 has 11,621 complaints over 10 years, 151 recalls, and 330 crash-related reports. The F-150's owner reports include transmission limp mode and lead frame failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Saturn L200 or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Saturn L200
The Saturn L200 is a compact sedan with no owner complaints filed in the NHTSA data over one year, so there is no reported pattern of recurring failures from drivers. However, it has four recalls covering brake lights, seat belts, windshield wiper motor, and ignition module, which are safety-related systems. For a buyer, this means the main known issues are recall items that should have been fixed, not a stream of daily-driving complaints. Overall, the data suggests a simpler ownership experience, but with limited real-world feedback to judge long-term reliability.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a massive complaint record: 11,621 complaints over 10 years, averaging 1,162 per year, plus 151 recalls and 330 crash-related reports. Owners repeatedly describe transmission problems, including limp mode, stuck gears, and lead frame failures that can cause sudden loss of power. Electrical issues and rear window defroster shorts that shatter glass are also reported. This is a high-volume vehicle with many reported safety and reliability concerns that a buyer should take seriously.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Saturn L200 | 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.
Saturn L200
No component data available.
A recall covers the brake light system, which could mean lights may not work properly, reducing visibility to other drivers. Buyers should confirm this recall was repaired.
A seat belt recall exists, potentially affecting restraint performance in a crash. This is a critical safety item to verify as fixed.
The wiper motor is under recall, which could lead to wipers failing in bad weather and hurting visibility. Check that the recall service was done.
An ignition module recall could cause stalling or no-start conditions. Buyers should ask for proof this recall was completed.
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners report recurring transmission problems, including limp mode, getting stuck in 5th gear, and lead frame failures that can cause sudden power loss. One owner said a lead frame issue 'nearly ended my life' after a near collision.
The same lead frame defect is often filed under electrical system complaints, and owners describe ongoing problems even after repairs. A 2017 F-150 owner reported highway limp mode from an output speed sensor failure.
A reported short in the rear window defroster caused the back window to explode outward and shatter. This is a surprising and dangerous failure that buyers should be aware of.
With 1,224 complaints, exterior lighting issues are common, though specific failure details are not provided in the sample. Lighting problems can affect safety and visibility.
“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.
Saturn L200 — 4 recalls
The defect: ON CERTAIN SEDANS AND WAGONS, THE PLASTIC HOUSING IN THE REAR TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY CAN BECOME DISTORTED IF THE BRAKE LAMPS REMAIN ON FOR AN EXTENDED TIME.
The risk: THIS CAN CAUSE (1) AN INTERMITTENTLY INOPERATIVE BRAKE/TAIL LAMP BULB OR (2) A SHORT CIRCUIT THAT OPENS A FUSE CAUSING INOPERATIVE BRAKE LAMPS (INCLUDING THE CENTER HIGH-MOUNTED STOP LAMP) OR TAIL LAMPS. A FOLLOWING DRIVER MAY NOT KNOW WHE…
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL TWO NEW TAIL LAMP REINFORCING SOCKET ADAPTERS AND SOCKETS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 17, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876.
The defect: CERTAIN WAGONS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES." THE SEAT BELT ANCHOR MAY SEPARATE FROM THE FLOOR OF THE VEHICLE BEFORE HOLDING THE REQUIRED TEST LOAD FOR THE REQUIRED TIME.
The risk: IF A SEPARATION OCCURRED IN CRASH, THE RIGHT AND CENTER REAR SEAT OCCUPANTS MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REAR SEAT CENTER BELT ANCHOR REINFORCEMENT PLATE TO THE FLOOR PAN OF THE VEHICLE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 25, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876.
The defect: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES EXHIBIT A CONDITION IN WHICH THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR COULD FAIL DURING USE BECAUSE OF IMPROPER MANUFACTURE.
The risk: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR IN SEVERE WEATHER, DRIVER VISIBILITY COULD BE REDUCED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE WIPER MOTOR ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 6, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY W…
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.2L L4 (L61) ENGINES, A FAILURE OF THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE MAY CAUSE DETERIORATION IN IDLE QUALITY, REDUCTION IN OVERALL ENGINE POWER, AND THE VEHICLE MAY BE HARD TO START. CONTINUED OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE AFTER SUCH AN IGNITION MODULE FAILURE WILL…
The risk: FAILURE OF THE RESONATOR WILL CAUSE INCREASED EXHAUST NOISE. PROLONGED OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE FOLLOWING A RESONATOR FAILURE MAY LEAD TO A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL (1) REPLACE THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE, (2) REPLACE THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE AND SPARK PLUGS, OR (3) REPLACE THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE, SPARK PLUGS, AND UPDATE THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE CALIBRATION. OWNER NOTIFICATIO…
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
Saturn L200 or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Saturn L200 has far fewer issues per year, with 0 complaints versus 1,162 per year for the Ford F-150. In practice, the F-150 has a much higher volume of reported problems, including serious transmission and electrical failures, while the L200's main concerns are recall items. A buyer prioritizing low reported complaint volume would lean toward the L200, but should still verify recall repairs.
Key differences
- The Ford F-150 has 11,621 complaints over 10 years, while the Saturn L200 has 0 complaints over 1 year, a massive difference in reported problems.
- F-150 owners report dangerous transmission limp mode and lead frame failures; the L200 has no owner complaint text, only recalls for brake lights, seat belts, wiper motor, and ignition module.
- The F-150 has 330 crash-related reports and 297 injuries, while the L200 has 0 crash-related reports and 0 injuries in the data.
- The F-150 has 151 recalls versus 4 for the L200, meaning the Ford has far more safety campaigns to track and repair.
- Confirm the brake light and seat belt recalls were repaired, as these affect basic safety systems.
- Check the windshield wiper motor and ignition module recall status, since failures could leave you without wipers or cause stalling.
- Test drive at highway speeds and watch for limp mode, rough shifting, or getting stuck in 5th gear, which owners report with the transmission.
- Inspect the rear window defroster and look for any signs of electrical shorts or cracked glass, as one owner reported the window exploding outward.
Before you buy
- Ask for a written recall history from a dealer for the specific VIN and confirm all open recalls are fixed.
- On the F-150, scan for transmission trouble codes like P0722 and check if the lead frame or output speed sensor has been replaced.
- On the L200, verify the brake lights, seat belts, wiper motor, and ignition module recall repairs were completed.
- Take a long test drive that includes highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic to feel for transmission issues on the F-150.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on the F-150's transmission and electrical system and the L200's recall-related components.
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 Saturn L200 or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Saturn L200 vs FORD F 150
- Saturn L200 total complaints
- 0
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Saturn L200 total recalls
- 4
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Saturn L200 avg complaints/year
- 0.0
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Saturn L200
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN