Head-to-head reliability
Saturn SC1 vs FORD F 150
How the Saturn SC1 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 SC1 vs FORD F 150: The Saturn SC1 has 34 complaints over 3 years (11.3/year) and 4 recalls, while the Ford F-150 has 11,621 complaints over 10 years (1,162/year) and 151 recalls. The F-150 also reports 330 crash-related complaints versus 7 for the Saturn. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Saturn SC1 or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Saturn SC1
The Saturn SC1 is a small, older coupe that shows a modest complaint volume: 34 complaints over three years, about 11 per year. Owners report serious electrical shutdowns, tire dry-rot, transmission leaks, and seat belt issues. With 4 recalls and 7 crash-related complaints, it demands careful inspection despite low overall numbers.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a massive complaint record: 11,621 complaints over ten years, averaging over 1,100 per year. Power train and electrical problems dominate, including transmission limp mode and lead frame failures. With 151 recalls and 330 crash-related complaints, it has a long history of recurring safety defects.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Saturn SC1 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 34 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 4 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 7 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 11.3 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 6 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 SC1
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM6
- 02TIRES4
- 03POWER TRAIN4
- 04SEAT BELTS3
- 05VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL3
Owners report the ignition interlock freezing, making it impossible to steer, shift, or restart, and sudden engine shutdown while driving that kills power steering and brakes. These failures can leave you stranded or cause loss of control.
Complaints describe dry-rotting and shaking at various speeds, often with specific tire brands. Since tires are a wear item, check date codes and sidewalls for cracks before buying.
A worn gear in the transaxle differential can punch a hole in the bell housing, causing a major leak. Another owner reported unintended acceleration where the car kept going after releasing the accelerator and brakes didn't slow it.
The driver's seat belt can twist at the head restraint loop under minimal pressure, and in a crash, an owner hit the windshield despite wearing a belt. This suggests the belt may not restrain properly in some positions.
“IGNITION INTERLOCK DEVICE FROZE UP! UNABLE TO STEER, SHIFT GEARS OR RESTART ENGINE! UNABLE TO TOW CAR TO SATURN DEALER BECAUSE OF LOCATION. TRIED ALL RECOMMENDATIONS & NOTHING WORKS! LOCKSMITH INFORMS ME THIS IS SPECIFIC TO SATURN! ONLY POSSIBILITY THAT MIGHT…”
“WHILE DRIVING IN THE CENTER LANE ON A 3-LANE HIGHWAY THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. NO LIGHTS WERE VISIBLE ON THE DASHBOARD PRIOR TO THE ENGINE SHUTTING OFF. THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES RESULTED IN A LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners repeatedly cite 'lead frame' issues causing sudden limp mode, stuck gears, and near collisions. A 2017 F-150 with a 6-speed automatic went into limp mode daily, stuck in 5th gear, and failed to shift properly.
The same lead frame problem also appears under electrical complaints, along with output speed sensor failures that trigger highway limp mode. These faults can appear without warning and may require costly dealer repairs.
A rear window defroster short caused the back window to explode outward shortly after use. This is a rare but dangerous defect that could shatter glass unexpectedly.
With 1,224 complaints, lighting problems are common, though specific failure text isn't provided. Buyers should test all lights and check for recalls related to lighting.
“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 SC1 — 4 recalls
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLES, FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION." THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH AN IMPROPERLY ADJUSTED AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE PARK LOCK CABLE ASSEMBLY. IF IMPROPERLY ADJUSTED, IT IS POSSIBLE…
The risk: THIS CONDITION INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH RESULTING FROM THE UNINTENDED MOVEMENT OF PARKED VEHICLES.
The fix: SATURN IS ASKING OWNERS AND RETAILERS TO PERFORM A FUNCTIONAL CHECK OF THE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE PARK LOCK CABLE ASSEMBLY OPERATION, AND IF NECESSARY, TO HAVE THE CABLE ADJUSTED. IF OWNERS ARE NOT COMFORTABLE PERFORMING THE FUNCTIONAL CHECK…
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY." THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH AN INADEQUATE VENT VALVE WELD ON THE TOP PORTION OF THE FUEL TANK.
The risk: FUEL SPILLAGE COULD OCCUR DURING REFUELING OR IF THE VEHICLE WERE INVOLVED IN A ROLLOVER. IF AN IGNITION SOURCE WERE PRESENT, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE TO ENSURE THE FUEL TANK VENT VALVE IS PROPERLY WELDED. IF NECESSARY, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY.
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLES, FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION." THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH AN IMPROPERLY ADJUSTED AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE PARK LOCK CABLE ASSEMBLY. IF IMPROPERLY ADJUSTED, IT IS POSSIBLE…
The risk: THIS CONDITION INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH RESULTING FROM THE UNINTENDED MOVEMENT OF PARKED VEHICLES.
The fix: SATURN IS ASKING OWNERS AND RETAILERS TO PERFORM A FUNCTIONAL CHECK OF THE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE PARK LOCK CABLE ASSEMBLY OPERATION, AND IF NECESSARY, TO HAVE THE CABLE ADJUSTED. IF OWNERS ARE NOT COMFORTABLE PERFORMING THE FUNCTIONAL CHECK…
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY." THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH AN INADEQUATE VENT VALVE WELD ON THE TOP PORTION OF THE FUEL TANK.
The risk: FUEL SPILLAGE COULD OCCUR DURING REFUELING OR IF THE VEHICLE WERE INVOLVED IN A ROLLOVER. IF AN IGNITION SOURCE WERE PRESENT, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE TO ENSURE THE FUEL TANK VENT VALVE IS PROPERLY WELDED. IF NECESSARY, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY.
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 SC1 or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Saturn SC1 has far fewer issues per year (about 11 vs. 1,162 for the F-150), but its problems can be severe, like sudden shutdowns. The F-150's much higher rate means more frequent repairs and a larger chance of encountering a known defect.
Key differences
- The Saturn SC1 averages about 11 complaints per year; the Ford F-150 averages over 1,100 per year, a hundredfold difference.
- Saturn owners report sudden engine shutdown and ignition interlock freezes; F-150 owners report transmission limp mode and lead frame failures.
- The F-150 has 151 recalls versus 4 for the Saturn, covering engines, seat belts, doors, and air bags.
- Crash-related complaints are 7 for the Saturn and 330 for the F-150, with 6 vs. 297 injuries reported.
- Test the ignition interlock and steering column: try to turn the key, shift gears, and restart repeatedly to see if it freezes.
- Inspect all four tires for dry-rotting, cracks, or uneven wear, and check the transmission for leaks around the bell housing.
- Scan for transmission codes like P0722 and ask if the lead frame or output speed sensor has been replaced under recall.
- Test the rear window defroster and inspect the back glass for any cracks or signs of stress that could lead to shattering.
Before you buy
- Run a VIN check for open recalls on both vehicles, especially the F-150's 151 recalls and the Saturn's 4.
- For the Saturn, test drive at highway speed and note any sudden power loss, steering difficulty, or transmission slipping.
- For the F-150, test drive at various speeds and watch for limp mode, harsh shifting, or warning lights.
- Inspect tires on both cars for date codes and dry-rot, and check the F-150's rear window for defroster function.
- Ask for maintenance records showing transmission service on the F-150 and any electrical repairs on the Saturn.
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 SC1 or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Saturn SC1 vs FORD F 150
- Saturn SC1 total complaints
- 34
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Saturn SC1 total recalls
- 4
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Saturn SC1 avg complaints/year
- 11.3
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Saturn SC1
- Saturn SC1 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN