Head-to-head reliability
Saturn VUE vs FORD F 150
How the Saturn VUE 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 VUE vs FORD F 150: The VUE averages 267 complaints per year with 10 recalls, while the F-150 averages 1,131 complaints per year with 145 recalls. Both have 1 death, but the F-150 has more crash-related complaints (328 vs. 135). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Saturn VUE or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Saturn VUE
The Saturn VUE is a compact SUV that, based on owner complaints, can be a headache to live with. Over nine years, it averaged about 267 complaints per year, with electrical and power train issues dominating. Owners frequently report warning lights like 'Stabilitrak Off' and sudden power loss, which can be unsettling. While not the most complaint-heavy vehicle, the pattern suggests persistent electronic and transmission gremlins that may require frequent shop visits.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup that, despite its popularity, generates a high volume of owner complaints—over 11,000 in ten years. Power train and electrical problems are the most common, with many owners describing harsh transmission shifts and sudden power loss. The sheer number of complaints and recalls (145) indicates that while capable, this truck can be demanding to own. Buyers should be prepared for potential repairs, especially in later model years with complex transmissions.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Saturn VUE | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2,407 Better | 11,311 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 10 Better | 145 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 135 Better | 328 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 267.4 Better | 1131.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 108 Better | 287 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 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 VUE
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM707
- 02POWER TRAIN661
- 03AIR BAGS319
- 04STEERING288
- 05ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING151
Owners report intermittent 'Stabilitrak Off' warnings and sudden loss of power while driving, which can be dangerous. These electrical glitches often cannot be replicated by dealers, making diagnosis frustrating.
Transmission failures are common, including loss of reverse and limited speed. One owner with only 68,329 miles said the car would only go up to 10 mph and hesitated, calling it 'a danger and not driveable.'
Complaints include side curtain air bags deploying without warning, as in a 2009 VUE Hybrid where a tire blowout triggered deployment. This unexpected deployment could startle the driver and cause a crash.
Power steering problems are reported, such as a 'tug like feeling' in the wheel and ongoing power steering difficulties. These issues can make steering unpredictable and harder to control.
“THE FIRST PROBLEM OCCURRED ABOUT A YEAR AGO, WHEN A MESSAGE STATING "STABILITRACK OFF" APPEARED WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE. I CONTINUED DRIVING WITH THE MESSAGE AND PARKED AS NORMAL.THE NEXT TIME I STARTED THE CAR THE MESSAGE WAS GONE. SEVERAL MONTHS LAT…”
“WHILE I AM DRIVING I HAVE HAD INTERMITTENT INCIDENTS THAT CANNOT BE REPLICATED. "STABILITRAK" WARNING LIGHT HAS NOT TURNED OFF. I HAVE LOST CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING TWICE BUT WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AFTER A FEW SECONDS. THE VEHICLE WILL LOSE POWER TO…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,553
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,071
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,401
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,164
- 05ENGINE847
Many owners describe hard or delayed shifts, jerking, and clunking from the 10-speed automatic transmission. One owner experienced a complete loss of power and vehicle shutoff on a crowded road, which is a serious safety concern.
Complaints include warning messages like 'Front Camera Malfunction' and 'Pre Collision Assist Not Available' appearing every time the truck starts. These electronic faults can disable safety features and are often recurring.
While not detailed in the sample complaints, engine issues are a top component with 847 complaints. This suggests potential problems with engine performance or durability that buyers should be aware of.
With 1,164 complaints, exterior lighting issues are significant. Recalls include headlight problems, which can affect visibility and safety, especially at night.
“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.
Saturn VUE — 10 recalls
The defect: GM IS RECALLING 2,149 MY 2009 SATURN VUE VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN INCORRECT RIGHT AND/OR LEFT FRONT STEERING KNUCKLE. AS A RESULT OF THE INCORRECT KNUCKLE AND RESULTING INADEQUATE CLEARANCE, THE TIE ROD BALL STUD COULD PULL OUT OF, OR FRACTURE, THE TIE ROD HOUSIN…
The risk: ALTHOUGH STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE COULD BE MAINTAINED AFTER A TIE ROD SEPARATION BY THE UNAFFECTED WHEEL ON SMOOTH ROADS OR DURING LIGHT BRAKING, WITH MORE SIGNIFICANT SUSPENSION OR BRAKING INPUTS, THE AFFECTED WHEEL COULD TURN OUT…
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING KNUCKLES AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE STEERING KNUCKLE(S) AND TIE ROD(S). THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 8, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876 OR THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.…
The defect: GM IS RECALLING 42,408 MY 2008-2009 SATURN VUE VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE NUT SECURING THE POWER STEERING LINE TO THE POWER STEERING PUMP MAY LOOSEN. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, THERE MAY BE A POWER STEERING FLUID LEAK.
The risk: THE FLUID COULD CONTACT HOT EXHAUST COMPONENTS RESULTING IN A POSSIBLE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE NUT SECURING THE POWER STEERING LINE TO THE POWER STEERING PUMP. IF THERE ARE NO SIGNS OF A FLUID LEAK, DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE NUT. IF A FLUID LEAK IS PRESENT, DEALER WILL TIGHTEN THE NUT AND CHECK THE FLUID LEVE…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2002-2004 Saturn Vue vehicles manufactured September 11, 2001, to April 6, 2004. In the affected vehicles, it may be possible for the key to be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "Off" position.
The risk: If the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "off" position, the vehicle could roll away: (a) for an automatic transmission, if the transmission is not in the "Park" position; or (b) for a manual transmission…
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle to see if the key can be pulled out when the ignition is off. If it can, dealers will replace the ignition cylinder and keys, free of charge. The recall began in October 2014. Own…
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES." SOME VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH REAR OUTER SEAT BELT SHOULDER GUIDE ANCHOR BOLTS THAT WERE INCORRECTLY INSTALLED.
The risk: IF THESE BOLTS WERE INCORRECTLY INSTALLED, THEY WOULD NOT WITHSTAND THE LOAD REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD. IF AN ANCHORAGE FAILED IN A CRASH, THE OCCUPANT WOULD NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED AND COULD HAVE AN INCREASED RISK OF INJURY.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR SHOULDER GUIDE ANCHOR BOLTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 19, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASON…
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
Saturn VUE or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Saturn VUE has far fewer complaints per year (about 267) compared to the Ford F-150 (about 1,131). In practice, this means VUE owners report fewer problems overall, but the issues they do report—like electrical and transmission failures—can be severe. The F-150's higher volume suggests more frequent visits to the shop, but its issues are also well-documented and may have more aftermarket support.
Key differences
- The Saturn VUE averages about 267 complaints per year, while the Ford F-150 averages about 1,131 per year—over four times as many.
- Electrical system issues are the top complaint for the VUE (707 complaints), often involving 'Stabilitrak' warnings and power loss; for the F-150, power train issues lead (3,553 complaints), with harsh shifting and sudden power loss.
- The VUE has 10 recalls over 9 years, including steering and ignition issues; the F-150 has 145 recalls over 10 years, covering headlights, batteries, and engines.
- Both vehicles have 1 reported death, but the F-150 has more crash-related complaints (328 vs. 135) and injuries (287 vs. 108), though these numbers don't account for exposure rates.
- Check for any history of 'Stabilitrak' or 'Service Stabilitrak' warnings—these often indicate electrical gremlins that can cause sudden power loss.
- Test the transmission thoroughly, especially for loss of reverse or delayed engagement, as owners report failures even at relatively low mileage like 68,000 miles.
- Test drive the truck at various speeds to feel for harsh or delayed shifts, especially between 4th-5th and 5th-6th gears, which owners commonly report.
- Check for recurring dashboard warnings like 'Front Camera Malfunction' or 'Pre Collision Assist Not Available'—these can indicate electrical issues that may be costly to fix.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report to see if recalls (especially for steering on the VUE and electrical/engine on the F-150) have been addressed.
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission and electrical system, as these are the most complained-about areas for both vehicles.
- For the VUE, specifically ask the seller about any power steering repairs or warning lights, and test the steering for unusual feelings.
- For the F-150, check the operation of all lights, including headlights, and verify that driver-assist features like pre-collision assist are functioning.
- Take a long test drive that includes highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic to replicate conditions where intermittent issues often appear.
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 VUE or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Saturn VUE vs FORD F 150
- Saturn VUE total complaints
- 2,407
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,311
- Saturn VUE total recalls
- 10
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 145
- Saturn VUE avg complaints/year
- 267.4
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1131.1
- More reliable overall
- Saturn VUE
- Saturn VUE top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN