Vehicle 1

Subaru Ascent

994 complaints · 17 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

FORD F 150

21,427 complaints · 140 recalls

📊 Based on NHTSA owner complaint & recall data
Which Should I Buy?

Subaru Ascent vs FORD F 150: The Ascent has 994 complaints over 8 years (124.3/year) and 17 recalls, while the F-150 has 21,427 complaints over 10 years (2,142.7/year) and 140 recalls. The Ascent's top issue is electrical system; the F-150's is powertrain. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

Lower numbers are better for complaints, recalls, and crashes.

4
Subaru Ascent
wins all 4 categories
0
FORD F 150
no category wins
CategorySubaru AscentFORD F 150
Total Complaints
All years combined
994
✓ lower
21,427
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
17
✓ lower
140
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
31
✓ lower
562
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
124.3
✓ lower
2142.7

Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records. Lower is better.

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

Subaru Ascent

1. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM286
2. POWER TRAIN171
3. VISIBILITY/WIPER152
4. UNKNOWN OR OTHER147
5. ENGINE99

FORD F 150

1. POWER TRAIN7,934
2. ENGINE3,443
3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,979
4. UNKNOWN OR OTHER2,503
5. EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,162
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Subaru Ascent has far fewer complaints per year (124.3) than the Ford F-150 (2,142.7), suggesting a lower rate of reported issues. However, the Ascent has been on the market for fewer years, so long-term data is limited.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize fewer reported problems and lower complaint rates, the Subaru Ascent is the better choice. If you need a truck with higher towing capacity and don't mind a higher risk of powertrain or engine issues, the Ford F-150 may suit you.

Key Differences
  • Subaru Ascent averages 124.3 complaints per year vs Ford F-150's 2,142.7.
  • Ford F-150 has 140 recalls; Subaru Ascent has 17.
  • Ford F-150's top issue is powertrain (7,934 complaints); Subaru Ascent's top is electrical system (286).
  • Ford F-150 has 562 crash complaints; Subaru Ascent has 31.
⚠ Watch on Subaru Ascent
  • Watch for electrical system issues (286 complaints) and powertrain problems (171 complaints).
  • Visibility/wiper issues are also notable (152 complaints).
⚠ Watch on FORD F 150
  • Be aware of powertrain problems (7,934 complaints) and engine issues (3,443 complaints).
  • Electrical system complaints are also high (2,979).
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Check for open recalls on the specific vehicle using NHTSA's VIN lookup.
  • Review service history for any powertrain or electrical repairs.
  • Test all wipers, lights, and electrical accessories during a test drive.
  • For the F-150, ask about transmission and engine maintenance records.
  • Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

Subaru AscentFORD F 150
2026
1
3
2025
10
301
2024
48
563
2023
39
1409
2022
53
3178
2021
96
4818
2020
316
2530
2019
431
5724
Subaru Ascent vs FORD F 150 — comparison facts
Comparison
Subaru Ascent vs FORD F 150
Subaru Ascent total complaints
994
FORD F 150 total complaints
21,427
Subaru Ascent total recalls
17
FORD F 150 total recalls
140
Subaru Ascent avg complaints/year
124.3
FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
2142.7
More reliable overall
Subaru Ascent
Subaru Ascent top complaint area
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FORD F 150 top complaint area
POWER TRAIN
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

Subaru Ascent Reliability & Problems

994 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

FORD F 150 Reliability & Problems

21,427 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Buying a specific Subaru Ascent or FORD F 150?

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