Vehicle 1

Subaru Crosstrek

842 complaints · 4 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

FORD F 150

10,855 complaints · 83 recalls

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

Subaru Crosstrek vs FORD F 150: The Crosstrek averages 84.2 complaints per year over 10 years, while the F-150 averages 1085.5. The F-150 has 83 recalls versus 4 for the Crosstrek. The Crosstrek's top issue is visibility/wiper (275), while the F-150's is powertrain (3675). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

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

4
Subaru Crosstrek
wins all 4 categories
0
FORD F 150
no category wins
CategorySubaru CrosstrekFORD F 150
Total Complaints
All years combined
842
✓ lower
10,855
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
4
✓ lower
83
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
44
✓ lower
369
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
84.2
✓ lower
1085.5

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

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

Subaru Crosstrek

1. VISIBILITY/WIPER275
2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER188
3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM136
4. ENGINE103
5. POWER TRAIN72

FORD F 150

1. POWER TRAIN3,675
2. ENGINE1,872
3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,538
4. UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,329
5. STRUCTURE609
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Subaru Crosstrek has far fewer complaints per year (84.2) than the Ford F-150 (1085.5), suggesting a lower likelihood of issues. However, the F-150's higher volume may partly reflect its popularity.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize fewer reported problems and lower complaint rates, choose the Subaru Crosstrek. If you need a full-size truck for towing or hauling, the Ford F-150 is the only option, but be prepared for more frequent issues, especially with the powertrain.

Key Differences
  • Subaru Crosstrek: 84.2 complaints/year vs Ford F-150: 1085.5 complaints/year.
  • Ford F-150 has 83 recalls; Subaru Crosstrek has 4.
  • Top issue on F-150 is POWER TRAIN (3675 complaints); top on Crosstrek is VISIBILITY/WIPER (275).
  • Crash complaints: 44 on Crosstrek, 369 on F-150.
⚠ Watch on Subaru Crosstrek
  • Check for visibility/wiper issues, as they are the most common complaint (275).
  • Inspect electrical system (136 complaints) for any warning lights or battery problems.
⚠ Watch on FORD F 150
  • Pay close attention to powertrain issues (3675 complaints), including transmission and drivetrain.
  • Engine problems (1872 complaints) are also common; listen for unusual noises or check engine light.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Obtain a vehicle history report to check for any open recalls.
  • Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection.
  • Test drive to feel for transmission hesitation or engine roughness.
  • Check all wipers and visibility components on the Crosstrek.
  • For the F-150, review service records for powertrain repairs.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

Subaru CrosstrekFORD F 150
2026
3
3
2025
38
301
2024
0
567
2023
32
565
2022
28
1557
2021
107
917
2020
68
2024
2019
276
954
2018
193
1835
2017
97
2132
Subaru Crosstrek vs FORD F 150 — comparison facts
Comparison
Subaru Crosstrek vs FORD F 150
Subaru Crosstrek total complaints
842
FORD F 150 total complaints
10,855
Subaru Crosstrek total recalls
4
FORD F 150 total recalls
83
Subaru Crosstrek avg complaints/year
84.2
FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
1085.5
More reliable overall
Subaru Crosstrek
Subaru Crosstrek top complaint area
VISIBILITY/WIPER
FORD F 150 top complaint area
POWER TRAIN
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

Subaru Crosstrek Reliability & Problems

842 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

FORD F 150 Reliability & Problems

10,855 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

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