Head-to-head reliability
Subaru Crosstrek vs FORD F 150
How the Subaru Crosstrek 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
Subaru Crosstrek vs FORD F 150: The Crosstrek averages 99.7 complaints per year and has 16 recalls, while the F-150 averages 1,162.1 complaints per year and has 151 recalls. The F-150 also has more crash-related complaints (330 vs. 58). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Subaru Crosstrek or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Subaru Crosstrek
The Subaru Crosstrek is a compact SUV that averages about 100 complaints per year over the past decade, with 16 recalls. The most common owner-reported issues involve the windshield cracking, electrical glitches like heated seats turning on by themselves, and engine noises. While it has far fewer complaints than the Ford F-150, the pattern suggests a vehicle that may need attention to glass and electrical components.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup that generates over 1,100 complaints per year on average, with 151 recalls. Owners frequently report serious transmission problems, including limp mode and lead frame failures, as well as electrical issues and rear window shattering. The high volume of complaints and recalls indicates a truck that can be costly to maintain and may have safety-related defects.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Subaru Crosstrek | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 997 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 16 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 58 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 99.7 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 34 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.
Subaru Crosstrek
- 01VISIBILITY/WIPER287
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER229
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM154
- 04ENGINE115
- 05POWER TRAIN79
Owners report windshields cracking spontaneously, sometimes from the inside, even on new vehicles with low mileage. This can impair visibility and lead to unexpected repair costs.
Complaints include heated seats activating without being turned on and loud roaring noises when starting the engine. These glitches can be annoying and potentially indicate broader electrical faults.
Some owners describe a loud roaring sound at startup and issues with the auto start/stop feature, such as the engine shutting off when the door is opened. These can affect drivability and safety.
Reports include a high-frequency whining noise at highway speeds and sunroofs shattering unexpectedly. These problems can be distracting and frightening while driving.
“The component that is compromised on my '23 Subaru Crosstrek Sport is the windshield. My vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Monday, Jan 13, 2025, a crack formed on my windshield. The crack happened on the inside of the vehicle. It was positione…”
“Overall I’m disappointed in the quality of the manufactured parts and accessories. It leads me to believe low grade materials were used in manufacturing this vehicle. My vehicle is brand new and has 2500 miles on it and the front windshield has a crack that i…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners frequently report transmission problems, including limp mode, getting stuck in 5th gear, and lead frame failures that can cause sudden loss of power. These issues can be dangerous and expensive to fix.
The lead frame issue also appears here, along with output speed sensor failures that trigger limp mode. Electrical faults can leave the truck undrivable and require costly repairs.
A recurring complaint is the rear window shattering, often linked to a short in the defroster. This can happen suddenly and create a safety hazard.
While specific complaints are not detailed, this is a top component category, suggesting owners may experience lighting failures that affect visibility and safety.
“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.
Subaru Crosstrek — 16 recalls
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.
The risk: An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WRQ-23.
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing…
The risk: Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
The fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Crosstrek, Impreza, 2023-2024 Forester, and 2023 WRX vehicles. The front driveshaft assemblies' outer race may develop cracks and break.
The risk: A broken driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power while driving or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is in park without the parking brake engaged. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the left and right front driveshafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for…
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Crosstrek and Impreza vehicles. Due to insufficient clearance, the instrument panel harness may contact the steering beam bracket, damaging the wire insulation and causing a short circuit.
The risk: A short circuit may cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the harness and install an additional clamp on the steering beam bracket. If damage is found, dealers will add protective tape or replace the instrument panel harness, as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of ch…
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
Subaru Crosstrek or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Subaru Crosstrek has far fewer complaints per year (about 100) compared to the Ford F-150 (over 1,100), and fewer recalls (16 vs. 151). In practice, this means the Crosstrek is likely to have fewer reported problems, but both vehicles have specific issues that buyers should inspect.
Key differences
- The Ford F-150 has over 11 times more complaints per year than the Subaru Crosstrek, with transmission and electrical issues dominating.
- Subaru Crosstrek owners often report windshield cracking and electrical glitches, while Ford F-150 owners report serious transmission failures and rear window shattering.
- The Ford F-150 has 151 recalls versus 16 for the Subaru Crosstrek, indicating more widespread safety-related defects.
- Crash-related complaints are higher for the Ford F-150 (330 vs. 58), though this may reflect higher sales volume.
- Inspect the windshield for any cracks or chips, especially on newer models, as spontaneous cracking is commonly reported.
- Test the heated seats and all electrical components to ensure they function correctly and do not activate unexpectedly.
- Check for transmission issues by test-driving at highway speeds and listening for whining or hesitation, and ask about any lead frame repairs.
- Inspect the rear window and defroster for signs of damage or previous shattering, and test the defroster function.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website.
- For the Subaru Crosstrek, have a mechanic inspect the windshield and electrical system, including heated seats.
- For the Ford F-150, test the transmission thoroughly, including highway driving, and check for lead frame or output speed sensor repairs.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes and electrical repairs.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic familiar with the specific model's common issues.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Subaru Crosstrek | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 10 | 35 |
| 2025 | 44 | 345 |
| 2024 | 119 | 638 |
| 2023 | 34 | 1527 |
| 2022 | 31 | 3493 |
| 2021 | 115 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 69 | 44 |
| 2019 | 284 | 52 |
| 2018 | 194 | 79 |
| 2017 | 97 | 59 |
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 Subaru Crosstrek or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Subaru Crosstrek vs FORD F 150
- Subaru Crosstrek total complaints
- 997
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Subaru Crosstrek total recalls
- 16
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Subaru Crosstrek avg complaints/year
- 99.7
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Subaru Crosstrek
- Subaru Crosstrek top complaint area
- VISIBILITY/WIPER
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN