Head-to-head reliability
Subaru Legacy vs FORD F 150
How the Subaru Legacy 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 Legacy vs FORD F 150: The Legacy averages 57 complaints per year, mostly about windows and electrical issues, while the F-150 averages 2,755 complaints per year, with powertrain and electrical failures causing 10 deaths. The Legacy has 21 recalls, the F-150 141. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Subaru Legacy or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Subaru Legacy
The Subaru Legacy is a midsize sedan with a decade of NHTSA data showing 573 complaints, averaging 57 per year. Owners frequently report windows that roll down on their own, electrical gremlins like dead batteries and heater failures, and engine issues such as knocking noises. While crash-related complaints are low, the pattern suggests persistent electronic and visibility problems that could leave you stranded or compromise safety systems like Eyesight.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a massive 27,553 complaints over 10 years, averaging 2,755 per year. The dominant issues are powertrain failures (e.g., shifter stuck in drive, turbo wastegate problems), engine troubles, and electrical system failures that can cause total power loss while driving. With 141 recalls and 10 deaths reported, the F-150 shows a high frequency of serious, potentially dangerous defects.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Subaru Legacy | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 573 Better | 27,553 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 21 Better | 141 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 25 Better | 762 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 57.3 Better | 2755.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 10 Better | 714 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 10 |
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 Legacy
- 01VISIBILITY/WIPER189
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM133
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER120
- 04ENGINE32
- 05FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE27
Owners report windows that roll down by themselves when the car is off, and windshields that crack spontaneously, interfering with the Eyesight driver-assist system. This can lead to unexpected battery drain and compromised safety features.
Common failures include dead batteries (sometimes within weeks of purchase), heater inoperability in cold weather, and multiple warning lights illuminating. These issues can leave you stranded or without essential climate control.
Some owners report sudden loud knocking/tapping noises from the engine without warning lights, making the vehicle unsafe to drive. Others face costly repairs for the thermo control valve, especially on rebuilt-title vehicles.
“When the vehicle is off the windows will come down on their own! This has occurred on 4 difference instances. One dealership indicated the "fix" the situation; however, they never replaced the parts which were required for the fix. A second dealership would n…”
“The component that failed is the windshield. The windshield has a 14 inch stress crack. The crack suddenly appeared, there was no impact. The crack interferes with the Subaru Eyesight Driver Assistance. The Subaru Eyesight Driver Assistance could malfunction…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN9,967
- 02ENGINE4,861
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3,474
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER3,211
- 05STRUCTURE1,485
A frequent complaint is the shifter getting stuck in drive when parking, failing to engage park automatically. Also, turbo wastegate issues on newer models cause performance problems and potential drivability concerns.
Engine problems often overlap with powertrain, including the park pawl not engaging properly, which can lead to rollaway risks. Some owners report sudden loss of power or severe vibrations after repairs.
Total power loss while driving is a critical issue, with all safety systems (brakes, airbags, steering) becoming inoperable. Other reports include ABS noise after recall service and unintended acceleration.
“When I am parking the truck, I press and hold the brake pedal, While the truck shifter in in "Drive", I press the start/stop button to shut truck down, the shifter gets stuck in "drive" and doesn't automatically shift in to park. The truck locks down and will…”
“My truck is a 2025 Ford F150 STX with 5,900 miles on it. This truck was purchased new at River City Ford in Lavalette, WV The component in questions seems to be involved with the turbos and more specifically the wastegate that attached to the turbos. Also, ye…”
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 Legacy — 21 recalls
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Outback, Legacy, Ascent, and Impreza vehicles. The center support bolts for the driveshaft may loosen, resulting in the disconnection of the front end of the driveshaft.
The risk: Separation of the front end of the driveshaft increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will clean the bolt mounting surfaces of the center support brace and install new bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 20, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Suba…
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. 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 2020-2021 Outback and Legacy vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.
The risk: An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will reprogram the TCU, inspect TCU data for chain slip, and visually inspect the chain guide. If evidence of chain slippage or damage is found, the transmission will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner not…
FORD F 150 — 141 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 F-150, 2022-2026 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, Maverick, 2024-2026 Ranger, 2023-2026 F-600 SD, 2022-2027 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, and 2026 E-Transit vehicles. When towing a trailer, the integrated trailer module (ITRM) may los…
The risk: Trailer lights or brakes that do not function can reduce the driver’s ability to control the trailer and decrease the trailers visibility to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The integrated trailer module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 25, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, 2024 Expedition and 2024 Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with a 3.5L GTDI engine. The engines may have a misaligned engine cup plug, which can result in a rapid oil leak.
The risk: A rapid oil leak can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, an oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the engine cup plug alignment, and replace the plug if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 23, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for th…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, Bronco, 2024 Ranger, 2025 Mustang, Explorer, and Aviator vehicles. The transmission valve body may have been machined incorrectly, which can cause reverse gear failure, or unexpected forward movement in reverse or neutral gear.
The risk: Unexpected vehicle movement increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the transmission main control valve body, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S19.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, Expedition, and 2024 Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI engines. The engine may have a misaligned engine cup plug, which can result in a rapid oil leak.
The risk: A rapid oil leak can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, an oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the engine cup plug alignment, and replace the plug if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this…
Buyer analysis
Subaru Legacy or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Subaru Legacy has far fewer complaints per year (57 vs. 2,755), indicating a lower frequency of reported issues. However, the Legacy's problems are more electronic and visibility-related, while the F-150's are more powertrain and safety-critical. In practice, the Legacy is less likely to leave you stranded, but the F-150's issues are more severe when they occur.
Key differences
- Subaru Legacy: 57 complaints/year vs Ford F-150: 2,755/year – a 48x difference in reported issues.
- Legacy top issue: windows rolling down on their own; F-150 top issue: powertrain failures like stuck shifter.
- F-150 has 141 recalls vs Legacy's 21, indicating more widespread safety defects.
- F-150 reports 10 deaths and 714 injuries; Legacy reports 0 deaths and 10 injuries.
- Test all windows for automatic operation and ensure they stay up when the car is off.
- Check for any cracks in the windshield, especially near the Eyesight camera area.
- Verify the shifter automatically engages park when the engine is shut off in drive.
- Look for signs of electrical issues like dimming lights or intermittent power loss.
Before you buy
- Check NHTSA recall status for both vehicles and ensure all recalls are performed.
- On the Legacy, test the Eyesight system and all window functions multiple times.
- On the F-150, test the park function by shutting off the engine in drive and see if it shifts to park.
- Ask for service records, especially for battery replacements on the Legacy and transmission/engine work on the F-150.
- Take a thorough test drive including cold start, highway speeds, and parking maneuvers.
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 Legacy | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 9 |
| 2025 | 6 | 320 |
| 2024 | 16 | 597 |
| 2023 | 10 | 1448 |
| 2022 | 32 | 3290 |
| 2021 | 31 | 4938 |
| 2020 | 121 | 2530 |
| 2019 | 123 | 5718 |
| 2018 | 116 | 5505 |
| 2017 | 118 | 3198 |
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 Legacy or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Subaru Legacy vs FORD F 150
- Subaru Legacy total complaints
- 573
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 27,553
- Subaru Legacy total recalls
- 21
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 141
- Subaru Legacy avg complaints/year
- 57.3
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 2755.3
- More reliable overall
- Subaru Legacy
- Subaru Legacy top complaint area
- VISIBILITY/WIPER
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN