Head-to-head reliability
Subaru WRX vs FORD F 150
How the Subaru WRX 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 WRX vs FORD F 150: The WRX averages 20.3 complaints per year and has 9 recalls, while the F-150 averages 1,162.1 complaints per year with 151 recalls. The F-150 also reports 330 crash-related complaints versus 19 for the WRX. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Subaru WRX or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Subaru WRX
The Subaru WRX is a sporty compact car that sees about 20 complaints per year over a decade, with 9 recalls. Owner reports often center on engine failures, electrical glitches like infotainment ads blocking the screen, and transmission binding that can cause sudden power loss. While crash-related complaints are relatively low at 19, the pattern suggests a car that demands attentive maintenance, especially if modified.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a massive 11,621 complaints over 10 years—averaging over 1,100 per year—and 151 recalls. Recurring themes include transmission limp mode, lead frame electrical failures, and rear window shattering. With 330 crash-related complaints and 297 injuries reported, the volume of issues is far higher, though it's also one of the best-selling vehicles in the U.S.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Subaru WRX | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 203 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 9 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 19 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 20.3 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 10 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 WRX
- 01ENGINE60
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM49
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER34
- 04POWER TRAIN33
- 05STEERING15
Owners report catastrophic engine failure, sometimes after purchasing used with an oil issue or modified ECM. This can strand a driver without warning and lead to expensive repairs, even under warranty.
Complaints include infotainment ads that block the backup camera and incorrect data displays (e.g., showing 131 mph when never exceeding 89). These glitches can distract the driver and undermine trust in vehicle electronics.
Transmission binding while in gear causes RPM surges and refusal to accelerate, and one owner heard a pop before losing all power in third gear. This creates a serious safety risk in traffic or during turns.
With 15 complaints, steering issues are less frequent but still present. Any steering problem in a sporty car can be dangerous, so buyers should check for unusual noises or play in the steering.
“I am filing this complaint to report a serious safety concern involving my 2021 Subaru WRX, which is currently covered under the manufacturer’s powertrain warranty as well as an extended warranty. Subaru of Ontario, an authorized Subaru dealership, failed to…”
“In October 2024, my vehicle, a 2021 Subaru WRX STI, was purchased from a Toyota dealership (Fort Bend Sterling McCall Toyota). The dealership sold the vehicle with an oil issue and a modified ECM. This issue caused catastrophic engine failure while driving. T…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
The lead frame issue is a long-standing problem that can cause sudden limp mode or stuck gears, and one owner reported a near-collision. Transmission malfunctions like getting stuck in 5th gear occur almost daily for some, making the truck unreliable for daily driving.
Electrical faults include the same lead frame issue and output speed sensor failures that trigger limp mode. A rear window defroster short caused a back window to explode outward, posing a safety hazard.
With 1,224 complaints, lighting problems are common. While not detailed in the sample, this volume suggests frequent bulb or housing failures that can affect visibility and safety.
Engine complaints number 880, though specific patterns aren't in the sample. Combined with other issues, engine problems add to the overall ownership burden and potential repair costs.
“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 WRX — 9 recalls
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 2015-2021 WRX vehicles. The backup light switch may corrode and become inoperative, which can result in the backup lights not illuminating and the rearview camera image not displaying when the vehicle is in reverse.
The risk: Inoperative backup lights and an inoperative rearview camera can reduce vehicle visibility and driver awareness, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the backup light switch, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this rec…
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2021 WRX vehicles. The backup light switch may corrode and become inoperative, which can result in the backup lights not illuminating and the rearview camera image not displaying when the vehicle is in reverse.
The risk: Inoperative backup lights and an inoperative rearview camera can reduce vehicle visibility and driver awareness, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the backup light switch, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this rec…
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2021 WRX vehicles. The backup light switch may corrode and become inoperative, which can result in the backup lights not illuminating and the rearview camera image not displaying when the vehicle is in reverse.
The risk: Inoperative backup lights and an inoperative rearview camera can reduce vehicle visibility and driver awareness, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the backup light switch, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this rec…
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 WRX or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Subaru WRX has far fewer issues per year (about 20 vs. over 1,100 for the Ford F-150), but both have serious reported failures. In practice, the WRX may be easier to live with day-to-day, while the F-150's high complaint volume means a higher chance of encountering problems, especially with the transmission and electrical systems.
Key differences
- The Ford F-150 has over 11,000 complaints in 10 years, while the Subaru WRX has about 200—a huge difference in reported problem frequency.
- Ford F-150 owners frequently report transmission limp mode and lead frame failures that can cause sudden power loss; Subaru WRX owners report engine failures and transmission binding.
- The F-150 has 151 recalls versus 9 for the WRX, meaning more safety campaigns and potential trips to the dealer.
- Crash-related complaints are much higher for the F-150 (330 vs. 19), though this may reflect its larger sales volume.
- Check for any signs of engine oil consumption or modifications to the ECM, as these are linked to catastrophic engine failure in owner reports.
- Test the transmission for binding or hesitation when accelerating, especially when shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear, as owners describe sudden power loss.
- Inspect the transmission for limp mode or getting stuck in 5th gear; a lead frame replacement may be needed if symptoms appear.
- Check the rear window defroster for shorts and look for any cracks or signs of shattering, as one owner reported the window exploding outward.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models, especially the F-150's many campaigns.
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission and engine for the specific issues reported: binding and oil issues on the WRX, limp mode and lead frame on the F-150.
- Test drive extensively, including highway speeds and gear changes, to replicate conditions that trigger limp mode or power loss.
- For the WRX, verify the infotainment system functions without ads blocking the screen and that data displays are accurate.
- For the F-150, check the rear window defroster and look for any electrical gremlins like sensor failures.
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 WRX | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 35 |
| 2025 | 2 | 345 |
| 2024 | 13 | 638 |
| 2023 | 8 | 1527 |
| 2022 | 25 | 3493 |
| 2021 | 13 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 17 | 44 |
| 2019 | 30 | 52 |
| 2018 | 42 | 79 |
| 2017 | 53 | 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 WRX or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Subaru WRX vs FORD F 150
- Subaru WRX total complaints
- 203
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Subaru WRX total recalls
- 9
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Subaru WRX avg complaints/year
- 20.3
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Subaru WRX
- Subaru WRX top complaint area
- ENGINE
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN