Head-to-head reliability
Suzuki Aerio vs FORD F 150
How the Suzuki Aerio 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
Suzuki Aerio vs FORD F 150: The Aerio averaged 20.2 complaints per year over 6 years, while the F-150 averaged 1,162.1 per year over 10 years. The F-150 also had 151 recalls versus 7 for the Aerio. Both show distinct failure patterns. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Suzuki Aerio or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Suzuki Aerio
The Suzuki Aerio is a compact car that averaged about 20 complaints per year over six years, with 7 recalls. Owners frequently report brake, suspension, and tire problems, often tied to premature wear and alignment issues. Power train complaints include broken axles and universal joints, which can be serious. Overall, it's a low-volume vehicle with a pattern of chassis and brake-related faults.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup that generated over 11,600 complaints in ten years, averaging over 1,100 per year, with 151 recalls. The most common issues involve the power train, electrical system, and exterior lighting. Owners describe transmission limp mode, lead frame failures, and electrical glitches. The high volume of complaints and recalls suggests frequent repairs for some owners.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Suzuki Aerio | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 121 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 7 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 11 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 20.2 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 14 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.
Suzuki Aerio
- 01SERVICE BRAKES20
- 02POWER TRAIN19
- 03HYDRAULIC17
- 04SUSPENSION16
- 05TIRES15
Owners report premature brake pad and rotor wear, sometimes as early as 10,500 miles. One complaint also links brake work to tire alignment issues. This means brake maintenance may be needed sooner than expected.
Complaints include front axle universal joint breakage and both axles fracturing during turns. These are serious failures that can cause loss of control and expensive repairs.
Hydraulic complaints often mirror brake and tire issues, such as premature tire wear and alignment problems. This suggests a possible systemic issue with the brake and suspension system.
Owners describe rear-end twitching on wet roads and excessive tire wear requiring replacement at low mileage. The viscous coupling and alignment may be involved. This affects handling and tire costs.
“I PURCHASED MY AERIO 2005 SUZUKI DEC 2004, IN NOV 2005 TIRES WORN PREMATURELY ON 10,503 MILEAGE, FRONT BRAKES PADS AND ROTORS HAS TO BE REPLACED. I TOOK CAR TO DEALERSHIP:REPLACED PADS, MASHINED ROTORS AND ALIGNED/REPLACED ONE TIRE. MONTH LATER I COME BACK TO…”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUZUKI AERIO. THE CONTACT PLACED BRAND NEW REAR TIRES ON THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE ALIGNMENT FAILED AT 14,000 MILES. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TIRE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY THE FACTORY IMPROPERLY ALIGNING THE VEHICLE'S REAR END. CURRENT…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners report transmission limp mode, stuck in 5th gear, and lead frame failures that can cause near collisions. These issues can leave the truck undrivable and are costly to fix.
Complaints include lead frame issues and output speed sensor failures triggering limp mode. A rear window defroster short caused a window to shatter. Electrical gremlins can be intermittent and hard to diagnose.
One owner reported the rear window exploding outward after using the defroster. This is a safety concern and may indicate a design flaw.
While no specific complaint text is provided, exterior lighting is a top component with 1,224 complaints. Buyers should check all lights for function and moisture.
“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.
Suzuki Aerio — 7 recalls
The defect: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 5-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS, DUE TO IMPROPER SHAPE OF THE CLIP, THE RETAINING CLIP THAT KEEPS THE GEAR SHIFT CABLE ATTACHED TO THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER CAN CONTACT THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER HOUSING IF EXCESSIVE LATERAL FORCE IS APPLIED WHEN SHIFTING TO FIRST GEAR.
The risk: REPEATED SHIFTING IN THIS MANNER CAN EVENTUALLY CAUSE THE RETAINING CLIP TO BREAK. IF THE RETAINING CLIP BREAKS, THE SHIFT CABLE CAN BECOME DISCONNECTED FROM THE SHIFT LEVER, RESULTING IN LOSS OF THE ABILITY TO CHANGE TRANSMISSION GEARS.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE GEAR SHIFT CABLE RETAINING CLIP WITH A CLIP THAT HAS A DIFFERENT SHAPE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AMERICAN SUZUKI AT 1-800-934-0934.
The defect: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 5-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS, DUE TO IMPROPER SHAPE OF THE CLIP, THE RETAINING CLIP THAT KEEPS THE GEAR SHIFT CABLE ATTACHED TO THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER CAN CONTACT THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER HOUSING IF EXCESSIVE LATERAL FORCE IS APPLIED WHEN SHIFTING TO FIRST GEAR.
The risk: REPEATED SHIFTING IN THIS MANNER CAN EVENTUALLY CAUSE THE RETAINING CLIP TO BREAK. IF THE RETAINING CLIP BREAKS, THE SHIFT CABLE CAN BECOME DISCONNECTED FROM THE SHIFT LEVER, RESULTING IN LOSS OF THE ABILITY TO CHANGE TRANSMISSION GEARS.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE GEAR SHIFT CABLE RETAINING CLIP WITH A CLIP THAT HAS A DIFFERENT SHAPE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AMERICAN SUZUKI AT 1-800-934-0934.
The defect: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 5-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS, DUE TO IMPROPER SHAPE OF THE CLIP, THE RETAINING CLIP THAT KEEPS THE GEAR SHIFT CABLE ATTACHED TO THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER CAN CONTACT THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER HOUSING IF EXCESSIVE LATERAL FORCE IS APPLIED WHEN SHIFTING TO FIRST GEAR.
The risk: REPEATED SHIFTING IN THIS MANNER CAN EVENTUALLY CAUSE THE RETAINING CLIP TO BREAK. IF THE RETAINING CLIP BREAKS, THE SHIFT CABLE CAN BECOME DISCONNECTED FROM THE SHIFT LEVER, RESULTING IN LOSS OF THE ABILITY TO CHANGE TRANSMISSION GEARS.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE GEAR SHIFT CABLE RETAINING CLIP WITH A CLIP THAT HAS A DIFFERENT SHAPE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AMERICAN SUZUKI AT 1-800-934-0934.
The defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER (111 MY 2002 ESTEEM, 777 MY 2002 AERIO, 2,368 MY 2003 AERIO) AND SPORT UTILITY (324 MY 2002 GRAND VITARA, 274 MY 2003 GRAND VITARA, 684 MY 2002 GRAND VITARA XL-7, AND 781 MY 2003 GRAND VITARA XL-7) VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STAND…
The risk: IF THE WINDSHIELD IS NOT PROPERLY SECURED, IT MAY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE DURING A CRASH WHICH COULD RESULT IN THE EJECTION OF UNBELTED OCCUPANTS, INCREASING THE RISK OF SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES. VEHICLES THAT ARE FOUND TO HAVE INSUFFICIENT PAINT ADHESION WILL EITHER HAVE THE PROBLEM REMEDIED BY REPAINTING, OR WILL BE REPLACED, OR REPURCHASED AND DESTROYED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JULY 8, 20…
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
Suzuki Aerio or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Suzuki Aerio has far fewer complaints per year (about 20) compared to the Ford F-150 (over 1,100). In practice, this means the Aerio may have fewer reported issues overall, but the F-150's higher volume reflects its popularity and broader use. The difference suggests the Aerio could be simpler to own, but both have notable failure patterns.
Key differences
- The Aerio averages about 20 complaints per year; the F-150 averages over 1,100, indicating a much higher reported issue rate for the truck.
- Aerio owners frequently report brake, suspension, and axle problems, while F-150 owners report transmission limp mode, lead frame failures, and electrical glitches.
- The F-150 has 151 recalls versus 7 for the Aerio, suggesting more widespread safety-related fixes for the truck.
- Crash-related complaints are 330 for the F-150 and 11 for the Aerio, but this must be weighed against the much larger number of F-150s on the road.
- Check for uneven or premature tire wear, which could indicate alignment or suspension issues reported by owners.
- Listen for clunks or vibrations from the front axle and suspension during turns, as broken axles and universal joints have been reported.
- Test drive at highway speeds and watch for transmission limp mode or getting stuck in 5th gear, a common complaint.
- Inspect the rear window and defroster for signs of damage or previous shattering, as one owner reported the window exploding.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- For the Aerio, have a mechanic inspect brakes, tires, suspension, and axles for wear or damage.
- For the F-150, scan for transmission error codes and test the electrical system, including lights and defroster.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes and brake work.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic familiar with the specific model.
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 Suzuki Aerio or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Suzuki Aerio vs FORD F 150
- Suzuki Aerio total complaints
- 121
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Suzuki Aerio total recalls
- 7
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Suzuki Aerio avg complaints/year
- 20.2
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Suzuki Aerio
- Suzuki Aerio top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN