Head-to-head reliability
Suzuki Forenza vs FORD F 150
How the Suzuki Forenza 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 Forenza vs FORD F 150: The Forenza averages 181 complaints per year with 15 recalls, while the F-150 averages 1,162 complaints per year with 151 recalls. The Forenza has 63 injuries and 0 deaths reported, compared to 297 injuries and 1 death for the F-150. Both have power train and electrical issues, but the F-150's higher volume suggests more frequent problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Suzuki Forenza or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Suzuki Forenza
The Suzuki Forenza is a compact sedan that averages about 181 owner complaints per year, with 15 recalls over five years. The most common trouble spots are the power train, electrical system, and air bags, based on owner reports. Many complaints describe hard starting, engine hesitation, and air bags that did not deploy in crashes. This suggests a car that may need frequent attention to keep running and could have safety concerns.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup that averages about 1,162 complaints per year, with 151 recalls over ten years. The most frequent complaints involve the power train, electrical system, and unknown or other issues. Owners often report transmission problems like limp mode and stuck gears, as well as electrical glitches. This indicates a truck that can be capable but may require more frequent repairs and has a higher volume of reported issues.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Suzuki Forenza | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 907 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 15 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 59 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 181.4 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 63 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 Forenza
- 01POWER TRAIN360
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM188
- 03AIR BAGS177
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING102
- 05ENGINE77
Owners report trouble starting, intermittent check engine lights, and engine revving or hesitation. Some had a resonator assembly replaced, but the problem returned. These issues can leave you stranded or cause jerky acceleration.
Complaints include a light switch that smoked and burned the steering, plus intermittent check engine lights. This points to possible wiring or switch failures that could lead to fires or electrical shorts.
Several owners say air bags failed to deploy in moderate-speed crashes, including side impacts. This is a critical safety concern because air bags are meant to reduce injury in a collision.
Reports describe lights dimming, radio shutting off when high beams are activated, and a smoking light switch. These electrical gremlins can affect visibility and may be a fire risk.
“CAR HAS TROUBLE STARTING AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY. JULY 2007 TOOK CAR IN WITH 'HARD START" PROBLEM. THEY FOUND RESONATOR ASSEMBLY NEEDED REPLACING. THAT REPAIR WAS DONE ON AUGUST 3, 2007. CAR RAN FOR APPROX. 2 MONTHS AND WE TOOK IT BACK…”
“DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE ENGINE REVVED, IT WAS RACING, AND THE RPM GAUGE RAN HIGHER THAN NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WILL HESITATE AT ANY SPEED. THERE WILL BE A LOSS OF POWER, AND THE VEHICLE JERKED WHEN POWER WENT BACK INTO THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO PRIOR WARNING.…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners frequently mention transmission problems like limp mode, stuck in 5th gear, and lead frame issues that can cause sudden loss of power. One owner said a lead frame issue nearly ended their life. These failures can happen while driving and may be expensive to fix.
Complaints include lead frame issues affecting the transmission and a rear window defroster short that caused the back window to shatter. Electrical faults can disable safety systems and lead to unexpected repairs.
Some owners report unusual problems like the rear window exploding outward after using the defroster. These unpredictable issues can be hard to diagnose and may pose a safety risk.
While not detailed in the sample, exterior lighting is a top complaint category. 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.
Suzuki Forenza — 15 recalls
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER CARS, THE DUAL STAGE DRIVER'S AIR BAG DEPLOYS IN AN IMPROPER SEQUENCE.
The risk: IF THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG DEPLOYS IMPROPERLY DURING A FRONTAL VEHICLE CRASH, THE DRIVER COULD BE SEVERELY INJURED OR KILLED.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ADAPTING WIRING HARNESS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON OCTOBER 30, 2003, TO VERONA VEHICLE OWNERS. ALL FORENZA VEHICLES WERE REPAIRED AT THE PORT OF ENTRY. THERE ARE NO OWNER NOTIFICATIONS NECESSARY FOR THE FORENZA MO…
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY BECOME MISADJUSTED IF AN UPWARD/REARWARD FORCE IS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. IF THIS SHOULD OCCUR, THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WILL NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY, CAUSING THE BRAKE LIGHTS, INCLUDING THE HIGH MOUNTED STOP LAMP, TO REMAIN ILLUMINATED CONT…
The risk: IF THE BRAKE LIGHTS REMAIN ON CONTINUOUSLY WHILE DRIVING,A FOLLOWING DRIVER MAY NOT KNOW WHEN YOUR BRAKES HAVE BEEN APPLIED, AND A REAR-END CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. THIS CONDITION MAY ALSO DISCHARGE THE VEHICLE'S BATTERY, A…
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 16, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUZUKI AT 1-800-934-0934.
The defect: Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 Forenza vehicles, and 2005-2008 Reno vehicles manufactured from September 1, 2003, through July 30, 2008. In the affected vehicles, heat may be generated in the headlamp switch or daytime running light (DRL) module whi…
The risk: If the heat generated within the headlamp switch or DRL module located on the left side of the steering column melts the headlamp switch or DRL module, there is an increased risk of a fire.
The fix: Suzuki will replace the signal switch and add a jumper relay kit and will replace the DRL Module in teh instrument panel harness. Suzuki distributed to owners an interim letter on July 30, 2014. The recall began October 29, 2014. Owners ma…
The defect: Suzuki is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 Forenza and model year 2005-2006 Reno vehicles manufactured from September 23, 2003, through March 7, 2006. Increased resistance due to poor contact between the terminals of certain wires can generate heat that can melt the splice pack used to connec…
The risk: If the headlamps fail to function, this will lead to reduced driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Suzuki will notify owners, and Suzuki dealers will reconnect the affected wires with two heat-shrink crimps, free of charge. The safety recall began on September 25, 2012. Owners may contact Suzuki at 1-877-697-8985.
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 Forenza or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Suzuki Forenza has far fewer complaints per year (about 181) compared to the Ford F-150 (about 1,162). However, the Forenza's complaints include serious air bag non-deployment and electrical fires, while the F-150's issues often involve transmission and electrical faults. In practice, the Forenza may have fewer overall problems, but the F-150's higher volume means more reported incidents, though it is a much more popular vehicle.
Key differences
- The Ford F-150 has about 6 times more complaints per year than the Suzuki Forenza, but it is also a much more common vehicle.
- Suzuki Forenza owners report air bags failing to deploy in crashes, while Ford F-150 owners report transmission limp mode and lead frame failures.
- Electrical problems in the Forenza include smoking light switches and burns, while the F-150 has lead frame issues and a rear window shattering.
- The Forenza has 15 recalls over 5 years, while the F-150 has 151 recalls over 10 years, indicating more widespread safety actions for the truck.
- Check for intermittent check engine lights and hard starting; listen for engine revving or hesitation during a test drive.
- Test all lights, including high beams, and inspect the light switch and steering column for signs of overheating or burns.
- During a test drive, watch for transmission shudder, delayed engagement, or sudden limp mode; ask if the lead frame has been replaced.
- Test the rear window defroster and inspect the rear window for cracks or signs of stress; also check for electrical gremlins like flickering lights.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the transmission and electrical system for the F-150, and air bags and wiring for the Forenza.
- For the Forenza, ask for records of any power train or electrical repairs, especially resonator or light switch replacements.
- For the F-150, ask about transmission service history and whether the lead frame or output speed sensor has been addressed.
- Test drive both vehicles under various conditions, including highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic, to feel for hesitation, jerking, or limp mode.
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 Forenza or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Suzuki Forenza vs FORD F 150
- Suzuki Forenza total complaints
- 907
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Suzuki Forenza total recalls
- 15
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Suzuki Forenza avg complaints/year
- 181.4
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Suzuki Forenza
- Suzuki Forenza top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN