Head-to-head reliability
Suzuki Grand Vitara vs FORD F 150
How the Suzuki Grand Vitara 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 Grand Vitara vs FORD F 150: The Grand Vitara averaged 32.4 complaints per year over 10 years, while the F-150 averaged 1,131.1. The F-150 also had 145 recalls and 287 injuries, compared to 29 recalls and 18 injuries for the Grand Vitara. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Suzuki Grand Vitara or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Suzuki Grand Vitara
The Suzuki Grand Vitara is a compact SUV with a relatively low complaint volume: 324 complaints over 10 years, averaging 32.4 per year. That suggests fewer owners are reporting problems, but the pattern shows recurring issues with air bags, exterior lighting, and electrical systems. Many complaints involve recall-related repairs, such as air bag inflators and belt tensioners, which can be inconvenient if you don't live near a dealer. Overall, it appears to be a vehicle with fewer reported problems per year, but some safety-related recalls and electrical quirks are worth noting.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint volume: 11,311 complaints over 10 years, averaging 1,131.1 per year. The most common areas are power train, electrical system, and exterior lighting, with many owners reporting transmission shifting problems and electrical glitches. There are also 145 recalls and 287 injuries reported, indicating a higher rate of safety-related issues. While it's a popular truck, the data shows a pattern of more frequent and varied complaints.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Suzuki Grand Vitara | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 324 Better | 11,311 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 29 Better | 145 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 23 Better | 328 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 32.4 Better | 1131.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 18 Better | 287 |
| 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 Grand Vitara
- 01AIR BAGS107
- 02EXTERIOR LIGHTING75
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM61
- 04STEERING25
- 05POWER TRAIN22
Owners report air bag recalls, including one for a tensioner that can cause the belt to come off and affect steering. Another complaint mentions difficulty getting to a dealer for the fix. This matters because air bag issues can affect safety and require timely repairs.
Complaints include frequent headlight bulb failures and the need to replace entire headlight assemblies at significant cost. One owner also reported an air conditioner compressor failure that caused hot air. These lighting and climate issues can be annoying and costly to fix.
Owners describe problems like no heat and overheating, as well as doors automatically locking with keys inside. These electrical glitches can leave you stranded or uncomfortable. They may require diagnostic work to resolve.
Reports include a compromised power steering pump drive-belt tension pulley and a loose steering wheel. These issues can affect control and may be linked to recalls. A buyer should have the steering system checked.
“I OWN 2 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA 2010 & 2007 AND I GOT A RECALL NOTICE FROM THE MANUFACTURE FOR TAKING THE CAR TO THE DEALER FOR FIXING THE AIR BAG ISSUE RECALL CALLED DV SO I CHECKED AND THE NEAREST AUTHORIZED DEALER IS A ONE OUR DRIVE SO I CALLED THE MANUFACTURE…”
“MY MOST RECENT INCONVENIENCE WITH MY SUZUKI RECALL TENSIONER WAS ON 2/5/2020, I WAS DRIVING ON A BUSY HIGHWAY IN THE RAIN WHEN MY VEHICLE'S BELT TENSIONER AND DRIVE BELT CAME OFF OF THE RECALL TENSION ADJUSTER PULLEY. I COULD NOT TURN MY VEHICLE, THE ALTERNAT…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,553
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,071
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,401
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,164
- 05ENGINE847
Many owners report hard or delayed shifts, jerking, and even loss of power with the 10R80 transmission. One complaint describes the vehicle shutting off and drifting in traffic. These transmission problems can be dangerous and expensive to repair.
Complaints include warning messages like 'Front Camera Malfunction' and 'Pre Collision Assist Not Available,' as well as loud bangs from the transmission area. These electrical and software issues can distract the driver and may indicate deeper problems.
There are recalls for headlights, and owners may experience lighting failures. This can reduce visibility and safety, especially at night. It's important to check that recalls have been addressed.
Engine-related complaints and recalls are present, though specific symptoms aren't detailed in the sample. Engine issues can be costly and affect reliability. A pre-purchase inspection should include the engine.
“I started noticing hard and delayed shifts from 7th into 8th gear. My RPM's were not increasing when this happened, and then on a very crowded major road I lost all power, vehicle shut off and drifted, then started up and jerked again very hard. This failure…”
“I am reporting a safety-related transmission problem I experienced with my 2020 Ford F-150 equipped with the 10R80 automatic transmission. While driving normally, the transmission shifts hard (ie: jerks, clunks) between 4-5 and 5-6 gears, and has on occasion…”
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 Grand Vitara — 29 recalls
The defect: Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kizashi and 2006-2013 Grand Vitara vehicles. The front passenger leather seat may shrink due to high humidity and high temperature. As a result, the occupant classification system (OCS) sensor mat may not accurately detect if an…
The risk: In the event of a crash necessitating airbag deployment, an incorrect classification may result in the passenger frontal air bag deploying even if there is a child in the front passenger seat, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat bottom cushion, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on May 3, 2019. All second letters notifying owners of the remedy were mailed by April 10, 2020. Ow…
The defect: Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kizashi and 2006-2013 Grand Vitara vehicles. The front passenger leather seat may shrink due to high humidity and high temperature. As a result, the occupant classification system (OCS) sensor mat may not accurately detect if an…
The risk: In the event of a crash necessitating airbag deployment, an incorrect classification may result in the passenger frontal air bag deploying even if there is a child in the front passenger seat, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat bottom cushion, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on May 3, 2019. All second letters notifying owners of the remedy were mailed by April 10, 2020. Ow…
The defect: Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kizashi and 2006-2013 Grand Vitara vehicles. The front passenger leather seat may shrink due to high humidity and high temperature. As a result, the occupant classification system (OCS) sensor mat may not accurately detect if an…
The risk: In the event of a crash necessitating airbag deployment, an incorrect classification may result in the passenger frontal air bag deploying even if there is a child in the front passenger seat, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat bottom cushion, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on May 3, 2019. All second letters notifying owners of the remedy were mailed by April 10, 2020. Ow…
The defect: Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kizashi and 2006-2013 Grand Vitara vehicles. The front passenger leather seat may shrink due to high humidity and high temperature. As a result, the occupant classification system (OCS) sensor mat may not accurately detect if an…
The risk: In the event of a crash necessitating airbag deployment, an incorrect classification may result in the passenger frontal air bag deploying even if there is a child in the front passenger seat, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat bottom cushion, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on May 3, 2019. All second letters notifying owners of the remedy were mailed by April 10, 2020. Ow…
FORD F 150 — 145 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 trucks equipped with high series LED headlamps with Autolamp (On/Off) functionality. The Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) may remain activated instead of dimming to parking lamps when the Master Lighting Switch (MLS) is manually rotated from…
The risk: DRL that cannot dim may reduce the visibility of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the body control module, free of charge. The recall began March 10, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C03.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 F-150 vehicles. The fastener securing the Power Distribution Box (PDB) 12V cable and Battery Monitoring System (BMS) eyelets to the positive battery terminal may loosen and affect the vehicle's systems such as instrument panel displays and br…
The risk: Inoperative vehicle systems or an engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. Reduced braking and steering efforts increases the risk of a crash. This condition could also create a resistive short, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the positive battery cable/BMS/PDB joint for excess sealant adhesive and remove any excessive adhesive, reassemble the joint, and retorque the fastener, as necessary, free of charge. The re…
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 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also…
The risk: A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's num…
Buyer analysis
Suzuki Grand Vitara or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Suzuki Grand Vitara has far fewer complaints per year (32.4 vs. 1,131.1), suggesting a lower rate of reported problems. In practice, this means you're less likely to face frequent repairs, but the Grand Vitara still has notable air bag and electrical recalls. The Ford F-150's higher complaint volume reflects more widespread issues, especially with the transmission.
Key differences
- The Ford F-150 has over 11,000 complaints in 10 years, while the Suzuki Grand Vitara has only 324, indicating a much higher reported problem rate for the F-150.
- Ford F-150 owners frequently report transmission shifting problems (hard shifts, jerking, loss of power), while Grand Vitara complaints often involve air bag recalls and electrical glitches.
- The F-150 has 145 recalls and 287 injuries reported, compared to 29 recalls and 18 injuries for the Grand Vitara, suggesting more safety-related actions for the Ford.
- Suzuki Grand Vitara complaints include steering and lighting issues, but the volume is lower; Ford F-150 complaints span power train, electrical, and engine systems with greater frequency.
- Check for open air bag recalls and confirm the tensioner and belt have been replaced; a loose steering wheel or power steering noise could indicate a failing pulley.
- Test all electrical components, including heating and air conditioning, door locks, and headlights; frequent bulb failures or automatic locking can be signs of electrical issues.
- Test drive the transmission thoroughly, especially at highway speeds, looking for hard shifts, jerking, or delayed engagement between gears.
- Check for electrical warning messages on the dashboard, such as front camera or pre-collision assist errors, and listen for unusual noises from the transmission or rear suspension.
Before you buy
- Verify all open recalls have been repaired by checking the NHTSA website with the VIN, and ask for proof of completion.
- Take a long test drive that includes highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic to feel for transmission issues (especially on the F-150).
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on the transmission, electrical system, and steering components.
- For the Grand Vitara, specifically check the air bag system, headlights, and heating/AC operation.
- For the F-150, scan for stored error codes and check the transmission fluid condition and service history.
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 Grand Vitara or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Suzuki Grand Vitara vs FORD F 150
- Suzuki Grand Vitara total complaints
- 324
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,311
- Suzuki Grand Vitara total recalls
- 29
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 145
- Suzuki Grand Vitara avg complaints/year
- 32.4
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1131.1
- More reliable overall
- Suzuki Grand Vitara
- Suzuki Grand Vitara top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN