Head-to-head reliability
Suzuki Gs500 vs FORD F 150
How the Suzuki Gs500 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 GS500 vs FORD F 150: The GS500 had 4 complaints over 9 years (0.4/year) and 4 recalls, with no crashes or injuries. The F-150 had 11,311 complaints over 10 years (1,131/year), 145 recalls, 328 crash-related complaints, and 287 injuries. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Suzuki Gs500 or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Suzuki Gs500
The Suzuki GS500 is a simple, lightweight motorcycle that, based on owner complaints, has few reported problems. Over nine years, it averaged just 0.4 complaints per year, with no crashes, injuries, or deaths in the data. The main issues owners mention are engine shutdown at highway speed, unexpected acceleration feel, battery drain, and a lighting recall. This suggests a generally low-stress ownership experience, but buyers should still check these specific areas.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a much higher reported complaint rate: about 1,131 per year over ten years. The data includes 328 crash-related complaints, 287 injuries, and one death. The most common problem areas are the powertrain, electrical system, and exterior lighting. Owners frequently describe transmission jerking, loss of power, and electrical glitches. This indicates that while many F-150s serve well, a significant number have serious, sometimes safety-related, issues.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Suzuki Gs500 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 4 Better | 11,311 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 4 Better | 145 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 328 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.4 Better | 1131.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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 Gs500
- 01ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING1
- 02VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1
One owner reported the motorcycle shutting off without warning above 60 mph, with no response to throttle. This could leave a rider stranded or in a dangerous spot on the highway, so a buyer should test ride at higher speeds and check for any stalling history.
A 2002 GS500 owner said the bike felt like it was trying to accelerate on its own at speeds of at least 35 mph, though the dealer could not reproduce it. This kind of unpredictable throttle behavior is a safety concern, so inspect the throttle cables and linkage for sticking or wear.
One owner reported the battery draining repeatedly, requiring replacement twice. This points to a possible charging system fault, so a buyer should have the battery and charging output tested before purchase.
There is a recall for exterior lighting (NHTSA campaign 07V515000), and one owner mentioned difficulty getting the recall performed. A buyer should verify that any open recall has been completed, as lighting issues affect visibility and safety.
“AS I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY I WAS DRIVING MY MOTORCYCLE ONCE I WENT OVER 60 MPH IT SHUT OFF ON ME WITH NO WARNING ALL I NOTED THAT NO MATTER HOW MUCH THROTTLE I GAVE IT THE BIKE DIDN'T WANT TO GO. *TR”
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 clunking from the 10-speed automatic transmission, with some experiencing sudden loss of power. These symptoms can happen at highway speeds and may lead to dangerous situations, so a thorough transmission test drive is essential.
Owners describe warnings like 'Front Camera Malfunction' and 'Pre Collision Assist Not Available,' as well as loud bangs and popping sounds from the transmission area. These electrical glitches can disable safety features and are often intermittent, making them hard to diagnose.
There are recalls for headlights, and many complaints about exterior lighting. Faulty lighting reduces visibility and can be a safety risk, so check that all lights work and any recalls are addressed.
Engine-related complaints are common, though specific symptoms are not detailed in the sample. Given the high number of engine recalls, a buyer should look for rough running, check engine lights, and any history of engine repairs.
“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 Gs500 — 4 recalls
The defect: THE REAR REFLEX REFLECTOR ON AFFECTED GS500 MOTORCYCLES AND THE REAR AND SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS ON AFFECTED GZ250 MOTORCYCLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, 'LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.' THE REFLEX REFLECTORS HAVE A REF…
The risk: IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THIS COULD CONTRIBUTE TO A MOTORIST'S NOT NOTICING THE MOTORCYCLE IN DARKNESS, WHICH MAY CONTRIBUTE TO A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE NON-COMPLYING REFLEX REFLECTORS WITH COMPLYING REFLECTORS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 16, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUZUKI AT 1-800-255-2550.
The defect: THE REAR REFLEX REFLECTOR ON AFFECTED GS500 MOTORCYCLES AND THE REAR AND SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS ON AFFECTED GZ250 MOTORCYCLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, 'LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.' THE REFLEX REFLECTORS HAVE A REF…
The risk: IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THIS COULD CONTRIBUTE TO A MOTORIST'S NOT NOTICING THE MOTORCYCLE IN DARKNESS, WHICH MAY CONTRIBUTE TO A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE NON-COMPLYING REFLEX REFLECTORS WITH COMPLYING REFLECTORS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 16, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUZUKI AT 1-800-255-2550.
The defect: THE REAR REFLEX REFLECTOR ON AFFECTED GS500 MOTORCYCLES AND THE REAR AND SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS ON AFFECTED GZ250 MOTORCYCLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, 'LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.' THE REFLEX REFLECTORS HAVE A REF…
The risk: IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THIS COULD CONTRIBUTE TO A MOTORIST'S NOT NOTICING THE MOTORCYCLE IN DARKNESS, WHICH MAY CONTRIBUTE TO A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE NON-COMPLYING REFLEX REFLECTORS WITH COMPLYING REFLECTORS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 16, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUZUKI AT 1-800-255-2550.
The defect: THE REAR REFLEX REFLECTOR ON AFFECTED GS500 MOTORCYCLES AND THE REAR AND SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS ON AFFECTED GZ250 MOTORCYCLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, 'LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.' THE REFLEX REFLECTORS HAVE A REF…
The risk: IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THIS COULD CONTRIBUTE TO A MOTORIST'S NOT NOTICING THE MOTORCYCLE IN DARKNESS, WHICH MAY CONTRIBUTE TO A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE NON-COMPLYING REFLEX REFLECTORS WITH COMPLYING REFLECTORS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 16, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUZUKI AT 1-800-255-2550.
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 Gs500 or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Suzuki GS500 has far fewer issues per year (0.4 vs. 1,131.1 for the Ford F-150). In practice, this means a GS500 buyer is much less likely to face frequent repairs or safety-related failures. However, the F-150's higher volume and complexity mean that many trucks may still be reliable, but the risk of encountering a problem is significantly greater.
Key differences
- The Suzuki GS500 averages 0.4 complaints per year, while the Ford F-150 averages 1,131.1 per year, a massive difference in reported problem frequency.
- The GS500 has no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths in the data, whereas the F-150 has 328 crash-related complaints, 287 injuries, and 1 death.
- GS500 owners report engine shutdown and battery drain; F-150 owners report transmission jerking, loss of power, and electrical warnings.
- The GS500 has 4 recalls, all for exterior lighting; the F-150 has 145 recalls covering lighting, electrical, engine, and seats.
- Test ride at highway speeds to check for sudden engine shutdown or hesitation, as one owner reported the bike cutting off above 60 mph.
- Inspect the battery and charging system; a history of repeated battery replacements could indicate a faulty regulator or stator.
- During a test drive, pay close attention to transmission shifts, especially between 4th-5th and 7th-8th gears, for jerking, clunking, or delayed engagement.
- Check for any dashboard warnings related to the front camera or pre-collision assist, and ensure all electrical features work, as these are common complaint areas.
Before you buy
- For the GS500, verify that all open recalls (especially exterior lighting) have been completed by a dealer.
- For the F-150, obtain a vehicle history report and check for any transmission or electrical repairs.
- Take any used motorcycle or truck for a thorough test drive that includes highway speeds and varied conditions.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the specific problem areas: for the GS500, engine, throttle, and charging system; for the F-150, transmission, electrical system, and lights.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and be wary if they cannot provide proof of regular service.
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 Gs500 or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Suzuki Gs500 vs FORD F 150
- Suzuki Gs500 total complaints
- 4
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,311
- Suzuki Gs500 total recalls
- 4
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 145
- Suzuki Gs500 avg complaints/year
- 0.4
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1131.1
- More reliable overall
- Suzuki Gs500
- Suzuki Gs500 top complaint area
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN