Head-to-head reliability
Suzuki Gsx1300r vs FORD F 150
How the Suzuki Gsx1300r 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 Gsx1300r vs FORD F 150: The Suzuki has 3 complaints over 10 years (0.3/year) and 4 recalls, while the Ford F-150 has 11,621 complaints (1,162/year) and 151 recalls. Ford reports include 330 crash-related complaints and 297 injuries. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Suzuki Gsx1300r or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Suzuki Gsx1300r
The Suzuki GSX1300R is a high-performance sport motorcycle with a very low complaint rate: just 3 complaints over 10 years, averaging 0.3 per year. Owners report two main issues: fuel-system problems that can cause hard starting or sudden loss of power, and a structural concern where the kickstand may not hold the bike when parked. There are also 4 recalls for brake master cylinder and hose issues, so checking recall history is important. Overall, it's a niche machine with few reported problems, but the ones that exist can leave you stranded or drop the bike.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a massive complaint volume: 11,621 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 1,162 per year. The most common trouble spots are the powertrain (especially transmission and lead frame issues), electrical system, and exterior lighting. Many owners describe serious symptoms like limp mode, stuck gears, and sudden loss of power, and there are 330 crash-related complaints, 297 injuries, and 1 death reported. Recalls are also frequent (151), covering engines, seat belts, door latches, and airbags.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Suzuki Gsx1300r | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 3 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 4 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.3 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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 Gsx1300r
- 01FUEL SYSTEM2
- 02GASOLINE2
- 03STRUCTURE1
Owners of 2022 and 2023 GSX1300R models report that the motorcycle may fail to start immediately after being turned off and restarted, or may suddenly lose motive power while riding. This can leave you stranded or create a dangerous situation if it happens in traffic.
The same fuel-related complaints appear under the gasoline category, with hard starting and unexpected power loss. For a buyer, this means the fuel delivery system may need attention, and a pre-purchase inspection should include checking for starting issues and fuel pump function.
One owner reported that while dismounting, the kickstand failed to hold the motorcycle, causing it to fall. This is a serious concern because a bike that won't stay on its stand can be damaged or injure the rider. Inspect the kickstand mechanism carefully.
“The contact owns a 2022 Suzuki GSX1300R. The contact stated that after arriving to his destination and turning off the motorcycle, after returning to the motorcycle the motorcycle failed to start immediately. The contact stated that after several attempts the…”
“The contact owns a 2023 Suzuki GSX1300R. The contact stated that while his wife was riding at an undisclosed speed, the motorcycle inadvertently lost motive power. The driver was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the motorcycle failed to…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners frequently report transmission problems, including limp mode, getting stuck in 5th gear, and lead frame failures that can cause sudden loss of power or near collisions. These issues can be recurring and expensive to fix, and some have led to crashes.
Electrical complaints often involve the lead frame and output speed sensor failures, which can trigger limp mode and error codes like P0722. A software recall (26S28) exists for some models, but owners say problems persist even after the fix.
Some owners report that the rear window defroster can short and cause the back window to shatter unexpectedly. This is a safety hazard because it can happen while driving and may distract or injure occupants.
With 1,224 complaints, exterior lighting is a common trouble spot. While the sample complaints don't detail specific lighting failures, the high count suggests buyers should check all lights, including brake, turn signals, and headlights, for proper function.
“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 Gsx1300r — 4 recalls
The defect: Suzuki Motor USA, LLC (Suzuki) is recalling certain 2022-2024 GSX1300R (Hayabusa) motorcycles. The master cylinder internal rubber components may swell due to contamination from the brake fluid cap diaphragm, which can result in a blocked brake fluid port. As such, these motorcycles fail to comply…
The risk: A blocked brake fluid port can extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the front brake master cylinder body and brake fluid cap diaphragm, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2024. Owners may contact Suzuki Customer Service at 1-714- 572-1490. Suzuki's numbe…
The defect: Suzuki Motor USA, LLC (Suzuki) is recalling certain 2022-2024 GSX1300R (Hayabusa) motorcycles. The master cylinder internal rubber components may swell due to contamination from the brake fluid cap diaphragm, which can result in a blocked brake fluid port. As such, these motorcycles fail to comply…
The risk: A blocked brake fluid port can extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the front brake master cylinder body and brake fluid cap diaphragm, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2024. Owners may contact Suzuki Customer Service at 1-714- 572-1490. Suzuki's numbe…
The defect: Suzuki Motor USA, LLC (Suzuki) is recalling certain 2024 GSX1300R motorcycles. The brake fluid pipe flare nut for the brake fluid supply line may have been tightened incorrectly and cause a brake fluid leak.
The risk: A brake fluid leak can result in reduced braking performance, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten the brake pipe flare nut connection and adjust the brake fluid level, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 5, 2024. Owners may contact Suzuki customer service at 1-7…
The defect: Suzuki Motor USA, LLC (Suzuki) is recalling certain 2022-2024 GSX1300R (Hayabusa) motorcycles. The master cylinder internal rubber components may swell due to contamination from the brake fluid cap diaphragm, which can result in a blocked brake fluid port. As such, these motorcycles fail to comply…
The risk: A blocked brake fluid port can extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the front brake master cylinder body and brake fluid cap diaphragm, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2024. Owners may contact Suzuki Customer Service at 1-714- 572-1490. Suzuki's numbe…
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 Gsx1300r or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Suzuki GSX1300R has far fewer issues per year (0.3 vs. 1,162 for the Ford F-150), but it's a motorcycle with a much smaller owner base. The Ford F-150's complaint volume is enormous, with serious safety consequences like crashes and injuries. In practice, the Suzuki is less likely to leave you dealing with constant repairs, but the Ford's issues are more widespread and potentially life-threatening.
Key differences
- The Suzuki GSX1300R has only 3 complaints over 10 years, while the Ford F-150 has 11,621, including 330 crash-related complaints and 297 injuries.
- Suzuki owners report fuel-system and kickstand issues; Ford owners report transmission limp mode, lead frame failures, and electrical shorts.
- The Suzuki has 4 recalls, all for brake master cylinder and hose issues; the Ford has 151 recalls covering engines, seat belts, door latches, and airbags.
- Ford F-150 complaints often describe sudden loss of power and near collisions, while Suzuki complaints are more about starting problems and a kickstand failure.
- Check for hard starting or stalling after the engine is warm, as owners report the bike may fail to restart immediately after being turned off.
- Inspect the kickstand for proper deployment and security, since one owner reported the bike falling when the stand was deployed.
- Test drive the truck and watch for transmission shudder, delayed engagement, or getting stuck in a gear, which could indicate lead frame or speed sensor issues.
- Check the rear window for any signs of defroster damage or shattering, and verify that all exterior lights work correctly.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on both vehicles through NHTSA's recall lookup to see if any open recalls apply, especially the Suzuki's brake recalls and the Ford's transmission and airbag recalls.
- For the Suzuki, start the bike cold and warm, let it idle, and shut it off and restart it several times to check for fuel-related starting problems.
- For the Ford, scan for stored trouble codes (especially P0722) and test the transmission through all gears, including highway speeds, to check for limp mode.
- Inspect the Suzuki's kickstand and the Ford's rear window and defroster for any signs of damage or previous repairs.
- Ask for maintenance records and a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the specific model, focusing on the reported problem areas.
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 | Suzuki Gsx1300r | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 35 |
| 2025 | 0 | 345 |
| 2024 | 0 | 638 |
| 2023 | 1 | 1527 |
| 2022 | 2 | 3493 |
| 2021 | 0 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 0 | 44 |
| 2019 | 0 | 52 |
| 2018 | 0 | 79 |
| 2017 | 0 | 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 Suzuki Gsx1300r or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Suzuki Gsx1300r vs FORD F 150
- Suzuki Gsx1300r total complaints
- 3
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Suzuki Gsx1300r total recalls
- 4
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Suzuki Gsx1300r avg complaints/year
- 0.3
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Suzuki Gsx1300r
- Suzuki Gsx1300r top complaint area
- FUEL SYSTEM
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN