Head-to-head reliability
Suzuki RENO vs FORD F 150
How the Suzuki RENO 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 RENO vs FORD F 150: The RENO averaged 43.3 complaints per year over 4 years, while the F-150 averaged 1,162.1 per year over 10 years. The RENO had 10 recalls and 8 crash-related complaints; the F-150 had 151 recalls and 330 crash-related complaints. Both have power train and electrical issues, but the F-150's are more frequent. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Suzuki RENO or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Suzuki RENO
The Suzuki RENO is a compact car that, based on owner complaints, can be a headache to live with. Over four years, it averaged about 43 complaints per year, with the most common issues in the power train, air bags, and electrical system. Owners report recurring problems like transmission jerking, air bag failures, and headlights going out, often leading to repeated shop visits. With 10 recalls and 8 crash-related complaints, it's a vehicle that demands careful inspection before buying.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup that, while popular, has a high volume of owner complaints—over 11,600 in ten years, averaging about 1,162 per year. The most frequent trouble spots are the power train, electrical system, and exterior lighting. Owners describe serious issues like transmission limp mode, lead frame failures, and even rear window shattering. With 151 recalls and 330 crash-related complaints, it's clear that many F-150s have had significant safety and reliability problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Suzuki RENO | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 173 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 10 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 8 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 43.3 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 10 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 RENO
- 01POWER TRAIN66
- 02AIR BAGS48
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM31
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING25
- 05VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL20
Owners report the car jerking when shifting gears, even with an automatic transmission, and the check engine light coming on repeatedly. These transmission issues can worsen over time and lead to costly repairs.
Complaints describe air bags failing to deploy in crashes, such as after a tire blowout. This is a critical safety concern that could leave occupants unprotected in an accident.
The check engine light often comes on due to various electrical gremlins, and some owners have experienced sudden loss of headlights while driving. These issues can be frustrating and dangerous, especially at night.
Headlights may stop working without warning, leaving only high beams functional. This reduces visibility and increases crash risk, and has led to recalls.
“FROM DAY ONE, MY ENGINE LIGHT HAS COME ON AND I HAVE BEEN DEALING WITH DIFFERENT ISSUES IE, IT'S THE GAS CAP, THE MAN WHO SOLD ME THE CAR, (THE DEALER) TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP TO BE REPAIRED,SO MUCH, THEN HE TOOK OFF, AND LEFT MASSACHUSETTS AFTER SELLI…”
“I GOT MY CAR IN MAY, 2006. IT WAS BRAND NEW WHEN I BOUGHT IT, BUT IT WAS IN THE SHOP ONLY SIX DAYS AFTER. I BEGAN TO NOTICE THAT MY CAR WOULD JERK WHEN IT WAS SHIFTING GEARS (ALTHOUGH IT WAS AN AUTOMATIC). OVER ABOUT A WEEK'S TIME, IT GOT MUCH WORSE AND I HAD…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Many owners report transmission problems, including limp mode, getting stuck in 5th gear, and lead frame failures that can cause sudden loss of power. These issues can be dangerous and expensive to fix.
Electrical faults are common, such as output speed sensor failures that trigger limp mode, and short circuits in the rear window defroster that can cause the window to shatter. These problems can be unpredictable and costly.
Owners have complained about exterior lighting failures, though specific details are limited in the sample. Given the high number of complaints, it's worth checking all lights thoroughly.
Engine-related complaints are frequent, though the sample text focuses on transmission and electrical issues. Buyers should be aware that engine problems may also occur, requiring diagnostics.
“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 RENO — 10 recalls
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.
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, HEADLAMP LOW BEAM OR DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT (DRL) FUNCTION MAY BE INOPERATIVE DUE TO A MELTED SPLICE PACK ON THE WIRING HARNESS.
The risk: INAPPROPRIATE LIGHTING COULD REDUCE VISIBILITY OF VEHICLES AND INCREASE THE POTENTIAL FOR A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL SPLICE THE POWER CIRCUIT WIRES FOR THE LOW-BEAM HEADLAMPS AND DRL FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL WILL BE MAILED IN THREE PHASES, STARTING AT THE END OF OCTOBER 2007 AND CONCLUDING BY THE END OF JANUARY 2008;. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SU…
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…
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 RENO or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Suzuki RENO has far fewer complaints per year (about 43) compared to the Ford F-150 (over 1,160), but both have serious safety-related issues. In practice, the RENO may be easier to manage due to lower volume, but the F-150's problems are more widespread and potentially more severe, with higher crash and injury counts.
Key differences
- The Suzuki RENO averages about 43 complaints per year, while the Ford F-150 averages over 1,160, indicating a much higher reported problem rate for the F-150.
- The RENO's top issues are power train, air bags, and electrical, with specific reports of transmission jerking and air bag non-deployment; the F-150's top issues are also power train and electrical, but include serious transmission limp mode and lead frame failures.
- The F-150 has 151 recalls and 330 crash-related complaints, compared to the RENO's 10 recalls and 8 crash-related complaints, suggesting broader safety concerns with the F-150.
- Owner complaints for the RENO often mention repeated shop visits for the same issues, while F-150 complaints describe ongoing problems like lead frame failures that persist even after repairs.
- Check for transmission jerking or hesitation during test drive, especially when shifting gears, as this is a common complaint.
- Verify that all air bag warning lights function properly and have the system scanned for any fault codes, given reports of non-deployment.
- Test the transmission thoroughly for limp mode, rough shifting, or getting stuck in gear, as these are frequently reported.
- Inspect the rear window and defroster for any signs of cracking or shattering, and check for electrical issues like sensor failures.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report to check for recalls and accident damage.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on transmission, electrical, and air bag systems.
- Test drive the vehicle under various conditions, including highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic, to detect shifting issues.
- Check that all recalls have been addressed by verifying with a dealership using the VIN.
- For the F-150, specifically ask about lead frame and output speed sensor repairs; for the RENO, inquire about headlight and air bag fixes.
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 RENO or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Suzuki RENO vs FORD F 150
- Suzuki RENO total complaints
- 173
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Suzuki RENO total recalls
- 10
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Suzuki RENO avg complaints/year
- 43.3
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Suzuki RENO
- Suzuki RENO top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN