Head-to-head reliability
Suzuki Verona vs FORD F 150
How the Suzuki Verona 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 Verona vs FORD F 150: The Verona averaged 43.2 complaints per year over 5 years, with 9 recalls, while the F-150 averaged 1,131.1 per year over 10 years, with 145 recalls. Both have reported stalling and transmission issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Suzuki Verona or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Suzuki Verona
The Suzuki Verona is a sedan that, based on owner complaints, can be a headache to live with. Over five years, it averaged 43.2 complaints per year, with the engine and cooling system being the most common trouble spot. Owners frequently report stalling in traffic and transmission problems, which can be both dangerous and expensive. With 9 recalls and 10 crash-related complaints, it's a vehicle that demands careful inspection.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint volume—averaging 1,131.1 per year over ten years—but it's also far more common on the road. Power train issues, especially transmission problems, dominate owner reports, along with electrical glitches. There are 145 recalls and 328 crash-related complaints, so while many trucks serve reliably, specific model years have known trouble spots.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Suzuki Verona | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 216 Better | 11,311 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 9 Better | 145 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 10 Better | 328 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 43.2 Better | 1131.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 9 Better | 287 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 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 Verona
- 01ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING80
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM37
- 03POWER TRAIN31
- 04FUEL SYSTEM25
- 05VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL22
Owners report the engine stalling without warning while driving, sometimes refusing to restart. This can leave you stranded in traffic and may require costly repairs to the throttle body or other components.
Complaints include stalling linked to electrical faults and issues with the daytime running light module, which was subject to a recall. Electrical gremlins can be hard to diagnose and may affect safety systems.
Transmission problems are common, with reports of loud clunks during acceleration and even complete transmission failure requiring replacement. Some owners had multiple replacements, indicating a persistent design flaw.
The fuel system is implicated in stalling incidents, often during deceleration. Throttle body failures are repeatedly mentioned, which can cause the engine to shut off unexpectedly.
“I PURCHASED THE 2004 SUZUKI VERONA LAST YEAR FROM A THIRD PARTY. THE ENGINE STALLS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET. IT COMPLETELY STOPS. LAST YEAR IT STOPPED COMPLETELY AND WOULD NOT TURN ON. LUCKILY NO CARS WERE BEHIND ME. I HAD TO CALL THE TOW TRUCK AND FIX IT.…”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUZUKI VERONA. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS FIRST PURCHASED, IT PULLED TO THE RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BECAUSE BOTH THE CHECK ENGINE AND TIRE PRESSURE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR, BUT T…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,553
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,071
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,401
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,164
- 05ENGINE847
Transmission issues are the top complaint, especially with the 10-speed automatic. Owners describe hard shifts, jerking, clunking, and even sudden loss of power, which can be dangerous on busy roads.
Electrical problems range from battery cable issues to warning messages like 'Front Camera Malfunction' and 'Pre Collision Assist Not Available.' These can disable safety features and be frustrating to fix.
Headlight problems are frequently reported, and there are recalls for exterior lighting. Faulty lights reduce visibility and can lead to accidents or tickets.
Engine complaints include various issues, though not as dominant as transmission problems. Recalls exist for engine-related defects, so checking for open recalls is crucial.
“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 Verona — 9 recalls
The defect: Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 Verona vehicles manufactured June 2003 to October 2005. In the affected vehicles, there may be heat generated within the DRL module located in the instrument panel, which could melt the DRL module.
The risk: If the DRL module melts due to the heat generation, it could cause a vehicle fire.
The fix: Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the DRL module in the instrument panel, free of charge. The recall began on November 5, 2014. Owners can contact Suzuki customer service at 1-800-934-0934. Suzuki's number for this recall…
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE POWER STEERING PUMP PULLEY MAY SEPARATE FROM THE POWER STEERING PUMP DUE TO INADEQUATE WALL THICKNESS OF THE PULLEY.
The risk: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE POWER STEERING PUMP DRIVE BELT TO DISCONNECT RESULTING IN HEAVY STEERING, AND CAN LEAD TO ENGINE OVERHEATING OR TO BATTERY DISCHARGE AND ENGINE STALL.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE POWER STEERING PUMP PULLEY AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE IT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 1, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUZUKI AT 1-800-934-0934.
The defect: Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 Verona vehicles manufactured June 2003 to October 2005. In the affected vehicles, there may be heat generated within the DRL module located in the instrument panel, which could melt the DRL module.
The risk: If the DRL module melts due to the heat generation, it could cause a vehicle fire.
The fix: Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the DRL module in the instrument panel, free of charge. The recall began on November 5, 2014. Owners can contact Suzuki customer service at 1-800-934-0934. Suzuki's number for this recall…
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE POWER STEERING PUMP PULLEY MAY SEPARATE FROM THE POWER STEERING PUMP DUE TO INADEQUATE WALL THICKNESS OF THE PULLEY.
The risk: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE POWER STEERING PUMP DRIVE BELT TO DISCONNECT RESULTING IN HEAVY STEERING, AND CAN LEAD TO ENGINE OVERHEATING OR TO BATTERY DISCHARGE AND ENGINE STALL.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE POWER STEERING PUMP PULLEY AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE IT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 1, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUZUKI AT 1-800-934-0934.
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 Verona or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Suzuki Verona has far fewer complaints per year (43.2) compared to the Ford F-150 (1,131.1), but the Verona's issues often involve stalling and transmission failures that can be severe. The F-150's higher volume reflects its popularity, but specific problems like transmission jerking are widespread. In practice, the Verona may be cheaper but riskier for daily driving, while the F-150 offers more capability but requires vigilance for known defects.
Key differences
- The Suzuki Verona averages 43.2 complaints per year, while the Ford F-150 averages 1,131.1, but the F-150 is far more numerous on the road.
- Verona owners frequently report engine stalling and transmission clunks, whereas F-150 owners report transmission jerking and electrical warnings.
- The Verona has 9 recalls over 5 years; the F-150 has 145 recalls over 10 years, indicating more potential safety fixes.
- Crash-related complaints: Verona has 10, F-150 has 328, but the F-150's higher number tracks with its much larger population.
- Check for any history of engine stalling or hesitation, especially during deceleration or at stoplights—test drive extensively in traffic.
- Inspect transmission behavior for clunks or delayed engagement, and ask for service records; multiple replacements are a bad sign.
- Test drive the truck at various speeds to feel for hard shifts or jerking, particularly between gears 4-5, 5-6, and 7-8 in the 10-speed automatic.
- Look for dashboard warning messages about camera or pre-collision assist malfunctions, and ensure all electrical components work.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the engine, transmission, and electrical systems.
- During the test drive, pay attention to any stalling, hesitation, or unusual noises from the transmission.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially any transmission or engine repairs.
- Verify that all safety recalls have been completed, and get documentation.
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 Verona or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Suzuki Verona vs FORD F 150
- Suzuki Verona total complaints
- 216
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,311
- Suzuki Verona total recalls
- 9
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 145
- Suzuki Verona avg complaints/year
- 43.2
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1131.1
- More reliable overall
- Suzuki Verona
- Suzuki Verona top complaint area
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN