Head-to-head reliability
Suzuki Vitara vs FORD F 150
How the Suzuki 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 Vitara vs FORD F 150: The Vitara has 73 complaints over 5 years (14.6/year) and 3 recalls, while the F-150 has 11,621 complaints over 10 years (1,162/year) and 151 recalls. The F-150 also reports 297 injuries vs 6 for the Vitara. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Suzuki Vitara or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Suzuki Vitara
The Suzuki Vitara is a compact SUV with a relatively low complaint volume: 73 complaints over five years, averaging about 15 per year. Owners most often report engine and cooling problems, suspension issues, and brake troubles. While the overall count is small, the pattern suggests that when problems occur, they can be serious, such as timing chain failures that cause the engine to stop suddenly. Recalls for fuel and lighting issues add to the ownership burden.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a massive complaint volume: 11,621 complaints over ten years, averaging over 1,100 per year. The most common trouble spots are the power train, electrical system, and unknown or other issues. Many complaints describe transmission problems that can cause limp mode or getting stuck in gear, as well as electrical glitches like lead frame failures. With 151 recalls and 297 injuries reported, this truck demands careful attention to safety-related defects.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Suzuki Vitara | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 73 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 3 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 9 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 14.6 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 6 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 Vitara
- 01ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING19
- 02SUSPENSION12
- 03SERVICE BRAKES9
- 04HYDRAULIC9
- 05POWER TRAIN9
Owners report sudden engine shutdowns and horrible noises, often traced to a popped timing chain belt. This can leave you stranded and facing major engine repairs, so a pre-purchase inspection should check for timing chain service history.
Complaints include the vehicle swerving suddenly at highway speeds and gas pedal sticking. These issues affect control and can be dangerous, so test drive on a highway and check for any steering or suspension repairs.
Owners report brakes needing replacement multiple times in a few years, with squeaking and grinding noises. This suggests premature wear or persistent problems, so have a mechanic inspect the brake system thoroughly.
Some complaints mention brake hydraulic issues and misdiagnoses for transmission problems. These can lead to costly repairs and safety concerns, so check for leaks and proper brake function.
“I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON 3/18/08 AND AS I LEFT THE GAS STATION I HEARD THIS POP AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR CUT OFF. LATER AFTER HAVING IT TOWED TO A MECHANIC, I WAS TOLD THAT THE TIMING CHAIN BELT POPPED. I WAS ALSO NOTIFIED THAT THIS WAS A REGULAR OCCURRENC…”
“DRIVING AND SUDDENLY ENGINE MAKES A HORRIBLE NOISE AND STOPPED. ALL THE DASHBOARD LIGHT CAMEON, I DID NOT START THE VEHICLE. HAD IT TOWED TO A MECHANIC. ONCE THE MECHANIC GOT IT STARTED HE TOLD ME THAT HE THOUGHT I HAD MAJOR ENGINE PROBLEMS. DECIDED TO HAVE V…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners describe recurring transmission problems, including limp mode, getting stuck in 5th gear, and lead frame failures. These can cause sudden loss of power and near collisions, so a transmission scan and test drive are essential.
Complaints include lead frame issues and output speed sensor failures that trigger limp mode. Electrical gremlins can be hard to diagnose and fix, so check for any stored codes and recall completion.
One owner reported the rear window exploding outward after using the defroster, likely due to a short. This is a rare but serious safety concern, so inspect the rear defroster and window for cracks or prior repairs.
While not detailed in the sample complaints, exterior lighting is a top component with 1,224 complaints. Faulty lights can reduce visibility and increase crash risk, so test all lights and check for recalls.
“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 Vitara — 3 recalls
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, UNDER AMBIENT TEMPERATURES BELOW -25 DEGREES CELSIUS, MOISTURE CAN FREEZE IN THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR. AS A RESULT, FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE MAY INCREASE AT THE TIME OF ENGINE START UP, CAUSING FUEL LOSS AT THE FUEL PIPE/FUEL HOSE CONNECTION.
The risk: FUEL LOSS IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR, THE FUEL DELIVER HOSE AND REPLACE THE HOSE CLAMP WITH AN IMPROVED CLAMP. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 29, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SUZUKI AT 1-800-934-0934.
The defect: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES…
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
The defect: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES…
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
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 Vitara or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Suzuki Vitara has far fewer issues per year (about 15) compared to the Ford F-150 (over 1,100). In practice, this means the Vitara is likely to spend less time in the shop, but when problems occur they can still be serious. The F-150's high complaint rate suggests a higher chance of encountering transmission or electrical faults that could be costly and dangerous.
Key differences
- The Ford F-150 has over 11,000 complaints in 10 years, while the Suzuki Vitara has only 73 in 5 years, showing a huge difference in reported problem frequency.
- Ford F-150 owners frequently report transmission limp mode and lead frame failures, which can cause sudden power loss; Suzuki Vitara owners more often report engine shutdowns from timing chain failures.
- The F-150 has 151 recalls and 297 injuries reported, compared to 3 recalls and 6 injuries for the Vitara, indicating more safety-related campaigns for the truck.
- Suzuki Vitara complaints include brake and suspension issues that affect control, while F-150 complaints include electrical and rear window explosions, both serious but different in nature.
- Listen for any rattling or ticking from the engine that could indicate a failing timing chain, and ask for service records showing it was replaced if applicable.
- During a test drive, check for sudden swerving or pulling at highway speeds, which could point to suspension or tire problems reported by owners.
- Scan the transmission for stored codes and test drive at highway speeds to see if it goes into limp mode or hesitates to shift, as owners report frequent transmission faults.
- Inspect the rear window and defroster for any cracks or signs of repair, and test the defroster to ensure it doesn't cause the window to shatter.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for any open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the engine, transmission, brakes, and suspension.
- For the Ford F-150, specifically ask the mechanic to check the transmission for lead frame and output speed sensor issues, and scan for any stored trouble codes.
- For the Suzuki Vitara, ask the mechanic to inspect the timing chain, brake system, and suspension components for wear or damage.
- Test drive both vehicles under various conditions, including highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic, to feel for any unusual noises, vibrations, or shifting problems.
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 Vitara or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Suzuki Vitara vs FORD F 150
- Suzuki Vitara total complaints
- 73
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Suzuki Vitara total recalls
- 3
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Suzuki Vitara avg complaints/year
- 14.6
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Suzuki Vitara
- Suzuki Vitara top complaint area
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN