Head-to-head reliability
Tesla Model Y vs FORD F 150
How the Tesla Model Y 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
Tesla Model Y vs FORD F 150: The Model Y averages 1,010 complaints per year with 787 crash-related reports, while the F-150 averages 1,162 complaints per year with 330 crash-related reports. The F-150 has more recalls (151 vs. 100) but fewer injuries (297 vs. 629). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Tesla Model Y or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y is an electric SUV that has been on the road for about seven years, with an average of 1,010 owner complaints per year. The most common complaints involve forward collision avoidance, service brakes, and vehicle speed control, often describing sudden disengagement of safety systems or unexpected acceleration. With 100 recalls and 787 crash-related reports, living with this vehicle means staying alert to software updates and potential electronic glitches.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup that has been sold for about ten years, averaging 1,162 complaints per year. The dominant issues are power train and electrical system problems, with many owners reporting transmission limp mode, lead frame failures, and rear window defroster shorts. Although it has more recalls (151) and complaints overall, the F-150 has far fewer crash-related reports (330) and only one death recorded in the data.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Tesla Model Y | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 7,070 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 100 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 787 | 330 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1010.0 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 629 | 297 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 220 | 1 Better |
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.
Tesla Model Y
- 01FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE3,524
- 02SERVICE BRAKES1,063
- 03VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1,034
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER967
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM961
Owners report that critical safety systems randomly disengage without warning while driving, creating an immediate crash hazard. This matters because it can leave a driver without automatic braking or collision alerts when they are most needed.
Complaints describe multiple critical system failures during accidents, including brake issues in rainy conditions. For a buyer, this means the braking system may not perform as expected in an emergency, potentially leading to injuries.
Owners report uncommanded high-speed reverse acceleration, such as a Model Y suddenly accelerating into a bollard, and Full Self Driving software that does not allow the driver to set a maximum speed. This is a serious concern because the car may drive faster than intended or move unexpectedly.
Complaints include issues with the gear selection lever and other electronic components, leading to confusion or inability to maneuver the vehicle properly. This matters because electrical glitches can affect basic driving functions.
“SUMMARY OF SAFETY DEFECT: Multiple critical safety systems randomly disengage without warning while the vehicle is in operation, creating an immediate crash hazard. DETAILED DESCRIPTION: For approximately one month, my vehicle has experienced intermittent, un…”
“I am filing a safety complaint regarding Tesla's removal of driver-controlled maximum speed in FSD (Supervised), a change that has alarmed a significant number of Tesla owners and safety-conscious drivers. Previous software allowed drivers to set a precise ma…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners frequently report transmission problems, such as the truck going into limp mode and getting stuck in 5th gear, or lead frame issues that can cause near collisions. This is critical because it can leave a driver without full power or gear control on the road.
Complaints include lead frame failures and output speed sensor failures that trigger limp mode, as well as rear window defroster shorts that can cause the back window to shatter. These electrical faults can disable the vehicle or create sudden safety hazards.
Owners report a short in the rear window defroster that caused the back window to explode outward, with no external impact. This is alarming because it can happen unexpectedly and potentially injure passengers.
While specific complaint text is not provided, this component is among the top five, suggesting owners have reported lighting failures. For a buyer, lighting issues can affect visibility and safety, especially at night.
“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.
Tesla Model Y — 100 recalls
The defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024 Cybertruck, 2017-2025 Model 3, and 2020-2025 Model Y vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light may not remain illuminated between drive cycles, failing to warn the driver of low tire pressure. As such, these vehicles fail to com…
The risk: Driving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-018.
The defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Model 3, Model S, 2023-2025 Model X, and Model Y vehicles. The computer circuit board may short, resulting in the loss of the rearview camera image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standa…
The risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Tesla will also identify any vehicles that experienced a circuit board failure, or stress that may lead to a circuit board failure, and replace the affected computers, f…
The defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Model Y vehicles. The certification label may not have been installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 C.F.R. Part 567, "Certification."
The risk: Missing weight information provided by the label may lead to unintentionally overloading the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla Service will inspect and install a certification label as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 17, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is…
The defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2026 Model Y vehicles. The hose connector may block the windshield washer nozzles, preventing washer fluid from reaching the windshield. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 104,…
The risk: The inability to clean the windshield reduces the driver’s visibility and increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla service will inspect and replace the wiper arm elbow connector as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 25, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this r…
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
Tesla Model Y or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Tesla Model Y has fewer complaints per year (1,010) than the Ford F-150 (1,162), but the Model Y has far more crash-related reports (787 vs. 330) and injuries (629 vs. 297). In practice, the F-150 may have more frequent minor issues, while the Model Y's complaints are more often tied to crashes, which is a serious distinction for safety-conscious buyers.
Key differences
- The Tesla Model Y has 787 crash-related complaints and 629 injuries, while the Ford F-150 has 330 crash-related complaints and 297 injuries, despite the F-150 having more total complaints.
- Tesla Model Y owners frequently report sudden disengagement of forward collision avoidance and unexpected acceleration, whereas Ford F-150 owners report transmission limp mode and lead frame failures.
- The Ford F-150 has 151 recalls compared to 100 for the Tesla Model Y, but the Model Y's recalls include tire pressure monitoring and back-over prevention software.
- The Tesla Model Y averages 1,010 complaints per year over 7 years, while the Ford F-150 averages 1,162 complaints per year over 10 years, indicating a slightly higher annual complaint rate for the F-150.
- Check for any history of forward collision avoidance or service brake system disengagement by asking for software update records and test-driving to ensure alerts and braking function consistently.
- Inspect the gear selection lever and electrical system for proper operation, as owners report issues with maneuvering and unexpected acceleration.
- Test the transmission thoroughly for signs of limp mode, hesitation, or getting stuck in gear, especially during highway driving, as lead frame and output speed sensor failures are common.
- Check the rear window defroster for any signs of shorting or previous shattering, and verify that the back window is intact and functions without electrical issues.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed, especially for the Tesla Model Y's forward collision avoidance software and the Ford F-150's transmission software updates.
- During a test drive, specifically test the brakes, acceleration, and transmission shifting in various conditions, including rain if possible, to detect any hesitation or unexpected behavior.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records related to electrical system repairs, transmission service, and software updates, as these are common problem areas.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the specific model, focusing on the Tesla's electronic safety systems and the Ford's transmission and electrical components.
- Check for any outstanding recalls by using the NHTSA VIN lookup tool, and ensure all safety recalls are addressed before purchase.
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 | Tesla Model Y | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 35 |
| 2025 | 101 | 345 |
| 2024 | 356 | 638 |
| 2023 | 1363 | 1527 |
| 2022 | 1730 | 3493 |
| 2021 | 3240 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 280 | 44 |
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 Tesla Model Y or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Tesla Model Y vs FORD F 150
- Tesla Model Y total complaints
- 7,070
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Tesla Model Y total recalls
- 100
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Tesla Model Y avg complaints/year
- 1010.0
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Tesla Model Y
- Tesla Model Y top complaint area
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN