Head-to-head reliability
Toyota MR2 vs FORD F 150
How the Toyota MR2 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
Toyota MR2 vs FORD F 150: The MR2 has 74 complaints over 8 years (9.3/year) and 0 recalls, while the F-150 has 11,621 complaints over 10 years (1,162/year) and 151 recalls. The MR2's main issues are SMT transmission and engine bearing failures; the F-150's include lead frame transmission defects and rear window shattering. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Toyota MR2 or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Toyota MR2
The Toyota MR2 is a two-seat sports car with a mid-engine layout, and its complaint pattern centers on the automated manual transmission and engine issues. Over 8 years, owners filed 74 complaints, averaging about 9 per year, with no recalls on record. The most common problems involve the SMT transmission failing to shift or slipping out of gear, and engine noises that can lead to bearing damage. While crash-related complaints are low at 9, the transmission and engine repairs can be expensive and recurring.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup that sells in huge numbers, and its complaint volume reflects that popularity. Over 10 years, owners filed 11,621 complaints, averaging over 1,100 per year, along with 151 recalls. The most frequent issues involve the transmission and electrical system, including a 'lead frame' defect that can cause sudden downshifts or limp mode, and rear window defroster shorts that have led to shattered glass. Crash-related complaints total 330, with 297 injuries and 1 death reported.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Toyota MR2 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 74 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 9 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 9.3 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 4 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.
Toyota MR2
- 01POWER TRAIN22
- 02ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING9
- 03VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL9
- 04SERVICE BRAKES8
- 05ENGINE6
Owners report the SMT (clutchless manual) transmission failing to shift properly, slipping out of gear into neutral, or requiring expensive repairs like replacing two assemblies for $3,500. This matters because the car can become undrivable or need costly fixes.
Complaints include ticking noises that lead to spun bearings due to oil starvation, even with regular oil changes, and clutch replacements that reveal transmission damage. These issues can result in major engine work and high repair bills.
Some owners report sudden acceleration without pressing the pedal, leading to loss of control and crashes, as well as the SMT slipping out of gear into neutral mid-drive. This is a serious safety concern that requires immediate attention.
Complaints mention undersized brake calipers, rotors that warp and overheat, and violent shaking when braking. These problems can reduce stopping performance and lead to repeated brake jobs.
“TOYOTA MR2 SPYDER SMT TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. (5 SPEED - CLUTCHLESS SHIFTING SYSTEM) SMT TRANSMISSION WENT OUT ON MY MR2 SPYDER CAR. GOT IT FIXED (OR SO I THOUGHT)AT THE DEALERSHIP AFTER EXCESSIVE EXPENSE ($3,500) REPLACING TWO ASSEMBLIES WITHIN THE SYSTEM. AF…”
“Within the first two weeks after purchasing the vehicle, I noticed a transmission issue where the vehicle would not properly shift gears. I sometimes would try to up or downshift but there would be no change in the display on the gear indicator. Later there b…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners describe a 'lead frame' issue that causes the transmission to go into limp mode, get stuck in 5th gear, or fail to shift, sometimes nearly causing collisions. This defect has been the subject of recalls but continues to appear in complaints.
The same lead frame problem can trigger electrical faults, and owners also report rear window defroster shorts that cause the back window to shatter outward. These electrical gremlins can lead to unexpected failures and safety risks.
Complaints include the rear window exploding after using the defroster, which owners attribute to a short circuit. This is a startling and potentially dangerous event that can happen without warning.
While not detailed in the sample complaints, exterior lighting is a top component with 1,224 complaints, suggesting frequent issues with lights that could affect visibility and safety.
“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.
Toyota MR2
No recalls on record.
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
Toyota MR2 or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Toyota MR2 has far fewer complaints per year (about 9) compared to the Ford F-150 (over 1,100), but the MR2's issues often involve expensive transmission and engine repairs. The F-150's higher volume means more widespread problems, including serious safety defects like sudden limp mode and shattered windows. In practice, the MR2 may be cheaper to maintain annually if you avoid major failures, while the F-150 has more frequent but sometimes recall-covered issues.
Key differences
- The MR2 averages about 9 complaints per year with no recalls, while the F-150 averages over 1,100 complaints per year and has 151 recalls.
- MR2 owners report SMT transmission failures and engine bearing issues; F-150 owners report lead frame transmission defects and rear window shattering.
- The F-150 has 330 crash-related complaints and 297 injuries, compared to 9 crash-related and 4 injuries for the MR2.
- The MR2's problems tend to be mechanical and expensive to fix, while the F-150's issues are more varied and sometimes covered by recalls.
- Test the SMT transmission thoroughly: check for delayed or missed shifts, slipping into neutral, and any warning lights. A replacement can cost thousands.
- Listen for engine ticking noises, especially when cold, which could indicate bearing wear from oil starvation. Check oil change records and consider a compression test.
- Scan for transmission codes like P0722 and ask if the lead frame has been replaced or if recall 26S28 software was applied. Test drive for limp mode or harsh shifting.
- Inspect the rear window defroster for signs of shorts or previous shattering. Turn on the defroster briefly and look for any unusual heating or damage.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls are completed, especially for the F-150.
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission and engine specific to the model: SMT for MR2, lead frame and 6-speed auto for F-150.
- Test drive extensively, including highway speeds and gear changes, to reproduce any shifting or acceleration issues.
- Check for electrical gremlins in the F-150, such as window defroster operation and any warning lights.
- For the MR2, verify clutch and transmission service records and budget for potential repairs.
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 Toyota MR2 or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Toyota MR2 vs FORD F 150
- Toyota MR2 total complaints
- 74
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Toyota MR2 total recalls
- 0
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Toyota MR2 avg complaints/year
- 9.3
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Toyota MR2
- Toyota MR2 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN