Head-to-head reliability
Volkswagen Cabrio vs FORD F 150
How the Volkswagen Cabrio 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
Volkswagen Cabrio vs FORD F 150: The Cabrio averages 29 complaints per year with 11 crash-related reports, while the F-150 averages 1,131 complaints per year with 328 crash-related reports. The F-150 has 145 recalls versus 2 for the Cabrio. Both have electrical and power train issues, but the F-150's are more frequent. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volkswagen Cabrio or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volkswagen Cabrio
The Volkswagen Cabrio is a small convertible that averages about 29 complaints per year over three years, with 11 crash-related reports and 11 injuries. Owners frequently describe electrical gremlins like speedometers freezing, warning lights coming on, and air conditioning that won't start. Engine and power train complaints include check engine lights appearing within miles of purchase and rusted exhaust systems. Window regulators failing and leaving windows stuck open also show up in visibility complaints.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup that averages over 1,100 complaints per year across ten years, with 328 crash-related reports, 287 injuries, and one death. The most common complaint area is the power train, where owners report hard or delayed shifts, loss of power, and jerking from the 10-speed automatic transmission. Electrical issues include warning messages for front camera and pre-collision assist failures. Recalls cover headlights, battery cables, engines, and seat recliners.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volkswagen Cabrio | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 87 Better | 11,311 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 2 Better | 145 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 11 Better | 328 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 29.0 Better | 1131.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 11 Better | 287 |
| 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.
Volkswagen Cabrio
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM20
- 02ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING12
- 03POWER TRAIN12
- 04VISIBILITY11
- 05AIR BAGS10
Owners report speedometers freezing, warning lights (check engine, ABS, check trunk) coming on, and air conditioning sometimes not starting. These issues can be intermittent and frustrating, potentially leading to expensive diagnostic work.
Complaints include check engine lights appearing shortly after purchase and completely rusted exhaust systems from the manifold back. Rust and vibration in exhaust components can cause noise and potential safety concerns.
One owner described electrical shorts sparking under the hood, causing smoke and possible fire, and a computer overheating that led to transmission and gauge failure. Such failures can leave the car undrivable and pose fire risks.
Window regulators fail, causing windows to remain open and creating security and safety issues. This is a common repair that can be costly and inconvenient.
“I HAVE HAD VARIOUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR THE SPEEDOMETER FREEZING OR THE SINCE IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY. SOMETIMES MY AIR CONDITIONER WON'T START. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, ABS OR THE CHECK TRUNK COMES ON HAS BEEN DOING THIS SINCE THE CAR WAS UNDER WARRANT…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN CABRIO. ON AUGUST 29, 2017, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (DAVID MAUS VOLKSWAGEN, 1050 LEE RD, ORLANDO, FL 32810) FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. THE CONTACT RETURNED ON SEPTEMBER 13, 2017 TO RETRIEVE THE VEHICLE AND NOTI…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,553
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,071
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,401
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,164
- 05ENGINE847
Owners report hard and delayed shifts, especially between 7th and 8th gears, and instances where the vehicle loses all power and shuts off while driving. These transmission problems can be dangerous in traffic and lead to costly repairs.
Complaints include loud bangs from the transmission during downshifts and persistent dashboard warnings like 'Front Camera Malfunction' and 'Pre Collision Assist Not Available.' These electrical glitches can affect driver assistance features and overall reliability.
Headlight issues are common enough to be a top complaint area and are also the subject of a recall. Faulty headlights can reduce visibility and increase crash risk.
Engine problems appear in complaints and recalls, though specific symptoms are not detailed in the sample. Engine issues can be severe and expensive, affecting the truck's core function.
“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.
Volkswagen Cabrio — 2 recalls
The defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." CHILD SEAT ANCHORAGES INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE'S REAR SEATS MUST BE IDENTIFIED BY MARKINGS, AND THEIR LOCATION AND USE BE DESCRIBED IN THE OWNER'S MANUA…
The risk: THESE VEHICLES WERE NOT MARKED OR DESCRIBED AS REQUIRED BY THE STANDARD.
The fix: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A SUPPLEMENT FOR THE OWNER'S MANUAL AND ALSO ONE SET OF FOUR GUIDANCE FIXTURES INTENDED TO USE IN CONJUNCTION WITH CHILD SEATS EQUIPPED WITH RIGID OR SEMI-RIGID LOWER ANCHORAGE ATTACHMENTS. ALSO ENCLOSED WILL B…
The defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." CHILD SEAT ANCHORAGES INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE'S REAR SEATS MUST BE IDENTIFIED BY MARKINGS, AND THEIR LOCATION AND USE BE DESCRIBED IN THE OWNER'S MANUA…
The risk: THESE VEHICLES WERE NOT MARKED OR DESCRIBED AS REQUIRED BY THE STANDARD.
The fix: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A SUPPLEMENT FOR THE OWNER'S MANUAL AND ALSO ONE SET OF FOUR GUIDANCE FIXTURES INTENDED TO USE IN CONJUNCTION WITH CHILD SEATS EQUIPPED WITH RIGID OR SEMI-RIGID LOWER ANCHORAGE ATTACHMENTS. ALSO ENCLOSED WILL B…
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
Volkswagen Cabrio or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Volkswagen Cabrio has far fewer issues per year (29 vs. 1,131 for the Ford F-150), but both have notable problems. The F-150's higher volume means more reported failures, especially in the power train, which can be dangerous. In practice, the Cabrio may be simpler but still prone to electrical and window issues, while the F-150 demands attention to transmission and electrical systems.
Key differences
- The Ford F-150 has over 1,100 complaints per year on average, while the Volkswagen Cabrio has about 29 per year.
- Power train complaints dominate the F-150, with reports of hard shifts and loss of power; the Cabrio's power train issues include electrical shorts causing transmission failure.
- The Cabrio's most common complaint is electrical system (20 reports), often speedometer and warning light issues; the F-150's electrical complaints include camera and pre-collision warnings.
- The F-150 has 145 recalls over 10 years, including headlights and battery cables; the Cabrio has 2 recalls, both for owner's manual equipment.
- Check all electrical functions: speedometer, warning lights, air conditioning, and ensure no intermittent failures.
- Inspect window regulators and test both windows; listen for unusual noises or slow operation.
- Test drive the transmission thoroughly, especially shifts between 4-5, 5-6, and 7-8 gears; look for jerking or delayed engagement.
- Check for dashboard warning messages related to front camera and pre-collision assist; ensure they are not persistently on.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- Have a mechanic inspect the specific trouble areas: electrical system and windows on the Cabrio; transmission and electrical on the F-150.
- During a test drive, pay attention to transmission behavior and any warning lights or messages.
- Verify that all recalls have been addressed, especially for the F-150 (headlights, battery cables, engine).
- For the Cabrio, check for rust in the exhaust system and undercarriage.
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 Volkswagen Cabrio or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volkswagen Cabrio vs FORD F 150
- Volkswagen Cabrio total complaints
- 87
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,311
- Volkswagen Cabrio total recalls
- 2
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 145
- Volkswagen Cabrio avg complaints/year
- 29.0
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1131.1
- More reliable overall
- Volkswagen Cabrio
- Volkswagen Cabrio top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN