Head-to-head reliability
Volvo C40 vs FORD F 150
How the Volvo C40 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
Volvo C40 vs FORD F 150: The C40 averages 13.3 complaints per year with 4 recalls, while the F-150 averages 1,162.1 complaints per year with 151 recalls. The C40's issues often involve electrical and safety systems, whereas the F-150's are dominated by powertrain problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volvo C40 or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volvo C40
The Volvo C40 is an electric SUV with a relatively short track record of three years in this data. Owners report a range of electronic and software-related problems, including keyless entry failures, rear camera issues, and unexpected braking or acceleration. While the complaint volume is low compared to the Ford F-150, the nature of the issues—many tied to safety systems—means a used C40 should be inspected carefully, especially for software updates and warranty coverage.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a massive 10-year complaint history, averaging over 1,100 complaints per year. The most common problems involve the powertrain, particularly transmission and lead frame issues that can cause limp mode or sudden gear changes. Electrical problems, including sensor failures and rear window defects, are also frequently reported. With 151 recalls and 297 injuries reported, the F-150 demands thorough pre-purchase checks and awareness of open recalls.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volvo C40 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 40 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 4 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 3 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 13.3 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 3 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.
Volvo C40
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM9
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER8
- 03BACK OVER PREVENTION8
- 04VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL7
- 05POWER TRAIN5
Owners report recurring electronic defects, including keyless entry failures and drivability issues. One complaint describes black smoke and a burning passenger seat, indicating potential fire risk. These problems can leave you stranded or pose safety hazards.
The rear camera often fails to display an image when reversing, sometimes for over a minute. Owners also report the automatic rear brake engaging unexpectedly when nothing is behind the car, which can startle the driver and increase collision risk.
Complaints include one-pedal drive malfunctions, such as failing at speed or lurching forward after stopping. This unpredictability in acceleration and braking can be dangerous, especially in traffic or parking situations.
Some owners report serious safety issues like the rear auto brake engaging for no reason and a fire that filled the car with black soot. These incidents, while not widespread, highlight the need to check for recalls and software updates.
“Multiple recurring electronic, keyless entry, and drivability defects on my 2022 Volvo C40 Recharge, VIN [XXX]. The vehicle was purchased used through Vroom and financed by UACC. Serious problems existed prior to the factory warranty expiration in April 2026.…”
“I am writing to bring to your attention a potentially catastrophic accident involving our leased C40 vehicle that happened on [XXX], 3:30pm. (ID [XXX] ) On the above mentioned date, my husband, [XXX] , was parking the C40 in a school parking lot to pick up ou…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
The most common complaint area, with issues like the lead frame failure causing sudden limp mode or getting stuck in 5th gear. Owners describe near collisions and daily transmission malfunctions, making reliability a major concern.
Electrical problems include output speed sensor failures that trigger limp mode and rear window defroster shorts that can cause the back window to shatter. These defects can lead to costly repairs and safety risks.
Owners report a variety of issues, such as the rear window exploding outward due to a defroster short. While not as frequent as powertrain complaints, these problems add to the overall ownership burden.
With 1,224 complaints, exterior lighting issues are common. While not detailed in the sample, frequent lighting failures can affect visibility and safety, requiring regular checks and potential repairs.
“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.
Volvo C40 — 4 recalls
The defect: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Volvo C40 vehicles. The clamps may be improperly crimped on the driver's side inner far side air bag module (FSAB), which can cause the air bag to deploy improperly.
The risk: An air bag that deploys improperly may not protect the driver as intended during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the driver's side inner FSAB, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 24, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10296.
The defect: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2023 S60, V60, V60CC, V90CC, XC60, XC90, XC40, and C40 vehicles. A diagnostic error in the Brake Control Module 2 (BCM2) may cause a loss of Antilock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and traction control.
The risk: A reduction in brake support functions can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Volvo will release an over-the-air (OTA) BCM2 software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 15, 2023. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for thi…
The defect: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2023 S60, V60CC, XC60, XC90, XC40, and C40 vehicles. A diagnostic trouble code (DTC) may be falsely detected for the emergency call system (e-call) and display "e-Call Service Required" in the driver information module (DIM).
The risk: The false warning message could prevent the detection of an actual e-call system failure, which could delay an emergency response during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will update the telematics and connectivity antenna module (TCAM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 16, 2023. Owners may contact Volvo Car's customer service 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Ca…
The defect: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Volvo C40 vehicles. The clamps may be improperly crimped on the driver's side inner far side air bag module (FSAB), which can cause the air bag to deploy improperly.
The risk: An air bag that deploys improperly may not protect the driver as intended during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the driver's side inner FSAB, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 24, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10296.
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
Volvo C40 or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Volvo C40 has far fewer complaints per year (13.3) compared to the Ford F-150 (1,162.1), but the C40's issues often involve critical safety systems like brakes and cameras. The F-150's higher volume means more widespread problems, particularly with the powertrain, which can be expensive to fix. In practice, the C40 may have fewer overall problems, but each could be serious, while the F-150's issues are more frequent and varied.
Key differences
- The Volvo C40 averages 13.3 complaints per year, while the Ford F-150 averages 1,162.1, showing a massive difference in reported problem frequency.
- The C40's top issues are electrical and back-over prevention, often involving software and sensors, whereas the F-150's top issue is powertrain, with lead frame and transmission failures causing limp mode.
- The F-150 has 151 recalls and 297 injuries reported, compared to the C40's 4 recalls and 3 injuries, indicating a much larger safety campaign history.
- Owners of the C40 report unexpected braking and acceleration, while F-150 owners report transmission stuck in gear and rear window shattering, highlighting different safety concerns.
- Check the rear camera operation and automatic braking system for intermittent failures or unexpected engagement, as owners report these issues frequently.
- Inspect for any signs of electrical burning or smoke, and verify that all software recalls and updates have been performed, especially for the infotainment and driver assistance systems.
- Test drive the truck extensively to check for transmission shuddering, delayed engagement, or limp mode, which are common with lead frame and speed sensor failures.
- Inspect the rear window defroster for proper function and look for any cracks or signs of overheating, as shorts can cause the window to shatter.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- For the Volvo C40, ensure all software updates have been applied and test all electronic features, including keyless entry, cameras, and one-pedal drive.
- For the Ford F-150, have a mechanic inspect the transmission and lead frame, and check for any stored trouble codes related to speed sensors.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any unusual noises, warning lights, or unexpected braking/acceleration.
- Consider an extended warranty or service contract, especially for the F-150, given the potential for costly powertrain repairs.
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 | Volvo C40 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 638 |
| 2023 | 24 | 1527 |
| 2022 | 14 | 3493 |
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 Volvo C40 or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volvo C40 vs FORD F 150
- Volvo C40 total complaints
- 40
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Volvo C40 total recalls
- 4
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Volvo C40 avg complaints/year
- 13.3
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Volvo C40
- Volvo C40 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN