Head-to-head reliability
Volvo EX90 vs FORD F 150
How the Volvo EX90 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 EX90 vs FORD F 150: The EX90 has 79 complaints over 2 years (about 40 per year), while the F-150 has 11,621 over 10 years (about 1,162 per year). The F-150 also has 330 crash-related complaints and 297 injuries, versus 2 and 1 for the EX90. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volvo EX90 or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volvo EX90
The Volvo EX90 is a new electric SUV with only two years of complaint data, averaging about 40 complaints per year. Owners report frequent electrical and software glitches, including air conditioning failures and sudden power loss. There are also reports of the vehicle moving while parked and unintended reversing. With 3 recalls and 2 crash-related complaints, it's a vehicle that may require patience with early-production issues.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a long-running full-size pickup with over 11,000 complaints across ten years, averaging over 1,100 per year. The most common issues involve the power train, electrical system, and exterior lighting. Many complaints describe transmission problems, limp mode, and a recurring 'lead frame' defect. With 151 recalls and 330 crash-related complaints, it has a well-documented history of safety defects.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volvo EX90 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 79 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 3 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 2 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 39.5 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 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 EX90
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM41
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER21
- 03FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM16
- 04POWER TRAIN11
- 05FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE9
Owners report complete vehicle failures, air conditioning stopping, and numerous warning messages. These issues can leave you stranded and are often tied to software glitches that may not have permanent fixes.
Complaints include the vehicle moving on its own while parked and locked, and air conditioning failures in high heat. These unpredictable behaviors pose safety risks, especially with children in the car.
Despite being electric, owners report sudden power loss and shutdowns while driving, sometimes at freeway speeds. This can be terrifying and dangerous, and repairs may not be permanent.
Reports include unintended reversing when Drive is selected, leading to crashes. There are also complete vehicle failures linked to power train issues, which can happen at low speeds or while parked.
“My 2026 Volvo EX90, with approximately 3,000 miles, experienced a complete vehicle failure while being used as our family vehicle in Phoenix, Arizona. While my nanny was driving my two young children, including my [XXX], the air conditioning stopped functioni…”
“Ongoing Software Issues From shortly after delivery through now, the vehicle experiences frequent and recurring warning messages and system failures, including but not limited to: Suspension system warnings Driver assistance and self-driving feature failures…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners frequently report transmission problems, including limp mode, stuck gears, and a recurring 'lead frame' defect that can cause sudden downshifts or loss of power. These issues have persisted for over a decade and can lead to near-collisions.
The same lead frame issue often manifests as electrical problems, and owners also report rear window defroster shorts that can cause the back window to shatter. These electrical faults can be unpredictable and costly.
Complaints include rear window explosions due to defroster shorts, which can happen without warning. This poses a risk of injury from flying glass and may require expensive repairs.
While not detailed in the sample complaints, exterior lighting is a top component with over 1,200 complaints. Owners likely report failures that affect visibility and safety, though specific patterns are not provided.
“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 EX90 — 3 recalls
The defect: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2025 EX90 vehicles. The bolts for the second-row free-standing seat may not be tightened properly.
The risk: An improperly tightened seat may not adequately restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten the bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R10292.
The defect: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2025 EX90 vehicles. Due to a software error in the low power controller (LPC), the headlight shutters may close over the high and low beams while driving.
The risk: A loss of headlight function while driving can reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: The LPC software will be updated manually, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 12, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo's customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R10298.
The defect: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2025 EX90 vehicles. A spindle nut may detach from the Power Operated Tailgate (POT) drive units, causing the tailgate to suddenly drop.
The risk: A tailgate that suddenly drops can hit a person, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised not to use the POT function until the repair is completed. Dealers will replace both POT drive units. Owner letters were mailed November 24, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo's customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's nu…
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 EX90 or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Volvo EX90 has far fewer complaints per year (about 40) compared to the Ford F-150 (over 1,100), but the EX90 is much newer and may have undiscovered long-term issues. The F-150's higher volume reflects a larger fleet and longer history, but its recurring power train and electrical defects are well-documented and serious. In practice, the EX90 may have fewer reported problems, but the F-150's issues are more widespread and have led to more crashes and injuries.
Key differences
- The Volvo EX90 has 79 complaints over 2 years, while the Ford F-150 has 11,621 over 10 years, but the F-150's annual rate is much higher.
- The EX90's top issues are electrical and software-related, including sudden power loss and unintended movement, whereas the F-150's top issue is power train, with recurring lead frame and transmission failures.
- The F-150 has 330 crash-related complaints and 297 injuries, compared to the EX90's 2 crash-related and 1 injury, indicating a much higher safety risk in the F-150.
- The EX90 has 3 recalls, while the F-150 has 151 recalls, showing a long history of safety defects in the F-150.
- Check for any history of electrical system failures, especially air conditioning and warning messages, as these are commonly reported.
- Test the vehicle's parking behavior on a slight incline to ensure it does not move on its own, a reported issue.
- Inspect the transmission for signs of limp mode or stuck gears, and ask about any lead frame repairs or replacements.
- Check the rear window defroster for proper function and look for any cracks or signs of shattering, as this is a reported defect.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- For the Volvo EX90, test all electrical systems, including air conditioning, infotainment, and driver assistance features.
- For the Ford F-150, test drive at highway speeds to check for transmission shudder or limp mode, and inspect the rear window for cracks.
- Ask the seller for any repair records, especially for software updates or transmission work.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the known problem areas for each vehicle.
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 EX90 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7 | 35 |
| 2025 | 72 | 345 |
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 EX90 or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volvo EX90 vs FORD F 150
- Volvo EX90 total complaints
- 79
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Volvo EX90 total recalls
- 3
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Volvo EX90 avg complaints/year
- 39.5
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Volvo EX90
- Volvo EX90 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN