Head-to-head reliability
Volvo S80 vs FORD F 150
How the Volvo S80 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 S80 vs FORD F 150: The S80 averages 12.8 complaints per year and has 37 recalls, while the F-150 averages 1,162.1 complaints per year with 151 recalls. The F-150 also has 330 crash-related reports versus 8 for the S80. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volvo S80 or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volvo S80
The Volvo S80 is a luxury sedan that sees relatively few complaints per year—about 13—but owners report a mix of electrical, engine, and structural issues. Complaints include stalling, power loss, and trim problems like mold and delaminating chrome. With 37 recalls and 8 crash-related reports, it's a car that demands attention to maintenance and recall repairs.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a massive complaint volume—over 1,100 per year—dominated by power train and electrical problems. Owners frequently describe transmission limp mode, lead frame failures, and sudden electrical glitches. With 151 recalls and 330 crash-related reports, it's a high-maintenance vehicle with widespread, recurring issues.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volvo S80 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 128 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 37 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 8 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 12.8 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 13 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 S80
- 01STRUCTURE20
- 02ENGINE19
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM17
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER16
- 05WHEELS9
Owners report condensation inside the cabin leading to mold on seat belts, and chrome trim on the steering wheel delaminating into sharp edges. These issues affect comfort and safety, especially mold exposure and potential cuts.
Complaints include stalling while driving with no throttle response, and stabilization warning lights accompanied by steering failure and power loss. Such sudden losses of power can leave you stranded or in a dangerous situation.
Owners describe acceleration failure where pressing the gas does nothing, and start/stop function delays or failures. These electrical gremlins can cause unpredictable driving behavior and no-start conditions.
Reports include sunroofs exploding and start/stop systems that must be manually disabled each time. These are unexpected failures that can be costly and frightening.
“The contact owns a 2010 Volvo S80. The contact stated that there was condensation inside the vehicle. Additionally, the contact's daughter informed the contact that there was mold on the front passenger's side seat belt. The contact stated that there was mold…”
“THE CHROME FOIL DECORATION ON THE STEERING WHEEL TRIM IS DELAMINATING, CAUSING A SHARP EDGE WHERE THE FOIL HAS PULLED AWAY FROM THE PLASTIC SUBSTRATE. THIS IS HAPPENING AT THE OUTSIDE EDGE OF THE STEERING WHEEL, WHERE THE HANDS COME IN CONTACT WITH IT. IN THE…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners repeatedly report transmission limp mode, stuck gears, and lead frame failures that can cause sudden loss of power. These issues are so common they've led to multiple recalls and near-collision experiences.
Complaints include lead frame issues causing limp mode, output speed sensor failures, and rear window defroster shorts that can shatter the back glass. Electrical faults can disable the truck or cause unexpected damage.
A recurring complaint is the rear window exploding outward after using the defroster, with no external cause. This is a serious safety hazard that can happen without warning.
While not detailed in the sample, this is a top component with 1,224 complaints, suggesting frequent lighting failures that can 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.
Volvo S80 — 37 recalls
The defect: Volvo Cars of N.A., LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2008-2016 V70 and XC70, 2007-2016 S80, 2011-2018 S60 and V60, 2016-2018 S60 Cross Country, 2014-2020 S60L, 2009-2015 S80L, 2009-2016 XC60 and 2015-2018 V60 Cross Country vehicles. The flexible steel cable that connects the seat belt to the front…
The risk: An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat belt anchor cable for both front seats. The recall began December 10, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R10029.
The defect: Volvo Cars of North America, LLC. (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2016 Volvo S60, V60, V60CC, XC60, XC70, and S80 vehicles manufactured April 8, 2015 to August 19, 2015. In certain driving conditions when using the automatic engine stop/start function, the starter motor fuse may blow, preve…
The risk: If the vehicle is unexpectedly unable to be started in the middle of traffic, such as when stopped at an intersection, there is an increased risk of a crash.
The fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the existing starter motor fuse with a higher amperage fuse, free of charge. The recall began on October 26, 2015. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552 or by visitin…
The defect: Volvo Cars of N.A., LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2008-2016 V70 and XC70, 2007-2016 S80, 2011-2018 S60 and V60, 2016-2018 S60 Cross Country, 2014-2020 S60L, 2009-2015 S80L, 2009-2016 XC60 and 2015-2018 V60 Cross Country vehicles. The flexible steel cable that connects the seat belt to the front…
The risk: An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat belt anchor cable for both front seats. The recall began December 10, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R10029.
The defect: Volvo Cars of N.A., LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2008-2016 V70 and XC70, 2007-2016 S80, 2011-2018 S60 and V60, 2016-2018 S60 Cross Country, 2014-2020 S60L, 2009-2015 S80L, 2009-2016 XC60 and 2015-2018 V60 Cross Country vehicles. The flexible steel cable that connects the seat belt to the front…
The risk: An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat belt anchor cable for both front seats. The recall began December 10, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R10029.
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 S80 or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Volvo S80 has far fewer complaints per year (12.8 vs. 1,162.1), indicating a lower rate of reported problems. However, both vehicles have serious issues; the F-150's problems are more frequent and often involve critical power train failures. In practice, the S80 may require less frequent attention, but any used car should be inspected thoroughly.
Key differences
- The Ford F-150 has over 11,000 complaints in 10 years, while the Volvo S80 has only 128, showing a massive difference in reported problem frequency.
- F-150 owners frequently report transmission limp mode and lead frame failures, whereas S80 complaints are more varied across structure, engine, and electrical systems.
- The F-150 has 151 recalls and 330 crash-related reports, compared to 37 recalls and 8 crash-related reports for the S80.
- S80 issues include mold from condensation and exploding sunroofs, while F-150 issues include exploding rear windows and sudden power loss.
- Check for musty odors or visible mold, especially on seat belts, which indicates water leaks and condensation problems.
- Inspect the steering wheel trim for peeling chrome that could create sharp edges, and test the start/stop system for delays or failures.
- Test drive at various speeds to detect transmission shudder, delayed engagement, or limp mode; ask if the lead frame has been replaced.
- Inspect the rear window and defroster for cracks or signs of shattering, and verify that all electrical systems, including lights, work properly.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all safety recalls have been performed.
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission (F-150) or electrical system (S80) for signs of the reported issues.
- Test all features: sunroof, rear defroster, start/stop, and ensure no warning lights are on.
- For the S80, check for water leaks and mold; for the F-150, check for transmission software updates and lead frame condition.
- Budget for potential repairs based on the common complaints, and consider an extended warranty.
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 S80 or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volvo S80 vs FORD F 150
- Volvo S80 total complaints
- 128
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Volvo S80 total recalls
- 37
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Volvo S80 avg complaints/year
- 12.8
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Volvo S80
- Volvo S80 top complaint area
- STRUCTURE
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN