Head-to-head reliability
Volvo V70 vs FORD F 150
How the Volvo V70 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 V70 vs FORD F 150: The V70 averages 53.7 complaints per year with 46 recalls, while the F-150 averages 1,162.1 complaints per year with 151 recalls. Both have powertrain and electrical issues, but the F-150's rate is over 20 times higher. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volvo V70 or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volvo V70
The Volvo V70 is a station wagon that averages about 54 complaints per year over a decade, with 46 recalls. Owners frequently report transmission jerking, stalling from throttle body failure, and electrical issues like car fires and overheating. While the overall complaint rate is lower than the Ford F-150, the V70 still has notable powertrain and electrical problems that can be costly.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint rate—about 1,162 per year—and 151 recalls. Common owner complaints include transmission limp mode, lead frame failures, and electrical glitches like rear window explosions. The sheer volume of reports suggests that many owners experience recurring issues, especially with the powertrain and electrical systems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volvo V70 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 537 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 46 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 17 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 53.7 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 19 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 V70
- 01POWER TRAIN97
- 02VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL88
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM71
- 04ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING59
- 05FUEL SYSTEM59
Owners report transmission failure, with gears not shifting properly, jerking during acceleration, and radiator fluid leaking into the transmission, requiring a new transmission. This can lead to expensive repairs and unsafe driving conditions.
Complaints describe stalling at various speeds due to a failed throttle body modulator, which can cause the vehicle to shut off unexpectedly. This is a serious safety concern as it can happen while driving.
Reports include car fires resulting in total loss, and overheating that cracks the radiator. These electrical and cooling failures can lead to sudden breakdowns and potential fires.
Owners experience engine overheating with warning lights, coolant temperature gauge dropping to zero, and cooling fans running continuously. The engine may enter limp mode, requiring shutdowns and repairs.
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLVO V70. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE GEARS WERE NOT SHIFTING PROPERLY WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS IN A LOWER GEAR. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO JERK WHEN THE CONTACT TRIED TO ACCELERATE. THE DEALER STATE…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLVO V70. THE CONTACT STATED THAT RADIATOR FLUID WOULD LEAK INTO THE TRANSMISSION, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO JERK AND PERFORM SLUGGISH. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE CONTACT WOULD NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CON…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners report recurring transmission issues, including limp mode, getting stuck in 5th gear, and lead frame failures that can cause near collisions. These problems often require costly repairs and can compromise safety.
Complaints include lead frame issues causing limp mode and output speed sensor failures, as well as rear window defroster shorts leading to shattered windows. Electrical faults can disable the vehicle or cause unexpected damage.
One owner reported the rear window exploding outward due to a short in the defroster, shattering glass. This is a rare but dangerous issue that could injure occupants.
Although not detailed in the sample complaints, exterior lighting is a top component with 1,224 complaints, suggesting frequent bulb or housing 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 V70 — 46 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 IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.
The risk: AN OVERHEATED BATTERY COULD LEAD TO A FIRE.
The fix: VOLVO ADVISES OWNERS TO PLEASE STOP USING THE GARMIN PORTABLE GPS DEVICE IMMEDIATELY, AND VISIT THE GARMIN WEBSITE TO DETERMINE IF THEIR UNIT IS AFFECTED. THE UNIT'S BATTERY WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW BATTERY AND A SPACER WILL BE INSERTED…
The defect: VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 S80, XC70, MODEL YEAR 2011 XC60 AND MODEL YEAR 2010 V70 VEHICLES. THERE MAY BE AN INTERMITTENT FAULT IN THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG CLOCKSPRING WIRING CONNECTOR FOR THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM.
The risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE DRIVER'S FRONTAL AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY AS INTENDED OR AT ALL, AND THEREFORE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PROPERLY PROTECT THE DRIVER, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURIES.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A METAL SHIM IN THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG CLOCKSPRING WIRING CONNECTOR. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 20, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.
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 V70 or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Volvo V70 has far fewer complaints per year (about 54) compared to the Ford F-150 (about 1,162), meaning owners of the V70 report fewer issues overall. However, both vehicles have serious powertrain and electrical problems that can be expensive and dangerous. In practice, the F-150's higher complaint volume suggests a greater likelihood of encountering recurring faults.
Key differences
- The Ford F-150 has over 20 times more complaints per year than the Volvo V70, indicating a much higher rate of reported problems.
- Both vehicles suffer from transmission issues, but the F-150's lead frame and limp mode complaints are recurring and can cause near collisions.
- The Volvo V70 has reports of car fires and radiator cracks, while the F-150 has rear window explosions and electrical shorts.
- The F-150 has more crash-related complaints (330 vs. 17) and injuries (297 vs. 19), though these numbers don't prove fault.
- Check for transmission jerking or slipping, especially when accelerating from lower gears, as this may indicate radiator fluid leaking into the transmission.
- Test the throttle response and look for any stalling at various speeds, which could point to a failing throttle body modulator.
- Scan for transmission codes like P0722 and test for limp mode or getting stuck in 5th gear, which are common lead frame and sensor failures.
- Inspect the rear window defroster for signs of shorts or overheating, and check for any cracks or previous replacements.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models, especially the F-150's lead frame and transmission recalls.
- Have a mechanic perform a diagnostic scan for transmission and electrical fault codes, focusing on the Volvo's throttle body and the Ford's output speed sensor.
- Test drive extensively, including highway speeds, to feel for transmission jerking, limp mode, or stalling.
- Inspect cooling system components (radiator, hoses) on the Volvo for leaks or cracks, and check the Ford's rear window and defroster.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, particularly any transmission repairs or software updates.
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 V70 or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volvo V70 vs FORD F 150
- Volvo V70 total complaints
- 537
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Volvo V70 total recalls
- 46
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Volvo V70 avg complaints/year
- 53.7
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Volvo V70
- Volvo V70 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN