Head-to-head reliability
Volvo VNM vs FORD F 150
How the Volvo VNM 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 VNM vs FORD F 150: The Volvo VNM has 0 complaints and 14 recalls over 10 years, while the Ford F-150 has 11,311 complaints and 145 recalls. The F-150 also has 328 crash-related complaints and 287 injuries. The Volvo shows fewer owner-reported issues but still has safety recalls. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volvo VNM or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volvo VNM
The Volvo VNM is a heavy-duty commercial truck, not a typical passenger vehicle, so its ownership experience is different from a family car. Over 10 years, it has zero owner complaints on file, which suggests that when problems occur, they may be handled through fleet maintenance or warranty rather than reported to NHTSA. However, it has 14 recalls covering critical systems like brakes, adaptive cruise control, transmission, and engine cooling, meaning safety defects are still possible. For a buyer, this means fewer documented owner complaints but potential for serious recall-related issues.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a popular full-size pickup with a high volume of owner complaints—over 11,000 in 10 years—and 145 recalls. The most common trouble spots are the power train (especially transmission shifting problems), electrical system, and exterior lighting. Owners report hard shifts, loss of power, and warning messages like 'Front Camera Malfunction.' With 328 crash-related complaints, 287 injuries, and 1 death, these are not just annoyances; some can affect safety. A used F-150 buyer should expect to deal with more frequent repair visits than with the Volvo.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volvo VNM | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 0 Better | 11,311 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 14 Better | 145 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 328 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.0 Better | 1131.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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.
Volvo VNM
No component data available.
Recalls for air service brakes indicate potential braking issues that could reduce stopping power. For a heavy truck, brake failure is a serious safety concern, so buyers should verify recall repairs were completed.
Another brake-related recall suggests ongoing problems with the braking system. This matters because brakes are critical for safe operation, especially under load.
A recall for adaptive cruise control means the system may not work as intended, potentially failing to brake or maintain distance. Buyers should test this feature and confirm any recall fix.
A transmission recall points to possible shifting or engagement problems. For a commercial truck, transmission failure can lead to costly downtime and unsafe driving conditions.
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,553
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,071
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,401
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,164
- 05ENGINE847
Owners report hard, delayed, or jerky shifts, especially in the 10-speed automatic transmission. Some describe losing power and the vehicle shutting off while driving, which is a serious safety risk.
Complaints include warning messages like 'Front Camera Malfunction' and 'Pre Collision Assist Not Available,' as well as loud bangs and popping sounds from the transmission area. These electrical glitches can disable safety aids and confuse drivers.
Many complaints involve headlight issues, which can reduce visibility at night. A recall for headlights confirms this is a known problem that should be addressed.
Engine-related complaints and recalls suggest potential problems with engine cooling or other components. This can lead to breakdowns and expensive repairs.
“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.
Volvo VNM — 14 recalls
The defect: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2013-2017 VNL and VNM trucks and certain model year 2017 VNX trucks. In the affected vehicles, incorrect software for controlling the electronic air dryer may result in oil and water contaminating the brake system.
The risk: If the brake system becomes contaminated, braking performance could be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the vehicle control module and replace the air dryer filter, free of charge. The recall began on February 16, 2017. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's n…
The defect: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 VNL and VNM trucks manufactured May 31, 2011, to December 1, 2014. In the affected trucks, the trailer hand brake handle may not to return to the off position due to being restricted by the cut out in the trim panel.
The risk: If the brake handle does return to the off position, the trailer service brakes may drag causing the wheel end to overheat and potentially cause a wheel end fire or tire blowout. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the trim panel slot and make it longer, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on October 19, 2015. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-258-6586. Volvo's number for…
The defect: Volvo Trucks of North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2011-2015 VNL and 2014-2015 VNM trucks manufactured November 17, 2010, through February 5, 2014, and equipped with enhanced cruise control and without side fairings. In the affected vehicles, the active braking component of the e…
The risk: If the active braking feature becomes disabled, the vehicle may not automatically activate the brakes as intended when the enhanced cruise control system is in use, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will update the control unit software, free of charge. The recall began on August 12, 2014. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1402.
The defect: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2012, 2014-2015 VHD, 2012-2015 VNL, and 2014-2015 VNM trucks manufactured June 16, 2011, to August 18, 2014, and equipped with the Eco-Roll option. The affected trucks may fail to re-engage the vehicle drivetrain after using the Eco…
The risk: If the drivetrain does not re-engage, the vehicle's stopping distance may be lengthened, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Volvo has notified owners, and dealers will update the Eco-Roll software, free of charge. The recall began on December 10, 2014. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1406.
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
Volvo VNM or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Volvo VNM has far fewer complaints per year (0 vs. about 1,131 for the Ford F-150), but it is a commercial truck with its own recall issues. In practice, the F-150 will likely require more frequent attention from a dealer or mechanic for transmission, electrical, and lighting problems. The Volvo's lower complaint count may reflect different usage and reporting, not necessarily superior reliability.
Key differences
- The Ford F-150 has over 11,000 owner complaints in 10 years, while the Volvo VNM has zero, but the Volvo has 14 recalls versus 145 for the Ford.
- Ford F-150 owners frequently report transmission problems like hard shifts and loss of power, while Volvo VNM recalls include brake and adaptive cruise control issues.
- The F-150 has 328 crash-related complaints, 287 injuries, and 1 death, indicating real-world safety consequences; the Volvo VNM has none reported.
- Electrical system complaints are common on the F-150 (over 2,000), often involving warning messages and camera failures, whereas the Volvo VNM has no complaint data.
- Check for open recalls on the air service brakes and service brakes—if not repaired, braking performance could be compromised.
- Test the adaptive cruise control and forward collision avoidance system to ensure it functions correctly, as it has been recalled.
- Test drive the truck at various speeds and watch for hard or delayed shifts, especially between 4-5, 5-6, and 7-8 gears—these are common owner complaints.
- Check for warning messages like 'Front Camera Malfunction' or 'Pre Collision Assist Not Available' on the dashboard, as these indicate electrical issues.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to see if all recalls have been repaired on the specific vehicle.
- For the Ford F-150, take a long test drive including highway speeds to feel for transmission jerks or power loss.
- For the Volvo VNM, verify that brake and adaptive cruise control recalls were addressed by a qualified technician.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes on the F-150 and brake system service on the Volvo.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the model to catch issues not covered by recalls.
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 VNM | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 0 | 617 |
| 2023 | 0 | 1507 |
| 2022 | 0 | 3432 |
| 2021 | 0 | 5234 |
| 2020 | 0 | 33 |
| 2019 | 0 | 36 |
| 2018 | 0 | 56 |
| 2017 | 0 | 43 |
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 VNM or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volvo VNM vs FORD F 150
- Volvo VNM total complaints
- 0
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,311
- Volvo VNM total recalls
- 14
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 145
- Volvo VNM avg complaints/year
- 0.0
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1131.1
- More reliable overall
- Volvo VNM
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN