Head-to-head reliability
Volvo VNR vs FORD F 150
How the Volvo VNR 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 VNR vs FORD F 150: the VNR shows 2 complaints over 10 years (0.2/yr) and 36 recalls, while the F-150 shows 11,621 complaints (1,162.1/yr) and 151 recalls. The F-150 also has 330 crash-related reports and 297 injuries in this data; the VNR has none. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volvo VNR or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volvo VNR
The Volvo VNR is a heavy-duty semi tractor, and in this data set it shows very few owner complaints—just 2 over ten years—but a high number of recalls (36). The complaints that do exist point to specific, practical problems: a poorly fitted aftermarket sun visor that blocks visibility, and a transmission that slips into neutral when slowing for a turn or stop. For a buyer, this suggests the VNR is not a high-complaint vehicle in this sample, but the recall volume and the transmission complaint are worth checking closely.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a very large complaint record: 11,621 complaints over ten years, plus 330 crash-related reports and 297 injuries. The dominant theme is powertrain trouble—especially transmission limp mode, stuck gears, and lead frame failures—along with electrical glitches and a rear-window defroster that can shatter the glass. For a buyer, this means the F-150 demands a thorough pre-purchase inspection and attention to known transmission and electrical fixes.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volvo VNR | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 36 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.2 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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 VNR
- 01UNKNOWN OR OTHER2
- 02VISIBILITY/WIPER1
One owner reports the truck going into neutral whenever slowing for a turn or stop light, and it will not go back into gear until fully stopped and re-selected. That is a serious drivability and safety concern because you can lose power to the wheels in traffic.
The same complaint describes an aftermarket sun visor that is four inches smaller on each side and mounted in the wrong direction, making morning and evening driving difficult. For a buyer, this is a reminder to check that visibility equipment is original or correctly installed.
“This Is a volvo semi tractor 2021 the original sunvisor was removed from tractor. And an off brand replacement was installed which is substantially smaller by 4 inches on each side of visor + it's mounted in wrong direction making morning and evening's very d…”
“My truck is going to neutral When ever I slow down and about to make a turn or for a stop light , and will not ho back in gear . Until I fully stop and put it in gear again - causing big problems -”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners repeatedly describe transmission limp mode, getting stuck in 5th gear, and lead frame failures that can cause near-collisions. One owner says the lead frame issue has gone well over a decade without a proper remedy, which means you should verify any recall or software fix has been applied.
The lead frame problem also shows up as an electrical complaint, and one owner reports a 2017 F-150 entering highway limp mode due to an output speed sensor failure (code P0722). Electrical faults here can directly trigger transmission limp mode, so scan for stored codes before buying.
A rear-window defroster short caused the back window to explode outward within minutes of turning the defroster off, according to one owner. This is a rare but alarming failure that a buyer should check for signs of defroster damage or prior replacement.
Exterior lighting is one of the top complaint components (1,224 complaints), though the sample text does not detail a specific failure. Given the volume, inspect all lights, housings, and wiring for moisture or intermittent operation.
“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 VNR — 36 recalls
The defect: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2020-2023 VNR Electric vehicles equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). When the adaptive cruise control braking activates under light load conditions, it can trigger an aggressive braking response.
The risk: Overly aggressive braking can result in the rear axle skidding, the brakes locking up, and/or a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will secure wiring and remove radar antennas and brackets from the vehicle. The anti-lock braking system will be reprogrammed to disable adaptive cruise control. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 2, 2023. Ow…
The defect: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2020-2024 VNR Electric vehicles. The coolant line in the high voltage battery pack may not be fully seated and locked, which can result in the loss of coolant and an electrical short circuit.
The risk: A battery short circuit increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Volvo Trucks will work with the battery manufacturer Akasol to inspect and replace the batteries, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 9, 2023. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks' customer service at 1-800-…
The defect: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) is recalling certain 2022-2024 VNR, VNL, VHD, and VAH trucks. The windshield wiper motor gears may wear prematurely, causing the motor to fail.
The risk: Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the windshield wiper motor assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 1, 2023. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo Trucks number for this recall is R…
The defect: Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain 2018-2021 VNL and VNR buses. The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the rear drive axles stated on the Federal Certification Label exceeds the rating of the wheel hubs. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Pa…
The risk: If the rear axles are overloaded, over time the wheel hubs may fail prematurely, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Volvo will notify owners and send corrected replacement labels, free of charge. The recall began August 18, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-528-6586. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX2002.
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 VNR or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Volvo VNR has far fewer complaints per year (0.2 vs. 1,162.1 for the F-150), but it also has 36 recalls versus 151 for the Ford. In practice, the VNR owner in this sample reports isolated but serious drivability and visibility issues, while the F-150 owner faces a much higher likelihood of transmission and electrical problems that can strand or endanger them.
Key differences
- Complaint volume: the F-150 has 11,621 complaints over ten years versus 2 for the Volvo VNR, so the Ford owner is far more likely to encounter a reported problem.
- Failure pattern: F-150 complaints center on transmission limp mode, stuck gears, and lead frame failures, while VNR complaints center on a transmission that drops to neutral when slowing and a misinstalled sun visor.
- Safety outcomes in the data: the F-150 has 330 crash-related reports, 297 injuries, and 1 death; the VNR has 0 in each of those categories in this sample.
- Recall load: the VNR has 36 recalls and the F-150 has 151, so both need recall checks, but the Ford has far more campaigns to verify.
- Test-drive at low speed and while braking into turns to confirm the transmission does not drop into neutral or hesitate to re-engage.
- Inspect the sun visor and windshield area for aftermarket or incorrectly mounted parts that reduce visibility.
- Scan for transmission codes (especially P0722) and confirm any lead frame or output speed sensor recall software has been performed.
- Check the rear window and defroster for cracks, prior replacement, or signs of overheating or shorting.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN through NHTSA recall lookup and confirm all open recalls are closed, especially transmission and electrical campaigns on the F-150.
- On the F-150, test-drive from cold through several stop-and-go cycles and watch for limp mode, harsh shifts, or stuck gears.
- On the Volvo VNR, verify the transmission engagement when slowing for a stop or turn, and check the sun visor installation.
- Ask for service records showing transmission repairs, lead frame replacement, or software updates on the F-150.
- Inspect all exterior lighting and the rear defroster grid on the F-150 for intermittent operation or visible damage.
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 VNR | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 35 |
| 2025 | 0 | 345 |
| 2024 | 0 | 638 |
| 2023 | 1 | 1527 |
| 2022 | 0 | 3493 |
| 2021 | 1 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 0 | 44 |
| 2019 | 0 | 52 |
| 2018 | 0 | 79 |
| 2017 | 0 | 59 |
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 VNR or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volvo VNR vs FORD F 150
- Volvo VNR total complaints
- 2
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Volvo VNR total recalls
- 36
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Volvo VNR avg complaints/year
- 0.2
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Volvo VNR
- Volvo VNR top complaint area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN