Head-to-head reliability
Acura ADX vs FORD F 150
How the Acura ADX 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
Acura ADX vs FORD F 150: The ADX has 5 complaints and 0 recalls over 2 years, while the F-150 has 11,621 complaints and 151 recalls over 10 years. The F-150 also has 330 crash-related reports and 1 death. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Acura ADX or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Acura ADX
The Acura ADX is a newer, low-volume model with only 5 complaints over 2 years and no recalls. Owners report issues like a panoramic sunroof that can shatter or leak, and inconsistent automatic door locks. With so few reports, it's hard to know if these are widespread, but the pattern suggests a focus on trim and convenience features rather than major mechanical failures.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a high-volume truck with 11,621 complaints over 10 years and 151 recalls, including 330 crash-related reports and 1 death. Owners frequently describe transmission problems that cause limp mode or stuck gears, and electrical issues like lead frame failures. The sheer number of reports indicates a long history of recurring problems that can affect safety and reliability.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Acura ADX | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 5 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 2.5 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.
Acura ADX
- 01UNKNOWN OR OTHER3
- 02VISIBILITY1
- 03LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES1
- 04STRUCTURE1
- 05PARKING BRAKE1
Owners report the panoramic sunroof glass spontaneously shattering and blowing inward, and water leaking through the roof speaker. These failures can be dangerous and costly, and may be hard to diagnose.
The automatic walk-away door lock feature operates inconsistently and sometimes fails to lock the vehicle. This could leave the car vulnerable to theft or break-ins.
The same walk-away lock issue is also reported under latches/locks, meaning the vehicle may not secure itself as expected. Buyers should test this feature thoroughly.
The sunroof glass shattering is also classified under structure, indicating a potential body integrity concern. This could lead to water damage or injury from flying glass.
“1. The failed component was the panoramic sunroof glass. The glass spontaneously shattered and blew inward into the cabin while the vehicle was in normal operation. Yes — the vehicle and the remaining glass fragments are available for inspection upon request.…”
“The car has been leaking water it has been coming through the speaker that’s in the roof. The car has a sunroof and is at the dealership for the second time for the same issue. First time it was there for 5 days and they can’t replicate the problem. The car s…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners describe recurring transmission malfunctions, including limp mode, stuck gears, and lead frame failures that can cause near-collisions. These issues often require expensive repairs and may persist even after fixes.
Lead frame and output speed sensor failures are common, leading to limp mode and error codes. These electrical faults can strand drivers and are the subject of multiple recalls.
Rear window defroster shorts can cause the back window to shatter unexpectedly. This is a safety hazard that owners report happening without warning.
With 1,224 complaints, lighting problems are frequent, though specific details aren't provided in the sample. Buyers should check all lights for proper function.
“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.
Acura ADX
No recalls on record.
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
Acura ADX or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Acura ADX has far fewer issues per year (2.5 complaints/year) compared to the Ford F-150 (1,162 complaints/year). In practice, this means the ADX is likely to have fewer reported problems, but its low volume makes it harder to assess long-term reliability. The F-150's high complaint rate suggests a higher risk of recurring mechanical and electrical issues.
Key differences
- The Acura ADX has 0 recalls and 5 complaints over 2 years, while the Ford F-150 has 151 recalls and 11,621 complaints over 10 years.
- ADX owners report sunroof shattering and lock issues; F-150 owners report transmission limp mode and electrical failures.
- The F-150 has 330 crash-related reports and 1 death, while the ADX has none in its limited data.
- The F-150's most common complaint area is power train (3,648), whereas the ADX's top area is 'unknown or other' (3), often sunroof-related.
- Inspect the panoramic sunroof for cracks, leaks, or signs of previous shattering; test it through a car wash if possible.
- Test the automatic walk-away door lock feature multiple times to ensure it engages consistently.
- Check for transmission issues by test-driving at highway speeds and looking for limp mode or rough shifting; ask for service records related to recalls 26S28 or lead frame repairs.
- Inspect the rear window for cracks or signs of shattering, and test the defroster for proper function.
Before you buy
- Run a VIN check for open recalls on both vehicles, especially the F-150's many campaigns.
- For the ADX, ask the seller to demonstrate the sunroof and door locks, and check for water stains.
- For the F-150, have a mechanic scan for transmission codes and check the lead frame and output speed sensor.
- Obtain a vehicle history report to see if the ADX or F-150 has been in crashes or had repeated repairs.
- Test drive both vehicles extensively, including highway speeds and parking maneuvers, to feel for transmission or lock issues.
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 | Acura ADX | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 35 |
| 2025 | 5 | 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 Acura ADX or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Acura ADX vs FORD F 150
- Acura ADX total complaints
- 5
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Acura ADX total recalls
- 0
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Acura ADX avg complaints/year
- 2.5
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Acura ADX
- Acura ADX top complaint area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN