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 27,552 complaints and 141 recalls over 10 years. The ADX's main issue is sunroof shattering; the F-150's are powertrain and electrical failures. 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 new model with very few complaints (5 total over 2 years), but the pattern centers on the panoramic sunroof: owners report spontaneous glass shattering inward and persistent water leaks through the roof speaker. The automatic walk-away door lock also fails intermittently, leaving the vehicle unlocked. While the low complaint count is reassuring, the sunroof issues suggest a potential design flaw that could affect safety and interior damage.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 has a high volume of complaints (27,552 over 10 years) and 141 recalls, with powertrain and engine issues dominating. Owners report the transmission failing to engage park, sudden unintended acceleration, and total loss of power while driving. Electrical system failures, including brake booster problems after recall service, and severe vibrations after repairs are common. The F-150's reliability is a significant concern, with multiple safety-related failures.
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 | 27,552 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 141 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 762 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 2.5 Better | 2755.2 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 714 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 10 |
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
The panoramic sunroof glass spontaneously shatters inward during normal driving, and water leaks through the roof speaker, requiring multiple dealer visits. This poses a risk of injury from glass fragments and interior water damage.
The automatic walk-away door lock fails to engage intermittently, leaving the vehicle unlocked. This is a security and safety concern, especially if the owner assumes the vehicle is locked.
The sunroof glass shattering is also categorized under structure, indicating a potential structural integrity issue with the glass panel.
“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 TRAIN9,967
- 02ENGINE4,861
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3,479
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER3,210
- 05STRUCTURE1,485
The transmission fails to shift into park when the engine is shut off, leaving the vehicle in drive and locked down. Also, turbo/wastegate issues cause power loss and check engine lights.
Engine problems include the park pawl not engaging, leading to rollaway risk, and severe vibrations after repairs that persist. Some complaints mention sudden acceleration without throttle input.
Total loss of power while driving, disabling all safety systems (brakes, airbags, steering). ABS issues after brake booster recall service, and integrated trailer brake control recalls.
Sudden unintended acceleration at low speeds, and persistent shake/vibration after dealer repairs, indicating unresolved drivability issues.
“When I am parking the truck, I press and hold the brake pedal, While the truck shifter in in "Drive", I press the start/stop button to shut truck down, the shifter gets stuck in "drive" and doesn't automatically shift in to park. The truck locks down and will…”
“My truck is a 2025 Ford F150 STX with 5,900 miles on it. This truck was purchased new at River City Ford in Lavalette, WV The component in questions seems to be involved with the turbos and more specifically the wastegate that attached to the turbos. Also, ye…”
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 — 141 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 F-150, 2022-2026 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, Maverick, 2024-2026 Ranger, 2023-2026 F-600 SD, 2022-2027 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, and 2026 E-Transit vehicles. When towing a trailer, the integrated trailer module (ITRM) may los…
The risk: Trailer lights or brakes that do not function can reduce the driver’s ability to control the trailer and decrease the trailers visibility to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The integrated trailer module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 25, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, 2024 Expedition and 2024 Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with a 3.5L GTDI engine. The engines may have a misaligned engine cup plug, which can result in a rapid oil leak.
The risk: A rapid oil leak can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, an oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the engine cup plug alignment, and replace the plug if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 23, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for th…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, Bronco, 2024 Ranger, 2025 Mustang, Explorer, and Aviator vehicles. The transmission valve body may have been machined incorrectly, which can cause reverse gear failure, or unexpected forward movement in reverse or neutral gear.
The risk: Unexpected vehicle movement increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the transmission main control valve body, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S19.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, Expedition, and 2024 Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI engines. The engine may have a misaligned engine cup plug, which can result in a rapid oil leak.
The risk: A rapid oil leak can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, an oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the engine cup plug alignment, and replace the plug if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this…
Buyer analysis
Acura ADX or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Acura ADX has far fewer complaints per year (2.5 vs 2,755) and no recalls, making it the more reliable choice on paper. However, its sunroof failures are a specific concern. The Ford F-150's high complaint volume and multiple safety-related recalls indicate a much higher risk of serious issues.
Key differences
- Acura ADX has 2.5 complaints per year vs Ford F-150's 2,755 per year.
- Ford F-150 has 141 recalls; Acura ADX has 0.
- Acura ADX's main issue is sunroof shattering/leaks; Ford F-150's main issues are powertrain, engine, and electrical failures including loss of power.
- Ford F-150 has 10 reported deaths and 714 injuries; Acura ADX has 0.
- Inspect the panoramic sunroof for cracks, leaks, or signs of previous shattering.
- Test the automatic walk-away door lock multiple times to ensure it consistently locks.
- Check for transmission issues: test park engagement and listen for unusual noises.
- Look for signs of electrical problems: test all safety systems and check for ABS or brake booster issues.
Before you buy
- For Acura ADX: Operate the sunroof and check for water leaks around the roof speaker.
- For Acura ADX: Test the walk-away lock feature repeatedly.
- For Ford F-150: Test the transmission park function by shutting off the engine in drive.
- For Ford F-150: Check for any recalls outstanding and verify they were completed.
- For Ford F-150: Test drive at highway speeds to detect vibrations or power loss.
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 | 9 |
| 2025 | 5 | 320 |
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
- 27,552
- Acura ADX total recalls
- 0
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 141
- Acura ADX avg complaints/year
- 2.5
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 2755.2
- More reliable overall
- Acura ADX
- Acura ADX top complaint area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN