Head-to-head reliability
Acura CL vs FORD F 150
How the Acura CL 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 CL vs FORD F 150: The Acura CL has 414 complaints over 3 years (138/year) and 10 recalls, while the Ford F-150 has 11,621 complaints over 10 years (1,162/year) and 151 recalls. The CL's top issue is power train (287), and the F-150's is also power train (3,648). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Acura CL or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Acura CL
The Acura CL is a two-door coupe that owners often describe as plagued by transmission problems. Over three years, NHTSA logged 414 complaints, with 287 about the power train—mostly erratic shifting, hard downshifts, and sudden gear changes. Air bag recalls (Takata) and brake issues like warped rotors add to the ownership burden. This is a car that demands frequent shop visits and careful pre-purchase inspection.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a massive complaint volume: 11,621 over ten years, averaging 1,162 per year. Power train complaints (3,648) often involve transmission limp mode, stuck gears, and lead frame failures that can cause near-collisions. Electrical issues (2,100) include sensor failures and rear window defroster shorts that have led to shattered glass. With 151 recalls, it's a truck that requires vigilance and regular recall checks.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Acura CL | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 414 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 10 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 21 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 138.0 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 17 Better | 297 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 3 | 1 Better |
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 CL
- 01POWER TRAIN287
- 02AIR BAGS48
- 03SERVICE BRAKES19
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM16
- 05VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL14
Owners report erratic shifting, hard downshifts, and sudden jumps from 5th gear into 2nd at highway speed, sometimes after recall service. These transmission failures can happen while driving and may lead to loss of control.
Takata air bag inflator recalls affect the driver's front air bag; owners report warning lights and parts unavailable for repair. This is a safety risk if the recall isn't completed.
Premature rotor warping causes grinding noises when braking, and dealers may not have a permanent fix. This means repeated brake work and potential stopping distance issues.
Complaints include repeated transmission failures and other electrical gremlins, with one owner reporting over 10 repair visits in three years. Electrical faults can leave you stranded or cause safety systems to malfunction.
“TRANSMISSION PROBLEM: ERRATIC SHIFTING, HARD DOWNSHIFTS, SHIFTS FROM 5TH GEAR INTO 2ND GEAR AT HIGH SPEED: CLOSE-TO-DEATH EXPERIENCE ON THE HIGHWAY!! THIS HAS HAPPENED 3 MONTHS AFTER THE RECALL SERVICE WAS DONE CONCLUDING NOTHING WRONG. FROM MY RESEARCH I HAV…”
“I WAS ON MY WAY HOME FROM AN OUT OF TOWN TRIP WHEN THE CAR STARTED SHIFTING EXTREMELY HARD AS I WAS DRIVING. I CALLED A LOCAL ACURA DEALERSHIP, IN AUGUSTA GA, AND TOLD THEM WHAT WAS HAPPENING. THEY COULD NOT SEE ME UNTIL THE NEXT DAY, WHICH WAS 9/6/2002. I HA…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners describe a 'lead frame' issue causing limp mode, stuck in 5th gear, and near-collisions; some say it's been a problem for over a decade without a proper remedy. Transmission failures can occur daily and compromise highway safety.
The same lead frame problem is often filed under electrical, plus output speed sensor failures that trigger limp mode. A rear window defroster short has caused back windows to explode outward, posing injury risk.
Complaints include the rear window shattering due to a defroster short, which owners say happens without impact. This is a serious safety and glass hazard that may not be covered by recalls.
With 1,224 complaints, lighting failures are common, though specific patterns aren't detailed in the sample. Non-working lights reduce visibility and can lead to accidents or tickets.
“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 CL — 10 recalls
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2001-2002 Acura 3.2CL, 2000-2003 Acura 3.5RL, 2000-2001 Acura 3.2TL, Honda CR-V and Honda Odyssey, 2001-2002 Acura MDX and 2000 Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Coupe, and Civic Sedan vehicles. These vehicles may have received a replacement dri…
The risk: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag cushion may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios inc…
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air bags in the vehicles, replacing the driver frontal air bag inflator with an inflator of a different design, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners m…
The defect: ON SOME MINI VANS, SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES, CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS CAN RESULT IN HEAT BUILD-UP BETWEEN THE COUNTERSHAFT AND SECONDARY SHAFT SECOND GEARS IN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, EVENTUALLY LEADING TO GEAR TOOTH CHIPPING OR GEAR BREAKAGE.
The risk: GEAR FAILURE COULD RESULT IN TRANSMISSION LOCKUP, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
The fix: ON VEHICLES WITH 15,000 MILES OR LESS, THE DEALER WILL UPDATE THE TRANSMISSION WITH A SIMPLE REVISION TO THE OIL COOLER RETURN LINE TO INCREASE LUBRICATION TO THE SECOND GEAR. ON VEHICLES WITH MORE THAN 15,000 MILES, THE DEALER WILL INSPEC…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NG…
The risk: An explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began April 10, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for t…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2003-2006 MDX, 2001-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot and 2006 Ridgeline vehicles. These v…
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are Q5A…
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 CL or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Acura CL has far fewer complaints per year (138) than the Ford F-150 (1,162), but the CL's issues are concentrated in dangerous transmission and air bag failures. The F-150's higher volume means more overall problems, but many are spread across electrical and lighting systems. In practice, the CL may need fewer visits but each could be severe; the F-150 demands more frequent attention.
Key differences
- The Acura CL's dominant issue is power train (287 complaints), especially transmission shifting failures that can occur at highway speed, while the Ford F-150's power train complaints (3,648) often involve limp mode and lead frame failures.
- Air bag recalls are a major concern for the Acura CL (Takata inflators), whereas the Ford F-150 has a broader mix including electrical, lighting, and rear window shattering.
- The Acura CL averages 138 complaints per year over 3 years; the Ford F-150 averages 1,162 per year over 10 years, showing a much higher volume for the truck.
- Crash-related complaints: Acura CL has 21, Ford F-150 has 330, but the F-150's higher sales volume means the rate may be comparable; still, the F-150's absolute numbers are larger.
- Test drive at highway speeds and check for erratic shifting, hard downshifts, or sudden gear changes—common complaints that can indicate transmission failure.
- Ask for proof that the Takata air bag recall was completed; if the warning light is on or parts were unavailable, the air bag may not deploy correctly.
- Scan for transmission codes like P0722 (output speed sensor) and check if the lead frame has been replaced; limp mode and stuck gears are frequent owner reports.
- Inspect the rear window and defroster for signs of shorts or previous shattering; owners report the glass exploding outward without impact.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all safety recalls are closed, especially air bag and transmission recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission for the Acura CL (shifting issues) and the Ford F-150 (lead frame, limp mode codes).
- Test drive both vehicles extensively, including highway speeds, to reproduce hard shifts or limp mode.
- Check for electrical gremlins: warning lights, non-working lights, and rear defroster function on the F-150.
- Budget for potential repairs: Acura CL transmission/brakes, Ford F-150 transmission/electrical, as these are common complaint areas.
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 CL or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Acura CL vs FORD F 150
- Acura CL total complaints
- 414
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Acura CL total recalls
- 10
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Acura CL avg complaints/year
- 138.0
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Acura CL
- Acura CL top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN