Head-to-head reliability
Acura ILX vs FORD F 150
How the Acura ILX 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 ILX vs FORD F 150: The ILX averages 26.9 complaints per year and 36 recalls, while the F-150 averages 1,162.1 complaints and 151 recalls. The ILX's top issue is airbags (78 complaints), while the F-150's is power train (3,648). Both have injury reports, but the F-150 has one death. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Acura ILX or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Acura ILX
The Acura ILX is a compact luxury sedan that averages about 27 complaints per year over the past decade, with 36 recalls. Owner reports often center on airbag malfunctions, brake master cylinder issues, and electrical glitches. While the overall complaint volume is low, the nature of these problems—especially airbags deploying without impact—can be serious and parts shortages may leave vehicles unrepaired for months.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup that generates roughly 1,162 complaints per year, with 151 recalls. Power train and electrical issues dominate owner reports, including transmission limp mode and lead frame failures that can cause sudden downshifts. The high complaint rate reflects both the truck's popularity and recurring problems that have persisted across model years.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Acura ILX | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 269 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 36 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 23 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 26.9 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 14 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 ILX
- 01AIR BAGS78
- 02SERVICE BRAKES46
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM32
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER30
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM27
Owners report airbags deploying without impact, sometimes causing crashes and injuries. Others complain that recall parts are unavailable, leaving vehicles unrepaired for extended periods. This is a critical safety concern because an unexpected deployment can startle the driver and lead to loss of control.
A brake master cylinder recall affects some models, but owners say dealers often lack parts to perform the fix. Until repaired, the brakes may not function correctly, increasing stopping distances or causing failure. Buyers should verify that any open recall has been completed.
Complaints include alarms going off randomly, dashboard lights flickering, and cars failing to start. Some owners suspect unauthorized remote access, though this is not confirmed. These issues can leave you stranded and may be difficult to diagnose.
Fuel pump and fuel tank assembly recalls are listed, which can cause stalling or fuel leaks. Owners may experience engine hesitation or failure to start. These defects pose fire and crash risks if not addressed.
“I am submitting this complaint regarding a 2021 Acura ILX (VIN: [XXX] ) that has been unreleasable for an extended period due to manufacturer inability to supply a required safety component. The vehicle was involved in an accident on July 6, 2025 and delivere…”
“The contact owns a 2021 Acura ILX. The contact stated while attempting to park the vehicle, the airbag deployed without impact which resulted in the contact crashing into a pole. The contact sustained a hurt knee and headaches that required medical treatment.…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
The most common complaint area, with reports of transmissions stuck in limp mode, harsh shifting, and lead frame failures that can cause sudden downshifts or loss of power. These issues can happen without warning and may require costly repairs.
Owners report the same lead frame problem affecting electrical signals, as well as rear window defroster shorts that can cause the glass to shatter. Electrical gremlins can disable safety features and leave you with unexpected repair bills.
Frequent complaints about lighting failures, which can reduce visibility and increase crash risk. Specific issues include brake lights or headlights not working, sometimes due to electrical faults.
Engine-related complaints include stalling, rough running, and other performance problems. Some are tied to recalls for engine components. These can lead to expensive repairs and unsafe driving conditions.
“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 ILX — 36 recalls
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV,…
The risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansi…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2016-2020 Acura ILX vehicles. Contaminated brake fluid may cause a seal inside the brake master cylinder to deform, which can cause an internal brake fluid leak and reduce brake function.
The risk: Reduced brake function can extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 4, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is RN5. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VI…
The defect: Acura (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Acura ILX vehicles. The vehicles may have a deformed fuel tank, raising the height of the fuel pump and allowing the fuel level float to stick, possibly causing the fuel gauge to display an inaccurate fuel level.
The risk: If the fuel gauge displays that the vehicle has more gas than it actually does, the vehicle may run out of gas and stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Acura will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the fuel tank, free of charge. The recall began March 14, 2019. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is H3…
The defect: Acura (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Acura ILX vehicles. Excessive grease may prevent the set-ring on the half shaft from fully engaging, allowing the driveshaft to separate from the half shaft.
The risk: A separated driveshaft can cause the vehicle to have a loss of drive or allow the vehicle to move even while in Park, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Acura will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and, as necessary, replace the driveshaft and half shaft, free of charge. The recall began August 1, 2019. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for…
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 ILX or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Acura ILX has far fewer complaints per year (about 27) compared to the Ford F-150 (over 1,160), but the ILX's issues often involve safety-critical systems like airbags and brakes. The F-150's higher volume means more frequent problems, especially with the power train and electrical systems. In practice, the ILX may require less frequent shop visits, but when problems occur, they can be severe; the F-150 demands more ongoing attention.
Key differences
- The Ford F-150 has over 40 times more complaints per year than the Acura ILX, but the ILX's complaints often involve airbags deploying without impact, a severe safety issue.
- Power train problems dominate F-150 reports, with transmission limp mode and lead frame failures causing sudden loss of power, while the ILX's top issue is airbag malfunctions.
- The ILX has fewer recalls (36) than the F-150 (151), but many ILX recalls involve critical safety systems like brakes and fuel pumps.
- Electrical issues are common in both, but F-150 owners report rear window shattering due to defroster shorts, a unique and dangerous defect.
- Check if the airbag recall has been performed; owners report deployments without impact and parts shortages. Ask for proof of repair.
- Test the brakes thoroughly and confirm the master cylinder recall remedy was applied; some owners say parts were unavailable, leaving the defect unresolved.
- During a test drive, watch for transmission shuddering, delayed engagement, or limp mode; these are common signs of lead frame or speed sensor failure.
- Inspect the rear window for cracks or signs of shattering, and test the defroster; owners report the glass can explode outward after use.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA's recall website to see if any open recalls exist for the specific vehicle, and demand they be fixed before purchase.
- For the Acura ILX, ask for service records showing the brake master cylinder and fuel pump recalls were completed, and test the airbag system if possible.
- For the Ford F-150, have a mechanic scan for transmission trouble codes and check the lead frame part number; a test drive should include highway speeds to detect limp mode.
- Inspect all electrical functions: lights, windows, defroster, and dashboard warnings, as both vehicles have electrical complaints.
- Take a long test drive on varied roads, including stops and starts, to feel for brake issues, transmission problems, or unusual noises.
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 ILX | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 3 | 3493 |
| 2021 | 11 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 10 | 44 |
| 2019 | 36 | 52 |
| 2018 | 23 | 79 |
| 2017 | 20 | 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 Acura ILX or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Acura ILX vs FORD F 150
- Acura ILX total complaints
- 269
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Acura ILX total recalls
- 36
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Acura ILX avg complaints/year
- 26.9
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Acura ILX
- Acura ILX top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN