Head-to-head reliability
Acura NSX vs FORD F 150
How the Acura NSX 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 NSX vs FORD F 150: The NSX averages 1.4 complaints per year with 9 recalls, while the F-150 averages 1,162.1 complaints and 151 recalls. The F-150 also has 330 crash-related reports versus 3 for the NSX. Both show safety concerns, but the F-150's volume means more reported issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Acura NSX or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Acura NSX
The Acura NSX is a low-volume sports car, so it sees very few complaints per year—about 1.4 over the past decade. Owners report a mix of issues, including fuel pump failures that some say match a known recall, brake noises, and air bag concerns. Because the sample includes older MDX models, some complaints may not reflect the NSX itself, but the pattern suggests that when problems occur, they can involve safety-critical systems.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a high-volume pickup with over 11,000 complaints in ten years, averaging more than 1,100 per year. The most common trouble spots are the powertrain, electrical system, and exterior lighting. Owners describe serious issues like transmissions stuck in limp mode, lead frame failures, and even rear window shattering. With 151 recalls and hundreds of crash and injury reports, this truck demands careful pre-purchase inspection.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Acura NSX | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 14 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 9 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 3 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1.4 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 4 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 NSX
- 01UNKNOWN OR OTHER3
- 02AIR BAGS3
- 03SERVICE BRAKES3
- 04TIRES3
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM2
One owner reported a fuel pump module failure identical to a known recall defect, but their VIN was not included. This means some NSX models may have an unaddressed fuel delivery risk that could cause stalling or loss of power.
Owners describe a 'thud' noise when braking, which a dealer dismissed as normal. While not necessarily a failure, persistent brake noises can indicate worn components or uneven pad wear, so a thorough brake inspection is wise.
Complaints include a passenger airbag deploying while the driver airbag did not in a crash. This suggests a potential inconsistency in airbag deployment that could affect occupant protection in a collision.
Reports mention tire sidewall damage and flats from curb contact, plus one owner's general concern about tire safety. Tire issues can lead to loss of control, so checking tire condition and age is important.
“My vehicle is 2017 Acura NSX with VIN 19UNC1B08HY000777. My vehicle experienced a fuel pump module failure identical to the known defect under Recall 23V-858, but my VIN is not currently included in the recall. I believe it should be. This is a significant sa…”
“EVERY TIME YOU ACCELERATE IT MAKES A LOAD RATTLING NOISE & THE A.C. WORKS WHEN IT WANTS TO ..”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners frequently report transmission problems, including limp mode, getting stuck in 5th gear, and lead frame failures that can cause sudden loss of power. These issues can leave you stranded or create dangerous driving situations.
The same lead frame issue often appears under electrical complaints, along with output speed sensor failures that trigger limp mode. Electrical gremlins can be hard to diagnose and expensive to fix.
One owner reported the rear window shattering after using the defroster, which could be due to a short circuit. This is a serious safety concern because it can happen without warning and cause injury.
Although no sample complaint text is provided, exterior lighting is a top complaint category. Lighting failures can reduce visibility and increase crash risk, so check all lights function correctly.
“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 NSX — 9 recalls
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017 Acura NSX vehicles. Road vibrations may cause the metal screws that secure the printed circuit board for the high mounted center brake light to loosen and contact the circuitry, possibly resulting in the brake light fuse blowing and the bra…
The risk: Brake lights that do not work increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the center high mount brake light, free of charge. The recall began November 2, 2018. Owners may contact Acura Client Relations at 1-844-682-2872. Honda's number for this recall is B2B.
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Acura NSX vehicles. The crossover pipe couplers between the left and right fuel tanks may leak.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left and right fuel tanks, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are U29, and…
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 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…
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 NSX or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Acura NSX has far fewer complaints per year (1.4 vs. 1,162.1), but both vehicles have safety-related issues. In practice, the NSX is a niche sports car with sporadic problems, while the F-150's high volume means many owners face recurring powertrain and electrical faults. The F-150's higher complaint rate suggests a greater likelihood of encountering issues, but the NSX's low volume doesn't guarantee trouble-free ownership.
Key differences
- The Ford F-150 has over 11,000 complaints in 10 years, while the Acura NSX has only 14, indicating a massive difference in reported problem frequency.
- F-150 owners report severe powertrain issues like limp mode and lead frame failures; NSX owners report fuel pump and brake noise concerns.
- The F-150 has 151 recalls versus 9 for the NSX, meaning the truck has been subject to far more safety campaigns.
- Crash-related complaints are 330 for the F-150 and 3 for the NSX, but the NSX's small sample includes an airbag non-deployment, which is a serious red flag.
- Check if the fuel pump module has been replaced or if the VIN is included in recall 23V-858; a failure can cause stalling.
- Listen for a thud noise when braking and have the brake system inspected for worn components.
- Test drive at highway speeds and check for transmission shudder, delayed engagement, or limp mode; scan for stored codes like P0722.
- Inspect the rear window defroster for signs of shorting or overheating, and ask if the window has ever shattered.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA's recall site to see if any open recalls apply, especially fuel pump for NSX and powertrain for F-150.
- Obtain a pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic familiar with the specific model, focusing on transmission and electrical systems for the F-150 and fuel/brake systems for the NSX.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, particularly any transmission repairs or software updates for the F-150.
- During a test drive, pay attention to transmission shifting, unusual noises, and warning lights.
- Check tire condition and age on both vehicles, as the NSX has tire-related complaints and the F-150's size makes tires costly.
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 NSX | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 0 | 3493 |
| 2021 | 1 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 0 | 44 |
| 2019 | 0 | 52 |
| 2018 | 0 | 79 |
| 2017 | 6 | 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 NSX or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Acura NSX vs FORD F 150
- Acura NSX total complaints
- 14
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Acura NSX total recalls
- 9
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Acura NSX avg complaints/year
- 1.4
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Acura NSX
- Acura NSX top complaint area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN