Head-to-head reliability
Acura RLX vs FORD F 150
How the Acura RLX 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 RLX vs FORD F 150: The RLX averages 16 complaints per year with 13 recalls, while the F-150 averages 1,162 complaints per year with 151 recalls. The RLX's main issues are steering and suspension failures, whereas the F-150 suffers from power train and electrical problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Acura RLX or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Acura RLX
The Acura RLX is a luxury sedan that averages about 16 complaints per year, with steering and suspension issues dominating owner reports. Many complaints describe sudden jerks to the right, pulling, and failures of the rear-wheel steering system, which can make the car feel unpredictable. With 13 recalls and only 2 crash-related reports, the RLX has a relatively low complaint volume but the steering problems are serious and recurring.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup that generates over 1,100 complaints per year, with power train and electrical problems being the most common. Owners frequently report transmission limp mode, lead frame failures, and even rear window explosions. With 151 recalls and 330 crash-related reports, the F-150 has a much higher rate of reported issues, though it remains a popular truck.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Acura RLX | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 112 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 13 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 2 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 16.0 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 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 RLX
- 01STEERING59
- 02SUSPENSION23
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM14
- 04ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)13
- 05ENGINE11
Owners report abrupt jerks to the right and failures of the Precision All-Wheel Steer (P-AWS) rear toe control actuators, which can make the car hard to steer and feel like it might veer out of the lane. This is a critical safety concern because it affects control at speed.
Complaints include pulling to the right and creaking sounds when turning, often linked to the same rear toe control actuator failures. These issues can lead to uneven tire wear and costly repairs, and they may recur even after fixing brakes or rotors.
The Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) can trigger warnings and cause the car to make sudden jerks to the right, even when the feature is thought to be disabled. This suggests software or sensor problems that could surprise a driver.
Owners describe situations where the wheels and steering wheel get out of sync during left turns, making the car temporarily hard to steer and feel like it will veer out of the lane. This undermines the stability system's purpose and raises safety concerns.
“I purchased a 2014 Acura RLX. It had a LKAS Problem warning when purchased. I thought that meant that feature would be disabled. No big deal. In stead I have experienced the car making abrupt jerks to the right on multiple occasions. One instance, I turned on…”
“My 2014 Acura RLX has experienced a severe failure of the Precision All-Wheel Steer (P-AWS) Rear Toe Control (RTC) Actuators. The vehicle and its components are currently located at the Hiley Acura of Fort Worth dealership and are fully available for inspecti…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Many owners 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 a driver stranded or cause near collisions, and they often require expensive repairs.
The lead frame issue also appears here, along with output speed sensor failures that trigger limp mode. Additionally, some owners report rear window defroster shorts that cause the back window to shatter unexpectedly, which is a serious safety hazard.
Complaints include the rear window exploding outward after using the defroster, with no external cause. This is alarming and could lead to injury from flying glass, especially at night or on the highway.
While specific complaint text is not provided, this is a top component with many reports. Lighting failures can reduce visibility and increase crash risk, so buyers should check all lights carefully.
“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 RLX — 13 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 model year 2014-2015 Acura MDX 2WD and AWD, RLX and 2014 Acura RLX Hybrid vehicles. In certain driving conditions, the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) may incorrectly interpret certain roadside objects such as metal fences or metal gu…
The risk: If the CMBS unexpectedly applies emergency braking force while driving, there is an increased risk of a crash.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will update the CMBS software, free of charge. The recall began on July 6, 2015. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-800-382-2238. Honda's numbers for this recall is JQ4, JQ5 and JQ6.
The defect: American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2014 Acura RLX vehicles manufactured November 22, 2012, to January 30, 2014, 2015 Acura RLX vehicles manufactured June 4, 2014, to November 18, 2014, and 2014 Acura RLX Hybrid vehicles manufactured November 5, 2013, to July 25, 2014.…
The risk: Delamination of the aluminum film may diminish output of the headlight, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace both of the headlights, free of charge. The recall began February 2, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-310-783-2000. Honda's number for this recall is JN2.
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 RLX or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Acura RLX has far fewer complaints per year (about 16) compared to the Ford F-150 (over 1,100), meaning you are much less likely to encounter a reported problem with the RLX. However, the RLX's steering issues are severe and can affect control, while the F-150's problems are more varied and include transmission and electrical failures that can also be dangerous.
Key differences
- The Acura RLX has about 16 complaints per year, while the Ford F-150 has over 1,100, a massive difference in reported problem frequency.
- RLX owners most often report steering and suspension failures, including sudden jerks and rear toe control actuator problems, which directly affect steering control.
- F-150 owners frequently report power train issues like transmission limp mode and lead frame failures, which can cause sudden power loss and near collisions.
- The F-150 has 151 recalls and 330 crash-related reports, compared to 13 recalls and 2 crash-related reports for the RLX, indicating a higher rate of safety-related actions for the truck.
- During a test drive, check for any warning lights related to LKAS or steering, and feel for sudden jerks or pulling to the right, especially at highway speeds.
- Ask for service records to see if the Precision All-Wheel Steer (P-AWS) rear toe control actuators have been replaced, as failures are common and expensive.
- Test drive the truck and pay attention to transmission behavior—look for hesitation, limp mode, or getting stuck in a gear, which could indicate lead frame or sensor issues.
- Inspect the rear window for any cracks or signs of stress, and test the rear defroster; if it shorts, the window can shatter, so consider having it checked by a professional.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and all available service records for either vehicle.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection performed by a mechanic familiar with the specific model, focusing on the known problem areas.
- For the Acura RLX, test the steering system thoroughly, including at highway speeds, and check for any LKAS warnings.
- For the Ford F-150, scan for transmission error codes and test the rear defroster and window integrity.
- Verify that all open recalls have been addressed by checking the NHTSA website with the VIN.
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 RLX | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2 | 44 |
| 2019 | 0 | 52 |
| 2018 | 6 | 79 |
| 2017 | 3 | 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 RLX or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Acura RLX vs FORD F 150
- Acura RLX total complaints
- 112
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Acura RLX total recalls
- 13
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Acura RLX avg complaints/year
- 16.0
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Acura RLX
- Acura RLX top complaint area
- STEERING
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN