Head-to-head reliability
Acura TLX vs FORD F 150
How the Acura TLX 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 TLX vs FORD F 150: The TLX averages 53 complaints per year, mostly engine and electrical, while the F-150 averages 2,755, with severe power train and electrical failures. The F-150 has 141 recalls and 10 deaths reported. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Acura TLX or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Acura TLX
The Acura TLX is a luxury sedan that, based on NHTSA data, shows a moderate complaint rate of about 53 per year. Owners report engine issues like sudden power loss in humid conditions and fuel delivery failures, as well as transmission leaks and electrical glitches such as a blank instrument cluster. While not as high-volume as some trucks, the pattern suggests potential for unexpected breakdowns.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a very high complaint rate of over 2,700 per year. Owners frequently report transmission problems like the shifter getting stuck in drive, engine issues including failure to engage park, and electrical failures causing total power loss while driving. The sheer volume and severity of complaints indicate a higher risk of safety-related defects.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Acura TLX | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 532 Better | 27,553 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 33 Better | 141 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 24 Better | 762 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 53.2 Better | 2755.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 16 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 TLX
- 01ENGINE137
- 02POWER TRAIN97
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM92
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER72
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM60
Owners report sudden loss of acceleration in humid conditions due to moisture buildup causing misfires, and stalling on the highway from low fuel rail pressure (code P0087) requiring a new low-pressure fuel pump.
Transmission fluid leaks are reported, with fluid running down the drivetrain case from the mating area between transmission and transfer case, especially on 2024 Type S models.
The digital instrument cluster can go completely black while driving, with no warning, though the infotainment continues to work. Also, adaptive damper system errors appear due to poor wiring design.
“While driving in humid, rainy conditions for over five hours, I experienced a sudden and dangerous loss of acceleration. Moisture appears to have built up, resulting in a misfire and a flashing MIL/Check Engine light. This occurred while I was overtaking anot…”
“My 2017 Acura TLX stalled dangerously on the highway due to an unexpected fuel delivery failure, creating an immediate traffic hazard. Hiley Acura of Fort Worth diagnosed the vehicle with code P0087 (Low Fuel Rail Pressure) and confirmed it needs a new low-pr…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN9,967
- 02ENGINE4,861
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3,474
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER3,211
- 05STRUCTURE1,485
The shifter can get stuck in drive when parking, failing to automatically shift into park, which may allow the vehicle to roll. Also, wastegate issues on turbo models cause performance problems.
The integrated park module may not properly engage the park pawl, preventing the vehicle from locking into park when selected, a safety concern. Engine stalling and power loss are also reported.
Total power loss while driving, including loss of brakes, steering, and airbags, has been reported. Also, ABS system noise after brake booster recall service.
“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 TLX — 33 recalls
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Acura TLX, 2023-2025 Acura MDX, and 2023-2025 Honda Pilot vehicles. The brake pedal pivot pin was not secured properly, which can cause the pedal to shift out of position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehic…
The risk: A brake pedal that shifts out of position can prevent the driver from applying the brakes as intended, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the brake pedal assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 29, 2025. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall ar…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2022 Acura TLX vehicles. The tires may have sustained cuts and tears during the sorting process, which can result in tire damage.
The risk: Damaged tires can lead to a sudden loss of air pressure and loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the tires as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 30, 2023. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is GCW.
The defect: Acura (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021-2023 TLX vehicles. The fuel filler neck and fuel tank may have been improperly welded, which can result in a fuel leak.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel tank assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 3, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is JKX.
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Acura TLX, 2023-2025 Acura MDX, and 2023-2025 Honda Pilot vehicles. The brake pedal pivot pin was not secured properly, which can cause the pedal to shift out of position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehic…
The risk: A brake pedal that shifts out of position can prevent the driver from applying the brakes as intended, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the brake pedal assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 29, 2025. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall ar…
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 TLX or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Acura TLX has far fewer complaints per year (53 vs 2,755), indicating a lower frequency of reported issues. However, the F-150's complaints are more severe, including total power loss and unintended acceleration, which pose greater safety risks.
Key differences
- Acura TLX has 53 complaints per year vs Ford F-150's 2,755, a 52x difference in frequency.
- F-150 reports total power loss while driving; TLX reports instrument cluster blackout but infotainment stays on.
- F-150 has transmission park failures; TLX has transmission fluid leaks.
- F-150 recalls include electrical and engine oil issues; TLX recalls focus on brake pedals and fuel tank.
- Check for engine misfires or stalling, especially in humid conditions, and inspect for transmission fluid leaks around the transfer case area.
- Test the digital instrument cluster for intermittent blackouts while driving.
- Test the shifter to ensure it automatically engages park when the engine is shut off in drive.
- Check for any history of total power loss or ABS noise after brake booster recall work.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- For TLX: test drive in humid conditions if possible, and inspect transmission for leaks.
- For F-150: perform multiple park-to-shutoff cycles to verify park pawl engagement.
- Have a mechanic inspect the electrical system for any signs of intermittent failures.
- Review NHTSA complaint details for the specific model year you are considering.
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 TLX | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 4 | 320 |
| 2024 | 5 | 597 |
| 2023 | 10 | 1448 |
| 2022 | 25 | 3290 |
| 2021 | 64 | 4938 |
| 2020 | 61 | 2530 |
| 2019 | 91 | 5718 |
| 2018 | 93 | 5505 |
| 2017 | 69 | 3198 |
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 TLX or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Acura TLX vs FORD F 150
- Acura TLX total complaints
- 532
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 27,553
- Acura TLX total recalls
- 33
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 141
- Acura TLX avg complaints/year
- 53.2
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 2755.3
- More reliable overall
- Acura TLX
- Acura TLX top complaint area
- ENGINE
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN