Head-to-head reliability
Acura TSX vs FORD F 150
How the Acura TSX 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 TSX vs FORD F 150: The TSX averages 52.9 complaints per year and has 47 recalls, while the F-150 averages 1,162.1 complaints per year and has 151 recalls. The F-150 also has more crash-related complaints (330 vs 36). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Acura TSX or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Acura TSX
The Acura TSX is a compact luxury sedan with a relatively low complaint rate of about 53 per year over a decade. The most common owner-reported problem is power steering leaks that can make the wheel hard to turn, followed by air bag warning lights and brake issues. Recalls are frequent (47), including Takata air bag inflators, but the overall volume of complaints suggests that while problems exist, they are less numerous than those of the Ford F-150.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint rate—over 1,100 per year—and 151 recalls in ten years. Owners frequently report transmission problems like limp mode and harsh shifting, often linked to a 'lead frame' part, as well as electrical glitches and rear window shattering. The sheer number of complaints and recalls means that living with an F-150 can involve more frequent trips to the shop.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Acura TSX | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 529 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 47 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 36 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 52.9 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 24 Better | 297 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 2 | 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 TSX
- 01STEERING209
- 02AIR BAGS93
- 03SERVICE BRAKES78
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM55
- 05ENGINE36
Owners report power steering fluid leaks from the steering rack boot, causing a heavy steering feel and noise when turning. This can lead to loss of steering assist, which is a serious safety concern if ignored.
Many complaints involve the 'check airbag system' light staying on after minor accidents, and some are tied to the Takata recall where parts were unavailable for long periods. A persistent airbag warning means the system may not deploy in a crash.
Drivers describe a frozen brake pedal that does not go down after the first pump, especially in cold mornings, leading to reduced stopping ability. Others report unexpected stability assist activation without warning lights.
Owners report stalling or no-start conditions, sometimes traced to corrosion in the PCM/ECM control unit under the center console, often after water exposure. This can leave the car stranded or cause repeated dealer visits without a fix.
“I BEGAN HEARING A NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE STEERING BECAME "HEAVY". I CHECKED THE POWER STEERING FLUID RESERVOIR AND IT WAS LOW ON FLUID. I CHECKED UNDER THE CAR AND SAW THAT THERE A LEAK FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE BOOT ON THE STEERING RACK.…”
“OUR NON-MOVING VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A HARD REAR-END COLLISION AT A IN CITY TRAFFIC WAITING TO MAKE A LEGAL TURN. A WEEK LATER VEHICLE LOST STEERING MOBILITY. WE HAD BATON ROUGE, LA ACURA DEALERSHIP RUN A DIAGNOSTIC. THEY FAILED TO DETERMINE IF THE FAILURE…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
A common complaint is the 'lead frame' issue causing the transmission to go into limp mode, stick in 5th gear, or fail to shift, which can happen while driving and increase crash risk. Owners also report harsh shifting and complete transmission failure.
Many electrical complaints stem from the same lead frame problem, plus issues like output speed sensor failures that trigger limp mode. These faults can disable the truck unexpectedly and require costly repairs.
Some owners report the rear window shattering spontaneously, often after using the defroster, sending glass outward. This is a safety hazard and can be expensive to replace.
While not detailed in the sample, exterior lighting complaints are among the top categories, suggesting frequent bulb or housing failures that can affect visibility and legality.
“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 TSX — 47 recalls
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014 Honda Insight and Acura TSX and TSX Wagon, 2014-2015 Honda Crosstour and Pilot vehicles nationwide, as well as certain 2014 Honda FCX Clarity and Fit EV vehicles in Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississip…
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 passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2014 TSX Sport Wagon, 2010-2013 ZDX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic and Civic Hybrid, 2008-2010 Civic GX NGV, 2012-2015 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2014 Fit EV, 2010-20…
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 passenger 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 F…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2013 TSX Sport Wagon, and 2010-2012 ZDX and 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV, 2012-2014 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2013 Insight, and 200…
The risk: An incorrectly installed air bag inflator may not properly deploy the passenger frontal air bag in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the inflator installation and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 5, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service…
The defect: Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain Accelerator Pedal Assemblies part numbers 699-114 and 825-5029-1, sold as replacement parts for 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2004-2008 Acura TL and TSX, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2007-2011 Honda Element, 2005-2008 Honda Pilot and 2006-…
The risk: If the accelerator pedal binds, the engine may not quickly return to idle after the pedal is no longer pressed, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dorman will notify owners, and qualified service facilities will replace the affected accelerator pedal assemblies, free of charge. The recall began December 9, 2019. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at 1-800-523-2492, using opti…
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 TSX or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Acura TSX has far fewer complaints per year (about 53) compared to the Ford F-150 (over 1,100), meaning the TSX owner is less likely to face recurring problems. In practice, the F-150's higher complaint volume and 151 recalls indicate a greater chance of unexpected repairs, especially for transmission and electrical issues.
Key differences
- The Acura TSX averages about 53 complaints per year, while the Ford F-150 averages over 1,100, a twenty-fold difference in reported issues.
- Ford F-150 owners frequently report transmission limp mode and lead frame failures, whereas Acura TSX owners most often report power steering leaks and airbag warnings.
- The F-150 has 151 recalls in ten years versus 47 for the TSX, including major items like seat belts and door latches.
- Acura TSX complaints include brake pedal freezing and electrical corrosion, but these are less numerous than the F-150's powertrain and electrical problems.
- Check for power steering fluid leaks around the steering rack boots and listen for whining or heavy steering when turning.
- Inspect for a persistent 'check airbag system' light and verify that any Takata airbag recall work has been completed.
- Test drive at highway speeds and watch for sudden limp mode, harsh shifting, or getting stuck in 5th gear, which points to lead frame or transmission issues.
- Inspect the rear window for cracks or signs of spontaneous shattering, and check if the defroster has caused any prior damage.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all open recalls have been repaired, especially airbag recalls on the TSX and transmission software updates on the F-150.
- Have a mechanic inspect the TSX for power steering leaks and the F-150 for transmission error codes and lead frame condition.
- Test drive the F-150 extensively, including highway speeds, to check for limp mode or shifting problems.
- For the TSX, check the brake pedal feel after multiple pumps and look for corrosion in the electrical system under the center console.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, focusing on transmission services for the F-150 and power steering repairs for the TSX.
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 TSX or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Acura TSX vs FORD F 150
- Acura TSX total complaints
- 529
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Acura TSX total recalls
- 47
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Acura TSX avg complaints/year
- 52.9
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Acura TSX
- Acura TSX top complaint area
- STEERING
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN