Head-to-head reliability
Aston Martin DBX vs FORD F 150
How the Aston Martin DBX 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
Aston Martin DBX vs FORD F 150: The DBX has 2 complaints over 6 years (0.3/yr) and 14 recalls, with no crash-related incidents. The F-150 has 27,552 complaints over 10 years (2,755/yr), 141 recalls, 762 crash-related complaints, and 714 injuries. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Aston Martin DBX or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Aston Martin DBX
The Aston Martin DBX is a low-volume luxury SUV with very few owner complaints—just 2 over 6 years—but 14 recalls suggest factory-level issues. Owners report a torn underbody panel exposing wiring from a minor road hazard, and a seat belt that rides across the driver's throat. These point to build quality and ergonomic oversights rather than widespread mechanical failures.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a high-volume truck with an enormous complaint volume—27,552 over 10 years—and 141 recalls. Owners report powertrain problems like shifters stuck in drive, engine issues with wastegates and park pawl failures, and electrical system failures causing total power loss while driving. Crash-related incidents (762) and injuries (714) underscore real safety consequences.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Aston Martin DBX | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2 Better | 27,552 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 14 Better | 141 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 762 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.3 Better | 2755.2 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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.
Aston Martin DBX
- 01STRUCTURE1
- 02SEAT BELTS1
Owners report the left underbody panel tearing from minor road debris, exposing wiring and servos. This suggests inadequate underbody protection for a luxury SUV, leading to costly out-of-pocket repairs.
The seat belt strap can lay across the driver's throat even when buckled, indicating a design flaw in the belt routing or adjuster that compromises comfort and safety.
“Left underbody panel tore. Available for inspection. Exposed wiring, servos, cables, etc. confirmed. Replaced panel at my expense by dealer. Manufacturer notified.Neither will reimburse me. No alerts. Occurred about 3/2/25. Cause: asphalt driveway twig caught…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN9,967
- 02ENGINE4,861
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3,479
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER3,210
- 05STRUCTURE1,485
Owners report the shifter getting stuck in drive when shutting down, failing to shift into park automatically. This can cause unintended rollaway, a serious safety hazard.
Complaints include wastegate issues on turbo models and the integrated park module failing to engage park pawl, leading to potential rollaway. Engine problems are frequent and costly.
Total power loss while driving—including brakes, steering, and airbags—has been reported. This catastrophic failure can lead to crashes and injuries.
Sudden unintended acceleration at low speeds and persistent severe vibration after repairs are reported, indicating unresolved drivability and safety issues.
“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.
Aston Martin DBX — 14 recalls
The defect: Aston Martin The Americas (Aston Martin) is recalling certain 2021-2024 DBX vehicles. Electrical cables in the battery fuse box may be loose, which can result in an engine stall, or a loss of headlights and/or power steering.
The risk: An engine stall or loss of headlights and/or power steering can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the fuses and cables for damage and replace them as necessary. In addition, the fasteners will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 2, 2024. Owners may cont…
The defect: Aston Martin The Americas (Aston Martin) is recalling certain 2023-2024 DBX707 vehicles. An oil hose for the oil cooler may burst, resulting in a sudden loss of oil and oil pressure.
The risk: A sudden loss of oil and oil pressure can result in the engine stalling or seizing, increasing the risk of a crash or fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the hoses for the oil cooler, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2024. Owners may contact Aston Martin customer service at 1-888-923-9988. Aston Martin's number for this recall is RA-03-1926.
The defect: Aston Martin The Americas (Aston Martin) is recalling certain 2026 DBX S, 2023-2026 DBX707, and 2021-2024 DBX vehicles. The pin for the torque reaction link may slide out of the rear lower suspension arm, causing the rear lower suspension arm casting to crack or shear.
The risk: Failure of the rear lower suspension arm can cause a loss of vehicle control, damage the brake line or other suspension components, and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Aston Martin will inspect the lower rear suspension arms for cracks, and as necessary, replace the lower rear arms, and replace the bolts for the torque reaction links, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 28, 2026. O…
The defect: Aston Martin The Americas (Aston Martin) is recalling certain 2025-2026 DBX and 2026 DBX S vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) light may not illuminate as intended, failing to warn drivers that one or more tires may be underinflated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the…
The risk: Underinflated tires increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Aston Martin will update the TPMS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 28, 2026. Owners may contact Aston Martin customer service at 1-888-923-9988. Aston Martin's number for this recall is RA-13-2153. The V…
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
Aston Martin DBX or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Aston Martin DBX has far fewer complaints per year (0.3 vs 2,755) and no crash-related incidents, while the Ford F-150 has a high rate of serious failures including power loss and unintended acceleration. In practice, the DBX offers lower risk of major safety defects, but its recalls and build issues require careful inspection.
Key differences
- The DBX has 0.3 complaints per year vs the F-150's 2,755 per year, a 9,000-fold difference in owner-reported issues.
- The F-150 has 762 crash-related complaints and 714 injuries; the DBX has zero crash-related, injury, or death reports.
- The DBX's main issues are trim and seat belt ergonomics; the F-150's include total power loss, stuck shifters, and unintended acceleration.
- The F-150 has 141 recalls over 10 years; the DBX has 14 over 6 years, but both have high recall counts relative to complaints.
- Inspect the underbody panels for damage or loose fasteners, as they can tear from minor debris and expose wiring.
- Check the driver's seat belt routing: sit in the vehicle and buckle up to see if the strap crosses your throat uncomfortably.
- Test the shifter: park on a slight incline, shut off the engine while in drive, and verify it shifts to park automatically.
- Check for any history of total power loss or electrical system failures, and ensure all recalls (especially brake booster and park pawl) are performed.
Before you buy
- Obtain the vehicle's VIN and check NHTSA recall status for both models; ensure all open recalls are completed.
- For the DBX, perform a thorough underbody inspection for panel damage and exposed components.
- For the F-150, test the shifter park function and check for any drivability issues like vibration or unintended acceleration.
- Review service records for the F-150, focusing on powertrain and electrical system repairs.
- Take a test drive at low speeds and on the highway to feel for vibrations, power loss, or unusual behavior.
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 | Aston Martin DBX | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 9 |
| 2025 | 1 | 320 |
| 2024 | 1 | 597 |
| 2023 | 0 | 1448 |
| 2022 | 0 | 3285 |
| 2021 | 0 | 4942 |
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 Aston Martin DBX or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Aston Martin DBX vs FORD F 150
- Aston Martin DBX total complaints
- 2
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 27,552
- Aston Martin DBX total recalls
- 14
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 141
- Aston Martin DBX avg complaints/year
- 0.3
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 2755.2
- More reliable overall
- Aston Martin DBX
- Aston Martin DBX top complaint area
- STRUCTURE
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN