Head-to-head reliability
AUDI A6 vs FORD F 150
How the AUDI A6 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
AUDI A6 vs FORD F 150: The Audi A6 averages 20 complaints per year with 41 recalls, while the Ford F-150 averages 1,162 complaints per year with 151 recalls. The F-150 also has 330 crash-related complaints versus 2 for the A6. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the AUDI A6 or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
AUDI A6
The Audi A6 is a luxury sedan that averages about 20 NHTSA complaints per year over the past decade, with 41 recalls. The most common complaint area is the electrical system, often involving water leaks that corrode wiring and cause warning lights or sudden power loss. While the overall complaint rate is low, the nature of the issues—like steering lock and mold growth—can be serious and expensive to fix.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint volume: about 1,162 per year over 10 years, plus 151 recalls. Power train and electrical problems dominate, with many owners reporting transmission limp mode, lead frame failures, and rear window shattering. These issues can leave the truck stuck in gear or cause safety hazards, making pre-purchase inspections critical.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | AUDI A6 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 200 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 41 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 2 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 20.0 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 2 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.
AUDI A6
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM123
- 02ENGINE41
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE27
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER23
- 05POWER TRAIN21
Owners report water leaking into the passenger compartment, corroding the seat wiring harness and causing electrical failures, mold growth, and warning lights. This can lead to expensive repairs and health concerns from mold.
Complaints describe sudden loss of engine power and throttle response, often with a dashboard message limiting engine speed to 2500 RPM. This can leave drivers stranded or unable to accelerate safely.
Some owners experience multiple warning lights and even steering lock-up, which could increase crash risk. Others report malfunctioning ADAS components and emergency SOS activation.
Issues include electronic door locks malfunctioning with children inside and persistent mold/mildew odors from the HVAC system. These affect convenience, safety, and air quality.
“* Passenger front Seat wiring harness corrosion and failure due to water ingress due to leaking web plate in the longitudinal member on passenger side. Water ingress in passenger compartment caused electrical failure and black mold to grow in the interior car…”
“While operating the vehicle under normal driving conditions, the vehicle suffered an immediate, un-commanded loss of engine power and throttle response. The vehicle displayed a critical dashboard restriction stating: “Maximum engine speed 2500 RPM”, forcing a…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners frequently report transmission problems like limp mode, stuck in 5th gear, and lead frame failures that can cause near-collisions. These issues often recur and may require costly repairs.
The same lead frame issue can cause electrical faults, and some report rear window defroster shorts leading to shattered back windows. These electrical gremlins can be dangerous and unpredictable.
Complaints include rear window defroster short circuits that cause the window to explode outward. This is a serious safety hazard that can happen without warning.
While fewer complaints than power train, engine issues are noted in recalls and some owner reports. These can contribute to limp mode or other performance problems.
“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.
AUDI A6 — 41 recalls
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal M…
The risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90TV. Vehicle Identification Numbers (V…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q3, Q5, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS6 Avant, RS7, R…
The risk: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi custome…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7…
The risk: Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi RS6 Avant, RS7, 2020-2021 A6 Allroad, S6 Sedan, S7, 2019-2021 A6 Sedan, and A7 vehicles. The score line on the passenger air bag may not have been manufactured correctly.
The risk: An incorrectly manufactured air bag may not deploy properly, and could also eject plastic debris into the passenger compartment, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the passenger air bag score line, and repair it as necessary, free of charge. The recall begin March 26, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for…
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
AUDI A6 or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Audi A6 has far fewer complaints per year (20 vs. 1,162 for the Ford F-150), suggesting a lower overall rate of reported problems. However, the F-150's higher volume means many owners experience issues, especially with the power train and electrical systems. In practice, the A6 may be less likely to leave you stranded, but when problems occur they can still be serious.
Key differences
- The Audi A6 averages 20 complaints per year, while the Ford F-150 averages 1,162—a massive difference in reported problem frequency.
- Audi A6 complaints often involve water leaks causing electrical corrosion and mold, whereas Ford F-150 complaints frequently cite transmission limp mode and lead frame failures.
- The Ford F-150 has 330 crash-related complaints and 297 injuries, compared to 2 crashes and 2 injuries for the Audi A6, indicating more severe outcomes reported for the truck.
- Both have electrical issues, but the F-150's are tied to power train and window shattering, while the A6's are linked to water ingress and ADAS malfunctions.
- Check for water leaks in the passenger footwell and trunk, which can corrode wiring and cause electrical failures—look for damp carpets or musty odors.
- Test all electronic systems, including door locks, windows, and ADAS features, for warning lights or malfunction messages during a test drive.
- During a test drive, watch for transmission shuddering, delayed engagement, or limp mode; scan for stored codes like P0722 related to output speed sensor.
- Inspect the rear window for cracks or signs of defroster damage, and ask if the lead frame has been replaced or if recall work was done.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models, especially the Audi's electrical recalls and the Ford's power train recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect the Audi A6 for water intrusion and electrical corrosion, and the Ford F-150 for transmission and lead frame issues.
- Test drive the Ford F-150 extensively, including highway speeds, to check for transmission limp mode or shifting problems.
- For the Audi A6, run the air conditioning and check for moldy smells, and inspect under the seats for rust or corrosion.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, particularly for transmission services on the F-150 and electrical repairs on the A6.
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 | AUDI A6 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 8 | 35 |
| 2025 | 9 | 345 |
| 2024 | 3 | 638 |
| 2023 | 2 | 1527 |
| 2022 | 0 | 3493 |
| 2021 | 17 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 25 | 44 |
| 2019 | 114 | 52 |
| 2018 | 2 | 79 |
| 2017 | 20 | 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 AUDI A6 or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- AUDI A6 vs FORD F 150
- AUDI A6 total complaints
- 200
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- AUDI A6 total recalls
- 41
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- AUDI A6 avg complaints/year
- 20.0
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- AUDI A6
- AUDI A6 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN