Head-to-head reliability
AUDI A7 vs FORD F 150
How the AUDI A7 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 A7 vs FORD F 150: The A7 has 67 complaints over 10 years (6.7/year) and 43 recalls, while the F-150 has 11,621 complaints (1,162/year) and 151 recalls. The F-150 also reports 330 crash-related complaints and 297 injuries versus 1 and 4 for the A7. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the AUDI A7 or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
AUDI A7
The Audi A7 is a luxury hatchback with a relatively low complaint volume—67 over 10 years—but the pattern shows a car that can leave you stranded when electrical systems fail. Owners repeatedly describe cascading warnings, sudden engine shutdowns, and a 48-volt mild-hybrid starter generator that fails without warning. With 43 recalls and 4 injuries reported, it demands proactive maintenance and a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a high-volume pickup with a massive complaint count—11,621 over 10 years—and a pattern of powertrain and electrical problems that can affect drivability and safety. Owners report transmission limp mode, lead frame failures, and even rear window explosions. With 151 recalls and 330 crash-related complaints, it’s a workhorse that requires diligent upkeep and recall checks.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | AUDI A7 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 67 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 43 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 6.7 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 4 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 A7
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM29
- 02ENGINE14
- 03POWER TRAIN9
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM8
- 05AIR BAGS7
Owners report sudden 'electrical malfunction' warnings followed by cascading transmission and steering alerts, often traced to alternator or 48V starter generator failure. This can cause the car to shut down or lose power while driving, posing a serious safety risk.
Complaints describe the engine control unit failing, leading to unexpected engine shutdowns on local roads and highways. This can leave you without power in traffic, increasing the chance of a collision.
The 48V mild-hybrid starter generator is a common failure point, sending multiple error messages and disabling the car. Owners note it’s a widespread issue, and some say it has a recall on similar Audi models but not always on the A7.
The auto start/stop feature can engage before the vehicle fully stops, making the brakes feel like they’re aggressively applied. Also, the fuel filler flap can fail to open, especially in winter, leaving you unable to refuel.
“Received an electrical malfunction - please call service warning icon on dash display. In less than one mile, I received cascading sequential warnings - including transmission and steering warnings - please pull over now. I attempted to exit the freeway on th…”
“The alternator malfunctioned and was not available for inspection upon request My safety was put at risk as the car ceased to move while driving on high speeds on the hwy The problem has been reproduced by several other audi owners. This is a widespread issue…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners report recurring transmission problems, including limp mode stuck in 5th gear and lead frame failures that can cause sudden loss of power. One owner said a near-collision prompted a lead frame replacement, calling it a never-ending issue.
The lead frame issue also appears under electrical complaints, with symptoms like limp mode and output speed sensor failure. A rear window defroster short can cause the back window to shatter outward, which owners describe as explosive and dangerous.
Complaints include a short in the rear window defroster that leads to the back window shattering within minutes of use. This is a surprising and hazardous failure that can happen without warning.
With 1,224 complaints, exterior lighting issues are common, though specific failure details aren’t in the sample. Buyers should check all lights and look for recalls related to lighting.
“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 A7 — 43 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. (Audi) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Q7, A6 and A7 vehicles, and 2015-2018 Audi A8 vehicles. The left and right fuel rails may leak fuel.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase risk of a fire.
The fix: Audi has notified owners, and dealers will replace the left and right fuel rail, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 24DP.
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Audi S6 and S7, 2012-2018 A7 and A6 Sedan, and 2014-2018 RS7 vehicles equipped with basic seats (with or without heating). Stress or wear of the body-sensing mat within the front passenger seat may cause the Passenger Occ…
The risk: If the PODS module malfunctions, the front passenger air bag may not deploy properly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a PODS system repair kit, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 74D5.
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Q7, A6 and A7 vehicles, and 2015-2018 Audi A8 vehicles. The left and right fuel rails may leak fuel.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase risk of a fire.
The fix: Audi has notified owners, and dealers will replace the left and right fuel rail, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 24DP.
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 A7 or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Audi A7 has far fewer complaints per year (6.7 vs. 1,162.1 for the F-150), but its failures tend to be sudden and immobilizing. The F-150’s higher volume means more widespread issues, but many are well-documented and may have remedies. In practice, the A7 demands vigilance for electrical gremlins, while the F-150 requires attention to transmission and electrical faults.
Key differences
- The Audi A7 has 67 complaints over 10 years; the Ford F-150 has 11,621—a massive difference in reported problem volume.
- A7 owners report sudden electrical failures causing cascading warnings and shutdowns; F-150 owners report transmission limp mode and lead frame failures.
- The F-150 has 330 crash-related complaints and 297 injuries; the A7 has 1 crash-related and 4 injuries, though lower volume may understate risk.
- Both have many recalls (43 for A7, 151 for F-150), but the F-150’s recalls cover engine, seat belts, and air bags, while the A7’s include fuel rail and air bag sensors.
- Check for any history of electrical malfunction warnings, especially cascading transmission or steering alerts—these often precede alternator or starter generator failure.
- Test the fuel filler flap operation, as it can stick and prevent refueling, and verify the auto start/stop system doesn’t engage prematurely.
- Scan for transmission codes and test drive for limp mode or harsh shifting, especially in 2017 models with the 6-speed automatic.
- Inspect the rear window defroster for signs of shorting and check if the back window has ever shattered or been replaced.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed, especially for the A7’s fuel rail and air bag sensors and the F-150’s engine and seat belt recalls.
- Have a mechanic scan for stored error codes, particularly electrical and transmission codes, before purchase.
- Test drive extensively, including highway speeds, to feel for sudden power loss, limp mode, or unusual warnings.
- For the A7, verify the 48V mild-hybrid system health and check for any starter generator repairs.
- For the F-150, inspect the lead frame and transmission service history, and test the rear window defroster.
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 A7 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 0 | 345 |
| 2024 | 0 | 638 |
| 2023 | 0 | 1527 |
| 2022 | 0 | 3493 |
| 2021 | 6 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 2 | 44 |
| 2019 | 43 | 52 |
| 2018 | 0 | 79 |
| 2017 | 1 | 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 A7 or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- AUDI A7 vs FORD F 150
- AUDI A7 total complaints
- 67
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- AUDI A7 total recalls
- 43
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- AUDI A7 avg complaints/year
- 6.7
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- AUDI A7
- AUDI A7 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN