Head-to-head reliability
AUDI E TRON vs FORD F 150
How the AUDI E TRON 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 E TRON vs FORD F 150: The Audi e-tron has 116 complaints over 4 years (29/year) and 21 recalls, while the Ford F-150 has 11,621 complaints over 10 years (1,162/year) and 151 recalls. The F-150 also reports 330 crash-related incidents versus 4 for the e-tron. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the AUDI E TRON or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
AUDI E TRON
The Audi e-tron is an electric SUV with a relatively low complaint volume: 116 complaints over four years, averaging 29 per year. Most owner reports center on electrical system glitches, such as blank instrument cluster displays and software-related issues, plus some power train complaints about sudden jerking or drivetrain disengagement. With 21 recalls and only 4 crash-related reports, it appears to have fewer reported problems than the Ford F-150, but electrical faults can still be disruptive and costly.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a very high complaint volume: 11,621 complaints over ten years, averaging about 1,162 per year. Owners frequently report power train problems, especially transmission issues like limp mode and stuck gears, as well as electrical glitches and rear window shattering. With 151 recalls and 330 crash-related reports, the F-150 has a much higher rate of reported issues, though it remains a popular truck.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | AUDI E TRON | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 116 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 21 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 4 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 29.0 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 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 E TRON
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM59
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER26
- 03POWER TRAIN19
- 04ENGINE18
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM15
Owners report intermittent blank instrument cluster displays and software malfunctions, sometimes requiring dealer visits. One owner noted a four-week dealership stay without meaningful repairs, which can be frustrating and costly.
Some drivers experience sudden jerking and drivetrain disengagement while approaching stops, with the car coasting but losing power. This occurred multiple times for one owner, raising concerns about unexpected loss of propulsion.
Complaints include missing AM radio (not disclosed at sale) and recall-related software issues, such as a rear camera recall that couldn't be completed due to a USB interface malfunction. These can lead to unexpected repair bills.
Engine-related complaints often mirror electrical system issues, with owners reporting 'Electrical System Malfunction' messages and long service delays. This suggests that some engine warnings may stem from electrical faults rather than mechanical failure.
“I own a 2021 Audi e-tron with approximately 58000 miles. Beginning in March 2026, the vehicle developed intermittent Virtual Cockpit/instrument-cluster problems with blank display. I reported the condition to Audi dealer of Princeton NJ. The vehicle subsequen…”
“am writing to file a formal complaint regarding my recent experience with the service department at Audi of Cherry Hill concerning my Audi e-tron. My vehicle remained at your dealership for approximately four weeks, during which time no repairs or meaningful…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Transmission problems are common, including limp mode, stuck in 5th gear, and output speed sensor failures. One owner described a near-collision due to a lead frame issue, highlighting potential safety risks.
Owners report lead frame issues causing electrical faults, as well as rear window defroster shorts that can shatter the back window. These electrical gremlins can be dangerous and expensive to fix.
Complaints include rear window shattering due to defroster shorts and other unexplained electrical faults. These issues may not always be covered by recalls, leaving owners with repair costs.
Although not detailed in the sample complaints, exterior lighting is a top complaint category with 1,224 reports. Buyers should check for lighting malfunctions, which can affect visibility and safety.
“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 E TRON — 21 recalls
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 2021 Audi E-Tron Quattro and E-Tron Sportback Quattro vehicles. Corrosion in the brake booster may cause the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), speedometer display, and brake assist to stop functioning.
The risk: A loss of braking assist, ABS, and ESC will increase the effort and distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the brake booster, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 30, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 47R7.
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Audi E-Tron Quattro and E-Tron Sportback Quattro vehicles. The right hinge pin for the glove box cover may not be properly secured, allowing the glove box lid trim to interfere with the knee air bag during deployment.
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy properly can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the glove box, and secure the hinge pin as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this rec…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 E-Tron Quattro and 2020-2021 Audi E-Tron Sportback Quattro vehicles. An improperly welded rotor and shaft may separate within the integrated brake system.
The risk: Separation of the rotor and shaft may cause a reduction in braking assistance and a loss of the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the brake booster, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 14, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 47R1.
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 E TRON or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Audi e-tron has far fewer complaints per year (29 vs. 1,162) and fewer crash-related reports (4 vs. 330), suggesting a lower reported problem rate. In practice, the F-150's higher complaint volume means owners are more likely to encounter transmission, electrical, and other issues, while the e-tron's problems, though less frequent, can still involve costly electrical repairs.
Key differences
- The Audi e-tron averages 29 complaints per year, while the Ford F-150 averages 1,162 per year, indicating a much higher reported problem rate for the F-150.
- Ford F-150 owners frequently report transmission limp mode and stuck gears, whereas Audi e-tron owners more often report electrical glitches like blank displays.
- The F-150 has 330 crash-related reports and 297 injuries, compared to 4 crash-related reports and 1 injury for the e-tron, suggesting different safety profiles in reported incidents.
- Recall counts differ significantly: 21 for the e-tron versus 151 for the F-150, meaning F-150 owners may face more frequent recall visits.
- Check the instrument cluster for any blank or flickering display, as owners report intermittent Virtual Cockpit failures.
- Test the drivetrain for sudden jerking or disengagement when coming to a stop, a reported power train issue.
- Test the transmission for limp mode, rough shifting, or getting stuck in gear, especially during a test drive.
- Inspect the rear window for cracks or signs of shattering, and test the defroster for proper function to avoid electrical shorts.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models using the NHTSA VIN lookup tool.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic experienced with the specific model, focusing on electrical and transmission systems.
- For the Audi e-tron, verify that all software updates and recalls related to the instrument cluster and camera system have been performed.
- For the Ford F-150, ask about any transmission repairs or lead frame replacements, and test drive extensively in stop-and-go traffic.
- Confirm that the vehicle has a clear title and no outstanding safety recalls that could affect insurability or safety.
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 E TRON | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 0 | 1527 |
| 2022 | 0 | 3493 |
| 2021 | 36 | 5349 |
| 2019 | 80 | 52 |
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 E TRON or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- AUDI E TRON vs FORD F 150
- AUDI E TRON total complaints
- 116
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- AUDI E TRON total recalls
- 21
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- AUDI E TRON avg complaints/year
- 29.0
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- AUDI E TRON
- AUDI E TRON top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN