Head-to-head reliability
AUDI Q7 vs FORD F 150
How the AUDI Q7 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 Q7 vs FORD F 150: The Audi Q7 averages 64.6 complaints per year and has 40 recalls, while the Ford F-150 averages 1,162.1 complaints per year and has 151 recalls. Both show serious issues like electrical failures and transmission problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the AUDI Q7 or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
AUDI Q7
The Audi Q7 is a luxury SUV that averages about 65 complaints per year over the last decade, with 40 recalls. Owners frequently report electrical failures, such as a belt starter generator that can cut power at highway speeds, and engine coolant leaks on the 3.0L V6. These issues can leave you stranded and lead to costly repairs, so a thorough pre-purchase inspection is critical.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup that averages over 1,160 complaints per year, with 151 recalls. The most common trouble spots are the transmission and electrical system, where owners describe limp mode, harsh shifting, and lead frame failures that can cause sudden loss of power. These problems are widespread and can be dangerous, making a detailed service history essential.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | AUDI Q7 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 646 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 40 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 20 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 64.6 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 21 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 Q7
- 01EXTERIOR LIGHTING160
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM136
- 03ENGINE131
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER75
- 05SUSPENSION60
Owners report that matrix adaptive headlights may stop working, reducing night visibility. This matters because poor lighting can make driving in the dark riskier, especially with glare from other vehicles.
Complaints describe complete electrical failure at highway speeds due to a belt starter generator (BSG) malfunction. This can cause a sudden loss of power and steering assist, which is a serious safety concern.
Owners report systemic coolant leaks on the 3.0L turbocharged V6 (EA839) engine, which can lead to overheating and engine damage. This is a costly repair that may not be covered after warranty.
Some owners say the vehicle can lock unexpectedly with the key fob inside, trapping children or pets. This is a dangerous situation that could lead to heatstroke or other emergencies.
“Matrix adaptive headlights are not working. Night driving with increased adoption of LED headlights become challenging due to high glare level and associated temporary vision sensitivity reduction, I was hoping that matrix adaptive headlights will improve thi…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners frequently report transmission problems, including limp mode, getting stuck in 5th gear, and lead frame failures. These issues can cause sudden loss of power and increase the risk of a crash.
Complaints include output speed sensor failures that trigger limp mode, and rear window defroster shorts that can shatter the back window. These electrical faults can disable the truck or cause unexpected breakage.
Some owners report the rear window exploding outward after using the defroster, which could injure passengers or distract the driver. This is a rare but alarming defect.
While not detailed in the sample, this is a top complaint category, suggesting owners experience lighting failures that affect visibility. This matters for safe driving at night.
“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 Q7 — 40 recalls
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Audi Q7 vehicles. The padding on the vehicle's C-pillar may not absorb enough impact in the event of a crash.
The risk: In the event of a crash, an unbelted occupant's head may impact the vehicle's C-pillar padding, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the deformation element on the C-pillars, free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2020. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 70…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Audi Q7 vehicles. The air bag control module may deploy the second stage of the front passenger air bag too quickly after the first stage when the seat is occupied by an unbelted child. As such, these vehicles fail to comply wi…
The risk: During a crash necessitating the deployment of the passenger air bag, the second stage may deploy too quickly when a child is in the front passenger seat, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will update the air bag control module, free of charge. The recall began March 5, 2021. Owners can contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69BV.
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi Q8, and 2020-2021 Audi Q7 vehicles. A component inside the fuel pump may break, causing the fuel pump to fail.
The risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 22, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 20DR.
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2020 Q7 vehicles. Incompatibility between the front camera control software and the heating element used for the front camera on the windshield may cause the heating element to overheat.
The risk: An overheated heating element can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will update the control software and replace the heater element for the front camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 26, 2023. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834.…
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 Q7 or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Audi Q7 has far fewer complaints per year (about 65) compared to the Ford F-150 (over 1,160), but both have serious safety-related issues. In practice, the F-150's higher volume means you're more likely to encounter problems, while the Q7's lower rate doesn't guarantee freedom from costly electrical or engine failures.
Key differences
- The Ford F-150 has about 18 times more complaints per year than the Audi Q7, but also far more vehicles on the road.
- Audi Q7 owners report sudden electrical failure from the belt starter generator, while Ford F-150 owners report transmission limp mode and lead frame failures.
- The F-150 has 151 recalls versus 40 for the Q7, covering engine, seat belts, and air bags.
- Both vehicles have crash-related complaints and injuries, but the F-150 has one death reported, highlighting the potential severity of its issues.
- Check for any history of electrical system repairs, especially the belt starter generator (BSG), as failures can cause sudden power loss.
- Inspect for coolant leaks around the engine, particularly on the 3.0L V6, and look for low coolant levels or white exhaust smoke.
- Test drive the truck at highway speeds and check for transmission shudder, delayed engagement, or limp mode symptoms.
- Inspect the rear window and defroster for signs of overheating or previous replacement, as shorts can cause the glass to shatter.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and look for repeated electrical or transmission repairs.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, including scanning for stored trouble codes.
- For the Audi Q7, specifically ask about the BSG and coolant leak repairs; for the Ford F-150, ask about lead frame and transmission service.
- Check for open recalls by providing the VIN to a dealership and ensure all safety recalls have been addressed.
- Test drive in various conditions, including highway speeds and using all electrical features like lights and 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 Q7 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 35 |
| 2025 | 16 | 345 |
| 2024 | 2 | 638 |
| 2023 | 0 | 1527 |
| 2022 | 0 | 3493 |
| 2021 | 75 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 28 | 44 |
| 2019 | 62 | 52 |
| 2018 | 143 | 79 |
| 2017 | 319 | 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 Q7 or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- AUDI Q7 vs FORD F 150
- AUDI Q7 total complaints
- 646
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- AUDI Q7 total recalls
- 40
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- AUDI Q7 avg complaints/year
- 64.6
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- AUDI Q7
- AUDI Q7 top complaint area
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN