Head-to-head reliability
AUDI RS 7 vs FORD F 150
How the AUDI RS 7 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 RS 7 vs FORD F 150: The Audi RS 7 has 4 complaints over 10 years (0.4/year) and 7 recalls, while the Ford F-150 has 11,621 complaints (1,162/year) and 151 recalls. The F-150 also reports 330 crash-related complaints and 297 injuries; the RS 7 reports none. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the AUDI RS 7 or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
AUDI RS 7
The Audi RS 7 is a high-performance luxury car that sees very few complaints relative to its production numbers—just 4 over 10 years. Owners report serious but isolated issues like a 48V electrical fault that can cause the car to stop in traffic, and ongoing coolant smells or oil consumption. With only 0.4 complaints per year and no crashes or injuries in the data, it appears to be a low-volume, low-complaint vehicle, but the few reports point to potentially expensive repairs.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a massive complaint volume: 11,621 over 10 years, averaging 1,162 per year. The most common trouble spots are the power train (3,648 complaints) and electrical system (2,100), with owners describing transmission limp mode, lead frame failures, and even a rear window shattering. There are also 330 crash-related complaints, 297 injuries, and 1 death reported, making it a vehicle with many documented safety-related issues.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | AUDI RS 7 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 4 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 7 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.4 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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 RS 7
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2
- 02VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1
- 03POWER TRAIN1
- 04ENGINE1
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER1
Owners report a 48V issue that can cause the car to stop in the middle of an intersection, sometimes requiring multiple shop visits due to back-ordered parts. This is a serious safety concern because a sudden loss of power can leave you stranded in traffic.
One owner described the car suddenly overheating while driving, with a warning to pull over and idle—but they were on a freeway with no shoulder for miles. This suggests a risk of being forced to continue driving in an unsafe condition.
A persistent coolant smell and excessive oil burning were reported, with repairs attempted but the problem continuing. For a buyer, this could mean ongoing maintenance costs and potential engine wear.
A complaint notes that a recall repair was done but the NHTSA website still showed it as unrepaired. While not a mechanical failure, it highlights that recall status records can be inaccurate, so buyers should verify repairs independently.
“The car stopped in the middle of the intersection due to a 48V issue that is back ordered worldwide. It has been in the shop five times in reference to this stopping multiple times in the road.”
“This website shows the wrong information. Recall was successfully repaired but it shows here as unrepaired.”
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 that can cause near-collisions. One owner said the issue 'nearly ended my life,' indicating a serious safety risk.
The lead frame issue also appears under electrical complaints, along with output speed sensor failures that trigger limp mode. A separate report describes a rear window defroster short that caused the back window to shatter outward.
A complaint about the rear window exploding after using the defroster shows a surprising and dangerous failure mode. This is not a common maintenance item, so buyers should be aware of potential glass and electrical faults.
With 1,224 complaints, exterior lighting is a top component. While sample text is not provided, the high count suggests owners frequently experience lighting failures that could 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 RS 7 — 7 recalls
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 SQ8, A6 SEDAN, A7, A8, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S6 SEDAN, S7, S8, A6 Allroad, and SQ7 vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail.
The risk: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the instrument panel module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 24, 2025. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90VC.
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 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 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…
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 RS 7 or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Audi RS 7 has far fewer issues per year (0.4 vs. 1,162.1), but both vehicles have serious reported problems. In practice, the F-150's huge complaint volume means you are much more likely to encounter transmission, electrical, or lighting faults, while the RS 7's low volume means problems are rare but potentially severe when they occur.
Key differences
- The Ford F-150 has 11,621 complaints over 10 years versus just 4 for the Audi RS 7, a massive difference in reported problem frequency.
- Power train issues dominate the F-150 (3,648 complaints), with owners describing limp mode and lead frame failures, while the RS 7 has only 1 power train complaint about overheating.
- The F-150 has 330 crash-related complaints, 297 injuries, and 1 death, whereas the RS 7 has 0 in all three categories.
- Electrical problems are common in both: the RS 7 has a 48V issue that can stop the car, and the F-150 has lead frame and sensor failures that cause limp mode.
- Check for any history of 48V electrical system repairs or symptoms like the car shutting off at low speeds or in intersections.
- Look for signs of coolant leaks or excessive oil consumption, such as low coolant levels, sweet smells, or frequent oil top-offs.
- Test drive extensively to feel for transmission shudder, delayed engagement, or sudden limp mode; ask for records of lead frame or output speed sensor repairs.
- Inspect the rear window and defroster operation for any signs of shorting or previous shattering, and verify all recall repairs are completed.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and verify that all open recalls have been repaired, especially for the F-150's transmission and electrical recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission and electrical system, focusing on the F-150's lead frame and the RS 7's 48V system.
- For the RS 7, check for coolant and oil leaks, and ask about any overheating incidents or repairs.
- For the F-150, test the rear window defroster and inspect the glass for cracks or previous replacement.
- Request service records and ask specifically about any repeat repairs for the same issue, as some owners report multiple shop visits.
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 RS 7 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 35 |
| 2025 | 0 | 345 |
| 2024 | 0 | 638 |
| 2023 | 0 | 1527 |
| 2022 | 0 | 3493 |
| 2021 | 4 | 5349 |
| 2018 | 0 | 79 |
| 2017 | 0 | 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 RS 7 or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- AUDI RS 7 vs FORD F 150
- AUDI RS 7 total complaints
- 4
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- AUDI RS 7 total recalls
- 7
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- AUDI RS 7 avg complaints/year
- 0.4
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- AUDI RS 7
- AUDI RS 7 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN