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 only 4 complaints over 10 years (0.4/yr) and 7 recalls, while the Ford F-150 has 10,861 complaints (1086/yr) and 144 recalls. The RS 7's issues include electrical stalling and overheating, whereas the F-150 suffers from transmission failures and electrical glitches. 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 hatchback that, in ownership terms, promises thrilling speed and premium comfort. However, the complaint data reveals a pattern of electrical gremlins and powertrain issues that can leave owners stranded or dealing with persistent mechanical problems. With only 4 complaints over 10 years, it's a low-volume sample, but the issues reported are serious and potentially dangerous, such as the car stopping in traffic due to a 48V electrical fault. Owners also report overheating on the highway and excessive oil consumption, suggesting that while the RS 7 is exciting, it may demand frequent dealer visits and patience.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is America's best-selling pickup, known for its versatility and capability. But the complaint data paints a picture of a vehicle with widespread and frequent problems, especially in the powertrain and electrical systems. With over 10,000 complaints in a decade, owners report transmission failures, hard shifting, and limp mode, as well as electrical issues that can cause sudden power loss. The sheer volume of complaints and recalls (144) indicates that while the F-150 is popular, it has significant reliability concerns that could affect daily usability and safety.
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 | 10,861 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 7 Better | 144 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 319 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.4 Better | 1086.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 286 |
| 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 the car suddenly stopping in traffic due to a 48V electrical issue that is back-ordered worldwide, requiring multiple shop visits. This can be a serious safety hazard if it happens in an intersection.
One owner experienced sudden overheating on a freeway with no shoulder, forcing them to keep driving for miles. This suggests cooling system problems that could lead to engine damage if not addressed.
Complaints include a persistent coolant smell and excessive oil consumption, with repairs attempted but not resolving the issue. This points to potential internal engine problems that could be costly.
“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 TRAIN3,363
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,019
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,374
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,122
- 05ENGINE803
The most common issue is transmission failure, especially the 10R80 10-speed automatic. Owners report delayed/hard shifting, wrench warning lights, and sudden loss of power or limp mode, which can be dangerous in traffic.
Electrical problems often manifest as transmission-related issues, including warning lights and abrupt downshifts. Some owners report loud bangs from the transmission and popping sounds from the rear suspension, indicating potential driveline issues.
Owners complain that OEM LED headlights do not adjust properly, causing excessive glare to oncoming drivers. This is a safety concern for both the driver and others on the road.
“The vehicle experienced intermittent transmission-related drivability issues before the recall remedy was available. The vehicle had delayed/hard shifting, an intermittent wrench warning light, and a reduced power/limp mode condition where the transmission wo…”
“Subject: Safety Defect Complaint – Sudden 10R80 Transmission Failure in 2018 Ford F-150 Dear NHTSA, I am reporting a serious safety issue with my 2018 Ford F-150 equipped with the 10R80 10-speed automatic transmission. The transmission failed completely at on…”
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 — 144 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 complaints per year (0.4) compared to the Ford F-150 (1086.1), indicating a lower frequency of reported issues. However, the RS 7's problems are still serious, and the low sample size means reliability is less certain. In practice, the F-150's issues are more widespread and likely to affect a buyer's experience, while the RS 7's issues, though rarer, can be just as disruptive.
Key differences
- The Audi RS 7 has a much lower complaint rate (0.4 per year) than the Ford F-150 (1086 per year), but the RS 7's issues include sudden stops and overheating, which are safety-critical.
- The Ford F-150's most common problem is transmission failure, with many owners reporting hard shifting and limp mode, while the Audi's top issue is electrical system failures causing the car to stall.
- The Audi RS 7 has only 7 recalls, while the Ford F-150 has 144, indicating a much higher rate of manufacturer-identified defects in the truck.
- The Ford F-150 has 319 crash-related complaints and 286 injuries, whereas the Audi has none, suggesting that the F-150's issues may have more severe safety consequences.
- Check the 48V electrical system: ask for service records related to any stalling or '48V issue' repairs, and verify if the back-ordered part has been replaced.
- Inspect for coolant leaks and oil consumption: look for puddles under the car, check the oil level, and ask about any engine repairs.
- Test the transmission thoroughly: drive at various speeds, watch for hard shifts, and see if the wrench light comes on. Ask if the 10R80 has been replaced or updated.
- Check the headlights: ensure they adjust properly and don't glare excessively. Ask if there are any outstanding recalls for lighting.
Before you buy
- For the Audi RS 7: obtain a full service history and specifically ask about any electrical system repairs, especially related to the 48V system.
- For the Ford F-150: check for any open recalls and ensure the transmission has been serviced or updated per the latest recall.
- For both: have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the powertrain and electrical systems.
- Test drive both vehicles in stop-and-go traffic to feel for any transmission or stalling issues.
- Check NHTSA's website for the latest recall information and complaint trends for the specific model years you're considering.
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 | 12 |
| 2025 | 0 | 321 |
| 2024 | 0 | 606 |
| 2023 | 0 | 1474 |
| 2022 | 0 | 3355 |
| 2021 | 4 | 5041 |
| 2018 | 0 | 17 |
| 2017 | 0 | 11 |
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
- 10,861
- AUDI RS 7 total recalls
- 7
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 144
- AUDI RS 7 avg complaints/year
- 0.4
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1086.1
- More reliable overall
- AUDI RS 7
- AUDI RS 7 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN