Head-to-head reliability
AUDI S5 vs FORD F 150
How the AUDI S5 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 S5 vs FORD F 150: The Audi S5 has 72 complaints over 10 years (about 7 per year) and 20 recalls, while the Ford F-150 has 11,621 complaints (over 1,100 per year) and 151 recalls. The F-150 also reports 330 crash-related incidents versus 2 for the S5. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the AUDI S5 or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
AUDI S5
The Audi S5 is a performance coupe or sedan with a relatively low complaint volume: 72 over 10 years, about 7 per year. Most owner complaints center on the infotainment system rebooting while driving, which can blank the backup camera and rear sensors. There are also reports of engine problems, including a 2018 S5 that would not start with camshaft codes. With 20 recalls and 2 crash-related reports, it is a complex car that needs a careful pre-purchase inspection.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a very high complaint volume: 11,621 over 10 years, averaging over 1,100 per year. The dominant issue is the power train, especially transmission problems like limp mode, stuck gears, and lead frame failures. Electrical issues and rear window defroster shorts that can shatter the back glass are also reported. With 151 recalls and 330 crash-related reports, this truck has a long history of safety-related defects.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | AUDI S5 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 72 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 20 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 2 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 7.2 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 2 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 S5
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM22
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER21
- 03ENGINE14
- 04FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE14
- 05BACK OVER PREVENTION12
Owners report the MMI infotainment system spontaneously reboots every 60-90 seconds while driving. During reboot, the screen goes black and backup camera, rear obstacle detection, and navigation become unavailable, which is a safety concern when reversing.
A 2018 S5 owner reported the car would not start and had camshaft codes; another complaint cites latent engine failure from piston skirt and rocker arm defects on the EA839 V6. These can lead to expensive repairs and stranded driving.
Complaints link the MMI reboots to loss of forward collision avoidance features, as the system restarts every 60-90 seconds. This means safety aids may be unavailable precisely when needed.
When the MMI reboots, the backup camera and parking sensors stop working, as reported by owners. This makes reversing less safe because the driver loses the rear view and obstacle alerts.
“The MMI spontaneously reboots numerous times while driving. When the reboots happen, the screen goes black and key systems such as the backup camera, rear obstacle detection, and navigation, become unavailable until the reboot completes and the systems reload…”
“"The MMI spontaneously reboots numerous times while driving. When the reboots happen, the screen goes black and key systems such as the backup camera, rear obstacle detection, and navigation, become unavailable until the reboot completes and the systems reloa…”
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, getting stuck in 5th gear, and lead frame failures. One owner said a lead frame issue nearly ended their life, highlighting the safety risk of sudden loss of power or gear engagement.
The same lead frame defect is often filed under electrical system complaints. Also, a 2017 F-150 owner reported an output speed sensor failure that triggered highway limp mode, even after a recall software update.
A rear window defroster short caused the back window to explode outward and shatter, according to one owner. This is a serious safety hazard because it can happen without warning and scatter glass.
While not the top category, engine complaints exist and recalls include engine issues. Owners may face stalling or reduced power, but the most frequent engine-related reports are tied to transmission and sensor failures.
“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 S5 — 20 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 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7…
The risk: Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi RS5 Sportback, 2020-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, and S5 Sportback vehicles. The wiring harness for the rear lights could be missing the anti-abrasion protection in the area of the spare wheel well.
The risk: Without the scuff protection, the wires may become damaged during a rear crash, disabling the doors from being opened from the outside, causing a loss of hazard lights, and increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will apply scuff protection, free of charge. The recall began January 21, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 97EU.
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan, S5 Cabriolet, A5 coupe, 2019-2021 RS5 coupe,…
The risk: A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 4…
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 S5 or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Audi S5 has far fewer complaints per year (about 7) compared to the Ford F-150 (over 1,100). In practice, the S5 owner is more likely to deal with infotainment glitches and occasional engine issues, while the F-150 owner faces a much higher chance of transmission problems that can cause limp mode or loss of power. The F-150 also has many more recalls and crash-related reports.
Key differences
- The Audi S5 averages about 7 complaints per year, while the Ford F-150 averages over 1,100 per year, a massive difference in reported problem frequency.
- Audi S5 owners most often report infotainment reboots that disable backup cameras and sensors; Ford F-150 owners most often report transmission limp mode and lead frame failures.
- The Ford F-150 has 151 recalls and 330 crash-related reports, compared to 20 recalls and 2 crash-related reports for the Audi S5.
- The F-150 has a reported rear window defroster short that can shatter the back glass, a specific safety defect not seen in the S5 data.
- Check the MMI infotainment system for spontaneous reboots; test the backup camera, rear sensors, and navigation while driving and reversing.
- Listen for engine noises and check for camshaft-related trouble codes, especially on 2018 models with the EA839 V6, as some owners reported no-start conditions.
- Test drive the truck extensively and watch for limp mode, rough shifting, or getting stuck in gear; scan for transmission codes like P0722.
- Inspect the rear window and defroster operation; look for any signs of overheating or prior shattering, as a short can cause the glass to explode.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed, especially for the Ford F-150's transmission and electrical recalls.
- Have a mechanic scan for stored trouble codes, focusing on transmission codes for the F-150 and camshaft or engine codes for the S5.
- During the test drive, operate all infotainment and safety features in the Audi S5, and test the transmission through all gears in the Ford F-150.
- For the Ford F-150, specifically ask about lead frame replacement and output speed sensor repairs; for the Audi S5, ask about MMI software updates.
- Inspect the rear window defroster and glass on the F-150, and check the backup camera and sensors on the S5 under different lighting conditions.
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 S5 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 35 |
| 2025 | 11 | 345 |
| 2024 | 2 | 638 |
| 2023 | 0 | 1527 |
| 2022 | 0 | 3493 |
| 2021 | 1 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 25 | 44 |
| 2019 | 6 | 52 |
| 2018 | 26 | 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 S5 or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- AUDI S5 vs FORD F 150
- AUDI S5 total complaints
- 72
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- AUDI S5 total recalls
- 20
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- AUDI S5 avg complaints/year
- 7.2
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- AUDI S5
- AUDI S5 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN