Head-to-head reliability
AUDI SQ6 vs FORD F 150
How the AUDI SQ6 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 SQ6 vs FORD F 150: The Audi SQ6 has only 3 complaints and 2 recalls over 2 years, with no crashes or injuries. The Ford F-150 has 27,552 complaints, 141 recalls, 762 crashes, and 714 injuries over 10 years. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the AUDI SQ6 or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
AUDI SQ6
The Audi SQ6 is a relatively new model with very few complaints (3 total over 2 years), but those complaints point to a serious electronic gremlin: the instrument cluster can go blank for 30-60 seconds, and a defective SX6 module can cause widespread system failures. Owners report that the vehicle may lose critical displays and safety functions without warning. While the low complaint count is encouraging, the nature of the failures suggests potential for unpredictable electronic issues.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 has a massive volume of complaints (27,552 over 10 years) covering many systems, with power train and engine issues dominating. Owners report transmission problems like the shifter getting stuck in drive, engine failures including turbo/wastegate issues, and sudden loss of power where all safety systems become inoperable. The high number of crash-related complaints (762) and injuries (714) indicates that these failures can lead to dangerous situations.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | AUDI SQ6 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 3 Better | 27,552 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 2 Better | 141 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 762 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1.5 Better | 2755.2 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 714 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 10 |
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 SQ6
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2
- 02POWER TRAIN1
- 03FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM1
- 04LANE DEPARTURE1
- 05FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE1
Owners report the instrument cluster and speedometer going blank for 30-60 seconds after a system reboot, leaving the driver without critical information. This is a known design behavior according to dealer diagnosis.
A defective SX6 module, a central control unit, can cause multiple critical system failures affecting electronic, safety, and communication systems, potentially leading to loss of vehicle control.
The same SX6 module failure also impacts the fuel/propulsion system, causing widespread malfunctions that can affect drivability.
The SX6 module failure can disable lane departure warning and other driver-assist features, reducing safety during driving.
“The contact owns a 2025 Audi SQ6 E-Tron. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument panel became inoperable. The contact stated that after the vehicle performed a system reboot, the instrument panel remained inoperable, and…”
“UPDATE TO EXISTING COMPLAINT #11717767: On 2/24/2026, the Audi dealer performed a diagnosis and confirmed in writing on the attached official Repair Order that the vehicle is designed to intentionally blank out the instrument cluster and speedometer for 30-60…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN9,967
- 02ENGINE4,861
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3,479
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER3,210
- 05STRUCTURE1,485
Owners report the shifter getting stuck in drive when trying to shut off the truck, preventing it from shifting into park. This can cause the vehicle to roll unexpectedly. Also, turbo wastegate issues cause loss of power.
Engine failures include the integrated park module not engaging park properly, and sudden loss of power while driving, leading to complete loss of brakes, steering, and airbags.
Sudden total power loss while driving causes all safety systems (hazards, brakes, airbags, steering) to become inoperable. ABS issues after brake booster recall have also been reported.
Sudden unintended acceleration at low speeds and severe shake/vibration after repairs are reported, indicating unresolved drivability issues.
“When I am parking the truck, I press and hold the brake pedal, While the truck shifter in in "Drive", I press the start/stop button to shut truck down, the shifter gets stuck in "drive" and doesn't automatically shift in to park. The truck locks down and will…”
“My truck is a 2025 Ford F150 STX with 5,900 miles on it. This truck was purchased new at River City Ford in Lavalette, WV The component in questions seems to be involved with the turbos and more specifically the wastegate that attached to the turbos. Also, ye…”
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 SQ6 — 2 recalls
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2025 SQ6 e-tron and Q6 e-tron vehicles. The rearview camera may show a blurry image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
The risk: A blurry rearview image can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the rearview camera. In addition, dealers will inspect and replace surround view cameras as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 2, 2025. Owners may contac…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2025 SQ6 E-Tron, SQ6 Sportback E-Tron, Q6 Sportback E-Tron, A6, A5, A6 Sportback E-Tron, Q6 E-Tron, S5, and S6 Sportback E-Tron vehicles. The automatic locking retractor may fail to engage when a child seat is installed using the seat be…
The risk: An improperly secured child seat can increase risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the right and left rear seat belt assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 16, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number f…
FORD F 150 — 141 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 F-150, 2022-2026 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, Maverick, 2024-2026 Ranger, 2023-2026 F-600 SD, 2022-2027 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, and 2026 E-Transit vehicles. When towing a trailer, the integrated trailer module (ITRM) may los…
The risk: Trailer lights or brakes that do not function can reduce the driver’s ability to control the trailer and decrease the trailers visibility to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The integrated trailer module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 25, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, 2024 Expedition and 2024 Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with a 3.5L GTDI engine. The engines may have a misaligned engine cup plug, which can result in a rapid oil leak.
The risk: A rapid oil leak can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, an oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the engine cup plug alignment, and replace the plug if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 23, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for th…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, Bronco, 2024 Ranger, 2025 Mustang, Explorer, and Aviator vehicles. The transmission valve body may have been machined incorrectly, which can cause reverse gear failure, or unexpected forward movement in reverse or neutral gear.
The risk: Unexpected vehicle movement increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the transmission main control valve body, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S19.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, Expedition, and 2024 Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI engines. The engine may have a misaligned engine cup plug, which can result in a rapid oil leak.
The risk: A rapid oil leak can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, an oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the engine cup plug alignment, and replace the plug if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this…
Buyer analysis
AUDI SQ6 or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Audi SQ6 has far fewer complaints per year (1.5 vs 2755.2) and no reported crashes or injuries, while the Ford F-150 has a high rate of serious failures linked to crashes and injuries. In practice, the SQ6's issues are electronic gremlins, whereas the F-150's problems can lead to sudden loss of control.
Key differences
- Audi SQ6 has 1.5 complaints per year vs Ford F-150's 2755.2 per year.
- Ford F-150 has 762 crash-related complaints and 714 injuries; Audi SQ6 has zero.
- Audi SQ6's main issue is a blank instrument cluster and SX6 module failures; Ford F-150's top issues are transmission stuck in drive, sudden power loss, and engine failures.
- Ford F-150 has 141 recalls; Audi SQ6 has only 2 recalls.
- Check for instrument cluster blanking or delayed display after startup; this is a known issue on the SQ6.
- Verify that the SX6 module has been inspected or updated; failure can cause multiple system malfunctions.
- Test the transmission park function: after stopping in drive, press the start/stop button and ensure the shifter automatically moves to park.
- Check for any history of sudden power loss or ABS issues after brake booster recall work.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full service history and check for open recalls on both vehicles.
- For the Audi SQ6, test the instrument cluster for any blanking or lag during a test drive.
- For the Ford F-150, perform a thorough test of the transmission park function and check for any driveline vibrations.
- Review NHTSA complaint databases for the specific model year you are considering.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the SX6 module (Audi) and the integrated park module (Ford).
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 SQ6 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 9 |
| 2025 | 3 | 320 |
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 SQ6 or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- AUDI SQ6 vs FORD F 150
- AUDI SQ6 total complaints
- 3
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 27,552
- AUDI SQ6 total recalls
- 2
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 141
- AUDI SQ6 avg complaints/year
- 1.5
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 2755.2
- More reliable overall
- AUDI SQ6
- AUDI SQ6 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN