Head-to-head reliability
AUDI SQ7 vs FORD F 150
How the AUDI SQ7 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 SQ7 vs FORD F 150: The Audi SQ7 averages 1.6 complaints per year with no crash-related incidents, but owners report fire risks from charging ports and costly coolant leaks. The Ford F-150 averages 2,755 complaints per year, with 762 crash-related incidents and 714 injuries, including sudden power loss and unintended acceleration. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the AUDI SQ7 or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
AUDI SQ7
The Audi SQ7 is a luxury performance SUV that, based on NHTSA data, shows a low complaint rate of about 1.6 per year, but owners report recurring electrical and engine issues. The wireless charging pad and USB-C ports are described as potential fire hazards due to overheating, while the 4.0L V8 engine suffers premature coolant leaks from the water pump and thermostat housing, often requiring costly repairs. These patterns suggest that while major failures are infrequent, they can be expensive and safety-concerning when they occur.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a popular full-size pickup with a very high complaint rate of over 2,700 per year, indicating widespread issues. Owners report powertrain problems like the shifter getting stuck in drive and engine troubles including wastegate failures. Electrical system failures can cause sudden loss of power, disabling safety systems, and there are reports of unintended acceleration. The high number of crash-related complaints (762) and injuries (714) underscores serious safety concerns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | AUDI SQ7 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 11 Better | 27,552 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 17 Better | 141 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 762 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1.6 Better | 2755.2 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 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 SQ7
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM6
- 02ENGINE3
- 03BACK OVER PREVENTION2
- 04FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE2
- 05STEERING1
Owners report the wireless charging pad and USB-C ports overheating, causing phone shutdowns and potential fire risk. The USB ports have a defective design where connectors push in, leading to shorts and circuit board overheating.
The 4.0L twin-turbo V8 develops coolant leaks from the water pump and thermostat housing at low mileage (under 27,000 miles), with repair costs exceeding $5,000. This is described as a known, ongoing issue for over a decade.
The backup camera system has a recall (90TV) where software updates fail to fix the malfunction. Additionally, parking sensors and warning lights activate sporadically despite sensor replacements and recalibrations.
Safety systems like adaptive cruise control, Audi pre sense, and adaptive lights fail sporadically, with warnings appearing since new. Dealership visits have not resolved the issue, leaving functionality uncertain.
“The wireless phone charging pad in the newer Audi vehicles is a potential fire hazard, and could cause burn injuries or an accident. It also renders the phone being charged inoperable due to overheating shutdown which is equally a safety hazard if there were…”
“USB-C ports found on the front center console and second row center console have a defective design that leads to frequent "push in" of the USB connector. This is leading to shorts, circuit boards overheating, and potential fire risk. It is a frequent issue r…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN9,967
- 02ENGINE4,861
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3,479
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER3,210
- 05STRUCTURE1,485
The shifter gets stuck in drive when parking, failing to shift into park automatically. Also, wastegate issues on turbo models cause performance problems, reported as early as 5,900 miles.
Engine problems include the integrated park module failing to engage park pawl, preventing the vehicle from locking into park. This can lead to roll-away incidents.
Sudden total power loss while driving disables brakes, steering, airbags, and hazards, creating a dangerous situation. ABS system issues also arise after recall service on the brake booster.
Unintended acceleration occurs at low speeds without pressing the accelerator, especially with one-pedal driving activated. Additionally, severe shake and vibration persist after repairs.
“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 SQ7 — 17 recalls
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2023-2024 SQ8, RSQ8, Q8, Q7, and 2024 SQ7 vehicles. The driver's seat side air bag may have been improperly mounted to the seatback frame. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Stand…
The risk: An improperly mounted air bag may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and reinstall the air bag as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 17, 2024. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69GA.
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. (Volkswagen) is recalling one Audi SQ7 vehicles. The fasteners securing the high pressure fuel pump may not be tightened properly, resulting in a fuel leak.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten the screw connections and replace the high pressure fuel pump and fuel lines as necessary, free of charge. The one affected vehicle was repaired. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 800-893-52…
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 — 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 SQ7 or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Audi SQ7 has far fewer complaints per year (1.6 vs. 2,755) and no crash-related incidents, making it the more reliable choice on paper. However, its issues are costly and safety-related (fire risk, coolant leaks), while the F-150's problems are more frequent and involve serious safety events like power loss and unintended acceleration.
Key differences
- Audi SQ7 has 1.6 complaints per year vs. Ford F-150's 2,755 per year, a massive difference in frequency.
- Audi SQ7 has 0 crash-related complaints; Ford F-150 has 762 crash-related complaints and 714 injuries.
- Audi SQ7's top issues are electrical fire risk and engine coolant leaks; Ford F-150's top issues are powertrain failures and sudden power loss.
- Ford F-150 has 141 recalls vs. Audi SQ7's 17, indicating more widespread manufacturing defects.
- Check the wireless charging pad and USB-C ports for signs of overheating or damage, as they are reported fire hazards.
- Inspect the water pump and thermostat housing for coolant leaks, especially on 2021 models with the 4.0L V8.
- Test the shifter to ensure it properly engages park when the engine is shut off in drive; failure can cause roll-away.
- Check for any history of sudden power loss or ABS issues after brake booster recall service.
Before you buy
- For Audi SQ7: Verify all recall repairs are completed, especially backup camera (90TV) and fuel pump recalls.
- For Audi SQ7: Ask for service records of water pump/thermostat replacement; if not done, budget for potential $5k+ repair.
- For Ford F-150: Check for open recalls, particularly for integrated trailer brake control and engine oil lubrication.
- For Ford F-150: Test drive at low speeds to detect unintended acceleration or vibrations.
- For both: Obtain a vehicle history report to confirm no prior major repairs or accidents.
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 SQ7 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 9 |
| 2025 | 2 | 320 |
| 2024 | 1 | 597 |
| 2023 | 0 | 1448 |
| 2022 | 0 | 3285 |
| 2021 | 6 | 4942 |
| 2020 | 2 | 2530 |
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 SQ7 or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- AUDI SQ7 vs FORD F 150
- AUDI SQ7 total complaints
- 11
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 27,552
- AUDI SQ7 total recalls
- 17
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 141
- AUDI SQ7 avg complaints/year
- 1.6
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 2755.2
- More reliable overall
- AUDI SQ7
- AUDI SQ7 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN