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 has 11 complaints over 7 years (1.6/year) and 17 recalls, while the Ford F-150 has 11,621 complaints over 10 years (1,162/year) and 151 recalls. The Ford also reports 330 crash-related complaints and 297 injuries, versus 0 and 1 for the Audi. 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 high-performance luxury SUV with a low complaint rate of about 1.6 per year over seven years. However, owners report recurring electrical issues like overheating wireless chargers and faulty USB ports, plus engine cooling problems such as water pump leaks. These problems can be expensive and may leave you without your vehicle for weeks, as seen with backup camera recalls.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a very high complaint rate of over 1,100 per year across ten years. The most common issues involve the power train, particularly transmission problems that can cause limp mode and sudden gear changes. Electrical glitches and rear window shattering are also reported. With many crashes and injuries tied to complaints, this truck demands careful inspection.
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 | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 17 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1.6 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 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 SQ7
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM6
- 02ENGINE3
- 03BACK OVER PREVENTION2
- 04FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE2
- 05STEERING1
Owners report that the wireless phone charging pad can overheat and become a fire hazard, and USB-C ports may short out and overheat. These issues could burn you or damage your phone, and they point to a broader electrical weakness.
The 4.0L twin-turbo V8 often develops coolant leaks from the water pump and thermostat housing at low mileage, sometimes under 27,000 miles. Repair costs can exceed $5,000, and this is a known, long-standing problem for Audi.
The backup camera may malfunction, and a recall software fix has not worked for some owners, leaving vehicles at dealers for weeks. Sensors for parking and rear warnings can also fail sporadically, making it hard to know if safety systems are working.
Owners report sporadic failures of adaptive assistance and pre sense systems, with warning lights appearing even after sensor replacements and recalibrations. This unpredictability means you cannot rely on these features to prevent a crash.
“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 TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Many owners report transmission problems, including sudden limp mode and getting stuck in 5th gear, often linked to a lead frame issue. This can happen daily and may cause near-collisions, making the truck unsafe to drive.
The same lead frame defect can cause electrical faults, and a separate issue with the rear window defroster has led to windows shattering outward. These electrical gremlins can leave you stranded or injured.
Some complaints involve rear window defroster shorts that cause the back window to explode, sending glass outward. This is a serious safety risk, especially if someone is near the truck.
While not detailed in the sample complaints, exterior lighting is a top complaint category, suggesting frequent bulb or housing failures that can 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 SQ7 — 17 recalls
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…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8, RS7, RS6 Avant, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, Q8, Q7, Q5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, Q5, A7, A6, A6 Allroad, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, A5 Cabrioleet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, SQ7, S5 Cabriolet, E-Tron Quattr…
The risk: A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the infotainment unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DZ.
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 SQ7 or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Audi SQ7 has far fewer issues per year (1.6 vs. 1,162.1), but its problems tend to be costly and persistent. The Ford F-150's much higher complaint rate means you are more likely to encounter serious transmission and electrical faults that could lead to crashes or injuries.
Key differences
- The Audi SQ7 averages 1.6 complaints per year, while the Ford F-150 averages 1,162.1 per year, a massive difference in reported problem frequency.
- Ford F-150 complaints include 330 crash-related and 297 injuries, whereas the Audi SQ7 has 0 crash-related and 1 injury, indicating different safety profiles.
- Audi SQ7 issues often involve electrical accessories and cooling system leaks, while Ford F-150 problems center on transmission limp mode and lead frame failures.
- Both vehicles have recalls, but the Ford F-150 has 151 recalls versus 17 for the Audi SQ7, suggesting broader chronic issues.
- Check for coolant leaks around the water pump and thermostat housing, especially on 2021 models with the 4.0L V8, as owners report failures under 27,000 miles.
- Test the wireless charging pad and all USB-C ports for overheating or intermittent connection, as these have been reported as fire hazards.
- During a test drive, watch for sudden limp mode or harsh shifting, which can indicate the lead frame or transmission output speed sensor failure.
- Inspect the rear window and defroster for any signs of cracking or previous replacement, as shorts have caused windows to shatter.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed, especially the Audi's backup camera software update and Ford's lead frame recall.
- Have a mechanic inspect the Audi's cooling system and electrical ports, and the Ford's transmission and rear window defroster before purchase.
- Test drive the Ford F-150 extensively, including highway speeds, to check for transmission slipping or limp mode.
- For the Audi SQ7, ask about any prior water pump or thermostat repairs and check for coolant residue.
- Budget for potential repairs: Audi water pump replacement can cost $5,000+, and Ford transmission repairs may be similarly expensive.
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 | 35 |
| 2025 | 2 | 345 |
| 2024 | 1 | 638 |
| 2023 | 0 | 1527 |
| 2022 | 0 | 3493 |
| 2021 | 6 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 2 | 44 |
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
- 11,621
- AUDI SQ7 total recalls
- 17
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- AUDI SQ7 avg complaints/year
- 1.6
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- AUDI SQ7
- AUDI SQ7 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN