Head-to-head reliability
AUDI SQ8 vs FORD F 150
How the AUDI SQ8 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 SQ8 vs Ford F-150: The SQ8 has only 5 complaints over 7 years (0.7/yr) with no crashes, while the F-150 has 27,552 complaints over 10 years (2,755/yr) with 762 crash-related incidents and 10 deaths. The SQ8's issues are electrical glitches; the F-150's include powertrain failures and unintended acceleration. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the AUDI SQ8 or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
AUDI SQ8
The Audi SQ8 is a luxury SUV with very few complaints—just 5 over 7 years—but those complaints reveal a troubling pattern of electrical gremlins. Owners report the MMI system freezing or crashing, especially during over-the-air updates, and the electronic door handles can lock occupants in or out. The stop/start system also misbehaves, and safety sensors trigger randomly. While the low complaint count is reassuring, the issues that do occur are frustrating and can affect basic access and control.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a popular full-size pickup with a massive 27,552 complaints over 10 years, averaging over 2,700 per year. The dominant problems are in the powertrain and engine, with owners describing the shifter getting stuck in drive and failing to engage park, sudden unintended acceleration, and complete loss of power while driving. There are also 762 crash-related complaints, 714 injuries, and 10 deaths, making it a high-risk vehicle in terms of reported safety incidents.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | AUDI SQ8 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 5 Better | 27,552 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 17 Better | 141 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 762 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.7 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 SQ8
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3
- 02POWER TRAIN2
- 03LANE DEPARTURE1
- 04FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE1
- 05SUSPENSION1
The MMI infotainment system stops working suddenly, especially during automatic updates, and the electronic door handles can lock you in or out of the car. The instrument cluster may black out, and safety sensors trigger randomly, leaving controls inoperable.
The automatic engine stop/start feature malfunctions when slowing to a stop, and the MMI system failure also affects powertrain-related controls. Owners report the car not restarting properly after stop/start events.
These safety systems are tied to the electrical gremlins: the lane departure warning and forward collision avoidance sensors go off at random, causing false alerts and potential distraction.
“I am reporting a serious safety defect involving the door locking and electrical systems in my 2024 Audi SQ8. On two separate occasions the vehicle experienced a complete electrical malfunction. During the first incident, I and my child were trapped inside th…”
“MMI system stops working all of a sudden. This has happened multiple times and especially when it takes updates on its own. When called customer service they referred to the dealer stating they cannot do anything. Right after my call with them the car starts…”
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 automatically shift into park, which can cause the truck to roll away. Turbo wastegate issues and transmission valve body problems are also common, leading to loss of power or erratic shifting.
Engine problems include the integrated park module not engaging park, sudden unintended acceleration, and severe vibrations after repairs. Oil lubrication and turbo failures are also reported, with some engines losing all power while driving.
Complete loss of electrical power while driving, disabling brakes, steering, airbags, and hazard lights. ABS system noise after recall repairs and trailer brake control issues are also frequent complaints.
Sudden unintended acceleration at low speeds, even without pressing the accelerator, and persistent severe shake/vibration after dealership repairs that cannot be fixed.
“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 SQ8 — 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 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.
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…
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 SQ8 or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Audi SQ8 has far fewer complaints per year (0.7 vs 2,755) and no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths, while the Ford F-150 has 762 crash-related complaints and 10 deaths. In practice, the SQ8's issues are electrical annoyances, whereas the F-150's problems can lead to sudden loss of control or power.
Key differences
- The Audi SQ8 has 0.7 complaints per year vs the Ford F-150's 2,755 per year—a 4,000-fold difference in complaint rate.
- The SQ8's complaints center on electrical system glitches (MMI, door handles, sensors), while the F-150's top issues are powertrain (stuck shifter, unintended acceleration) and engine failures.
- The F-150 has 762 crash-related complaints and 10 deaths; the SQ8 has zero crash, injury, or death reports.
- The F-150 has 141 recalls over 10 years; the SQ8 has 17 recalls over 7 years, but both have multiple recalls for similar systems.
- Test the MMI system thoroughly: check for freezing during startup and after software updates, and ensure the electronic door handles lock/unlock reliably.
- Verify the stop/start system works smoothly without hesitation or failure to restart.
- Check the shifter operation: press the brake and shut off the engine while in Drive to see if it automatically shifts to Park—if not, the integrated park module may be faulty.
- Test for sudden unintended acceleration by slowly parking at low speed; also listen for turbo wastegate rattle or vibration at highway speeds.
Before you buy
- Check NHTSA recall status for both vehicles and ensure all open recalls are performed.
- On the Audi SQ8, test the MMI system, electronic door handles, and stop/start function multiple times.
- On the Ford F-150, test the shifter park engagement, brake function, and look for any driveline vibrations.
- Review the vehicle's service history for any electrical or powertrain repairs.
- Take a thorough test drive including low-speed parking maneuvers and highway cruising.
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 SQ8 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 9 |
| 2025 | 0 | 320 |
| 2024 | 2 | 597 |
| 2023 | 0 | 1448 |
| 2022 | 0 | 3285 |
| 2021 | 3 | 4942 |
| 2020 | 0 | 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 SQ8 or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- AUDI SQ8 vs FORD F 150
- AUDI SQ8 total complaints
- 5
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 27,552
- AUDI SQ8 total recalls
- 17
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 141
- AUDI SQ8 avg complaints/year
- 0.7
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 2755.2
- More reliable overall
- AUDI SQ8
- AUDI SQ8 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN