Head-to-head reliability
AUDI TT RS vs FORD F 150
How the AUDI TT RS 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 TT RS vs Ford F-150: The TT RS has 3 complaints over 7 years (0.4/yr) and no recalls, but fuel leaks pose a fire risk. The F-150 has 27,552 complaints over 10 years (2,755/yr) and 141 recalls, with issues like power loss and unintended acceleration. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the AUDI TT RS or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
AUDI TT RS
The Audi TT RS is a low-volume performance coupe with very few complaints on record—just 3 over 7 years, averaging 0.4 per year. The pattern is dominated by fuel system leaks: the EVAP canister and high-pressure fuel line have been reported to spray or leak fuel, creating a fire risk. One crash-related complaint describes a sudden loss of control with shuddering and the rear end kicking out, though the root cause is unclear. Overall, the TT RS appears reliable in terms of complaint volume, but the fuel leaks are a serious safety concern for any buyer.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a high-volume pickup with an enormous number of complaints—27,552 over 10 years, averaging 2,755 per year—and 141 recalls. The top problem areas are powertrain (9,967 complaints), engine (4,861), and electrical system (3,479). Owners report issues like the shifter getting stuck in drive, sudden loss of power while driving, unintended acceleration, and severe vibrations. With 762 crash-related incidents, 714 injuries, and 10 deaths, the F-150 has a much higher risk profile in the data.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | AUDI TT RS | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 3 Better | 27,552 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 141 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 762 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.4 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 TT RS
- 01FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM2
- 02POWER TRAIN1
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1
Owners report the fuel tank and EVAP canister failing without warning, causing fuel to leak from the excess drain hole and potentially ignite. Also, the high-pressure fuel line from the pump to the engine has been known to spray fuel over the engine bay and ground when the car is running.
One owner described a sudden shudder followed by the car gliding sideways and the rear end kicking out while driving on the highway, leading to a crash. The exact component failure is not specified, but it suggests a potential driveline or stability issue.
The same crash complaint also mentions the service brakes, though the text does not detail a specific brake failure. It may indicate that brakes were involved in the loss of control.
“Fuel tank and EVAP canister has failed on my car out of nowhere. Yes available for inspection. The safety of me and others have been comprised as the fuel is no longer going into my car, but rather leaking out the excess drain hole potentially causing a fire…”
“FUEL LINE, SUPPLY LINE FROM HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP TO ENGINE, HAS NOW NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO LEAKING. THE LEAKING IS MORE LIKE A SPRAYING AND CAUSING GAS TO GET ALL OVER THE ENGINE BAY AND THE GROUND. THIS OCCURS MOST WHEN THE CAR IS RUNNING. WHEN THE…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN9,967
- 02ENGINE4,861
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3,479
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER3,210
- 05STRUCTURE1,485
A common issue is the shifter getting stuck in drive when parking, failing to shift into park automatically. Another involves turbo wastegate problems causing performance loss. These can leave the vehicle immobile or unsafe.
Engine problems include the integrated park module not engaging park properly, leading to roll-away risk. Also, emissions control label updates and other engine-related failures are frequent.
Owners report sudden total loss of power while driving, disabling all safety systems including brakes, steering, and airbags. Another complaint describes ABS noise after recall service, indicating electrical gremlins.
Unintended acceleration at low speed has been reported, even without pressing the accelerator. Also, severe shake and vibration after repairs, suggesting unresolved driveline or alignment 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 TT RS
No recalls on record.
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 TT RS or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Audi TT RS has far fewer complaints per year (0.4 vs 2,755) and no recalls, making it statistically much more reliable. However, its fuel system leaks are a serious fire hazard, while the F-150's issues are more varied and include loss of power and unintended acceleration. In practice, the TT RS is likely to have fewer overall problems, but the F-150's problems are more numerous and severe.
Key differences
- The Audi TT RS has only 3 complaints over 7 years, while the Ford F-150 has 27,552 over 10 years—a massive difference in reported issues.
- Audi's main problem is fuel system leaks (spraying fuel), a fire risk; Ford's top issues are powertrain (stuck shifter, turbo problems) and electrical (total power loss).
- The F-150 has 141 recalls and 10 deaths linked to complaints; the TT RS has zero recalls and no deaths.
- Audi's single crash complaint involves loss of control; Ford's 762 crash complaints include unintended acceleration and sudden power loss.
- Inspect the high-pressure fuel line and EVAP canister for leaks—look for fuel smell or visible wetness around the engine bay and under the car.
- Test drive at highway speeds and listen for shuddering or unusual handling that could indicate a driveline issue.
- Check for shifter binding when parking—try to shift into park and see if it engages properly. Also test the start/stop sequence.
- Look for signs of electrical issues: dimming lights, warning messages, or any history of sudden power loss. Ask about recall completion for brake booster and other systems.
Before you buy
- For the Audi TT RS: request service records for fuel system repairs, especially the EVAP canister and high-pressure fuel line.
- For the Ford F-150: verify all 141 recalls have been performed, especially those related to powertrain and electrical system.
- Test drive both vehicles at highway speeds and during parking maneuvers to feel for vibrations, shuddering, or shifter problems.
- Check NHTSA.gov for any new complaints or recalls on the specific model year you are considering.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on fuel system (Audi) and electrical/powertrain (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 TT RS | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 0 | 3285 |
| 2021 | 0 | 4942 |
| 2020 | 0 | 2530 |
| 2019 | 0 | 5718 |
| 2018 | 1 | 5505 |
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 TT RS or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- AUDI TT RS vs FORD F 150
- AUDI TT RS total complaints
- 3
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 27,552
- AUDI TT RS total recalls
- 0
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 141
- AUDI TT RS avg complaints/year
- 0.4
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 2755.2
- More reliable overall
- AUDI TT RS
- AUDI TT RS top complaint area
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN