Head-to-head reliability
Bentley Azure vs FORD F 150
How the Bentley Azure 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
Bentley Azure vs FORD F 150: the Azure has 1 complaint and 4 recalls over 10 years, while the F-150 has 11,621 complaints, 151 recalls, and 330 crash-related reports. The Ford's larger record reveals repeatable transmission and electrical faults; the Azure's data is too sparse to show patterns. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Bentley Azure or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Bentley Azure
The Bentley Azure is a low-volume luxury convertible, and its NHTSA record reflects that: just 1 complaint and 4 recalls over 10 years. The single complaint is a broad request for inspections across exotic brands rather than a specific failure, so it tells you little about real-world reliability. The recalls focus on hood and body structure plus an exhaust emission control item, suggesting build-quality or trim issues rather than systemic mechanical problems. Living with one means low complaint volume but potentially expensive repairs when something does go wrong.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a high-volume pickup with a very active complaint history: 11,621 complaints and 151 recalls over 10 years, including 330 crash-related reports, 297 injuries, and 1 death. Owners repeatedly describe transmission and electrical problems, especially the 'lead frame' issue causing limp mode or stuck gears, and rear-window defroster shorts that can shatter the glass. These are not isolated quirks; they are recurring patterns that affect daily driving and safety. Buyers should expect to check service history and recall completion carefully.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Bentley Azure | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 4 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.1 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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.
Bentley Azure
- 01TIRES1
- 02EQUIPMENT1
The only tire complaint is a generic request for safety inspections across several exotic brands, not a specific tire failure on the Azure. It does not point to a repeatable defect, so tire issues are not a documented pattern here.
The equipment complaint is the same broad inspection request covering multiple luxury makes, with no specific part or symptom named. Buyers should treat it as noise rather than a known failure pattern.
“THIS IS A REQUEST IN ORDER FOR US DOT TO BEGIN CONTINUAL MANUFACTURING PLANT AND DEALERSHIP SAFETY INSPECTIONS, ANALYSIS FOR POTENTIAL DEFECTS AND RECALLS ON THE FOLLOWING MAKES: FERRARI, PORSCHE, BUGGATI, BENZ, BWM, ROLLS, BENTLEY, JAGUAR, LAMBROGHINI. PLEAS…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners report the 'lead frame' issue causing sudden limp mode or stuck gears, sometimes nearly causing collisions, and a 2017 V8 with the 6-speed automatic repeatedly going into limp mode and sticking in 5th gear. These transmission faults can leave you without power at speed, so a pre-purchase scan for stored codes and a test drive that includes highway speeds are essential.
The same lead frame problem is also filed under electrical, and one owner describes a rear-window defroster short that caused the back window to explode outward. Electrical gremlins can affect safety and comfort, so check for recall work (like 26S28) and inspect the rear defroster and window seals.
A reported short in the rear window defroster led to the back window shattering within minutes of use, with no external impact. This suggests a possible overheating or electrical fault in the defroster circuit, so test the defroster and look for cracks or prior replacement.
Exterior lighting is a top complaint area with 1,224 reports, though the sample text does not detail specific failures. Given the volume, buyers should check all lights, including brake and reverse lamps, for intermittent operation or moisture.
“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.
Bentley Azure — 4 recalls
The defect: BENTLEY IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 ARNAGER, ARNAGET, ARNAGE RL, BROOKLANDS, AND AZURE VEHICLES. THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR THE "B" HOOD ORNAMENT'S RETRACTING MECHANISM TO BECOME CORRODED. THIS MAY LEAD TO THE "B" HOOD ORNAMENT NOT RETRACTING AS INTENDED WHEN A VEHICLE IS INVOLVED IN A…
The risk: IF THE HOOD ORNAMENT DOES NOT RETRACT, IT COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO A PEDESTRIAN IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH BETWEEN THE VEHICLE AND THE PEDESTRIAN.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE RETRACTABLE "B" MECHANISM FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BENTLEY AT 1-617-488-8500.
The defect: BENTLEY IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 ARNAGER, ARNAGET, ARNAGE RL, BROOKLANDS, AND AZURE VEHICLES. THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR THE "B" HOOD ORNAMENT'S RETRACTING MECHANISM TO BECOME CORRODED. THIS MAY LEAD TO THE "B" HOOD ORNAMENT NOT RETRACTING AS INTENDED WHEN A VEHICLE IS INVOLVED IN A…
The risk: IF THE HOOD ORNAMENT DOES NOT RETRACT, IT COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO A PEDESTRIAN IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH BETWEEN THE VEHICLE AND THE PEDESTRIAN.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE RETRACTABLE "B" MECHANISM FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BENTLEY AT 1-617-488-8500.
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. FUEL VAPORS STORED IN THE VEHICLE'S EVAPORATIVE EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM COULD ENTER A BODY CAVITY BEHIND THE ROCKER PANEL ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE.
The risk: IF VAPOR IS EMITTED AND COLLECTS IN THE CAVITY, THE RESULTING AIR/VAPOR MIXTURE COULD BE IGNITED IF THE CENTRAL WINDOW OPERATING MECHANISM IS ACTIVATED.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PLATED MILD STEEL EXTENSION PIPE TO THE LEAK DETECTION FILTER OF THE VEHICLE WHICH WILL ENSURE THAT ANY VAPOR EMANATING FROM THE EVAPORATIVE EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM IS VENTED TO THE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. OWNER NOTI…
The defect: BENTLEY IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 ARNAGER, ARNAGET, ARNAGE RL, BROOKLANDS, AND AZURE VEHICLES. THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR THE "B" HOOD ORNAMENT'S RETRACTING MECHANISM TO BECOME CORRODED. THIS MAY LEAD TO THE "B" HOOD ORNAMENT NOT RETRACTING AS INTENDED WHEN A VEHICLE IS INVOLVED IN A…
The risk: IF THE HOOD ORNAMENT DOES NOT RETRACT, IT COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO A PEDESTRIAN IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH BETWEEN THE VEHICLE AND THE PEDESTRIAN.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE RETRACTABLE "B" MECHANISM FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BENTLEY AT 1-617-488-8500.
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
Bentley Azure or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Bentley Azure has far fewer issues per year (0.1 complaints/year vs. 1,162.1 for the F-150), but that reflects its tiny production volume and limited data rather than proven superiority. In practice, the F-150's much larger complaint pool reveals repeatable transmission and electrical faults that can strand or endanger drivers, while the Azure's record is too sparse to reveal patterns.
Key differences
- The F-150 has 11,621 complaints and 151 recalls over 10 years, while the Azure has just 1 complaint and 4 recalls, so the Ford's problem patterns are far better documented.
- Ford owners repeatedly report transmission limp mode and stuck gears from the lead frame, a specific safety concern not seen in the Azure's sparse data.
- The Azure's recalls center on hood/body structure and an exhaust emission item, suggesting trim or build issues rather than powertrain failures.
- The F-150's complaint volume includes 330 crash-related reports and 297 injuries, while the Azure shows zero crash-related complaints, injuries, or deaths in its limited record.
- Check the hood and body panels for alignment, latch operation, and signs of prior repair, since three of four recalls involve the hood structure.
- Ask for the exhaust emission control recall history and inspect for related warning lights or repair paperwork.
- Test drive at highway speed and scan for transmission codes; watch for limp mode, harsh shifts, or sticking in 5th gear, which owners link to the lead frame.
- Operate the rear window defroster and inspect the rear glass for cracks or prior replacement, given reports of defroster shorts shattering the window.
Before you buy
- For either vehicle, obtain a full NHTSA recall history by VIN and confirm all open recalls have been completed.
- For the F-150, insist on a pre-purchase inspection that includes a transmission control module scan and a highway test drive.
- For the Azure, verify hood latch and body panel condition, and request records for the exhaust emission control recall.
- Check tire age and condition on both vehicles, since the Azure's only tire complaint is a generic inspection request and the F-150 has many lighting complaints.
- Review service records for repeated electrical or transmission repairs, especially on the F-150, and budget for potential follow-up fixes.
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 Bentley Azure or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Bentley Azure vs FORD F 150
- Bentley Azure total complaints
- 1
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Bentley Azure total recalls
- 4
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Bentley Azure avg complaints/year
- 0.1
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Bentley Azure
- Bentley Azure top complaint area
- TIRES
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN