Head-to-head reliability
Bentley Bentayga vs FORD F 150
How the Bentley Bentayga 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 Bentayga vs FORD F 150: The Bentley averaged 1.2 complaints per year with 30 recalls, while the Ford averaged 1,162.1 complaints per year with 151 recalls. The Ford had 330 crash-related complaints and 297 injuries; the Bentley had 1 crash and 1 injury. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Bentley Bentayga or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Bentley Bentayga
The Bentley Bentayga is a low-volume luxury SUV, averaging just 1.2 complaints per year over the past decade. Owners report issues with brakes, air bags, and fuel odors, but the sample size is tiny. With 30 recalls in 10 years, it has a high recall rate relative to its small fleet, suggesting potential for expensive fixes. Overall, it appears to have few complaints but may be costly to maintain when problems arise.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a high-volume pickup, averaging over 1,100 complaints per year. The most common trouble spots are the power train, electrical system, and exterior lighting. Many owners describe transmission problems that can cause limp mode or harsh shifting, and some electrical glitches. With 151 recalls and hundreds of crash-related complaints, it's a vehicle with well-documented, recurring issues.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Bentley Bentayga | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 12 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 30 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1.2 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.
Bentley Bentayga
- 01SERVICE BRAKES3
- 02AIR BAGS3
- 03FUEL SYSTEM2
- 04GASOLINE2
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2
Owners report that the dynamic cruise control can be dangerous, sometimes shortening the following distance to about 100 yards and continuing at the set speed. Another complaint mentions cybersecurity vulnerabilities that could shut down systems. These issues matter because they could affect braking and driver control.
One owner reported that the anti-collision and anti-pedestrian feature failed while guiding a driver to park, potentially leading to a collision. Another complaint repeats the cybersecurity concern. Air bag-related failures are serious because they can prevent proper deployment in a crash.
Owners of 2017 and 2019 models reported a strong fuel odor inside the cabin, sometimes while driving or parked. In one case, the fuel line was found fractured. This is a fire risk and should be inspected immediately.
The sample complaints include a cybersecurity vulnerability that could allow an attacker to shut down systems via the internet-connected SIM card. This is a critical safety concern because it could disable brakes or air bags remotely.
“EASY CYBER ATTACK AGAINST NEW BENTLEY - CRITICAL ISSUE IT IS INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS TO CONNECT THIS CAR TO THE INTERNET USING A SIM CARD, AS THE CAR IS LITTERED WITH HIGH IMPACT VULNERABILITIES THAT CAN EASILY BE EXPLOITED TO SHUT DOWN SYSTEMS, THIS WOULD DENY…”
“BENTLEY DYNAMIC CRUISE CONTROL - DANGEROUS THE CAR HAS DYNAMIC CRUISE CONTROL THAT IS VERY DANGEROUS IN CERTAIN SETTINGS. IT IS POSSIBLE TO SHORTEN THE DISTANCE TO THE NEXT CAR ON A HIGHWAY TO APPROXIMATELY 100 YARDS, AND THE CAR WILL CONTINUE AT THE CRUISE I…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Many owners report transmission problems, including limp mode, getting stuck in 5th gear, and harsh shifting. A recurring 'lead frame' issue has been linked to near collisions. These failures can leave you stranded or cause loss of power while driving.
Owners describe the same lead frame issue affecting electrical signals, as well as output speed sensor failures that trigger limp mode. A separate complaint mentions a rear window defroster short that caused the back window to shatter. Electrical gremlins can be intermittent and hard to diagnose.
One owner reported that the rear window exploded outward after using the defroster, with no external cause. This is a safety hazard because it can happen while driving and may distract or injure occupants.
Although no sample complaint text is provided for exterior lighting, it is a top component with 1,224 complaints. Buyers should check for flickering, moisture, or failure of lights, which 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.
Bentley Bentayga — 30 recalls
The defect: Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2018 Bentley Mulsanne and 2018 Bentayga vehicles. When reverse gear has been selected, the rearview camera display may be obstructed or may not be fully visible within two seconds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Fe…
The risk: If the full camera view is obstructed or delayed and the driver does not check their surroundings before backing up, there may be an increased risk of a crash.
The fix: Bentley will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the software in the infotainment system, free of charge. The recall began October 19, 2018. Owners may contact Bentley customer service at 1-800-777-6923. Bentley's number for this rec…
The defect: Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Bentayga vehicles equipped with third-row seats. The third-row upper seat belt attachment may not stay connected to the vehicle in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicl…
The risk: If the seat belt is not properly secured in the event of a crash, the occupant will not be properly restrained, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: Bentley will notify owners, and dealers will replace the upper seat belt attachment bolt, free of charge. The recall began May 20, 2020. Owners may contact Bentley customer service at 1-800-777-6923. Bentley's number for this recall is RE2…
The defect: Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Bentayga vehicles. In the event of a crash, the side curtain air bags may not properly inflate.
The risk: An air bag that does not properly inflate in the event of a crash can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Bentley will notify owners, and dealers will replace the curtain air bags, free of charge. The recall began April 10, 2020. All vehicles (4) have been remedied as of October 29, 2020. Owners may contact Bentley customer service at 1-800-77…
The defect: Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Bentayga vehicles. The fuel supply module wiring can overheat and melt the flange, 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 replace the flange and fuel supply module wiring, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 20, 2023. Owners may contact Bentley customer service at 1-800-777-6923. Bentley's number for this recall is RE23…
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 Bentayga or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Bentley Bentayga has far fewer complaints per year (1.2 vs. 1,162.1), but its issues tend to be severe and potentially expensive. The Ford F-150 has a much higher volume of complaints, with recurring transmission and electrical problems that can cause limp mode or near collisions. In practice, the Bentley may have fewer problems but each one could be costly, while the Ford's issues are more frequent and well-documented.
Key differences
- The Bentley Bentayga averages 1.2 complaints per year, while the Ford F-150 averages 1,162.1 per year, a massive difference in reported problem frequency.
- Bentley owners report fuel odors and fractured fuel lines, while Ford owners report transmission limp mode and lead frame failures that can cause near collisions.
- The Ford F-150 has 330 crash-related complaints and 297 injuries, compared to 1 crash-related complaint and 1 injury for the Bentley Bentayga.
- Both have cybersecurity or electrical concerns, but the Bentley's sample mentions remote shutdown risks, while the Ford's electrical issues are tied to drivability and window shattering.
- Check for any fuel odor inside the cabin, especially on 2017 and 2019 models, and inspect the fuel line for cracks or leaks.
- Test the dynamic cruise control and anti-collision features at low speeds to ensure they engage and disengage properly, and ask about any software updates for cybersecurity.
- During a test drive, watch for harsh shifting, limp mode, or getting stuck in 5th gear, which may indicate a lead frame or transmission issue.
- Inspect the rear window and defroster for signs of overheating or previous shattering, and check for any electrical glitches like flickering lights or sensor failures.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models, especially the Bentley's 30 recalls and the Ford's 151 recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect the Bentley's fuel system and brakes, and the Ford's transmission and electrical system, including the lead frame.
- Test drive the Ford F-150 at highway speeds to check for transmission shudder or limp mode, and test the Bentley's cruise control and parking sensors.
- Ask the seller for any repair records related to fuel odors (Bentley) or transmission work (Ford), and verify that recall repairs were completed.
- For the Ford, check the rear window defroster operation and look for any cracks or previous replacement; for the Bentley, check for any aftermarket electronic modifications.
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 | Bentley Bentayga | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 35 |
| 2025 | 0 | 345 |
| 2024 | 0 | 638 |
| 2023 | 0 | 1527 |
| 2022 | 0 | 3493 |
| 2021 | 1 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 0 | 44 |
| 2019 | 1 | 52 |
| 2018 | 1 | 79 |
| 2017 | 9 | 59 |
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 Bentayga or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Bentley Bentayga vs FORD F 150
- Bentley Bentayga total complaints
- 12
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Bentley Bentayga total recalls
- 30
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Bentley Bentayga avg complaints/year
- 1.2
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Bentley Bentayga
- Bentley Bentayga top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN