Head-to-head reliability
BMW 335xi vs FORD F 150
How the BMW 335xi 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
BMW 335xi vs FORD F 150: The BMW has 0 owner complaints over 2 years, while the Ford has 27,552 complaints over 10 years. The Ford also has 762 crash-related complaints and 10 deaths. The BMW's 7 recalls are airbag-focused; the Ford's 141 recalls cover powertrain and electrical failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW 335xi or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW 335xi
The BMW 335xi has zero owner complaints on record over two model years, which is extremely rare. However, it has seven recalls, all related to airbag inflators, wiring, and occupant classification sensors. This suggests that while owners haven't reported issues, the vehicle has known safety defects that were addressed through recalls. A buyer should verify all recall repairs were completed.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 has a massive volume of complaints—over 27,500 in ten years—with an average of 2,755 per year. Owners report serious powertrain failures, including transmission shifting problems and turbo/wastegate issues, as well as engine and electrical system failures that can cause sudden loss of power. The high number of crash-related complaints (762) and injuries (714) indicates these failures often lead to dangerous situations.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW 335xi | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 0 Better | 27,552 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 7 Better | 141 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 762 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.0 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.
BMW 335xi
No component data available.
Multiple recalls for driver-side frontal airbag inflator modules, which could rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin. This is a critical safety defect that must be remedied.
A recall for electrical system wiring, which could cause shorts or failures. No owner complaints detail the specific symptom, but wiring issues can lead to intermittent electrical problems.
A recall for the occupant classification sensor, which may not properly detect a front passenger, potentially disabling the airbag or deploying it incorrectly.
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN9,967
- 02ENGINE4,861
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3,479
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER3,210
- 05STRUCTURE1,485
Owners report the shifter getting stuck in 'Drive' when trying to park, failing to engage park properly. Also, turbo/wastegate issues on newer models cause loss of power. These failures can leave the vehicle immobile or rolling unexpectedly.
Engine-related complaints include the same park pawl engagement issue (integrated park module) and emissions control problems. Sudden loss of power while driving is a common theme, leading to crashes.
Complete loss of electrical power while driving, disabling brakes, steering, airbags, and hazard lights. Also, ABS system issues after brake booster recall repairs. These failures create immediate crash risk.
Reports of sudden unintended acceleration at low speeds, and severe shake/vibration after repairs. These symptoms indicate unresolved drivetrain or control system defects.
“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.
BMW 335xi — 7 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi,…
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi and M3, 2007-2011 328i xDrive, 335i xDrive and 335is and 2009-2011 335d vehicles. The wiring and electrical connectors for the system that controls air flow for the heating and ai…
The risk: Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiring and electrical connectors, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Owners may cont…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (324i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi), 2006-2012 3 Series Sportswagon (325xi, 328i, 328xi), and 2009-2011 3 Series Sedan (335d) vehicles. The original steering wheel may have been replaced with a spor…
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's air bag module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 30, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (324i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi), 2006-2012 3 Series Sportswagon (325xi, 328i, 328xi), and 2009-2011 3 Series Sedan (335d) vehicles. The original steering wheel may have been replaced with a spor…
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's air bag module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 30, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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
BMW 335xi or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The BMW 335xi has zero complaints per year, while the Ford F-150 averages 2,755 complaints per year. In practice, the BMW is far less likely to leave you stranded or cause a safety incident, but its recall history means you must ensure all airbag and wiring fixes were applied. The Ford has a much higher risk of serious failures like power loss or unintended acceleration.
Key differences
- BMW has zero complaints; Ford has over 27,500 complaints in 10 years.
- BMW recalls are airbag-related; Ford recalls cover powertrain, engine, and electrical systems.
- Ford owners report sudden power loss, unintended acceleration, and transmission failures; BMW owners report no such issues.
- Ford has 762 crash-related complaints and 10 deaths; BMW has zero crash-related complaints.
- Check that all seven recalls have been completed, especially the driver airbag inflator and occupant classification sensor recalls.
- Inspect the wiring harness for any signs of previous repair or damage, as the recall indicates a potential electrical issue.
- Test the transmission park function: shift to Park and ensure the vehicle locks and does not roll. Listen for unusual noises from the powertrain.
- Check for any history of sudden power loss or electrical failures. Look for aftermarket modifications that might affect the electrical system.
Before you buy
- Obtain the VIN and check NHTSA recall status for both vehicles; ensure all recalls are completed.
- For the BMW, request proof of airbag recall repairs and inspect the occupant classification system.
- For the Ford, test-drive at low speeds and during parking to check for transmission park engagement issues.
- For the Ford, ask about any history of power loss or ABS problems; inspect the brake booster recall work.
- Review the Ford's service records for any powertrain or electrical repairs, especially turbo/wastegate or integrated park module.
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 BMW 335xi or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW 335xi vs FORD F 150
- BMW 335xi total complaints
- 0
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 27,552
- BMW 335xi total recalls
- 7
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 141
- BMW 335xi avg complaints/year
- 0.0
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 2755.2
- More reliable overall
- BMW 335xi
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN