Head-to-head reliability
BMW 428I vs FORD F 150
How the BMW 428I 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 428I vs FORD F 150: The BMW 428I has 0 complaints and 0 recalls, while the Ford F-150 has 27,552 complaints and 141 recalls over 10 years. The F-150 reports sudden power loss and transmission failures, with 10 deaths. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW 428I or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW 428I
The BMW 428I has zero complaints and zero recalls on record, making it an exceptionally clean reliability profile. Owners report no common failures, suggesting a trouble-free ownership experience for a used luxury coupe. However, the lack of data also means less insight into long-term issues.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 has a high volume of complaints averaging 2,755 per year over 10 years, with 141 recalls. Owners frequently report powertrain, engine, and electrical system failures, including sudden power loss, transmission issues, and unintended acceleration. The truck also has 10 deaths and 714 injuries linked to complaints, indicating serious safety concerns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW 428I | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 0 Better | 27,552 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 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 428I
No component data available.
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 parking, failing to shift into park automatically, and turbo wastegate issues causing power loss. These problems can lead to unexpected vehicle movement or loss of drive.
Engine complaints include the integrated park module failing to engage park, causing rollaway risks. Also, oil/lubrication issues and turbo-related failures are common, potentially leading to engine damage or stalling.
Sudden total power loss while driving, disabling brakes, steering, and airbags, is a critical safety issue. Additionally, ABS system noise after recall repairs and trailer brake control problems are reported.
“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 428I
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
BMW 428I or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The BMW 428I has zero complaints per year, while the Ford F-150 averages 2,755 complaints per year. In practice, the BMW offers a far lower risk of reliability issues, whereas the F-150 has a high likelihood of encountering serious powertrain, engine, or electrical failures.
Key differences
- BMW 428I has zero complaints and recalls; Ford F-150 has 27,552 complaints and 141 recalls.
- Ford F-150 owners report sudden power loss and unintended acceleration; BMW has no such reports.
- Ford F-150 has 10 deaths and 714 injuries linked to complaints; BMW has none.
- Ford F-150's top problem areas are powertrain, engine, and electrical; BMW has no reported issues.
- No specific red flags due to zero complaints; general inspection of electronics and drivetrain recommended.
- Check for shifter park engagement issues and sudden power loss history.
- Inspect for turbo wastegate problems and ABS system noise after brake booster recall.
Before you buy
- For BMW 428I: verify service history and check for any unreported issues.
- For Ford F-150: check NHTSA recall completion for all 141 recalls.
- Test drive the F-150 to feel for transmission hesitation or unexpected acceleration.
- Inspect F-150 electrical system for signs of power loss or ABS issues.
- Review F-150's complaint history for specific model year patterns.
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 428I or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW 428I vs FORD F 150
- BMW 428I total complaints
- 0
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 27,552
- BMW 428I total recalls
- 0
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 141
- BMW 428I avg complaints/year
- 0.0
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 2755.2
- More reliable overall
- BMW 428I
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN