Head-to-head reliability
BMW 740il vs FORD F 150
How the BMW 740il 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 740il vs FORD F 150: The BMW averaged 23 complaints per year over 2 years, with 4 recalls and 3 injuries, while the Ford averaged 1,162 complaints per year over 10 years, with 151 recalls and 297 injuries. The Ford's higher volume reflects its popularity but also more reported safety issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW 740il or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW 740il
The BMW 740il is a luxury sedan that can be costly to maintain as it ages. Over 2 years, owners filed 46 complaints, averaging 23 per year, with 4 recalls and 3 injuries reported. Electrical gremlins and cooling system failures are common, often leading to unexpected breakdowns and expensive repairs. Buyers should expect to stay on top of maintenance and budget for potential electrical and engine issues.
FORD F 150
The Ford F 150 is a full-size pickup with a massive complaint volume: 11,621 over 10 years, averaging 1,162 per year, plus 151 recalls and 330 crash-related reports. Power train and electrical problems dominate, with many owners reporting transmission limp mode and lead frame failures. While the sheer number of complaints reflects its huge sales volume, it also signals persistent, sometimes dangerous, issues. Buyers should be aware that certain model years have known defects that may not be fully resolved.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW 740il | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 46 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 4 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 23.0 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 3 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.
BMW 740il
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM8
- 02ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING6
- 03AIR BAGS6
- 04POWER TRAIN5
- 05TIRES5
Owners report missing pixels in the instrument cluster, making odometer and warning displays unreadable. Others describe window motors failing, GPS monitors dying, and the car shutting down while driving, which can be dangerous.
A recurring issue is a cracked plastic coolant reservoir or radiator tank, leading to coolant loss and engine overheating. Owners often see low coolant warnings even when the level is fine, indicating sensor or system faults.
The air bag warning light frequently comes on due to a suspected passenger seat sensor failure. In one case, a side airbag deployed unexpectedly when the car hit debris, tearing interior trim.
Some owners experience transmission failure, such as a clicking noise and loss of acceleration in reverse, or intermittent check engine lights with difficulty shifting. These can lead to costly repairs.
“THE PROBLEM AREAS OF MISSING PIXELS ARE PRIMARILY LOCATED IN THE DRIVER'S INSTRUMENT CLUSTER THAT DISPLAYS ODOMETER & TRIP ODOMETER, OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE , AND CHECK CONTROL DISPLAY, SUCH AS WARNINGS/PARKING BRAKE/COOLANT TEMPERATURE /LEVEL/ KEY & SEAT BELT RE…”
“PURCHASED PRE-OWNED CERTIFIED CAR IN APRIL 06, STARTING HAVING PROBLEMS WITH ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS: WINDOW MOTORS, GPS SYSTEM/MONITOR, CAR KEPT DYEING WHILE STOPPED AND DRIVING, ENGINE SHUTDOWN/FAILSAFE MODE, BRAKE LIGHTS BLOWING ALL THE TIME, FUSES AND IGNITION…”
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 lead frame failures that can cause sudden loss of power. One owner said a lead frame issue nearly ended their life.
Electrical complaints often involve the same lead frame defect, plus output speed sensor failures that trigger limp mode. A rear window defroster short caused a back window to shatter in one report.
This category includes odd issues like the rear window exploding outward after using the defroster, which owners attribute to a short circuit. Such unpredictable failures can be alarming.
Although not detailed in the sample, exterior lighting is a top complaint area, suggesting frequent bulb or housing failures that 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.
BMW 740il — 4 recalls
The defect: FCP GROTON IS RECALLING CERTAIN STEERING CENTER DRAG LINKS, P/N 32 21 1 096 057, SOLD FROM DECEMBER 1, 2009 THROUGH APRIL 9, 2010 AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR MODEL YEAR 1995 THROUGH 2001 BMW 740I, 740IL, AND 750IL PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SHAFT OF THE STEERING CENTER TIE ROD MAY SHEAR OFF.
The risk: THIS CONDITION WOULD RESULT, WITHOUT WARNING, IN IMMEDIATE AND COMPLETE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
The fix: FCP GROTON WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE TIE ROD WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT JUNE 1, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FCP GROTON TOLL-FREE AT 1-877-634-0063.
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE BRAKE LAMPS IN THESE VEHICLES ARE CONTROLLED BY A SWITCH ACTIVATED BY THE MOVEMENT OF THE BRAKE PEDAL. THIS SWITCH COULD FAIL INTERNALLY, CAUSING IT TO REMAIN EITHER IN THE "BRAKE LAMPS OFF" POSITION OR IN THE "BRAKE LAMPS ON" POSITION.
The risk: IF THIS HAPPENS, THE BRAKE LAMPS EITHER WILL NOT OPERATE OR WILL BE CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATED, REGARDLESS OF BRAKE PEDAL POSITION.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE EXISTING BRAKE LAMP SWITCH WITH AN IMPROVED SWITCH.
The defect: FCP GROTON IS RECALLING CERTAIN STEERING CENTER DRAG LINKS, P/N 32 21 1 096 057, SOLD FROM DECEMBER 1, 2009 THROUGH APRIL 9, 2010 AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR MODEL YEAR 1995 THROUGH 2001 BMW 740I, 740IL, AND 750IL PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SHAFT OF THE STEERING CENTER TIE ROD MAY SHEAR OFF.
The risk: THIS CONDITION WOULD RESULT, WITHOUT WARNING, IN IMMEDIATE AND COMPLETE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
The fix: FCP GROTON WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE TIE ROD WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT JUNE 1, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FCP GROTON TOLL-FREE AT 1-877-634-0063.
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 18-INCH TIRES. (18-INCH TIRES ARE STANDARD EQUIPMENT ON THE M5 AND OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT ON THE 7-SERIES MODELS). THE MACHINE USED TO MOUNT AND INFLATE THE TIRES ON THE WHEELS AT THE ASSEMBLY PLANT MAY HAVE DAMAGED THE SIDEWALL OF ONE OR MORE TIRES…
The risk: HANDLING AND CONTROL WOULD BE DRASTICALLY AFFECTED INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TIRES AND IF DAMAGE FROM THE MOUNTING MACHINE IS FOUND, THE TIRE WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 10, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND…
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
BMW 740il or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The BMW 740il has far fewer complaints per year (23 vs. 1,162 for the Ford F 150), but both have notable safety-related issues. In practice, the BMW may need more frequent attention to electrical and cooling systems, while the Ford's higher volume means more widespread problems, especially with the power train. The Ford's higher crash and injury counts suggest that its issues may pose a greater risk on the road.
Key differences
- The BMW 740il averages 23 complaints per year, while the Ford F 150 averages 1,162 per year, but the Ford's higher volume reflects its popularity and broader model range.
- BMW owners frequently report electrical issues like missing instrument cluster pixels and cooling system leaks, whereas Ford owners report transmission limp mode and lead frame failures.
- The Ford F 150 has 330 crash-related reports and 297 injuries, compared to 1 crash-related and 3 injuries for the BMW, indicating a higher reported safety risk for the Ford.
- Both vehicles have recalls, but the Ford has 151 recalls versus 4 for the BMW, covering issues like seat belts, door latches, and air bag inflators.
- Check the instrument cluster for missing pixels, especially in the odometer and warning displays, as this is a common electrical complaint.
- Inspect the coolant reservoir and radiator for cracks or leaks, and look for signs of overheating, such as a low coolant warning that persists even when the level is correct.
- Test drive the truck and watch for transmission limp mode, rough shifting, or getting stuck in gear, which are frequent power train complaints.
- Ask about any lead frame repairs or recalls, and check for electrical issues like malfunctioning rear window defroster that could cause the window to shatter.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models, especially the Ford's many recalls.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the BMW's electrical system, cooling system, and transmission for signs of failure.
- For the Ford, scan for transmission error codes and test the lead frame and output speed sensor function.
- During the test drive, pay attention to any warning lights, unusual noises, or shifting problems.
- Verify that all safety recalls have been performed, and ask for documentation of any repairs.
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 740il or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW 740il vs FORD F 150
- BMW 740il total complaints
- 46
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- BMW 740il total recalls
- 4
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- BMW 740il avg complaints/year
- 23.0
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- BMW 740il
- BMW 740il top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN