Head-to-head reliability
BMW 745li vs FORD F 150
How the BMW 745li 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 745li vs FORD F 150: The BMW 745li has 0 complaints over 4 years and 7 recalls, while the Ford F 150 has 11,621 complaints over 10 years, 151 recalls, and 330 crash-related reports. The Ford's higher complaint rate and injury reports suggest more owner-reported problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW 745li or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW 745li
The BMW 745li is a luxury sedan with no owner complaints filed over four years, but it has seven recalls covering door latches, transmission, engine cooling, and fuel delivery. That combination suggests that while drivers haven't reported problems, the manufacturer has identified safety defects that could affect you. For a used-car buyer, this means you'll need to verify that all recall repairs were completed, because the lack of complaints doesn't guarantee a trouble-free car.
FORD F 150
The Ford F 150 is a full-size pickup with a massive 11,621 complaints over ten years, averaging over 1,100 per year, plus 151 recalls and 330 crash-related reports. Owners frequently describe transmission limp mode, lead frame failures, and electrical glitches that can leave them stranded or worse. This is a high-volume vehicle with well-documented, recurring problems that demand careful inspection before purchase.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW 745li | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 0 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 7 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.0 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.
BMW 745li
No component data available.
The BMW 745li has multiple recalls for door latch issues, which could mean doors may not latch securely or could open unexpectedly. Buyers should have a mechanic check that all doors close and lock properly, as a faulty latch is a safety risk.
A recall for the automatic transmission suggests potential problems with shifting or sudden loss of power. Even without owner complaints, this is a critical system to test-drive and scan for stored codes.
Recalls for engine cooling indicate possible overheating or coolant leaks that could lead to expensive engine damage. A pre-purchase inspection should pressure-test the cooling system.
A fuel delivery recall points to possible leaks or stalling, which can be dangerous. Buyers should confirm the recall was fixed and check for fuel odors or rough running.
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners report severe transmission issues, including limp mode, stuck gears, and lead frame failures that can cause near-collisions. One owner said the lead frame issue 'nearly ended my life,' so test-driving and checking for transmission software updates are essential.
Complaints include lead frame problems and output speed sensor failures that trigger limp mode. A rear window defroster short was reported to cause the back window to shatter, so inspect for electrical gremlins and recall repairs.
This category includes the exploding rear window due to a defroster short, which owners say happened without impact. Such a defect is a serious safety concern and should be checked by a professional.
With 1,224 complaints, lighting failures are common and can reduce visibility. Owners may report flickering or dead lights, so verify all exterior lights work and check for related recalls.
“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 745li — 7 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2005-2008 745i, 745Li, 750i, 750Li, 760i, 760Li, and B7 Alpina vehicles equipped with both the Comfort Access and Soft Close Automatic options. In these vehicles, the doors may appear to be closed and latched, but, in fact, may inadvertently open.
The risk: The door may unexpectedly open due to road or driving conditions or occupant contact with the door. The sudden opening may result in occupant ejection or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the door latch system, free of charge. The recall began February 8, 2018. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
The defect: BMW is recalling certain model year 2005-2008 7-Series vehicles, equipped with the Comfort Access option, and manufactured August 23, 2004, through July 24, 2008. The affected vehicles have an electronic key and an electronic connection between the gear shifter and the transmission (shift-by-wire)…
The risk: If the driver exits the vehicle with the transmission in Neutral and the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle may rollaway. Unattended rollaway incidents often result in a crash or cause injury to pedestrians attempting to stop or ent…
The fix: BMW will notify owners beginning in November 2012. The remedy became available in March 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
The defect: BMW is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 7-Series vehicles, equipped with both Comfort Access and Soft Close Automatic options, and manufactured August 23, 2004, through September 3, 2007. Due to a software problem, the doors may appear to be closed and latched, but, in fact, may inadvertently…
The risk: The door may unexpectedly open due to road or driving conditions or occupant contact with the door. The sudden opening may result in occupant ejection or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners and dealers will update software. The recall began on December 12, 2012. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, DUE TO A SOFTWARE ERROR, A DESYNCHRONIZATION OF THE VALVETRONIC MOTORS FOR ENGINE BANKS I AND II MAY OCCUR. IF THIS OCCURS, THE ENGINE COULD STALL.
The risk: IN THOSE CASES, THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE. DEPENDING ON THE LEVEL OF ENGINE ROUGHNESS, OR STALLING, AS WELL AS TRAFFIC CONDITIONS AND THE DRIVER'S REACTIONS, THIS COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE DIGITAL ENGINE MANAGEMENT CONTROL UNIT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 8, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
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 745li or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The BMW 745li has far fewer issues per year (0 complaints/year vs. 1,162/year for the Ford F 150), but it still has seven recalls. In practice, the Ford F 150 is a much higher-risk used purchase due to its enormous complaint volume and recurring transmission and electrical failures. The BMW's lack of complaints is reassuring, but you must still confirm recall fixes.
Key differences
- The Ford F 150 has 11,621 complaints over 10 years, while the BMW 745li has 0 complaints over 4 years, indicating a stark difference in owner-reported problems.
- Ford F 150 owners describe dangerous transmission limp mode and lead frame failures; the BMW 745li has no complaint text but multiple recalls for door latches, transmission, and fuel delivery.
- The Ford F 150 has 330 crash-related reports and 297 injuries, while the BMW 745li has 0 crash-related reports and 0 injuries.
- Both vehicles have recalls, but the Ford F 150 has 151 recalls versus 7 for the BMW 745li, suggesting broader defect coverage.
- Check for open recalls on door latches, transmission, engine cooling, and fuel delivery by running the VIN at NHTSA.gov and confirming repairs were done.
- During a test drive, listen for transmission slipping or harsh shifting, and check for coolant or fuel smells that could indicate unresolved recall issues.
- Test for transmission limp mode or stuck gears, especially in 2017 models with the 6-speed automatic, and ask if the lead frame or output speed sensor has been replaced.
- Inspect the rear window for cracks or signs of shattering, and test the defroster; also check all exterior lights for function.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA.gov to see all open recalls for the specific vehicle and confirm they were fixed.
- Take a long test drive that includes highway speeds to check for transmission limp mode or shifting problems.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the transmission, electrical system, and cooling system.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially any transmission repairs or software updates.
- For the Ford F 150, specifically test the rear defroster and inspect the rear window for any cracks or previous replacement.
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 745li or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW 745li vs FORD F 150
- BMW 745li total complaints
- 0
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- BMW 745li total recalls
- 7
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- BMW 745li avg complaints/year
- 0.0
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- BMW 745li
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN