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 has 0 complaints over 4 years and 7 recalls, while the Ford has 27,552 complaints over 10 years and 141 recalls. Ford owners report power loss, unintended acceleration, and electrical failures. 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 has zero owner complaints on record over four model years, which is extremely rare for a luxury sedan. However, it has seven recalls, mostly for door latches and engine cooling issues. Without complaint data, it's hard to gauge real-world problems, but the recall history suggests potential concerns with doors not latching properly and engine cooling system failures.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 has a massive 27,552 complaints over ten years, averaging 2,755 per year, with 141 recalls. Owners report serious issues like sudden loss of power, unintended acceleration, transmission failures, and electrical system malfunctions. The high number of crash-related complaints (762) and injuries (714) indicates these problems can 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 745li | 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 745li
No component data available.
Multiple recalls address door latch issues, which could cause doors to open unexpectedly while driving or fail to close securely. This is a safety concern for occupants.
Two recalls for engine cooling suggest potential overheating or coolant leaks, which can lead to engine damage if not addressed.
One recall for the automatic transmission indicates possible transmission problems, though no owner complaints detail specific failures.
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 engage park, which can cause the vehicle to roll away. Also, turbo wastegate issues leading to power loss.
Engine problems include sudden loss of power while driving, and the integrated park module failing to lock the transmission into park, posing a roll-away risk.
Complete electrical failure while driving, causing loss of power steering, brakes, airbags, and hazard lights. Also, ABS system issues after brake booster recall repairs.
Sudden unintended acceleration at low speeds, and severe vibration/shaking after repairs, indicating unresolved drivability issues.
“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 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, THE ENGINE OIL FILTER DRAIN PLUG MAY BE INSUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED. THIS COULD LEAD TO LOOSENING OF THE PLUG CAUSING AN INITIAL OIL SPRAY AND A SUBSEQUENT OIL LEAK.
The risk: IF A LARGE AMOUNT OF OIL LOSS OCCURS, ENGINE DAMAGE MAY RESULT. DEPENDING ON THE EXTENT OF THE DAMAGE, A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TORQUE OF THE OIL FILTER DRAIN PLUG AND, IF NECESSARY, RETIGHTEN THE DRAIN PLUG WITH THE CORRECTLY SPECIFIED TORQUE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
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 745li or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The BMW 745li has far fewer complaints per year (0 vs 2,755) and no reported crashes or injuries, while the Ford F-150 has a high rate of serious incidents. In practice, the BMW appears more reliable based on complaint data, but the Ford's issues are more severe and safety-critical.
Key differences
- BMW has zero complaints; Ford has 27,552 complaints with 762 crash-related incidents.
- Ford owners report sudden power loss and unintended acceleration; BMW has no such reports.
- Ford has 141 recalls vs BMW's 7, indicating more widespread issues.
- Ford's electrical system can fail completely while driving; BMW's recalls focus on door latches and cooling.
- Check for any open recalls, especially door latch and engine cooling recalls, and ensure they have been performed.
- Inspect door operation: ensure all doors latch and unlatch properly from inside and outside.
- Test the transmission park function: after stopping, shift to park and release brake to see if the vehicle holds without rolling.
- Check for any signs of electrical issues, such as flickering lights or warning messages, and verify all recall repairs are completed.
Before you buy
- Verify all recalls are completed for both vehicles using the VIN.
- On the BMW, test door latches and check for any engine cooling system leaks or overheating history.
- On the Ford, perform a test drive to check for transmission hesitation, power loss, or vibrations.
- Inspect the Ford's electrical system by testing all lights, windows, and infotainment functions.
- Review the Ford's service history for any previous transmission or engine 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 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
- 27,552
- BMW 745li total recalls
- 7
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 141
- BMW 745li avg complaints/year
- 0.0
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 2755.2
- More reliable overall
- BMW 745li
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN