Head-to-head reliability
BMW 750I vs FORD F 150
How the BMW 750I 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 750I vs FORD F 150: The BMW 750I has 32 complaints over 10 years (3.2/year) and 5 recalls, while the Ford F 150 has 11,621 complaints (1,162/year) and 151 recalls. The Ford also reports 330 crash-related complaints and 297 injuries. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW 750I or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW 750I
The BMW 750I is a luxury sedan that can be costly to maintain as it ages. Over 10 years, it has 32 complaints (about 3.2 per year) and 5 recalls, with engine and power train issues being most common. Owners report problems like repeated VANOS solenoid and valve cover failures, drivetrain malfunctions, and electrical glitches such as moisture in the brake modulator. These issues can lead to expensive repairs, so a thorough pre-purchase inspection is essential.
FORD F 150
The Ford F 150 is a full-size pickup with a huge number of complaints—11,621 over 10 years (about 1,162 per year) and 151 recalls. The most frequent trouble spots are the power train and electrical system, with owners describing transmission limp mode, lead frame failures, and rear window defroster shorts that can shatter glass. There are also 330 crash-related complaints and 297 injuries reported, though these counts don't prove cause. Buyers should be aware of these patterns and check for open recalls.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW 750I | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 32 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 5 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 3.2 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 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 750I
- 01ENGINE11
- 02POWER TRAIN8
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM4
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER4
- 05WHEELS3
Owners report rough starts, drivetrain malfunctions, and repeated failures of VANOS solenoids and valve covers, sometimes multiple times in a few months. There are also complaints about active air flap actuators and a related warranty extension. These can cause performance loss and costly repairs.
Complaints include drivetrain malfunction messages and a suspected front differential carrier bearing failure on a 2021 model. Such issues can affect driving stability and lead to expensive drivetrain repairs.
Owners describe moisture entering the brake modulator enclosure, causing it to shut down, and instances where the engine shuts off with an overheating warning. These electrical faults can disable safety systems and leave the car undrivable.
There are reports of broken rear wheel rims and bulging front tires, suggesting possible wheel or tire defects. This can lead to blowouts or loss of control, so wheels and tires should be inspected carefully.
“There are two grill shutter actuators. One for the upper and one for the lower. Different part numbers. NHTSA issued a TSB for N63R in 2019: MC-10160279-9999 (G12 (N63R)/G30 (B58M) RADIATOR GRILL UPPER AND LOWER ACTIVE AIR FLAPS: LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO…”
“BMW 2013 750LI DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION RE-OCCURRING CAUSING ROUGH START AND WHILE DRIVING HIGHWAY 485 VANOS SOLENOIDS & VALVE COVERS HAVE BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES WITHIN 7 MONTHS ON MY VEHICLE THAT HAS 22,000 MILES. MY FULL SERVICE WARRANTY IS GOING TO EXPIRE…”
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. These issues can be dangerous and often require costly repairs.
Complaints include lead frame issues affecting transmission operation and rear window defroster shorts that can cause the back window to shatter. Electrical gremlins can be intermittent and hard to diagnose.
Engine-related complaints are less frequent than power train but still present, with some owners reporting issues that may lead to reduced performance or stalling. Regular maintenance and checking for recalls are advised.
There are numerous complaints about exterior lighting failures, which can affect visibility and safety. Recalls have addressed some lighting issues, so buyers should verify that recall work has been done.
“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 750I — 5 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2015 740i, 740Li, 740Lxi, 750i, 750xi, 750Li and 750Lxi and 2014 ActiveHybrid 7 vehicles. The affected vehicles may have received incorrect replacement left rear taillight assemblies. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requireme…
The risk: Vehicles with the incorrect left rear lamp assemblies may be less conspicuous to other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace any incorrect left rear taillight assemblies, free of charge. The recall began August 11, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 BMW 550i, 550i xDrive, 550i Gran Turismo, 550i Gran Turismo xDrive, 750i, 750Li, 750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive, 760Li, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M, ActiveHybrid7, MINI Cooper S Convertible, John Cooper Works (JCW) Convertible, Co…
The risk: If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric auxiliary water pump, free of charge. Depending on the model, there are currently limited parts available, however not all parts are available at this time. Owners will be notif…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2015 740i, 740Li, 740Lxi, 750i, 750xi, 750Li and 750Lxi and 2014 ActiveHybrid 7 vehicles. The affected vehicles may have received incorrect replacement left rear taillight assemblies. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requireme…
The risk: Vehicles with the incorrect left rear lamp assemblies may be less conspicuous to other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace any incorrect left rear taillight assemblies, free of charge. The recall began August 11, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 750i xDrive, 2019 M850i xDrive Coupe, M850i xDrive Convertible, X5 xDrive50i, X7 xDrive50i, and M5 vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may not have been properly attached to the engine, which may cause the fuel pump flange to crack, result…
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pumps, free of charge. The recall began August 27, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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 750I or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The BMW 750I has far fewer complaints per year (about 3.2) compared to the Ford F 150 (about 1,162). In practice, this means the BMW may have fewer reported problems overall, but when issues occur they can be expensive. The Ford F 150's much higher complaint volume suggests a wider range of recurring problems, especially with the power train and electrical system.
Key differences
- The BMW 750I averages about 3.2 complaints per year, while the Ford F 150 averages about 1,162 per year—a massive difference in reported problem frequency.
- BMW 750I complaints often center on engine (VANOS solenoids, valve covers) and electrical (brake modulator moisture) issues, whereas Ford F 150 complaints frequently involve power train (transmission limp mode, lead frame) and electrical (rear window shattering) problems.
- The Ford F 150 has 151 recalls versus 5 for the BMW 750I, indicating more widespread safety-related fixes over the years.
- Ford F 150 data includes 330 crash-related and 297 injury complaints, while BMW 750I has 1 crash-related and 1 injury complaint; these counts don't establish cause but highlight the importance of checking recall history.
- Check for repeated engine repairs, especially VANOS solenoids and valve covers—ask for service records and look for drivetrain malfunction warnings.
- Inspect the brake modulator area for signs of moisture or water damage, as owners report water intrusion causing brake system shutdown.
- Test drive at highway speeds and check for transmission shudder, limp mode, or getting stuck in gear—common complaints include lead frame and output speed sensor failures.
- Inspect the rear window and defroster operation; there are reports of the back window shattering due to a short in the defroster.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and verify that all open recalls have been performed, especially for the Ford F 150's many recalls.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the engine, transmission, and electrical systems for both vehicles.
- For the BMW 750I, specifically check for engine oil leaks, VANOS operation, and any signs of water damage around the brake modulator.
- For the Ford F 150, test the transmission thoroughly, including highway driving, and check for any stored trouble codes related to the lead frame or output speed sensor.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and be wary if there are gaps or repeated repairs for the same issue.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | BMW 750I | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 0 | 3493 |
| 2021 | 2 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 0 | 44 |
| 2019 | 0 | 52 |
| 2018 | 0 | 79 |
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 750I or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW 750I vs FORD F 150
- BMW 750I total complaints
- 32
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- BMW 750I total recalls
- 5
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- BMW 750I avg complaints/year
- 3.2
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- BMW 750I
- BMW 750I top complaint area
- ENGINE
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN