Head-to-head reliability
BMW 750xi vs FORD F 150
How the BMW 750xi 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 750xi vs FORD F 150: The BMW 750xi has 5 complaints over 5 years (1 per year) and 3 recalls, while the Ford F-150 has 11,621 complaints over 10 years (1,162 per year) and 151 recalls. The Ford also reports 330 crash-related complaints and 297 injuries; the BMW reports none. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW 750xi or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW 750xi
The BMW 750xi is a luxury sedan with a low complaint rate—only 5 complaints over 5 years (1 per year) and 3 recalls, none for crashes or injuries. Owners report serious issues like transmission malfunction warnings, smoke from the exhaust, and sudden power loss that can make steering hard. These problems often require dealer visits and can be expensive, so a thorough pre-purchase inspection is critical.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a massive complaint volume: 11,621 complaints over 10 years (about 1,162 per year) and 151 recalls, including 330 crash-related reports, 297 injuries, and 1 death. Common owner complaints involve transmission problems (limp mode, stuck gears), electrical glitches, and rear window shattering. While many trucks serve reliably, the sheer number of reports means buyers should check for open recalls and test-drive carefully.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW 750xi | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 5 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 3 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1.0 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 750xi
- 01POWER TRAIN3
- 02ENGINE3
- 03STEERING1
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1
- 05FUEL SYSTEM1
Owners report transmission malfunction warnings, check engine lights, smoke from the exhaust, and sudden shaking with power loss while driving. These symptoms can leave you stranded and may require costly transmission repairs.
Complaints include the vehicle becoming extremely hot with a burning odor and the check engine light coming on. Overheating and burning smells can signal serious engine damage if not addressed quickly.
One owner described the car coming to a halt in the middle of the street, all power ceasing, and the steering wheel becoming hard to steer. This suggests a sudden loss of electrical power that affects steering assist, which is dangerous in traffic.
The same power shutdown that caused hard steering was linked to a battery and voltage regulator replacement. Electrical failures can cause multiple systems to fail at once, leaving you without power or steering assist.
“The contact owns a 2011 BMW 750XI. The contact stated that the transmission malfunction warning message was displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, smoke was coming from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was taken to the deale…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 750XI. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SHOOK AND LOST POWER. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE RIGHT SI…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners frequently report transmission issues like limp mode, getting stuck in 5th gear, and a 'lead frame' defect that can cause sudden downshifts or near-collisions. These problems can happen daily and may require expensive repairs.
Complaints include the same lead frame issue causing transmission problems, as well as output speed sensor failures that trigger limp mode. Electrical faults can disable safety features and leave you stranded.
One owner reported the rear window defroster shorting and causing the back window to explode outward. This is a serious safety hazard that can happen without warning.
With 1,224 complaints, lighting problems are common, though specific details are not provided in the sample. Faulty lights can reduce visibility and increase crash risk.
“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 750xi — 3 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 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 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.
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 750xi or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The BMW 750xi has far fewer issues per year (1 complaint/year vs. 1,162/year for the Ford F-150). In practice, this means you are much less likely to encounter frequent, recurring problems with the BMW, but when issues do arise they can be severe and costly. The Ford F-150's high complaint volume suggests widespread, ongoing problems that many owners face.
Key differences
- Complaint volume: BMW 750xi has 5 complaints over 5 years; Ford F-150 has 11,621 over 10 years—a massive difference in reported issues per year.
- Crash and injury reports: Ford F-150 has 330 crash-related complaints, 297 injuries, and 1 death; BMW 750xi has 0 in all categories.
- Recalls: Ford F-150 has 151 recalls (including engine, seat belts, air bags); BMW 750xi has 3 recalls, all for exterior lighting.
- Reported failure patterns: BMW owners report transmission/engine/electrical shutdowns; Ford owners report transmission limp mode, lead frame defects, and rear window shattering.
- Check for transmission malfunction warnings, check engine lights, or smoke from the exhaust during a test drive—these are common owner complaints.
- Test all electrical functions and steering assist; sudden power loss and hard steering have been reported, so ensure the battery and voltage regulator are in good condition.
- Ask about the 'lead frame' repair history and transmission behavior—limp mode, stuck gears, and sudden downshifts are frequently reported.
- Inspect the rear window and defroster for cracks or signs of shattering, and verify that all recalls (especially for engine, seat belts, and air bags) have been performed.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on transmission, engine, and electrical systems.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any warning lights, unusual noises, smoke, or loss of power.
- For the Ford F-150, specifically ask about transmission repairs, lead frame replacements, and rear window issues.
- For the BMW 750xi, test the steering and electrical accessories, and ask about battery and voltage regulator service history.
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 750xi or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW 750xi vs FORD F 150
- BMW 750xi total complaints
- 5
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- BMW 750xi total recalls
- 3
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- BMW 750xi avg complaints/year
- 1.0
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- BMW 750xi
- BMW 750xi top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN