Head-to-head reliability
BMW I3 vs FORD F 150
How the BMW I3 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 I3 vs FORD F 150: The BMW i3 averaged 29.4 complaints per year over 8 years, while the Ford F-150 averaged 1,162.1 over 10 years. The i3 had 16 recalls and 11 crash-related complaints; the F-150 had 151 recalls and 330 crash-related complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW I3 or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW I3
The BMW i3 is a compact electric hatchback with an optional range extender, and over eight years it has averaged about 29 complaints per year. Owners frequently report steering that pulls hard to one side, a roof that delaminates and leaks, and sudden power loss when the range extender engages. These issues can make daily driving unpredictable and costly to repair, so a thorough pre-purchase inspection is essential.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup that has averaged over 1,100 complaints per year across ten years, with the highest counts in power train and electrical systems. Common owner reports include transmission limp mode, lead frame failures, and rear window defroster shorts that can shatter the glass. The sheer volume of complaints and recalls means buyers should carefully check for open recalls and transmission service history.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW I3 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 235 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 16 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 11 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 29.4 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 8 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 I3
- 01STEERING55
- 02STRUCTURE43
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM38
- 04POWER TRAIN31
- 05AIR BAGS26
Owners report the steering pulling hard to the left every few weeks, requiring constant correction, and some say a software bug was blamed. This matters because it can make the car tiring and potentially dangerous to drive at city speeds.
The carbon fiber roof can delaminate and separate, causing leaks and risking pieces flying off while driving. Buyers should inspect the roof for any signs of separation or water damage.
Complaints include plastic particles blowing from vents and sudden shutdowns on the highway. These electrical faults can leave you stranded and may be expensive to diagnose.
With the range extender, owners report sudden complete loss of power at very low state of charge, forcing them to pull over. This can happen in traffic and is a serious safety concern.
“Previously reported a steering incident no. 11438343. Dealer indidicated that there was a "bug in the software" and that the car would be entitled to a one time fix under extended warranty. Dealership worked on the issue and completed the warranty repair on 1…”
“EVERY 3 TO 21 DAYS, MY STEERING PULLS HARD TO THE LEFT. THIS OCCURS ON FLAT ROADS ON DRY PAVEMENT. I HAVE TO PULL THE STEERING WHEEL HARD TO THE RIGHT TO KEEP THE VEHICLE GOING STRAIGHT AT CITY DRIVING SPEEDS (0-35 MPH). ON ONE OCCASION THIS OCCURRED WHILE ON…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners describe recurring transmission problems, including limp mode stuck in 5th gear and lead frame failures that can cause near collisions. These issues often require costly repairs and may not be permanently fixed.
The lead frame issue also appears here, along with output speed sensor failures that trigger limp mode. Electrical gremlins can disable the truck unexpectedly, so a pre-purchase scan for codes is wise.
A short in the rear window defroster has caused back windows to shatter outward. This is a rare but dangerous defect that buyers should check by testing the defroster and inspecting the glass.
With 1,224 complaints, lighting problems are common, though specific failure details are not provided in the sample. Buyers should test all lights and check for recalls related to lighting.
“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 I3 — 16 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2018 BMW i3 electric and hybrid electric vehicles. Unbelted, small adult, drivers may be at a higher risk of neck injury in the event of a frontal crash. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Sta…
The risk: During a frontal impact, unbelted, small adult, drivers could be at a higher risk of neck injury.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the Driver air bag control unit software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 8, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at the dedicated i3 recall number 1-855-269-…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2017 i3 REx hybrid electric vehicles. The fuel tank vent line may rub against the ribbed wire protection sleeve of the battery positive (B+) cable, creating a hole in the vent line and causing a fuel vapor leak.
The risk: A fuel vapor leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel vent line, replacing it as necessary, and install a clip to prevent it from chafing, free of charge. The recall beganApril 3, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2018 BMW i3 electric and hybrid electric vehicles. Unbelted, small adult, drivers may be at a higher risk of neck injury in the event of a frontal crash. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Sta…
The risk: During a frontal impact, unbelted, small adult, drivers could be at a higher risk of neck injury.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the Driver air bag control unit software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 8, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at the dedicated i3 recall number 1-855-269-…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2017 i3 REx hybrid electric vehicles. The fuel tank vent line may rub against the ribbed wire protection sleeve of the battery positive (B+) cable, creating a hole in the vent line and causing a fuel vapor leak.
The risk: A fuel vapor leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel vent line, replacing it as necessary, and install a clip to prevent it from chafing, free of charge. The recall beganApril 3, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-…
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 I3 or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The BMW i3 has far fewer complaints per year (about 29) than the Ford F-150 (over 1,100), but the i3's issues often involve sudden power loss and structural roof problems. The F-150's higher volume means more frequent but sometimes less severe complaints, though transmission failures can be dangerous. In practice, the i3 may be simpler to own but has unique electric-specific risks, while the F-150 demands more attention to transmission and electrical health.
Key differences
- The BMW i3 averages about 29 complaints per year, while the Ford F-150 averages over 1,100, a massive difference in reported problem frequency.
- The i3's top complaint is steering pull, while the F-150's is power train issues like limp mode and lead frame failures.
- The i3 has a unique structural risk with roof delamination, whereas the F-150 has electrical shorts that can shatter the rear window.
- The F-150 has 151 recalls versus 16 for the i3, meaning more potential safety campaigns to track and resolve.
- Check the carbon fiber roof for any delamination, soft spots, or water stains inside the cabin, as this is a reported structural failure.
- Test drive at low speeds and on flat roads to see if the steering pulls to one side, and ask if any software updates or repairs have been done.
- Scan for transmission trouble codes and test drive to feel for harsh shifting, limp mode, or getting stuck in 5th gear, which owners report.
- Test the rear window defroster and inspect the glass for cracks or signs of shattering, as a short can cause the window to explode outward.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA's recall site to confirm all recalls are closed for the specific vehicle.
- For the BMW i3, have a mechanic inspect the roof bonding and steering system, and check for any software updates.
- For the Ford F-150, get a transmission fluid analysis and a diagnostic scan for lead frame or output speed sensor codes.
- Ask for complete service records, especially any transmission or electrical repairs, and verify they were done by a qualified shop.
- During the test drive, listen for unusual noises, feel for steering pull or transmission hesitation, and test all electrical accessories.
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 I3 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 0 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 0 | 44 |
| 2019 | 26 | 52 |
| 2018 | 28 | 79 |
| 2017 | 52 | 59 |
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 I3 or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW I3 vs FORD F 150
- BMW I3 total complaints
- 235
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- BMW I3 total recalls
- 16
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- BMW I3 avg complaints/year
- 29.4
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- BMW I3
- BMW I3 top complaint area
- STEERING
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN