Head-to-head reliability
BMW I7 vs FORD F 150
How the BMW I7 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 I7 vs FORD F 150: The BMW i7 has 25 complaints over 4 years (6.3 per year) and 19 recalls, while the Ford F-150 has 11,621 complaints over 10 years (1,162.1 per year) and 151 recalls. The F-150 also has 330 crash-related complaints and 297 injuries, compared to 4 and 1 for the i7. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW I7 or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW I7
The BMW i7 is a flagship electric luxury sedan, and its NHTSA record shows 25 complaints over 4 years, averaging 6.3 per year. The most common complaints involve service brakes, electrical system, and forward collision avoidance, with owners reporting unexpected braking, acceleration in reverse, and brake failure. There are 19 recalls and 4 crash-related complaints, indicating that while complaint volume is low, the issues reported are serious and often tied to software or brake assist systems.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a massive 10-year complaint total of 11,621, averaging 1,162.1 per year. Power train and electrical system complaints dominate, with owners describing transmission limp mode, lead frame failures, and rear window shattering. There are 151 recalls and 330 crash-related complaints, showing a long history of recurring safety defects across many model years.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW I7 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 25 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 19 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 4 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 6.3 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 I7
- 01SERVICE BRAKES12
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM10
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE9
- 04HYDRAULIC4
- 05ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)4
Owners report the vehicle suddenly braking on its own at normal speeds without any obstacle, and some say dealerships cannot fix the recall. This matters because unexpected braking can cause a crash even if the driver reacts quickly.
Complaints include the car accelerating in reverse when using parking assistance and repeated software glitches. These issues can lead to loss of control in tight spaces and may require dealer software updates that are not always available.
Owners describe software problems where the system fails to respond correctly when a car ahead brakes suddenly, and one complaint notes the same reverse acceleration event. A buyer should know that these driver-assist features may not work as expected and could require repeated dealer visits.
Some owners report the brake pedal failing to respond or brakes becoming inoperable, including one case where the vehicle became inoperable at 50 MPH and the parking brake had to be used. This is a critical safety concern because it affects the basic ability to stop the car.
“I have now experienced multiple instances where the vehicle suddenly brakes on its own while driving at normal speeds, without any obstruction or hazard ahead. This is not only unacceptable — it's extremely dangerous, putting both myself and other drivers at…”
“I have contacted the BMW dealership in Henderson several times about the recall and they do not have a fix from the BMW. I contacted BMW about the issue and filed a complaint with them to offer a solution of replacing the vehicle or return the vehicle for a b…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners report recurring transmission problems, including limp mode, getting stuck in 5th gear, and lead frame failures that can cause near collisions. These issues often require expensive repairs and can leave the truck undrivable.
Complaints include lead frame issues and output speed sensor failures that trigger limp mode on the highway. A buyer should expect that electrical faults can disable the truck's ability to accelerate or shift properly.
One owner reported the rear window shattering outward after using the defroster, with no external cause. This is a safety risk because it can happen while driving and may injure occupants.
With 1,224 complaints, exterior lighting is a top component, though sample text is not provided. Buyers should still check for recurring lighting failures that could affect visibility and safety.
“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 I7 — 19 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2025 Mini Cooper S, Mini Countryman S All4, X2, 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre, 2023-2025 i7, 7 Series, X7, 2024-2025 i5, 5 Series, 2023-2024 XM, X1, 2024-2025 X6, and X5 vehicles. The integrated brake (IB) system may malfunction and result in a loss o…
The risk: A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle. Additionally, malfunctioning ABS and/or DSC systems can cause a loss of vehicle control. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: The Integrated brake system will be inspected and, if necessary, replaced, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 21, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls-Royce custo…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2023-2025 BMW, MINI, and Rolls-Royce vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years. The integrated brake (IB) system may malfunction and result in a loss of power brake assist or cause the Antilock Brake (A…
The risk: A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle. Additionally, malfunctioning ABS and/or DSC systems can cause a loss of vehicle control. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the integrated brake system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed between June and December 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls Royce customer service at 1-877-877…
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 BMW 740i, 760i xDrive, and i7 xDrive60 vehicles. The telematics control unit may not transmit the vehicle location information to emergency responders.
The risk: Emergency response may be delayed without the vehicle location information, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will update the telematics control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 17, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022-2023 iX xDrive40, iX xDrive50, iX M60, i4 eDrive35, i4 eDrive40, i4 M50, and 2023 i7 xDrive60 vehicles. The high voltage battery electronic control unit (ECU) software may cause an interruption of electrical power.
The risk: An interruption of electrical power may result in a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the high voltage battery ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 10, 2023. 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 I7 or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The BMW i7 has far fewer complaints per year (6.3) than the Ford F-150 (1,162.1), but the i7's issues often involve brakes and driver-assist systems that can be dangerous. The F-150's much higher volume means many more owners report problems, especially with the power train and electrical system, leading to frequent repairs and safety risks.
Key differences
- The BMW i7 averages 6.3 complaints per year, while the Ford F-150 averages 1,162.1 per year, a huge difference in reported problem frequency.
- BMW i7 complaints center on service brakes and forward collision avoidance, with owners reporting unexpected braking and reverse acceleration, while Ford F-150 complaints focus on power train and electrical issues like limp mode and lead frame failures.
- The Ford F-150 has 330 crash-related complaints and 297 injuries over 10 years, compared to 4 crash-related complaints and 1 injury for the BMW i7 over 4 years.
- Both vehicles have multiple recalls, but the F-150 has 151 recalls versus 19 for the i7, suggesting a longer history of safety defects.
- Check for any open recalls related to service brakes and hydraulic power assist, and ask the dealer if a software fix is available, as owners report the vehicle braking on its own.
- Test the parking assistance and forward collision avoidance systems in a safe area to see if the car accelerates unexpectedly in reverse or fails to respond to a stopped vehicle.
- Inspect the transmission for signs of limp mode or getting stuck in gear, and ask for a diagnostic scan for output speed sensor codes like P0722.
- Check the rear window for cracks or previous replacement, as one owner reported it shattering after using the defroster.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full NHTSA recall history for the specific vehicle identification number (VIN) and confirm all recalls have been remedied.
- Take a long test drive that includes highway speeds and parking maneuvers to check for transmission limp mode (F-150) or unexpected braking (i7).
- Ask for service records to see if the vehicle has had repeated repairs for the same issue, such as lead frame replacements or brake software updates.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the model, focusing on the transmission and electrical system for the F-150, and the brakes and driver-assist systems for the i7.
- Verify that any open recall software updates have been performed, as some owners report dealerships cannot fix the 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 I7 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 35 |
| 2025 | 1 | 345 |
| 2024 | 15 | 638 |
| 2023 | 8 | 1527 |
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 I7 or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW I7 vs FORD F 150
- BMW I7 total complaints
- 25
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- BMW I7 total recalls
- 19
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- BMW I7 avg complaints/year
- 6.3
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- BMW I7
- BMW I7 top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN