Head-to-head reliability
BMW K 1300 S vs FORD F 150
How the BMW K 1300 S 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 K 1300 S vs FORD F 150: the BMW has 4 complaints over 10 years (0.4/yr) and 4 recalls, while the Ford has 11,621 complaints (1,162/yr) and 151 recalls. The BMW's reports center on stalling; the Ford's on transmission limp mode and electrical faults. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW K 1300 S or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW K 1300 S
The BMW K 1300 S is a sport-touring motorcycle with a very low complaint volume—just 4 over 10 years, or about 0.4 per year. The pattern that does emerge is concerning: owners repeatedly describe the engine stalling or cutting out while slowing to a stop or riding at low speed, sometimes with a total loss of power that feels like the kill switch was hit. Recalls exist for the fuel pump and hydraulic brakes, so a buyer should verify those were addressed. Living with this bike means watching for sudden stalls and confirming recall work was done.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with an enormous complaint volume—11,621 over 10 years, averaging about 1,162 per year—and 151 recalls. The dominant theme is powertrain trouble: owners report transmissions stuck in limp mode or fifth gear, and a recurring 'lead frame' issue that some describe as nearly causing a collision. Electrical problems, including a rear-window defroster short that owners say shattered the back glass, also appear. This is a high-volume vehicle with a wide range of reported failures, so a pre-purchase inspection is essential.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW K 1300 S | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 4 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 4 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.4 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 K 1300 S
- 01ENGINE3
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1
Owners report the engine stalling when the bike slows to a stop, and one complaint describes the engine failing and 'self-destructing' at 10 mph. For a buyer, this means a test ride should include low-speed stops to check for sudden cutouts.
A complaint describes the bike stalling in motion with all power gone, as if the kill switch was used, and restarting only after turning the key off and back on. This intermittent electrical cutout is the kind of fault that can leave you stranded or worse in traffic.
The same stall-in-motion complaint appears under this category, reinforcing that owners experience sudden, unexplained power loss with no pattern to speed or gear. A buyer should ask whether the dealer has diagnosed any stall-related faults.
“LESS THAN ONE WEEK AFTER TAKING OWNERSHIP OF THE BRAND NEW MOTORCYCLE (AUGUST 2012) I EXPERIENCED THE FIRST OCCURRENCE OF THE ENGINE STALLING WHEN THE VEHICLE SLOWED TO A STOP. SINCE THEN THE MACHINE HAS BEEN RETURNED TO THE DEALERSHIP FOUR TIMES SPECIFICALLY…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW K1300S MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED AND SELF DESTRUCTED INT…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners describe a 'lead frame' issue that has gone unresolved for over a decade, with one saying it nearly ended their life, and transmissions that go into limp mode and stick in fifth gear almost daily. These are drivability and safety concerns that can strand you or cause a loss of speed control.
The lead frame problem also appears here, and one owner reports a 2017 F-150 entering highway limp mode due to an output speed sensor failure under a safety recall. Electrical faults on this truck can trigger limp mode at speed, so recall status matters.
A complaint describes a short in the rear window defroster that caused the back window to explode outward shortly after the defroster was turned off. Buyers should check the rear defroster and glass for signs of overheating or prior replacement.
This is one of the top complaint components by count, though the sample text does not detail specific lighting failures. Given the volume, a buyer should test all exterior lights and look for moisture or corrosion in the housings.
“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 K 1300 S — 4 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2014 S 1000 RR/R/ HP4, R 1200 GS/GS Adventure/R/RT, K 1300 S, K 1600 GT/GTL/GTL Exclusive and 2014 R nine T motorcycles. The fuel pump, and auxiliary fuel pump in certain models, may crack and leak fuel during vehicle operation.
The risk: A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, may result in a fire.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began March 17, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2014 S 1000 RR/R/ HP4, R 1200 GS/GS Adventure/R/RT, K 1300 S, K 1600 GT/GTL/GTL Exclusive and 2014 R nine T motorcycles. The fuel pump, and auxiliary fuel pump in certain models, may crack and leak fuel during vehicle operation.
The risk: A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, may result in a fire.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began March 17, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2014 S 1000 RR/R/ HP4, R 1200 GS/GS Adventure/R/RT, K 1300 S, K 1600 GT/GTL/GTL Exclusive and 2014 R nine T motorcycles. The fuel pump, and auxiliary fuel pump in certain models, may crack and leak fuel during vehicle operation.
The risk: A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, may result in a fire.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began March 17, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 K1200 S, K1200 R, and K1200 R Sport motorcycles and 2012 and 2013 K1300 S motorcycles. In October 2012, BMW recalled 2062 2007-2008 K1200 S, K1200 R, and K1200 R Sport motorcycles. In November 2012, BMW informed the agency that it was adding model year…
The risk: Brake fluid that foams could lead to a reduced braking capability of the front brake system, possibly resulting in a crash.
The fix: The front brake fluid reservoir will be retrofitted with a screen insert, free of charge. The recall began on December 19, 2012. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
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 K 1300 S or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The BMW K 1300 S has far fewer issues per year—about 0.4 complaints annually versus roughly 1,162 for the Ford F-150. In practice, the BMW's small complaint set centers on sudden stalling, while the Ford's much larger set spans transmission limp mode, lead frame faults, and electrical shorts. Fewer complaints does not mean no risk, but the BMW's problem pattern is narrower and easier to screen for on a test ride.
Key differences
- Complaint volume is vastly different: 4 total for the BMW versus 11,621 for the Ford over 10 years, so the Ford has far more owner-reported problems to sort through.
- The BMW's reported failures cluster around engine stalling and electrical cutouts, while the Ford's cluster around transmission limp mode, lead frame faults, and electrical shorts.
- The Ford has 151 recalls and 330 crash-related complaints, while the BMW has 4 recalls and 0 crash-related complaints in the provided data.
- The BMW's sample complaints describe sudden power loss at low speed; the Ford's describe limp mode and stuck gears at driving speed, which are different risk profiles to inspect for.
- Test ride at low speed and during stops to check for engine stalling or sudden power loss, as owners report the bike cutting out when slowing down.
- Ask for proof that the fuel-pump and hydraulic-brake recalls were performed, and check for any intermittent electrical cutout that requires a key cycle to restart.
- Check transmission behavior for limp mode or sticking in fifth gear, and ask whether the lead frame has been replaced or repaired.
- Verify recall 26S28 (output speed sensor/software) was completed, and inspect the rear window defroster and glass for signs of overheating or shattering.
Before you buy
- For the BMW, request the full recall history and confirm fuel-pump and brake recalls were completed before purchase.
- For the Ford, run the VIN through NHTSA to check open recalls, especially 26S28, and ask for transmission and lead frame service records.
- Test ride the BMW through several low-speed stops and idle periods to watch for stalling or electrical cutout.
- Test drive the Ford at highway speed and in stop-and-go traffic to check for limp mode, harsh shifts, or stuck gears.
- Inspect the Ford's rear defroster and window glass, and test all exterior lighting for function and moisture.
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 K 1300 S | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 0 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 0 | 44 |
| 2019 | 0 | 52 |
| 2018 | 0 | 79 |
| 2017 | 0 | 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 K 1300 S or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW K 1300 S vs FORD F 150
- BMW K 1300 S total complaints
- 4
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- BMW K 1300 S total recalls
- 4
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- BMW K 1300 S avg complaints/year
- 0.4
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- BMW K 1300 S
- BMW K 1300 S top complaint area
- ENGINE
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN