Head-to-head reliability
BMW M850i vs FORD F 150
How the BMW M850i 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 M850i vs FORD F 150: The M850i has 0 complaints over 7 years and 7 recalls, while the F-150 has 11,621 complaints over 10 years, 151 recalls, and 330 crash-related reports. The F-150 also shows 297 injuries and 1 death in the data. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW M850i or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW M850i
The BMW M850i is a low-volume luxury coupe that, over the seven years in this data, has zero owner complaints filed with NHTSA. That clean complaint record suggests owners are not reporting recurring mechanical or safety failures, but it does not mean the car is trouble-free. Seven recalls exist, mostly for backup cameras and one for brakes, so you should still verify recall work was completed. Overall, it appears to be a niche vehicle with very little public complaint history.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a high-volume pickup with 11,621 complaints over ten years, averaging about 1,162 per year. The most common complaint areas are the power train, electrical system, exterior lighting, and engine. Owners describe serious issues like transmissions stuck in limp mode, lead frame failures, and even a rear window shattering. There are also 330 crash-related complaints, 297 injuries, and one death reported, so this is a vehicle with a well-documented pattern of owner-reported problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW M850i | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 0 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 7 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.0 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 M850i
No component data available.
Multiple recalls cover the backup camera system. A failed camera can reduce rear visibility, so buyers should confirm the recall fix was applied and test the camera display.
One recall involves hydraulic service brakes. Brake problems can affect stopping distance, so any used M850i should have a brake inspection and recall check.
A recall exists for the front seat belt buckle assembly. A faulty buckle may not secure properly in a crash, so verify the recall was performed and test each buckle.
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners report transmissions going into limp mode, getting stuck in 5th gear, and lead frame failures. One owner said a lead frame issue nearly ended their life, and another described daily limp mode in a 2017 V8 with the 6-speed automatic.
Complaints include the same lead frame problem and an output speed sensor failure that triggered highway limp mode. A rear window defroster short was also reported to shatter the back window, which is a serious safety concern.
One owner reported the rear window exploding outward after using the defroster. This is a rare but alarming event that buyers should be aware of when inspecting the rear glass and defroster operation.
Exterior lighting is a top complaint category with 1,224 reports. Lighting failures can make the truck less visible or reduce night visibility, so check all lights and any related recalls.
“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 M850i — 7 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, Alpina XB7, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, and 8 Series C…
The risk: If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the missing or reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and update it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 8 Series Coupe, Grand Coupe and convertible 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8 and 740 Li, 740 Li xDrive, 750 Li xDrive, M760 Li xDrive, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xdrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, and 2019-2021 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i,…
The risk: A loss of ABS and a reduction in braking assistance can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the integrated brake system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 25, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, Alpina XB7, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, and 8 Series C…
The risk: If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the missing or reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and update it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 540d, 2018-2020 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 530e, 530e xDrive, X3 sDrive, X3 xDrive, X3 M40i, X3 M, and 2019-2020 X4 xDrive, X4 M40i, X4 M, X7 xDrive, X7 M50i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 750Li, 750Li xDrive, 8 Series Co…
The risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the back-up camera software, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Toyota owners may c…
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 M850i or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The BMW M850i has 0 complaints per year on average, while the Ford F-150 has about 1,162 per year. In practice, the F-150 has a much larger and more serious owner-reported problem pattern, including transmission limp mode, lead frame failures, and a rear window shattering. The M850i has no complaint text on record, so its main known issues are the seven recalls rather than recurring owner complaints.
Key differences
- The BMW M850i has 0 complaints over 7 years, while the Ford F-150 has 11,621 complaints over 10 years, including 330 crash-related reports and 297 injuries.
- Ford F-150 owners specifically report power train limp mode, stuck gears, and lead frame failures; the M850i has no owner complaint text on record.
- The F-150 has 151 recalls versus 7 for the M850i, and the F-150 recalls include engine, seat belt pretensioner, door latch, and air bag inflator subjects.
- The M850i recalls are mostly backup camera and one brake recall, while the F-150 has a broader set of safety-related recall areas.
- Check that all seven recalls were completed, especially the backup camera, hydraulic service brakes, and front seat belt buckle assembly.
- Test the backup camera display and each front seat belt buckle to make sure they latch and release properly.
- Test drive for transmission shudder, delayed engagement, or limp mode, and ask if the lead frame or output speed sensor has been replaced.
- Inspect the rear window and defroster for cracks or prior shattering, and check all exterior lights and engine warning lights.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA.gov to confirm all open recalls are closed for the specific vehicle.
- For the F-150, ask for transmission service records and scan for stored codes like P0722 before buying.
- For the M850i, verify the backup camera, brakes, and seat belt buckles work and were recalled.
- Take a cold-start test drive and listen for engine or transmission noises, especially on the F-150.
- Have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on the complaint areas listed for each model.
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 M850i | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 35 |
| 2025 | 0 | 345 |
| 2024 | 0 | 638 |
| 2023 | 0 | 1527 |
| 2022 | 0 | 3493 |
| 2021 | 0 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 0 | 44 |
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 M850i or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW M850i vs FORD F 150
- BMW M850i total complaints
- 0
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- BMW M850i total recalls
- 7
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- BMW M850i avg complaints/year
- 0.0
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- BMW M850i
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN