Head-to-head reliability
BMW R 1250 RS vs FORD F 150
How the BMW R 1250 RS 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 R 1250 RS vs FORD F 150: The BMW has 1 complaint over 6 years (0.2/year) and 4 recalls, while the Ford F-150 has 11,621 complaints over 10 years (1,162/year) and 151 recalls. The Ford also has 330 crash-related complaints and 297 injuries; the BMW has none. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW R 1250 RS or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW R 1250 RS
The BMW R 1250 RS is a sport-touring motorcycle with very few owner complaints filed with NHTSA—just 1 over 6 years, averaging 0.2 per year. The single complaint is about the service indicator warning window blocking the TFT display, which can hide fuel level and range information. There are 4 recalls, including brake fluid and brake light issues, but no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths in the data. For a buyer, this suggests a low reported problem rate, though the display obstruction is a real usability concern.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a massive complaint volume: 11,621 complaints over 10 years, averaging 1,162 per year. The most common areas are the power train (3,648 complaints) and electrical system (2,100), with many owners describing transmission limp mode, stuck gears, and lead frame failures. There are also 330 crash-related complaints, 297 injuries, and 1 death reported. With 151 recalls, this truck has a long history of safety and reliability issues that a used buyer should take seriously.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW R 1250 RS | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 4 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.2 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 R 1250 RS
- 01UNKNOWN OR OTHER1
One owner reported that the service indicator warning window blocks access to the TFT display, so the rider cannot see or use controls for fuel level, range, and other information. This matters because it can distract the rider and make it harder to monitor basic bike status while riding.
“The service indicator warning window obscures access to the TFT-display and the rider cannot use or see the display controls which include fuel tank levels, range etc. This is a potential hazard for an operator. The problem is exacerbated by limited availabil…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners frequently report transmission problems, including going into limp mode, getting stuck in 5th gear, and lead frame failures that can cause sudden loss of power. One owner said a lead frame issue nearly ended their life, highlighting how dangerous these failures can be.
Many electrical complaints involve the same lead frame issue, plus output speed sensor failures that trigger limp mode and trouble codes like P0722. These faults can leave the truck undrivable or cause unexpected behavior on the road.
Some owners report rear window defroster shorts that cause the back window to shatter outward, sometimes within minutes of using the defroster. This is a sudden and frightening failure that can happen with no warning.
With 1,224 complaints, exterior lighting issues are common, though specific failure details are not provided in the sample. Lighting problems can reduce visibility and may lead to safety risks or failed inspections.
“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 R 1250 RS — 4 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 R 1250 RT, R 1250 R, R 1250 RS, R 1250 GS and R 1250 GS Adventure motorcycles. The tire pressure labels may not remain affixed to the motorcycle frame. As a result, these motorcycles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehi…
The risk: If the label detaches from the motorcycle, proper tire pressure information may not be readily available. This could result in the rider improperly filling the tires which may affect motorcycle handling and control, increasing the risk of…
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the tire pressure label, free of charge. The recall began October 19, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 F900R, F900XR, S1000RR, F750GS, F850GS, F850GS Adventure, R1250GS, R1250GS Adventure, R1250RS, R1250R, RnineT, RnineT Pure and RnineT Scrambler and 2019-2020 S1000R motorcycles. The brake light may flash instead of remain steady during emerg…
The risk: A flashing brake light can cause confusion to other drivers on the road, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owner, and dealers will reprogram the emergency stop signal function, free of charge. The recall began May 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2020 RnineT Scrambler and RnineT, 2020 R1250R and R1250RS, 2019-2020 Rnine T Pure, R1250GS,R1250GS Adventure and R1250RT and 2018 RnineT Racer motorcycles. The brake fluid reservoir cap may not clearly state the required type of brake fluid…
The risk: Improper brake system maintenance could affect braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake fluid reservoir cap, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain Motorcycle Accessory Brake Fluid Reservoir Covers, part numbers 8405-752, 8405-753, 8405-754 and 9829547 designed to fit certain 2019-2020 BMW R 1250 motorcycles, and part numbers 8404-098, 8405-100, 8405-102, and 1542056 designed to fit certain…
The risk: Improper brake system maintenance could affect braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake fluid reservoir cap, free of charge. The recall began December 14, 2020. Parts will be available in mid-September 2020 for the recall repairs. Owners may contact BMW customer servi…
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 R 1250 RS or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The BMW R 1250 RS has far fewer issues per year (0.2 complaints/year) compared to the Ford F-150 (1,162 complaints/year). In practice, the BMW owner is much less likely to file a complaint, while the F-150 has a high volume of serious power train and electrical problems. However, the BMW still has recalls for brakes and lighting, so it is not problem-free.
Key differences
- The BMW R 1250 RS has 1 complaint over 6 years, while the Ford F-150 has 11,621 complaints over 10 years—a huge gap in reported problems.
- Ford F-150 owners report dangerous power train failures like limp mode and stuck gears, while the BMW's only complaint is about a display obstruction.
- The F-150 has 330 crash-related complaints, 297 injuries, and 1 death; the BMW has 0 in all three categories.
- The F-150 has 151 recalls, including engine and air bag issues, while the BMW has 4 recalls, mostly for brake fluid and labels.
- Check that the service indicator warning window does not block your view of the TFT display or its controls, especially fuel level and range.
- Ask about any open recalls, particularly for brake fluid and brake lights, and confirm they have been fixed.
- Test drive and scan for transmission codes like P0722, and ask if the lead frame or output speed sensor has been replaced.
- Inspect the rear window defroster for signs of shorting, and ask if the back window has ever shattered or been replaced.
Before you buy
- For the BMW, sit on the bike and verify the TFT display is fully visible and controls are reachable with the warning window present.
- For the Ford, get a pre-purchase inspection that includes transmission diagnostics and a check for any open recalls.
- Ask both sellers for a complete recall history and proof that all safety recalls have been performed.
- For the Ford, test drive at highway speeds to see if it enters limp mode or hesitates when shifting.
- For the BMW, check brake fluid level and brake light operation, since recalls exist for those systems.
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 R 1250 RS | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 0 | 638 |
| 2023 | 0 | 1527 |
| 2022 | 0 | 3493 |
| 2021 | 1 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 0 | 44 |
| 2019 | 0 | 52 |
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 R 1250 RS or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW R 1250 RS vs FORD F 150
- BMW R 1250 RS total complaints
- 1
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- BMW R 1250 RS total recalls
- 4
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- BMW R 1250 RS avg complaints/year
- 0.2
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- BMW R 1250 RS
- BMW R 1250 RS top complaint area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN