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 only 1 complaint over 6 years (0.2/yr) and 4 recalls, while the Ford has 11,311 complaints over 10 years (1,131/yr) and 145 recalls. The BMW's issue is a display obstruction, but the Ford faces serious transmission and electrical failures. 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 that, in ownership terms, appears to be relatively low-maintenance from a reliability standpoint, with only one complaint over six years. That complaint focuses on a software/display issue where the service indicator window obscures the TFT display, potentially hiding critical information like fuel level and range. This is more of a usability and safety-concern than a mechanical failure, but it highlights a potential design flaw. Overall, the bike seems to have few reported issues, but the recalls suggest attention to labels, brake lights, and brake fluid, which are important for safety.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup truck that, in ownership terms, shows a high volume of complaints, averaging over 1,100 per year, indicating widespread issues. The dominant problem area is the powertrain, with owners reporting harsh shifting, loss of power, and even vehicle shutdowns, particularly with the 10-speed automatic transmission. Electrical system complaints are also significant, including camera malfunctions and warning lights. With 145 recalls and 328 crash-related incidents, the F-150 has a much more troubled reliability record, though it's important to note that these numbers are spread over a larger sales volume and model years.
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 | 11,311 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 4 Better | 145 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 328 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.2 Better | 1131.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 287 |
| 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
The only complaint involves the service indicator window obscuring the TFT display, preventing the rider from seeing fuel level, range, and other critical information. This could be a safety hazard if the rider is unaware of fuel status, but it's a software/display issue rather than a mechanical failure.
“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 TRAIN3,553
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,071
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,401
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,164
- 05ENGINE847
Owners report hard and delayed shifts, jerking, clunking, and even complete loss of power with the 10R80 automatic transmission. Some describe the vehicle shutting off and then restarting with a jerk, which is alarming and potentially dangerous in traffic.
Complaints include loud bangs from the transmission accompanied by popping sounds from the rear suspension, as well as persistent warnings like 'Front Camera Malfunction' and 'Pre Collision Assist Not Available' that appear every time the truck is started, indicating sensor or software issues.
A significant number of complaints fall into this category, but without specific details, it's hard to pinpoint the exact issues. However, the sheer volume suggests a variety of problems that owners find concerning.
With over 1,100 complaints, headlight issues are common, though the sample text doesn't provide specifics. This could include premature failure, condensation, or poor visibility, which are safety-relevant.
“I started noticing hard and delayed shifts from 7th into 8th gear. My RPM's were not increasing when this happened, and then on a very crowded major road I lost all power, vehicle shut off and drifted, then started up and jerked again very hard. This failure…”
“I am reporting a safety-related transmission problem I experienced with my 2020 Ford F-150 equipped with the 10R80 automatic transmission. While driving normally, the transmission shifts hard (ie: jerks, clunks) between 4-5 and 5-6 gears, and has on occasion…”
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 — 145 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 trucks equipped with high series LED headlamps with Autolamp (On/Off) functionality. The Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) may remain activated instead of dimming to parking lamps when the Master Lighting Switch (MLS) is manually rotated from…
The risk: DRL that cannot dim may reduce the visibility of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the body control module, free of charge. The recall began March 10, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C03.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 F-150 vehicles. The fastener securing the Power Distribution Box (PDB) 12V cable and Battery Monitoring System (BMS) eyelets to the positive battery terminal may loosen and affect the vehicle's systems such as instrument panel displays and br…
The risk: Inoperative vehicle systems or an engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. Reduced braking and steering efforts increases the risk of a crash. This condition could also create a resistive short, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the positive battery cable/BMS/PDB joint for excess sealant adhesive and remove any excessive adhesive, reassemble the joint, and retorque the fastener, as necessary, free of charge. The re…
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 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also…
The risk: A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's num…
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 (1,131.1 complaints/year). This means that in practice, the BMW is likely to be much more reliable and less troublesome, though the F-150's higher volume is partly due to its popularity and longer production run.
Key differences
- The BMW has only one complaint about a display issue, while the Ford has thousands of complaints about transmission failures and electrical gremlins.
- The Ford's transmission problems include hard shifts and loss of power, which are safety-critical, whereas the BMW's issue is more about visibility of information.
- The Ford has 145 recalls, including for headlights, batteries, engine, and seats, while the BMW has 4 recalls for labels, brake lights, and brake fluid.
- The Ford has 328 crash-related complaints and 287 injuries, whereas the BMW has none, indicating a higher safety risk in real-world usage.
- Check that the TFT display is not obscured by the service indicator window; if it is, it may need a software update or adjustment.
- Verify that all recalls have been addressed, especially those related to brake lights and brake fluid, as they are critical for safety.
- Test drive the truck and pay close attention to transmission shifts, especially between 4-5 and 5-6 gears, for any harshness or clunking.
- Check for any warning lights on the dash, such as camera or pre-collision assist errors, and have them diagnosed before purchase.
Before you buy
- For the BMW, ask for the service history and confirm that the TFT display issue has been resolved or is covered under warranty.
- For the Ford, get a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the 10R80 transmission to check for any signs of trouble.
- Check the recall status for both vehicles using the VIN and ensure all recalls have been performed.
- For the Ford, look for any signs of electrical issues, such as intermittent warning lights or battery problems.
- For the BMW, verify that the brake fluid has been changed according to the maintenance schedule, as recalls indicate potential issues.
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 | 617 |
| 2023 | 0 | 1507 |
| 2022 | 0 | 3432 |
| 2021 | 1 | 5234 |
| 2020 | 0 | 33 |
| 2019 | 0 | 36 |
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
- 11,311
- BMW R 1250 RS total recalls
- 4
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 145
- BMW R 1250 RS avg complaints/year
- 0.2
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1131.1
- 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