Head-to-head reliability
BMW R 1300 GS vs FORD F 150
How the BMW R 1300 GS 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 1300 GS vs FORD F 150: The BMW had 4 complaints and 2 recalls over 3 years, while the Ford had 11,621 complaints and 151 recalls over 10 years. The Ford also had 330 crash-related reports and 297 injuries. The BMW's lower complaint rate may mean fewer problems, but both have reported safety issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the BMW R 1300 GS or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
BMW R 1300 GS
The BMW R 1300 GS is a premium adventure motorcycle with electronic suspension and rider aids. Over three years, NHTSA logged 4 complaints (about 1.3 per year) and 2 recalls. Owners report issues with the adaptive ride height, adaptive cruise control, and clutch, but the low complaint volume suggests these are not widespread. Still, any failure on a motorcycle can be serious, so a thorough inspection is wise.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a huge owner base. In ten years, NHTSA recorded 11,621 complaints (about 1,162 per year) and 151 recalls, including 330 crash-related reports, 297 injuries, and 1 death. Recurring problems include transmission limp mode, electrical glitches, and rear window shattering. The high volume means many owners experience issues, but it's also a popular truck with many units on the road.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | BMW R 1300 GS | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 4 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 2 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1.3 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 1300 GS
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2
- 02SUSPENSION1
- 03POWER TRAIN1
- 04FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE1
- 05EXTERIOR LIGHTING1
Owners report the adaptive cruise control abruptly slowing the motorcycle at highway speed, and the adaptive ride height failing and leaving the suspension in the lower position, making the bike unstable. These electronic glitches can be dangerous if they occur while riding.
The adaptive ride height system can fail, triggering a warning and keeping the bike in its lowest setting. This reduces ground clearance and stability, especially at speed or on rough terrain.
At least one owner experienced a sudden clutch failure around 3,000 miles while climbing a rocky trail, leaving the bike unable to move. A clutch that fails without warning can strand you in remote areas.
The same adaptive cruise control issue that affects the electrical system can also cause unexpected braking, which is categorized under forward collision avoidance. This could lead to loss of control or being rear-ended.
“The contact owns a 2025 BMW R 1300 GS Adventure. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 65 MPH on the highway in congestive traffic with the adaptive cruise control activated. The contact then stated that the motorcycle abruptly slow down as a…”
“1)Adaptive Rider Height failure ! 3 times the suspension warning display and on causing the suspension to remain in lower position making the motorcycle unstable at speed. Dealer had vehicle for a while to remedy the issue. Warranty fix 2)Engine control red w…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Many owners report transmission problems, including sudden limp mode, getting stuck in 5th gear, and lead frame failures that can cause the truck to stall or lose power. These issues often recur even after repairs, and some have nearly caused collisions.
The lead frame issue also appears under electrical, causing intermittent power loss. Additionally, a short in the rear window defroster has been reported to cause the back window to shatter explosively, posing a safety risk.
Complaints in this category include the rear window shattering due to a defroster short, which can happen without warning and send glass flying. This is a serious safety concern, especially for passengers in the back.
With 1,224 complaints, exterior lighting issues are common. While not detailed in the sample, frequent lighting failures can affect visibility and safety, and may be a sign of broader electrical problems.
“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 1300 GS — 2 recalls
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2024 R 1300 GS motorcycles. The housing for the starter motor relay may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in a damaged relay that can overheat.
The risk: An overheated electrical relay increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the starter relay and update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 23, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2025 F 900 GS, F 800 GS, R 1300 GS Adventure, R 1300 GS, S 1000 RR, S 1000 R, and K 1600 GT vehicles equipped with the optional emergency call system. The emergency call system (eCall) may have been deactivated due to a software programming error.
The risk: In an emergency, first responders may not receive notification of the crash or emergency location, increasing the risk of injury to riders.
The fix: The electronic control unit software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters are scheduled to be mailed September 12, 2025. 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 R 1300 GS or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The BMW R 1300 GS has far fewer complaints per year (about 1.3) compared to the Ford F-150 (about 1,162). In practice, this means a BMW owner is much less likely to experience a reported problem, but the F-150's higher count is partly due to its massive sales volume. Still, the F-150's issues include serious safety-related failures like transmission limp mode and window shattering.
Key differences
- The BMW R 1300 GS has only 4 complaints over 3 years, while the Ford F-150 has 11,621 over 10 years, a massive difference in reported problem frequency.
- BMW complaints center on electronic rider aids like adaptive cruise control and ride height, while Ford complaints often involve transmission limp mode and lead frame failures that can cause loss of power.
- The Ford F-150 has 330 crash-related reports, 297 injuries, and 1 death, whereas the BMW has 1 crash-related report and no injuries or deaths.
- Both vehicles have electrical issues, but the Ford's include a rear window shattering due to a defroster short, a unique and dangerous problem.
- Test the adaptive ride height system: ensure it raises and lowers smoothly and doesn't stay stuck in the low position, which owners report causes instability.
- Check the clutch operation, especially if the bike has around 3,000 miles, as one owner experienced sudden clutch failure.
- Scan for transmission trouble codes and test drive to see if it enters limp mode or gets stuck in gear, common complaints.
- Inspect the rear window for any signs of stress or previous shattering, and test the defroster for proper function to avoid a short.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full NHTSA complaint and recall history for the specific VIN.
- For the BMW, test all electronic rider aids, including adaptive cruise control and ride height, during a test ride.
- For the Ford, have a mechanic check the transmission for lead frame issues and scan for stored codes.
- Inspect the Ford's rear window and defroster for any signs of damage or malfunction.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes and electronic repairs.
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 1300 GS | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 35 |
| 2025 | 2 | 345 |
| 2024 | 2 | 638 |
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 1300 GS or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- BMW R 1300 GS vs FORD F 150
- BMW R 1300 GS total complaints
- 4
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- BMW R 1300 GS total recalls
- 2
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- BMW R 1300 GS avg complaints/year
- 1.3
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- BMW R 1300 GS
- BMW R 1300 GS top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN