Head-to-head reliability
Infiniti Q45 vs FORD F 150
How the Infiniti Q45 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
Infiniti Q45 vs FORD F 150: The Q45 has 61 complaints over 8 years (7.6/year) and 10 recalls, while the F-150 has 11,311 complaints over 10 years (1,131/year) and 145 recalls. The F-150 also has 328 crash-related complaints vs. 4 for the Q45. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Infiniti Q45 or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Infiniti Q45
The Infiniti Q45 is a luxury sedan with a relatively low complaint volume—61 over 8 years, about 7.6 per year. Owners report stalling and no-start conditions, often traced to electrical or engine issues, plus headlight failures and odd acceleration behavior. With only 10 recalls and 4 crash-related complaints, it's a niche vehicle that can be affordable but demands careful inspection of its electrical and engine systems.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a massive complaint count—11,311 over 10 years, averaging over 1,100 per year. The dominant issue is the power train, especially transmission problems like hard shifts and sudden power loss, along with electrical glitches and lighting faults. With 145 recalls and 328 crash-related complaints, it's a high-volume vehicle where many owners have reported serious drivability and safety concerns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Infiniti Q45 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 61 Better | 11,311 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 10 Better | 145 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 4 Better | 328 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 7.6 Better | 1131.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 3 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.
Infiniti Q45
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM11
- 02ENGINE8
- 03EXTERIOR LIGHTING7
- 04VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL7
- 05WHEELS7
Owners report repeated stalling and failure to restart, sometimes 15+ times, leaving them stranded. This can happen while driving, increasing rear-end collision risk.
Complaints include the engine shutting off without warning within a few miles of starting, losing all power, and requiring multiple restart attempts. Some also had starter failures requiring towing.
Low-beam headlamp failures, particularly HID ballast failures, have occurred during nighttime driving. This reduces visibility and can be a safety hazard until repaired.
Owners describe a delay in acceleration, feeling like the engine stalls, and transmission failing to downshift on hills. Cruise control can also cause bucking when trying to accelerate.
“2004 INFINITI Q45 LEMON THIS AUTOMOBILE HAS AN IN-SERVICE DATE OF 12-17-04, PURCHASED BY ME ON 02-08-08 AT 26,670 MILES WITH 10 MONTHS REMAINING ON THE TIME WARRANTY THAT'S EXPIRED. IT WAS RETURNED TO MAJOR INFINITI ON 09-29-10 WITH 42,171 MILES ^0,000 WARRAN…”
“MY 2003 INFINITI Q45 REPEATEDLY STALLS [SO FAR, 15+ TIMES] AND OFTEN WILL NOT RESTART [10+ TIMES]. WITH MY FAMILY AND ME IN THE CAR, THE STALLING OF THE CAR PUTS US REPEATEDLY IN JEOPARDY OF A REAR-END COLLISION OR VANDALISM OR BODILY INJURY IN DANGEROUS AREA…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,553
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,071
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,401
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,164
- 05ENGINE847
Many owners report hard or delayed shifts, jerking, and sudden loss of power, especially with the 10-speed automatic transmission. This can lead to dangerous situations on busy roads.
Complaints include warning messages like 'Front Camera Malfunction' and 'Pre Collision Assist Not Available,' as well as loud bangs from the transmission area. These can indicate underlying electrical or transmission issues.
Headlight problems are common enough to be a top complaint category, though specific failure modes aren't detailed in the sample. Faulty lighting affects visibility and safety.
Engine-related complaints are frequent, though the sample doesn't specify symptoms. Given the high overall complaint volume, engine issues may contribute to drivability problems.
“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.
Infiniti Q45 — 10 recalls
The defect: NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2003-2005 INFINITI Q45 VEHICLES. A WIRING CONNECTOR FOR THE SEAT MOUNTED AIRBAG MAY EXPERIENCE INCREASED ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE, RESULTING IN THE NON-DEPLOYMENT OF THE SIDE AIR BAGS.
The risk: NON-DEPLOYMENT OF SIDE AIR BAGS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
The fix: NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE WIRING CONNECTOR, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 19, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-647-7261.
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION.
The risk: IF THIS OCCURS, THE BRAKE LIGHTS WILL NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKE IS APPLIED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 25, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT INFINITI AT 1-800-662-6200.
The defect: CERTAIN VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE STOP LAMP AND REFLEX REFLECTOR REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, 'LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
The risk: THIS STANDARD IS TO REDUCE CRASHES, INJURIES AND DEATHS BY PROVIDING ADEQUATE ILLUMINATION OF THE ROADWAY, AND BY ENHANCING THE CONSPICUITY OF MOTOR VEHICLES ON THE PUBLIC ROADS SO THAT THEIR PRESENCE IS PERCEIVED AND THEIR SIGNALS UNDERST…
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR COMBINATION LAMP ASSEMBLIES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT APRIL 16, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT INFINITI AT 1-800-662-6200.
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 17 INCH ALLOY WHEELS, THE WHEELS MAY HAVE A CASTING DEFECT FROM WHICH CRACKS COULD PROPAGATE AS THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN.
The risk: IF A SUFFICIENT NUMBER OF CRACKS DEVELOP, THE WHEEL COULD FAIL AND SEPARATE FROM THE MOUNTING HUB, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE WHEELS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 28, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT IN…
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
Infiniti Q45 or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Infiniti Q45 has far fewer complaints per year (7.6 vs. 1,131.1), but both vehicles have serious reported issues. The Ford F-150's much higher volume means you're more likely to encounter problems, especially with the transmission, while the Q45's lower volume doesn't guarantee reliability—its stalling and electrical faults can be equally dangerous.
Key differences
- The Ford F-150 has 11,311 complaints over 10 years, while the Infiniti Q45 has only 61 over 8 years—a massive difference in reported problem volume.
- The F-150's top complaint is the power train (3,553 complaints), with owners describing hard shifts and sudden power loss; the Q45's top issue is electrical (11 complaints), often stalling and no-start.
- The F-150 has 145 recalls and 328 crash-related complaints, compared to the Q45's 10 recalls and 4 crash-related complaints.
- Both vehicles have engine complaints, but the Q45's engine issues often involve stalling and starter failure, while the F-150's engine complaints are less detailed but numerous.
- Check for any history of stalling or no-start conditions—test drive extensively and ask for service records related to electrical or engine repairs.
- Inspect the headlights, especially the HID ballasts, for proper function; failures have occurred during nighttime driving.
- Test the transmission thoroughly for hard shifts, jerking, or delayed engagement, especially between gears 4-5, 5-6, and 7-8.
- Check for electrical warning messages such as 'Front Camera Malfunction' or 'Pre Collision Assist Not Available' on the dashboard.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and look for repeated electrical or engine repairs on the Infiniti Q45.
- For the Ford F-150, have a mechanic scan for transmission error codes and test drive at various speeds to feel for shift quality.
- On the Q45, test all lights, including high and low beams, and check for any aftermarket electrical modifications.
- On the F-150, verify that all recalls have been performed, especially those related to the engine, electrical system, and exterior lighting.
- Always take a lengthy test drive that includes highway speeds, stop-and-go traffic, and hill climbs to replicate reported conditions.
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 Infiniti Q45 or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Infiniti Q45 vs FORD F 150
- Infiniti Q45 total complaints
- 61
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,311
- Infiniti Q45 total recalls
- 10
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 145
- Infiniti Q45 avg complaints/year
- 7.6
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1131.1
- More reliable overall
- Infiniti Q45
- Infiniti Q45 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN