Head-to-head reliability
Infiniti Q60 vs FORD F 150
How the Infiniti Q60 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 Q60 vs FORD F 150: The Q60 has 83 complaints over 8 years (about 10 per year) and 6 recalls, while the F-150 has 11,621 complaints over 10 years (over 1,100 per year) and 151 recalls. The F-150 also reports 330 crash-related complaints and 297 injuries versus 4 and 5 for the Q60. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Infiniti Q60 or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Infiniti Q60
The Infiniti Q60 is a luxury sports coupe with a relatively low complaint volume: 83 complaints over 8 years, averaging about 10 per year. The most common trouble spots are air bags and the engine, with owners reporting warning lights, electrical gremlins, and sudden smoke or acceleration issues. There are 6 recalls, including rear seat belts and engine software, and 4 crashes with 5 injuries but no deaths. For a buyer, this suggests a car that can be enjoyable but may need careful inspection of safety and engine systems.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a massive complaint record: 11,621 complaints over 10 years, averaging over 1,100 per year. Power train and electrical problems dominate, with owners describing transmission limp mode, lead frame failures, and even rear window explosions. There are 151 recalls and 330 crash-related complaints, plus 297 injuries and 1 death. For a buyer, this means the F-150 is a high-volume vehicle with many reported issues, so a thorough pre-purchase inspection is critical.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Infiniti Q60 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 83 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 6 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 4 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 10.4 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 5 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.
Infiniti Q60
- 01AIR BAGS21
- 02ENGINE20
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER12
- 04POWER TRAIN10
- 05STEERING10
Owners report the airbag/SRS warning light coming on, often tied to the passenger-side occupancy classification system. This matters because if the system fails, the airbag may not deploy correctly in a crash.
Complaints include extreme white smoke from the exhaust while driving and unintended acceleration in wet conditions. These symptoms can lead to visibility loss or loss of control, making engine health a key check.
Some owners describe stalling, failure to accelerate, and swerving on slight bumps, which points to transmission or drivetrain issues. A test drive should include varying speeds and road surfaces to catch these behaviors.
Reports mention the car swerving on its own with the slightest bumps, suggesting steering or suspension problems. This is a safety concern because it affects directional control.
“Component/System: Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) / Airbag Occupancy Classification System — Passenger Side What Happened: The airbag/SRS warning light illuminated on my 2018 Infiniti Q60 (VIN [XXX], 102,388 miles). The vehicle was taken to Sewell Infinit…”
“Hello, I purchased my Infiniti Q60 Red Sport brand new in 2028. About a year after that I started to have electrical issues with the car. I've brought it in to the Infiniti dealer in Valencia, CA numerous times during the warranty period (and a few times out…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners frequently report transmission limp mode, stuck in 5th gear, and lead frame failures that can cause sudden loss of power. These issues can leave you stranded or create dangerous highway situations.
The lead frame issue also appears under electrical, with symptoms like limp mode and output speed sensor failure. A short in the rear window defroster has even caused the back window to shatter outward.
With 1,224 complaints, lighting problems are common, though specific symptoms are not detailed in the sample. Faulty lights can reduce visibility and increase crash risk.
Engine complaints number 880, often related to the same lead frame or sensor failures that trigger limp mode. Buyers should scan for stored codes and test acceleration.
“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.
Infiniti Q60 — 6 recalls
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020 Infiniti Q60 vehicles equipped with rear seat belt assemblies with a dual-mode locking mechanism. The seat belt webbing sensor locking mechanism may not lock as intended.
The risk: In the event of a crash involving multiple impacts, the seat belt may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear seat belt assembly production dates, and replace the assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 4, 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-8…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (INFINITI) is recalling certain 2021 INFINITI Q50 and Q60 vehicles. After detecting rapid acceleration, the Engine Control Module (ECM) may incorrectly reduce engine power and reduce fuel supply to the engine.
The risk: A lack of fuel may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: INFINITI will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the ECM software, free of charge. The recall began on May 25, 2021. Owners may contact INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200. INFINITI's number for this recall is R20C5.
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021 Infinity Q50, Q60, and QX80 vehicles. A software error may deactivate the audio/video control unit screen, preventing the rear-view image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehi…
The risk: A rear-view camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 14, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R21A9.
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additio…
The risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-…
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
Infiniti Q60 or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Infiniti Q60 has far fewer issues per year (about 10 vs. over 1,100 for the F-150), but that is partly because it is a lower-volume model. In practice, the F-150's higher complaint rate means you are more likely to encounter transmission, electrical, and lighting problems, while the Q60's issues are less frequent but still include serious airbag and engine concerns.
Key differences
- The Ford F-150 has 11,621 complaints over 10 years, while the Infiniti Q60 has 83 over 8 years, a huge difference in reported problem volume.
- F-150 owners frequently report transmission limp mode and lead frame failures, whereas Q60 owners more often mention airbag warning lights and engine smoke.
- The F-150 has 151 recalls and 330 crash-related complaints; the Q60 has 6 recalls and 4 crash-related complaints.
- Both have injury reports (297 for F-150, 5 for Q60), but the F-150 also has 1 death, highlighting the higher stakes of its reported issues.
- Check for any airbag/SRS warning lights and ask if the passenger occupancy system has been repaired or recalled.
- Listen for engine noises and watch for white smoke from the exhaust during a test drive, and scan for stored engine codes.
- Test the transmission thoroughly for limp mode, delayed engagement, or getting stuck in gear, especially after warming up.
- Inspect the rear window defroster for signs of shorting and check for any electrical gremlins like random warning lights.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all open recalls have been addressed, especially for airbags and engine software.
- Have a mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection that includes scanning for transmission and engine fault codes.
- During a test drive, accelerate hard, vary speeds, and drive over bumps to check for stalling, swerving, or limp mode.
- Inspect all lights, including exterior and interior, and test the rear window defroster if equipped.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and specifically inquire about any prior repairs to the transmission, airbag system, or engine.
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 | Infiniti Q60 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 0 | 3493 |
| 2021 | 3 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 2 | 44 |
| 2019 | 4 | 52 |
| 2018 | 25 | 79 |
| 2017 | 34 | 59 |
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 Q60 or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Infiniti Q60 vs FORD F 150
- Infiniti Q60 total complaints
- 83
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Infiniti Q60 total recalls
- 6
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Infiniti Q60 avg complaints/year
- 10.4
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Infiniti Q60
- Infiniti Q60 top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN