Head-to-head reliability
Infiniti QX30 vs FORD F 150
How the Infiniti QX30 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 QX30 vs FORD F 150: The QX30 averaged 20 complaints per year over 3 years, while the F-150 averaged 1,162 per year over 10 years. The QX30 had 8 recalls and 5 crash-related reports; the F-150 had 151 recalls and 330 crash-related reports. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Infiniti QX30 or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Infiniti QX30
The Infiniti QX30 is a compact luxury SUV that averaged 20 complaints per year over three years, with 8 recalls and 5 crash-related reports. Owners frequently describe electrical glitches that can cause the car to slip into neutral at speed, along with airbag and steering concerns. Living with it means dealing with a small but serious set of safety-related faults, often requiring dealer visits.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup that generated 1,162 complaints per year over ten years, with 151 recalls and 330 crash-related reports. Power train and electrical issues dominate, including transmission limp mode and lead frame failures that can cause sudden downshifts. It is a high-volume vehicle with a long list of recurring problems, though many are addressed by recalls.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Infiniti QX30 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 60 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 8 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 5 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 20.0 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 4 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 QX30
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM19
- 02AIR BAGS16
- 03STEERING11
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER9
- 05POWER TRAIN8
Owners report the QX30 slipping into neutral at high speeds with a vague 'Service required' message, which can leave the driver without power. This is a serious drivability and safety concern that may require dealer diagnosis.
Complaints include airbags failing to deploy in a crash and possible steering angle sensor faults. A non-deploying airbag in a collision is a critical safety issue that buyers should verify has been addressed.
Some owners link steering angle sensor or steering wheel problems to airbag warnings, and others struggle to get recall repairs done due to parts or loaner shortages. This can mean both safety risk and ownership hassle.
Although fewer complaints, power train issues appear, often tied to the same neutral-slip symptom. Any transmission hesitation or warning lights should be taken seriously.
“Hello, My 2018 Infiniti QX30 slips into neutral while driving on the road at high speeds and without any warning. The message on the dash is vague “Service required. Do not shift gears. Visit Dealer.” I almost got into an accident more than once while driving…”
“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? I am not entirely sure what specific part of my car is causing this issue, but from the research I have done regarding other people with my make/model of the ca…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
The most common complaint is transmission limp mode, often stuck in 5th gear, and lead frame failures that can cause sudden downshifts or near-collisions. These are recurring, well-known issues that may not have a permanent fix.
Owners report lead frame electrical faults and rear window defroster shorts that can cause the back window to shatter. These electrical gremlins can be dangerous and expensive to trace.
Some complaints involve rear window defroster shorts leading to shattered glass, which is a surprising and hazardous failure. Buyers should check for any signs of electrical arcing or window damage.
With 1,224 complaints, exterior lighting problems are frequent, though specific failure details are not provided in the sample. This suggests owners often face lighting malfunctions that could affect visibility.
“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 QX30 — 8 recalls
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-…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018 Infiniti QX30 vehicles. The bolt securing the right-hand side lower seat belt anchorage may have been incorrectly installed during production. This can result in the lower seat belt anchorage detaching in a crash. As such, these vehicles…
The risk: If the lower seat belt anchorage detaches in a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will weld in a new retaining plate and secure the seat belt anchorage with a new anchor bolt, free of charge. All vehicles were repaired July 17, 2018. Owners may contact Infiniti customer service at…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2017 Infiniti QX30 vehicles. The steering shaft bore hole for the universal joint bearing may allow excessive movement that, over time, could result in the separation of the bearing and universal joint.
The risk: A separated universal joint bearing can cause a loss of steering control and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the lower steering shaft, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 30, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PG1CF.
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 QX30 or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Infiniti QX30 has far fewer complaints per year (20 vs. 1,162), but its issues are often severe, including sudden neutral slips and airbag non-deployment. The Ford F-150 has a much higher volume of complaints, yet many are tied to known recalls and recurring transmission problems. In practice, the QX30 may have fewer overall headaches, but each one can be a safety risk.
Key differences
- The QX30 averages 20 complaints per year; the F-150 averages 1,162 per year, a massive difference in reported problem frequency.
- QX30 owners report sudden neutral slips and airbag non-deployment; F-150 owners report transmission limp mode and lead frame failures.
- The F-150 has 151 recalls over 10 years, while the QX30 has 8 recalls over 3 years, reflecting the Ford's longer production and higher volume.
- Both have crash-related complaints, but the F-150's 330 crash reports and 297 injuries dwarf the QX30's 5 crashes and 4 injuries, though these are raw counts not rates.
- Check for any history of transmission slipping into neutral or 'Service required' warnings; test drive at highway speeds if possible.
- Verify that all airbag and steering recalls have been completed, and ask for documentation; inspect for any airbag warning lights.
- Test drive for transmission shudder, delayed engagement, or limp mode; scan for stored codes like P0722 related to output speed sensor.
- Inspect rear window defroster operation and look for any cracks or signs of electrical arcing near the rear glass.
Before you buy
- Run a VIN check for open recalls on both vehicles and confirm they have been remedied.
- Obtain a pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic familiar with the specific model's common issues.
- Ask for complete maintenance records, especially any transmission or electrical repairs.
- During the test drive, pay attention to transmission behavior, warning lights, and any unusual electrical symptoms.
- For the F-150, specifically check the lead frame and transmission software updates; for the QX30, check for neutral slip and airbag system health.
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 QX30 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 3 | 52 |
| 2018 | 24 | 79 |
| 2017 | 33 | 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 QX30 or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Infiniti QX30 vs FORD F 150
- Infiniti QX30 total complaints
- 60
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Infiniti QX30 total recalls
- 8
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Infiniti QX30 avg complaints/year
- 20.0
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Infiniti QX30
- Infiniti QX30 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN