Head-to-head reliability
Infiniti QX80 vs FORD F 150
How the Infiniti QX80 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 QX80 vs FORD F 150: The QX80 averages 7.8 complaints per year, while the F-150 averages 1,162. The F-150 also has 151 recalls and 330 crash-related complaints, versus 19 recalls and 3 crash-related for the QX80. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Infiniti QX80 or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Infiniti QX80
The Infiniti QX80 is a full-size luxury SUV with a relatively low complaint volume—78 over 10 years, or about 7.8 per year. Owners most often report electrical glitches, especially infotainment and battery drain, along with air bag and forward collision avoidance warnings. While the overall complaint rate is low, the nature of these issues can be frustrating and potentially safety-related, so a thorough inspection is wise.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a very high complaint volume—11,621 over 10 years, averaging 1,162 per year. The most common trouble spots are the power train (transmission and lead frame issues), electrical system, and exterior lighting. Many owners report recurring problems that can lead to limp mode or other drivability concerns, making pre-purchase checks critical.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Infiniti QX80 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 78 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 19 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 3 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 7.8 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 2 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 QX80
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM22
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER21
- 03AIR BAGS10
- 04FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE10
- 05ENGINE7
Owners report infotainment/Apple CarPlay failures, USB-C port problems, and battery drain that can leave the vehicle dead after short stops. These issues can be annoying and may require costly module replacements.
Some complaints describe air bag warning lights and codes, including one where airbags were disabled due to an electrical network fault. This is a safety concern that should be addressed immediately if present.
Owners report unintended braking and front collision sensor failures, sometimes alongside infotainment glitches. These malfunctions can surprise the driver and reduce confidence in the system.
A smaller number of complaints mention engine issues, though details are limited. Any engine problem in a large SUV can be expensive, so a mechanic's inspection is recommended.
“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Two components have failed: the infotainment/Apple CarPlay system, including the USB-C connectivity port, and the front collision detection/crash sensor system.…”
“MY WIFE IS IN QUARANTINE WITH OUR DAUGHTER IN OREGON. DRIVES THE QX80 EVERY 2 OR 3 DAYS, TO GO TO THE STORE FOR FOOD. QX80 STARTED UP JUST FINE, DROVE IT TO THE STORE AND PARKED IT. 35 MINUTES LATER, CAME OUT OF THE STORE WITH PERISHABLE GROCERIES, THE BATTER…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
The most common complaint area, with owners reporting transmission limp mode, stuck gears, and lead frame failures that can cause sudden loss of power. These issues can be dangerous and costly to repair.
Owners report lead frame-related electrical faults, output speed sensor failures, and rear window defroster shorts that have caused windows to shatter. These can lead to unexpected breakdowns or safety hazards.
Many complaints involve exterior lighting failures, which can reduce visibility and increase crash risk. This is a common and relatively straightforward fix, but frequent failures are a nuisance.
Some owners report engine problems, though less frequently than power train issues. Engine repairs on a full-size truck can be expensive, so a thorough check is advised.
“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 QX80 — 19 recalls
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Nissan Armada, 2011-2013 Infiniti QX56, and 2014-2027 QX80 vehicles equipped with 22" wheels. The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) listed on the certification label is incorrect, which can allow the vehicle to be overloaded. As such,…
The risk: An overloaded vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will install new labels, free of charge. Additionally, Nissan will mail replacement labels to owners. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed September 2, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final…
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 2020-2026 Nissan Armada, 2011-2013 Infiniti QX56, and 2014-2027 QX80 vehicles equipped with 22" wheels. The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) listed on the certification label is incorrect, which can allow the vehicle to be overloaded. As such,…
The risk: An overloaded vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will install new labels, free of charge. Additionally, Nissan will mail replacement labels to owners. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed September 2, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Nissan Armada, 2011-2013 Infiniti QX56, and 2014-2027 QX80 vehicles equipped with 22" wheels. The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) listed on the certification label is incorrect, which can allow the vehicle to be overloaded. As such,…
The risk: An overloaded vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will install new labels, free of charge. Additionally, Nissan will mail replacement labels to owners. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed September 2, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final…
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 QX80 or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Infiniti QX80 has far fewer complaints per year (7.8 vs. 1,162 for the Ford F-150), suggesting a lower rate of reported problems. In practice, this means QX80 shoppers may encounter fewer recurring issues, while F-150 buyers should be prepared for more frequent repairs, especially to the transmission and electrical system.
Key differences
- The Ford F-150 has 11,621 complaints over 10 years versus 78 for the Infiniti QX80, a massive difference in reported problem frequency.
- F-150 owners frequently report power train issues like limp mode and lead frame failures, while QX80 complaints center on electrical and infotainment glitches.
- The F-150 has 330 crash-related complaints and 297 injuries reported, compared to 3 crash-related and 2 injuries for the QX80.
- Both vehicles have recalls, but the F-150 has 151 recalls versus 19 for the QX80, covering areas like engines, seat belts, and air bags.
- Check the infotainment system and USB-C ports for proper function, as owners report failures and connectivity issues.
- Test the forward collision avoidance system and look for any unintended braking or warning lights, which owners have reported.
- Test drive the truck extensively to check for transmission shudder, limp mode, or stuck gears, which are common owner complaints.
- Inspect the rear window defroster and look for any signs of electrical shorts, as one owner reported the window shattering.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the transmission for the F-150 and electrical systems for the QX80.
- During the test drive, pay attention to transmission shifting in the F-150 and infotainment/forward collision alerts in the QX80.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially any transmission repairs or software updates for the F-150.
- Verify that all safety systems, including air bags and collision avoidance, are functioning without warning lights.
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 QX80 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | 35 |
| 2025 | 8 | 345 |
| 2024 | 2 | 638 |
| 2023 | 2 | 1527 |
| 2022 | 1 | 3493 |
| 2021 | 7 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 6 | 44 |
| 2019 | 20 | 52 |
| 2018 | 9 | 79 |
| 2017 | 17 | 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 QX80 or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Infiniti QX80 vs FORD F 150
- Infiniti QX80 total complaints
- 78
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Infiniti QX80 total recalls
- 19
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Infiniti QX80 avg complaints/year
- 7.8
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Infiniti QX80
- Infiniti QX80 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN