Head-to-head reliability
Lucid AIR vs FORD F 150
How the Lucid AIR 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
Lucid AIR vs FORD F 150: The AIR has 82 complaints over 5 years (16.4/year) and 47 recalls, while the F-150 has 11,621 complaints over 10 years (1,162/year) and 151 recalls. The AIR's issues often involve sudden power loss; the F-150's include transmission limp mode. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Lucid AIR or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Lucid AIR
The Lucid AIR is an electric luxury sedan with a relatively short five-year complaint history. Owners report sudden power loss, drive system faults, and software glitches that can leave the car crawling or unresponsive. With 82 complaints and 47 recalls, the AIR's issues are less frequent but often severe when they occur.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a long, high-volume complaint record spanning ten years. Owners frequently report transmission problems, electrical faults, and rear window shattering. With 11,621 complaints and 151 recalls, the F-150's issues are widespread and recurring, 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 | Lucid AIR | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 82 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 47 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 17 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 16.4 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 9 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.
Lucid AIR
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM26
- 02POWER TRAIN19
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER17
- 04FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE14
- 05SERVICE BRAKES10
Owners report total power loss while driving, with dashboard warnings like 'System Failure' and immediate deceleration. The car may also take 30 seconds to unlock or wake up, which is inconvenient and potentially dangerous in an emergency.
Complaints include sudden loss of acceleration and 'Drive System Fault' messages, sometimes leaving the car unable to move faster than a crawl. These failures can strand drivers and require manufacturer service.
Owners describe unintended acceleration or braking in situations like parking garages or while stopped, suggesting the automatic emergency braking or collision avoidance system may malfunction. This could lead to low-speed collisions.
While fewer details are provided, brake-related complaints appear in the top components. Buyers should be aware that braking performance may be affected by electronic or software issues, given the car's reliance on regen and brake-by-wire systems.
“2022 Lucid Air suffered a total loss of power without any warning at approximately 10 PM on July 29, 2023, while driving 65+ mph on the Jersey Turnpike. The car’s dashboard suddenly flashed “System Failure” and immediately started to decelerate. I had approxi…”
“Q: What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? A: Car lost all ability to move forward except for a very weak crawl of 1 or 2 miles per hour. The car is with the manufacturer at this point. Q: How was you…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
The most common complaint is transmission problems, including limp mode, stuck gears, and lead frame failures that can cause sudden loss of power or near-collisions. These issues often recur even after repairs.
Owners report lead frame issues affecting electrical signals, as well as output speed sensor failures that trigger limp mode. These faults can disable the truck's ability to shift or accelerate properly.
A notable complaint is the rear window defroster shorting and causing the back window to shatter outward. This is a safety hazard that can happen without warning.
With 1,224 complaints, lighting problems are common. While not detailed in the sample, frequent lighting failures can reduce visibility and increase crash risk, especially at night.
“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.
Lucid AIR — 47 recalls
The defect: Lucid USA, Inc. (Lucid) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Air vehicles equipped with Pure Rear-Wheel Drive. Improperly secured bolts may allow the half-shaft to disconnect from the drive unit.
The risk: A disconnected half shaft can result in a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Lucid will remove, inspect, and install new bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 3, 2025. Owners may contact Lucid at 1-888-995-8243. Lucid's number for this recall is SR-25-03-0.
The defect: Lucid USA, Inc. (Lucid) is recalling certain 2022-2025 Air vehicles operating a software version prior to 2.8.0. The lower console display may fail to show a rearview camera image or may show a delayed, inaccurate image of what is behind the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the…
The risk: A rearview image that does not appear or fails to accurately depict behind the vehicle increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Lucid has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 3, 2025. Owners may contact Lucid at 1-888-995-8243. Lucid's number for this recall is SR-25-04-0. The information in…
The defect: Lucid USA, Inc. (Lucid) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Air Pure rear wheel drive vehicles. The rear subframe wiring harness may be too short, straining the electrical connection and causing power loss to the rear drive unit (RDU).
The risk: A loss of power to the rear drive unit can result in a complete loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Lucid will replace the wiring harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 18, 2024. Owners may contact Lucid at 1-888-995-8243. Lucid's number for this recall is SR-24-05-0.
The defect: Lucid USA, Inc. (Lucid) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Air vehicles equipped with an AD02 package and operating a software version from 2.8.0 through 2.8.16. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements…
The risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Lucid has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 4, 2026. Owners may contact Lucid at 1-888-995-8243. Lucid's number for this recall is SR-26-01-0.
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
Lucid AIR or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Lucid AIR has far fewer complaints per year (16.4) than the Ford F-150 (1,162.1), but the AIR's issues often involve sudden power loss or drive system faults that can be dangerous. The F-150's higher volume means more widespread problems, but many are covered by recalls. In practice, the AIR may be less likely to leave you stranded, but when it fails, it can fail severely.
Key differences
- The Lucid AIR has 82 complaints over 5 years, while the Ford F-150 has 11,621 over 10 years, showing a massive difference in reported issue volume.
- Lucid AIR complaints often involve total power loss and drive system faults, whereas F-150 complaints frequently involve transmission limp mode and lead frame failures.
- The F-150 has 151 recalls versus 47 for the AIR, indicating more widespread safety fixes but also more persistent problems.
- Both vehicles have crash-related complaints, but the F-150 has 330 versus 17 for the AIR, reflecting its higher sales volume and longer period.
- Check for any history of 'System Failure' or 'Drive System Fault' warnings, and ask if the car has ever lost power or failed to accelerate.
- Test the keyless entry and wake-up time; if it takes more than a few seconds to unlock, it may indicate a software or electrical issue.
- Inspect the transmission for signs of limp mode or rough shifting, and ask if the lead frame or output speed sensor has been replaced.
- Check the rear window for cracks or previous replacement, and test the defroster to ensure it doesn't short and cause shattering.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA.gov to check for open recalls and complaint history for the specific vehicle.
- For the Lucid AIR, ask for a software update history and test all electronic systems, including infotainment and driver aids.
- For the Ford F-150, have a mechanic inspect the transmission and electrical system, especially the lead frame and speed sensors.
- Take a test drive that includes highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic to check for power loss or transmission issues.
- Request a pre-purchase inspection from a qualified mechanic familiar with the model's common problems.
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 | Lucid AIR | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | 35 |
| 2025 | 14 | 345 |
| 2024 | 10 | 638 |
| 2023 | 28 | 1527 |
| 2022 | 24 | 3493 |
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 Lucid AIR or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Lucid AIR vs FORD F 150
- Lucid AIR total complaints
- 82
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Lucid AIR total recalls
- 47
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Lucid AIR avg complaints/year
- 16.4
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Lucid AIR
- Lucid AIR top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN