Head-to-head reliability
Tesla Model X vs FORD F 150
How the Tesla Model X 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
Tesla Model X vs FORD F 150: The Model X averaged 312.8 complaints per year over 10 years, while the F-150 averaged 1,162.1. The Model X had 111 recalls and 383 crash-related complaints; the F-150 had 151 recalls and 330 crash-related complaints. Both show serious failure patterns. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Tesla Model X or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Tesla Model X
The Tesla Model X is an electric SUV with complex electronics and advanced driver-assist features. Over 10 years, owners filed 3,128 complaints, averaging about 313 per year, with 111 recalls. The most common trouble spots are suspension, electrical system, and steering, often involving sudden failures or software glitches that can affect control. Living with one means staying alert to tire issues, touchscreen quirks, and occasional loss of assist features.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup that sees heavy use, and its 10-year complaint total is 11,621—about 1,162 per year—with 151 recalls. Power train and electrical problems dominate, especially transmission limp mode and lead frame failures that can cause sudden gear changes. Owners also report rear window shattering and lighting issues. It's a workhorse, but many complaints point to recurring mechanical and electronic faults.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Tesla Model X | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 3,128 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 111 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 383 | 330 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 312.8 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 417 | 297 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 260 | 1 Better |
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.
Tesla Model X
- 01SUSPENSION719
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM699
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER684
- 04STEERING439
- 05FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE396
Owners report tires blowing out on the highway without impact, often linked to faulty tire pressure monitoring. This can cause loss of control, so check tire condition and TPMS function carefully.
Complaints include infotainment delays and unexpected shutdowns, sometimes triggered by spilled liquids near the center console. These glitches can distract the driver or disable features like door controls.
Some owners describe simultaneous failures of ABS, stability control, and steering assist, with dashboard warnings. Others report Full Self-Driving taking wrong turns or ignoring navigation, which is a serious safety concern.
This system is a top complaint area, though specific owner text isn't provided. Buyers should test automatic emergency braking and collision warnings, as faults could reduce crash protection.
“The tire blow up on the freeway while driving with no impact, collision or any warning or any external factors, it’s very well documented all over the internet that Model X Tesla have serious Tire problems associated with faulty tire pressure system TPMS and…”
“Incident Description: I was driving on the highway using Tesla Full Self-Driving (FSD) / FSD Supervised at approximately 65+ mph. Traffic conditions were moderate, and weather and visibility conditions were clear. While FSD was actively engaged, my phone bega…”
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 downshifts or loss of power. One owner said a lead frame issue 'nearly ended my life,' so test drive and scan for transmission codes.
The same lead frame problem often appears as an electrical fault, and some trucks enter limp mode due to output speed sensor failure. Rear window defroster shorts have also caused windows to shatter outward.
This is a top complaint area, though specific owner text isn't provided. Faulty lights can reduce visibility and increase crash risk, so check all exterior lights for function and moisture.
Engine complaints are common, but no sample text is given. Buyers should listen for unusual noises, check for leaks, and review recall history for engine-related fixes.
“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.
Tesla Model X — 111 recalls
The defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Model S and Model X vehicles. The driver's air bag could tear during deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208, "Occupant Crash Protection" and 212, "Windsh…
The risk: A torn air bag may not adequately protect an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Tesla service will replace the air bag assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 21, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-20-001.
The defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Model 3, Model S, 2023-2025 Model X, and Model Y vehicles. The computer circuit board may short, resulting in the loss of the rearview camera image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standa…
The risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Tesla will also identify any vehicles that experienced a circuit board failure, or stress that may lead to a circuit board failure, and replace the affected computers, f…
The defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model S and 2021-2025 Model X vehicles. An air bag with the incorrect horn pad may have been installed, preventing the horn from sounding.
The risk: An inoperative horn may prevent the driver from alerting other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla service will inspect and install an air bag with the correct horn pad as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 20, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for…
The defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, 2019-2024 Model Y, and 2024 Cybertruck vehicles. An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights. As such, these vehicles…
The risk: Warning lights with a smaller font size can make critical safety information on the instrument panel difficult to read, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-003.
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
Tesla Model X or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Tesla Model X has far fewer complaints per year (about 313) than the Ford F-150 (about 1,162), but both have serious reported issues. The F-150's higher volume means more chances for transmission and electrical faults, while the Model X's lower rate still includes critical steering and suspension failures. In practice, the Model X may need less frequent shop visits, but the F-150's problems are more widely documented and often mechanical.
Key differences
- The Ford F-150 has about 3.7 times more complaints per year than the Tesla Model X, but the Model X has a higher proportion of crash-related complaints (383 vs 330) despite fewer total complaints.
- Tesla Model X owners report sudden tire blowouts and steering assist failures, while Ford F-150 owners report transmission limp mode and lead frame failures that can cause loss of power.
- The Model X has 111 recalls over 10 years, including air bag and electrical system issues; the F-150 has 151 recalls, covering engine, seat belts, and door latches.
- Ford F-150 complaints often involve recurring mechanical problems like stuck gears, whereas Tesla Model X complaints include software glitches and touchscreen control issues.
- Check tire pressure monitoring system and tire condition for signs of uneven wear or sudden deflation, as owners report blowouts without warning.
- Test all steering and driver-assist features, including Full Self-Driving, for correct operation and any dashboard warnings about ABS or stability control.
- Scan for transmission trouble codes and test drive at highway speeds to check for limp mode or harsh shifting, especially in 2017 models with the 6-speed automatic.
- Inspect the rear window defroster and window for cracks or signs of shattering, and verify all exterior lights work properly.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models, especially Tesla air bag and electrical recalls and Ford engine and seat belt recalls.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the Tesla's suspension, steering, and electrical systems, and the Ford's transmission, lead frame, and rear window.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any warning lights, unusual noises, or delayed responses in steering, braking, or acceleration.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, particularly for transmission service on the Ford and software updates on the Tesla.
- Verify that all safety systems, including forward collision avoidance on the Tesla and exterior lighting on the Ford, are functioning correctly.
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 | Tesla Model X | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7 | 35 |
| 2025 | 15 | 345 |
| 2024 | 26 | 638 |
| 2023 | 199 | 1527 |
| 2022 | 127 | 3493 |
| 2021 | 123 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 381 | 44 |
| 2019 | 365 | 52 |
| 2018 | 700 | 79 |
| 2017 | 1185 | 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 Tesla Model X or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Tesla Model X vs FORD F 150
- Tesla Model X total complaints
- 3,128
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Tesla Model X total recalls
- 111
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Tesla Model X avg complaints/year
- 312.8
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Tesla Model X
- Tesla Model X top complaint area
- SUSPENSION
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN