Head-to-head reliability
Volkswagen Touareg vs FORD F 150
How the Volkswagen Touareg 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
Volkswagen Touareg vs FORD F 150: The Touareg averages 23.7 complaints per year with 16 recalls, while the F-150 averages 1,162.1 complaints and 151 recalls. The F-150 also has 297 injuries vs. 13 for the Touareg. Both have serious issues, but the F-150's volume is far higher. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Volkswagen Touareg or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Volkswagen Touareg
The Volkswagen Touareg is a luxury SUV that averages about 24 complaints per year, with engine and fuel system issues dominating owner reports. Many complaints describe sudden power loss, limp mode, and braking problems, which can be alarming. With 16 recalls and 13 injuries reported, it's a vehicle that demands careful maintenance and a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a massive complaint volume—over 11,600 in 10 years, averaging more than 1,100 annually. Power train and electrical problems are frequently reported, including transmission limp mode and lead frame failures. With 151 recalls and 297 injuries, it's clear that many owners face significant reliability challenges.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Volkswagen Touareg | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 237 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 16 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 5 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 23.7 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 13 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.
Volkswagen Touareg
- 01ENGINE83
- 02FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM42
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER34
- 04STEERING29
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM20
Owners report coolant leaks (small puddles under the front right) and random limp mode at low speeds, sometimes with loss of braking power and a 'Hybrid Error' message. These issues can leave you stranded or in a dangerous situation.
Complaints include sudden power loss and inability to accelerate at highway speeds, often accompanied by a warning light. This can happen without warning and poses a serious safety risk.
Many owners experience dramatic steering wheel shaking at highway speeds (60-75 mph) that persists even after tire replacements and balancing. This makes driving tiring and could indicate underlying suspension or steering problems.
Reports of intermittent jerking, stalling, and rough idling, sometimes during rainstorms. These symptoms can be hard to diagnose and may lead to costly repairs.
“FOR SEVERAL MONTHS WE NOTICED A SMALL PUDDLE UNDER THE FRONT RIGHT PORTION OF THE VEHICLE. WE ASSUMED IT WAS A CRACKED WASHER FLUID TANK. TOOK TO DEALER THEY FOUND NOTHING DURING SERVICE APPOINTMENT. TECHNICIAN MENTIONED NOTHING OF THE WATER IN THE FILTER ARE…”
“THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES, AT LOW SPEEDS, CAR GOES INTO LIMP HOME MODE RANDOMLY AND CREAKS ALONG AT 8 MILES AN HOUR, MOST RECENTLY LOST BRAKING POWER AND MESSAGE COMES UP "HYBRID ERROR, PULL OVER IN A SAFE LOCATION." THEN WHEN YOU TURN IT OFF AND ON AG…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Transmission issues are rampant: owners describe limp mode, stuck in 5th gear, and lead frame failures that can cause near collisions. These problems often recur even after repairs.
The lead frame issue also appears here, along with output speed sensor failures that trigger limp mode. Electrical gremlins can be persistent and expensive to fix.
While not detailed in the sample, this is a top complaint category, suggesting frequent bulb or housing failures that can affect visibility and safety.
Engine-related complaints are common, though specifics aren't in the sample. Given the high overall volume, buyers should expect potential engine issues.
“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.
Volkswagen Touareg — 16 recalls
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Eos, 2012 Passat, 2012-2016 CC, 2015-2016 e-Golf, 2011-2015 Touareg, 2012-2015 and 2017 Tiguan, and 2011-2016 Golf and 2011-2013 GTI vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period ma…
The risk: If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles to make them fully compliant or Volkswagen will repurchase them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer se…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Touareg vehicles. The brake pedal pivot pin may be missing a securing clip, allowing the pivot pin to move and the brake pedal to dislodge.
The risk: If the brake pedal dislodges, the driver may not be able to apply the brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake pedal assembly to verify the presence of the securing clip and install any missing securing clips, free of charge. The recall began on April 27, 2016. Owners may contact Vol…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Touareg GP, Tiguan, Golf A6, E-Golf GP, CCF, 2016-2017 Passat GP, 2018-2019 Golf R GP, and 2018 Atlas vehicles. These internal-use vehicles were sold without confirmation that they were built to all applicable regulatory requi…
The risk: Vehicles that do not meet all regulatory requirements may have an increased risk of injury, crash, or fire.
The fix: Volkswagen will repurchase the vehicles. Owner notification letters were mailed May 20, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01F1.
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Eos, 2012 Passat, 2012-2016 CC, 2015-2016 e-Golf, 2011-2015 Touareg, 2012-2015 and 2017 Tiguan, and 2011-2016 Golf and 2011-2013 GTI vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period ma…
The risk: If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles to make them fully compliant or Volkswagen will repurchase them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer se…
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
Volkswagen Touareg or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Volkswagen Touareg has far fewer complaints per year (about 24 vs. 1,162 for the F-150), but both have serious safety-related issues. The F-150's much higher volume means you're more likely to encounter problems, but the Touareg's issues can be just as severe when they occur.
Key differences
- The F-150 has 151 recalls vs. 16 for the Touareg, meaning more safety campaigns to track.
- Touareg complaints often involve engine and fuel system power loss; F-150 complaints center on transmission and electrical failures.
- The F-150 has 330 crash-related complaints and 297 injuries, compared to 5 crashes and 13 injuries for the Touareg.
- Both have steering or handling issues, but the Touareg's steering shake is a common owner frustration.
- Check for coolant leaks under the front right area and ask about any history of limp mode or hybrid error messages.
- Test drive at highway speeds to feel for steering wheel shaking, and inquire if tires have been replaced or road-force balanced.
- Ask if the lead frame has been replaced and if the transmission has ever gone into limp mode or stuck in gear.
- Inspect the rear window defroster for signs of shorting, as some owners report the window shattering.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the model, focusing on known trouble areas.
- Test drive under various conditions: highway speeds, stop-and-go traffic, and check for warning lights.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for transmission or engine repairs.
- For the F-150, verify that any recall work (like 26S28) has been completed.
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 | Volkswagen Touareg | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 0 | 79 |
| 2017 | 24 | 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 Volkswagen Touareg or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Volkswagen Touareg vs FORD F 150
- Volkswagen Touareg total complaints
- 237
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Volkswagen Touareg total recalls
- 16
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Volkswagen Touareg avg complaints/year
- 23.7
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Volkswagen Touareg
- Volkswagen Touareg top complaint area
- ENGINE
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN