Head-to-head reliability
Hyundai Equus vs FORD F 150
How the Hyundai Equus 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
Hyundai Equus vs FORD F 150: The Equus averages about 16 complaints per year over 6 years, while the F-150 averages about 1,162 per year over 10 years. The F-150 also has 151 recalls versus 6 for the Equus. Both show specific failure patterns, so inspect accordingly. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Hyundai Equus or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Hyundai Equus
The Hyundai Equus is a large luxury sedan with a relatively low complaint volume: 97 complaints over 6 years, averaging about 16 per year. Owners most often report suspension and brake problems, with some electrical and lighting glitches. Recalls cover antilock brake control modules and windshield wiper motors, so check that those fixes were done. Overall, it's a complex, older luxury car where air suspension and brake leaks are the main ownership risks.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a very high complaint volume: 11,621 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 1,162 per year. The dominant issue is the power train, especially transmission problems like limp mode and lead frame failures, plus electrical glitches. With 151 recalls and 330 crash-related complaints, this truck demands careful inspection of transmission and electrical history. It's a high-volume work vehicle where drivetrain reliability varies by year and maintenance.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Hyundai Equus | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 97 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 6 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 4 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 16.2 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 5 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.
Hyundai Equus
- 01SUSPENSION24
- 02SERVICE BRAKES16
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM15
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING9
- 05ENGINE9
Owners report the suspension 'going bad' and a dragging feeling while driving, often requiring expensive air suspension repairs. This matters because a failing suspension can affect ride comfort and handling, and repairs on a luxury sedan can be costly.
Complaints include brake fluid leaks and recall notices for antilock brake control modules that may not have parts available. A brake fluid leak or faulty ABS module can reduce braking performance, so buyers should verify recall completion.
Owners describe sudden no-start conditions and interior trim bubbling, suggesting electrical gremlins and material wear. These issues can strand you and are often hard to diagnose, leading to repeated shop visits.
Headlights may flicker or turn off unexpectedly when set to auto mode, and cabin lights can flicker at the same time. This is a safety concern at night and may be an intermittent fault that dealers struggle to reproduce.
“FROM THE DESK OF LMI'S EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: [XXX] I PURCHASED 2012 EQUUS ON MARCH 7, 2012 WITH 108,216 MILES. THE CARS SUSPENSION STARTED GOING BAD AS OF LAST WEEK. I BROUGHT THE CAR BACK ON MARCH 20, 2020 TO HAVE A MIRROR REPLACED AND TO DISCUSS THE SUSPENSIO…”
“I WAS DRIVING ON I-85 S FROM NORTH CAROLINA WHEN SUDDENLY MY CAR STARTS TO FEEL LIKE IT WAS DRAGGING. I CONTINUED TO DRIVE FOR A FEW MORE EXITS TO SEE IF IT WOULD STOP. I GOT OFF AFTER FOUR EXITS, TURNED OFF THE CAR, AND CHECKED THE TIRES. NOTHING APPEARED WR…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners report recurring transmission problems, including limp mode, getting stuck in 5th gear, and lead frame failures that can cause near-collisions. These drivetrain faults can leave you stranded or create dangerous driving situations, and fixes may not be permanent.
Complaints include output speed sensor failures triggering limp mode and lead frame issues affecting electrical signals. Electrical faults can disable safety features and lead to expensive diagnostic and repair bills.
One owner reported the rear window exploding outward after using the defroster, possibly due to a short. This is a rare but alarming issue that could cause injury or costly glass replacement.
While specific lighting complaints are not detailed in the sample, the high count (1,224) suggests owners frequently report lighting failures. Faulty lights reduce visibility and may fail state inspections.
“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.
Hyundai Equus — 6 recalls
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock B…
The risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2012 Genesis vehicles manufactured August 1, 2011, to April 30, 2012, and 2011-2013 Equus vehicles manufactured July 10, 2011, to June 12, 2012. The windshield wiper motor cover seal on the affected vehicles may degrade allowing corros…
The risk: Inoperative wipers during inclement weather can decrease driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiper motor cover and seal, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 140.
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2012 Genesis vehicles manufactured August 1, 2011, to April 30, 2012, and 2011-2013 Equus vehicles manufactured July 10, 2011, to June 12, 2012. The windshield wiper motor cover seal on the affected vehicles may degrade allowing corros…
The risk: Inoperative wipers during inclement weather can decrease driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiper motor cover and seal, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 140.
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock B…
The risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may…
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
Hyundai Equus or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Hyundai Equus has far fewer complaints per year (about 16 vs. about 1,162 for the Ford F-150), meaning you're less likely to face frequent repair visits. However, the Equus still has notable suspension and brake issues, while the F-150's much higher volume reflects widespread transmission and electrical problems. In practice, the Equus may be easier to live with day-to-day, but both require careful pre-purchase checks.
Key differences
- The Ford F-150 has about 72 times more complaints per year than the Hyundai Equus (1,162 vs. 16), largely due to its higher production volume and transmission issues.
- Ford F-150 owners frequently report transmission limp mode and lead frame failures, while Equus owners more often report suspension and brake problems.
- The Equus has 6 recalls, mainly for brake control modules and wiper motors; the F-150 has 151 recalls covering engines, seat belts, door latches, and air bags.
- The F-150 has 330 crash-related complaints and 297 injuries, compared to 4 crash-related and 5 injuries for the Equus, though these numbers are not adjusted for vehicle population.
- Test the air suspension for sagging, uneven ride height, or a dragging feel, as owners report suspension failure.
- Check for brake fluid leaks under the hood and confirm that the antilock brake control module recall (23V651000) has been completed.
- Scan for transmission trouble codes (especially P0722) and test-drive for limp mode, rough shifting, or getting stuck in gear.
- Inspect the rear window and defroster for cracks or signs of stress, and test the defroster briefly to ensure it doesn't cause the glass to shatter.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all open recalls are repaired before purchase.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the Equus's suspension and brakes or the F-150's transmission and electrical system.
- For the Equus, test all lights in auto mode and check for flickering; for the F-150, test the rear defroster and listen for transmission noises.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially any transmission repairs or suspension work.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any warning lights, unusual noises, or shifting problems, and note any symptoms for negotiation.
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 Hyundai Equus or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Hyundai Equus vs FORD F 150
- Hyundai Equus total complaints
- 97
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Hyundai Equus total recalls
- 6
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Hyundai Equus avg complaints/year
- 16.2
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Hyundai Equus
- Hyundai Equus top complaint area
- SUSPENSION
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN