Head-to-head reliability
Hyundai Ioniq 5 N vs FORD F 150
How the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N 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 Ioniq 5 N vs FORD F 150: The Ioniq 5 N has 18 complaints over 2 years (9/yr) with no recalls, but owners report sudden power loss and acceleration issues. The F-150 has 11,311 complaints over 10 years (1,131/yr) and 145 recalls, with transmission and electrical problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is a high-performance electric SUV that, in ownership terms, is relatively new with a short complaint history. The data shows a concentrated pattern of electrical and propulsion system issues, often triggered by software updates, leading to sudden power loss or unpredictable acceleration. Owners also report 12-volt battery failures that can leave them stranded. While the total number of complaints is low, the severity of the reported failures—such as complete power system failure—raises concerns about day-to-day reliability and safety.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a long-standing, popular pickup truck with a much longer and more extensive complaint history. The data reveals a high volume of issues, particularly with the powertrain, including hard shifting and transmission failures, as well as electrical system problems like camera malfunctions. With over 11,000 complaints and 145 recalls, the F-150 shows a pattern of recurring issues that owners frequently report, making reliability a significant consideration for buyers.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Hyundai Ioniq 5 N | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 18 Better | 11,311 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 145 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 328 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 9.0 Better | 1131.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 287 |
| 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 Ioniq 5 N
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM10
- 02VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL6
- 03ENGINE4
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM3
- 05POWER TRAIN2
Owners report that after a software update, the vehicle can accelerate unpredictably in N e-Shift mode, making it unsafe to drive in that mode. Additionally, the 12-volt battery has died repeatedly, even when relatively new, requiring roadside assistance and posing a safety risk if it fails while driving.
The N e-Shift mode, which simulates an 8-speed transmission, has been implicated in unpredictable high acceleration after a software update. Owners state the vehicle is only safe in automatic mode, indicating a software-related control issue.
Some owners report a sudden and complete power system failure, preceded by a faint 'pop' sound, leading to a dashboard warning and a loss of power. This can occur shortly after starting a drive, leaving the driver with limited control.
A 'pop' sound from the rear followed by immediate loss of power and a 'Check electric vehicle system' warning has been reported. The vehicle then limits speed to 20 mph, which is dangerous on higher-speed roads.
“After recent software update on 17 March 2025, the vehicle demonstrated unpredictable high acceleration. Vehicle is unsafe in E-shift mode. Vehicle can only be driven safely in automatic mode. Per a Hyundai communication: "there have been complications report…”
“The 12 volt battery (which is less than 6 months old) died on two separate occasions in the span of 4 days. Each incident required a call to emergency roadside assistance for a jump start. This is a safety issue. If the 12 volt battery dies while driving, the…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,553
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,071
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,401
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,164
- 05ENGINE847
The most common complaints involve hard and delayed shifts, particularly in the 10R80 automatic transmission, with jerks and clunks between gears. Some owners report a total loss of power and vehicle shutdown, which is a serious safety concern.
Owners frequently report warning messages for Front Camera Malfunction and Pre-Collision Assist Not Available, which appear every time the truck is started. These issues may affect driver-assistance features and require dealer visits.
There are numerous complaints about headlight issues, which are also the subject of recalls. Problems may include poor visibility or complete failure, impacting nighttime driving safety.
Engine-related complaints are also present, though less frequent than powertrain issues. Owners report various engine problems that can lead to performance issues or stalling.
“I started noticing hard and delayed shifts from 7th into 8th gear. My RPM's were not increasing when this happened, and then on a very crowded major road I lost all power, vehicle shut off and drifted, then started up and jerked again very hard. This failure…”
“I am reporting a safety-related transmission problem I experienced with my 2020 Ford F-150 equipped with the 10R80 automatic transmission. While driving normally, the transmission shifts hard (ie: jerks, clunks) between 4-5 and 5-6 gears, and has on occasion…”
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 Ioniq 5 N
No recalls on record.
FORD F 150 — 145 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 trucks equipped with high series LED headlamps with Autolamp (On/Off) functionality. The Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) may remain activated instead of dimming to parking lamps when the Master Lighting Switch (MLS) is manually rotated from…
The risk: DRL that cannot dim may reduce the visibility of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the body control module, free of charge. The recall began March 10, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C03.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 F-150 vehicles. The fastener securing the Power Distribution Box (PDB) 12V cable and Battery Monitoring System (BMS) eyelets to the positive battery terminal may loosen and affect the vehicle's systems such as instrument panel displays and br…
The risk: Inoperative vehicle systems or an engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. Reduced braking and steering efforts increases the risk of a crash. This condition could also create a resistive short, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the positive battery cable/BMS/PDB joint for excess sealant adhesive and remove any excessive adhesive, reassemble the joint, and retorque the fastener, as necessary, free of charge. The re…
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 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also…
The risk: A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's num…
Buyer analysis
Hyundai Ioniq 5 N or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N has far fewer complaints per year (9.0) compared to the Ford F-150 (1,131.1), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. However, the Ioniq 5 N's problems are more severe in nature, involving sudden power loss and acceleration control, which could be critical safety concerns. In practice, the F-150's higher volume of complaints suggests more frequent but often less immediately dangerous issues, while the Ioniq 5 N's issues are rarer but potentially more dangerous.
Key differences
- The Ioniq 5 N has a much lower complaint rate (9 per year) than the F-150 (1,131 per year), but its issues often involve sudden power loss or unintended acceleration, which are safety-critical.
- The F-150's most common problems are transmission-related, with hard shifting and failures, while the Ioniq 5 N's issues are more software and electrical-related.
- The F-150 has 145 recalls, indicating a history of manufacturer-identified defects, whereas the Ioniq 5 N has none, but that may reflect its newer model.
- The Ioniq 5 N's 12-volt battery failures can leave owners stranded, while the F-150's electrical issues often involve driver-assistance systems like cameras.
- Check if the vehicle has had the latest software update; if so, test the N e-Shift mode carefully for any unintended acceleration.
- Inspect the 12-volt battery health and ask about any prior jump-start incidents, as repeated failures are reported.
- Test drive the truck and pay attention to transmission shifts, especially between 4-5 and 5-6 gears, for any hard jerks or clunks.
- Check for any warning lights related to the front camera or pre-collision assist, and ask if they have been addressed.
Before you buy
- For the Ioniq 5 N, ask the seller for a detailed service history, especially any software updates and battery replacements.
- For the F-150, check the recall status and ensure all outstanding recalls have been performed.
- Take both vehicles for an extended test drive, including highway speeds, to feel for any transmission or power issues.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the Ioniq 5 N's electrical system and the F-150's transmission.
- Research common issues on owner forums to see if the specific model year has known 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 | Hyundai Ioniq 5 N | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 24 |
| 2025 | 18 | 329 |
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 Ioniq 5 N or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Hyundai Ioniq 5 N vs FORD F 150
- Hyundai Ioniq 5 N total complaints
- 18
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,311
- Hyundai Ioniq 5 N total recalls
- 0
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 145
- Hyundai Ioniq 5 N avg complaints/year
- 9.0
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1131.1
- More reliable overall
- Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
- Hyundai Ioniq 5 N top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN