Head-to-head reliability
Hyundai KONA N vs FORD F 150
How the Hyundai KONA 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 KONA N vs FORD F 150: The KONA N has 11 complaints over 2 years and 3 recalls, while the F-150 has 11,621 complaints over 10 years and 151 recalls. The F-150 also reports 330 crash-related complaints and 297 injuries. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Hyundai KONA N or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Hyundai KONA N
The Hyundai KONA N is a sporty compact SUV with a small but concerning complaint pattern. Over two years, owners filed 11 complaints, mostly about engine and electrical problems that often appear after a car wash or in wet conditions. These issues can cause sudden power loss or limp mode, which is alarming but rare. With only 3 recalls and no reported crashes or injuries, it's a niche vehicle with specific wet-weather vulnerabilities.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a massive complaint volume: over 11,000 complaints in 10 years, including 330 crash-related reports and 297 injuries. The most common trouble spots are the power train and electrical system, with recurring transmission limp mode and lead frame failures. Recalls are frequent (151), covering engines, seat belts, and air bags. This is a high-volume vehicle with a long history of serious, sometimes dangerous, defects.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Hyundai KONA N | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 11 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 3 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 5.5 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 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 KONA N
- 01ENGINE6
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM5
- 03POWER TRAIN3
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER3
- 05STEERING1
Owners report sudden, complete power loss and a flashing check engine light, often right after a car wash or in rain. This can leave you stranded or unable to accelerate into traffic, which is a serious safety concern.
Complaints describe limp mode limiting engine to 2000 RPM, multiple warning lights, and error code P211800 after washing the car. The electrical gremlins seem tied to moisture, making wet conditions a gamble.
Similar to engine and electrical issues, power train complaints often involve sudden power loss and limp mode after car washes. This suggests a shared root cause that can affect drivability and safety.
Owners report knock sensor code P1326 triggering limp mode after car washes or rainy drives, requiring sensor replacement. Also, some note jerking or jumping when pulling out, which could point to transmission or suspension quirks.
“After washing my '23 Kona N in a hand car wash, I experienced a sudden, complete loss of power as I was pulling into traffic immediately afterwards, nearly resulting in a rear-end collision. There was a flashing check engine light (CEL or MIL) on the dash, an…”
“I took my vehicle through a touch free car wash. After the wash the vehicle sat for about 10 to 20 minutes while I dried off the exterior and cleaned out my interior. After leaving the car wash the car made it less than a mile down the road and illuminated a…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
The most complained-about area: owners describe recurring transmission limp mode, stuck in 5th gear, and lead frame failures that can cause near-collisions. These issues are persistent and can affect vehicle control.
Electrical complaints include lead frame problems and output speed sensor failures leading to highway limp mode. A short in the rear window defroster has even caused back windows to shatter, posing injury risk.
This catch-all includes the rear window shattering incident and other miscellaneous failures. It highlights that not all problems are easily categorized, but some can be dangerous.
With 1,224 complaints, exterior lighting issues are common, though specific failure patterns aren't detailed in the sample. Buyers should check all lights and wiring for corrosion or malfunction.
“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 KONA N — 3 recalls
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Veloster N, 2019-2023 Genesis G70, 2022-2023 Elantra N, and Kona N vehicles. The fuel pump may fail, which can result in a loss of drive power.
The risk: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update engine control module software. In addition, dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pump assembly, as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning Septembe…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Veloster N, 2019-2023 Genesis G70, 2022-2023 Elantra N, and Kona N vehicles. The fuel pump may fail, which can result in a loss of drive power.
The risk: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update engine control module software. In addition, dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pump assembly, as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning Septembe…
The defect: Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Santa Fe, Sonata, Veloster N, 2022 Santa Cruz, Elantra N, and Kona N vehicles. The vehicle's "fail-safe" limited-mobility drive mode may be impaired, when prompted by a transmission oil pump malfunction, which can result in a complete l…
The risk: Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission, as necessary. Dealers will also update the transmission control unit software. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2023. Owners…
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 KONA N or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Hyundai KONA N has far fewer issues per year (5.5 vs. 1,162.1 for the F-150), but its problems tend to cluster around wet-weather power loss. The F-150's much higher complaint rate and history of crashes, injuries, and a death mean it carries a greater overall risk profile. In practice, the KONA N may be less likely to leave you stranded, but both have serious defects.
Key differences
- Complaint volume: KONA N has 11 complaints over 2 years; F-150 has 11,621 over 10 years, a massive difference in reported problems.
- Safety outcomes: F-150 has 330 crash-related complaints, 297 injuries, and 1 death; KONA N has none reported.
- Failure patterns: KONA N issues often tied to moisture (car washes, rain) causing limp mode; F-150 has recurring transmission and lead frame failures leading to limp mode and near-collisions.
- Recalls: F-150 has 151 recalls covering major systems; KONA N has 3 recalls for fuel pump and transmission.
- Check for any history of limp mode or check engine lights, especially after car washes or rainy drives; ask if knock sensor or fuel pump recalls were addressed.
- Test drive in wet conditions if possible, and listen for jerking or suspension noises when accelerating from a stop.
- Inspect transmission behavior for limp mode, rough shifting, or getting stuck in gear; ask about lead frame replacement and recall 26S28.
- Check rear window for cracks or signs of shattering, and test defroster; also verify all exterior lights work.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on NHTSA's website using the VIN.
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission and electrical system, focusing on known issues like lead frame (F-150) or knock sensor (KONA N).
- Test drive extensively, including after a car wash or in rain for the KONA N, and at highway speeds for the F-150 to check for limp mode.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially any repairs related to power loss, transmission, or electrical faults.
- For the F-150, verify that recall 26S28 and any fuel pump or transmission recalls were performed; for the KONA N, confirm fuel pump control module recalls are done.
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 KONA N | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 4 | 1527 |
| 2022 | 7 | 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 Hyundai KONA N or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Hyundai KONA N vs FORD F 150
- Hyundai KONA N total complaints
- 11
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Hyundai KONA N total recalls
- 3
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Hyundai KONA N avg complaints/year
- 5.5
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Hyundai KONA N
- Hyundai KONA N top complaint area
- ENGINE
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN