Head-to-head reliability
Hyundai Palisade vs FORD F 150
How the Hyundai Palisade 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 Palisade vs FORD F 150: The Palisade averages 349 complaints per year over 7 years, while the F-150 averages 1,162 per year over 10 years. The F-150 also has 151 recalls versus 32 for the Palisade. Both have 1 death reported, but the F-150 has more crash-related complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Hyundai Palisade or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Hyundai Palisade
The Hyundai Palisade is a three-row family SUV that has been on the road for about seven years. In that time, owners have filed 2,443 complaints with NHTSA, averaging 349 per year. The most common trouble spots are the brakes, seat belts, and engine, with reports of brake issues like unintended acceleration and seat belt reminders that don't work. While there are fewer complaints than the F-150, the types of problems—especially those involving brakes and seat belts—are serious safety concerns for a family vehicle.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup that has been sold for many years and is known for its towing and hauling capability. Over the past decade, owners have filed 11,621 complaints, averaging 1,162 per year—more than three times the Palisade's rate. The biggest issues are with the power train, electrical system, and exterior lighting, including transmission problems that can cause limp mode and lead frame failures that may lead to sudden loss of power. These are frequent and potentially dangerous problems that can leave you stranded or worse.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Hyundai Palisade | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2,443 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 32 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 58 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 349.0 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 71 Better | 297 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 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 Palisade
- 01SERVICE BRAKES442
- 02SEAT BELTS417
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER381
- 04ENGINE315
- 05VISIBILITY/WIPER272
Owners report that the car may accelerate when the brake is pressed, and some see repeated anti-lock braking system error codes in the app even when the car seems fine. This is scary because you expect the brakes to stop the car, not make it go faster.
There are complaints that the third-row seat belt buckle can show as buckled when it's not, or show unbuckled when it is. This matters because if the car doesn't know a seat belt is fastened, the airbag may not deploy correctly in a crash.
Some owners describe severe shaking, sputtering, loss of power, and stalling, sometimes at low mileage. This can leave you stuck in traffic or unable to accelerate, which is dangerous.
Although not detailed in the sample complaints, this is a top component with 272 complaints. Problems with wipers or visibility can make it hard to see in bad weather, increasing crash risk.
“My "Vehicle Health" reports all systems good on the BlueLink App-- however, when I open "diagnostics history", it shows 8 repeated reports under DTC: C183987 (SAFETY - Anti-lock Braking System). There is also a reports for a DTC C186B87 (ELECTRICAL- Lane Depa…”
“INCIDENT: Pressed brakes but car accelerated. STORY: I reversed out of a parking spot, turning so I could go to the right in parking lot. Put the car in drive and proceeded driving veering right in the parking lot. I pressed brake within 5 seconds of that but…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners frequently report transmission problems like getting stuck in 5th gear, going into limp mode, and lead frame failures that can cause sudden loss of power. These issues can happen while driving and may lead to collisions.
Many complaints involve the lead frame and other electrical glitches, such as output speed sensor failures that trigger limp mode. Electrical problems can disable safety features and leave you with a truck that won't move.
With 1,224 complaints, exterior lighting issues are common. Faulty lights make it hard for others to see you and for you to see the road, which is a basic safety concern.
Engine problems are also reported, though less than power train. These can include stalling or poor performance, adding to the risk of breakdowns.
“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 Palisade — 32 recalls
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Tucson Hybrid, Tucson Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV), 2026 IONIQ 5, Santa Cruz, Kona, Palisade, Palisade Hybrid, Santa Fe, Santa Fe Hybrid, Sonata, Sonata Hybrid, and Tucson vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel displa…
The risk: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: The instrument panel display software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 24, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai's customer service at 855-371-9460. Hyundai's number…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2026 Palisade and 2026 Palisade Hybrid vehicles equipped with a Limited or Calligraphy trim package. The second and third row power seats may fail to detect a person. The seat may continue to move after contacting a person during powered seat fun…
The risk: A person, especially a child, may become trapped by a rear powered seat, increasing the risk of injury or death.
The fix: Owners are advised to exercise caution when operating the second and third row power seat functions until the repair is performed. Children are advised to not be in the rear seats or near the rear seating area during power-folding operatio…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2026 Hyundai Palisade and 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid vehicles equipped with "Limited" and "Calligraphy" trim packages. The internal wiring within the third-row driver-side seat belt buckle may become damaged and result in a permanent display of…
The risk: A faulty seat belt status indicator may fail to alert occupants to an unfastened seat belt, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will install a wiring harness extension and replace the seat belt assembly, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning May 8, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460.…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Palisade vehicles. The seat belt buckles in the driver, passenger, and second-row window seats may fail to latch.
The risk: Seat belt buckles that fail to latch may not properly restrain occupants in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Passengers are advised to insert the belt firmly into the buckle with a quick and direct motion, pulling on the belt to confirm the seat belt is fully secured, until the recall remedy is performed. Dealers will replace the seat belt buckle…
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 Palisade or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Hyundai Palisade has far fewer complaints per year (349 vs. 1,162 for the F-150), meaning you're less likely to run into problems overall. However, the Palisade's issues often involve critical safety systems like brakes and seat belts, while the F-150's most common problems are transmission and electrical failures that can also be dangerous. In practice, the Palisade may have fewer visits to the shop, but the F-150's higher complaint rate suggests more frequent and varied headaches.
Key differences
- The F-150 has over three times as many complaints per year as the Palisade, with power train issues being the most common.
- Palisade owners report brake and seat belt problems that could affect stopping and restraint systems, while F-150 owners report transmission and electrical failures that can cause sudden power loss.
- The F-150 has 151 recalls versus 32 for the Palisade, indicating more widespread safety fixes over the years.
- Both vehicles have 1 death reported, but the F-150 has far more crash-related complaints (330 vs. 58) and injuries (297 vs. 71).
- Check for any signs of brake problems: test the brakes at low speed and listen for unusual noises or feel for pulsation. Also, ask if the anti-lock braking system has been serviced.
- Inspect the third-row seat belts: buckle and unbuckle them to see if the dashboard indicator matches the actual buckle status. A mismatch could mean a faulty sensor.
- Test drive the truck at highway speeds and watch for transmission shuddering, delayed shifting, or getting stuck in a gear. Also, check for any warning lights related to the transmission or engine.
- Inspect the rear window defroster and look for any signs of cracking or shattering, as some owners reported the window exploding when the defroster was used.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the transmission and electrical system for the F-150, and brakes and seat belts for the Palisade.
- During the test drive, pay attention to how the vehicle shifts, brakes, and accelerates, and note any warning lights or strange noises.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes on the F-150 and brake fluid on the Palisade.
- Check the operation of all seat belts, including the third row in the Palisade, and ensure they latch and release properly.
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 Palisade | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 123 | 35 |
| 2025 | 248 | 345 |
| 2024 | 387 | 638 |
| 2023 | 400 | 1527 |
| 2022 | 309 | 3493 |
| 2021 | 439 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 537 | 44 |
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 Palisade or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Hyundai Palisade vs FORD F 150
- Hyundai Palisade total complaints
- 2,443
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Hyundai Palisade total recalls
- 32
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Hyundai Palisade avg complaints/year
- 349.0
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Hyundai Palisade
- Hyundai Palisade top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN