Head-to-head reliability
Hyundai Santa FE vs FORD F 150
How the Hyundai Santa FE 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 Santa Fe vs FORD F 150: Over 10 years, the Santa Fe had 2,401 complaints and 41 recalls, while the F-150 had 11,621 complaints and 151 recalls. The F-150 averages 1,162 complaints per year versus 240 for the Santa Fe. Both show serious engine and transmission issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Hyundai Santa FE or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Hyundai Santa FE
The Hyundai Santa Fe is a mid-size SUV that, over the past decade, has generated about 240 complaints per year, with engine problems dominating the list. Owners frequently report sudden power loss at highway speeds, where the vehicle slows even with the accelerator floored, and some describe complete engine shutdowns while driving. Electrical issues, including a hybrid high-voltage connector that can short if water intrudes, also appear in complaints. With 41 recalls and 86 injuries reported, it's a vehicle that demands careful inspection of engine and electrical systems before purchase.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup that has averaged over 1,160 complaints per year for the last decade, with power train and electrical problems leading the count. Owners describe transmission limp mode, stuck gears, and a recurring 'lead frame' issue that can cause sudden downshifts or loss of power. Electrical gremlins, such as a rear window defroster short that shatters the back glass, are also reported. With 151 recalls and 297 injuries, it's a high-volume truck with a long list of documented failure patterns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Hyundai Santa FE | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2,401 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 41 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 88 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 240.1 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 86 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 Santa FE
- 01ENGINE1,011
- 02POWER TRAIN455
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER411
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM287
- 05SERVICE BRAKES161
Owners report repeated loss of motive power at highway speed, where the vehicle slows even with the accelerator pressed to the floor and does not shift into higher gears. Some complaints describe intermittent total engine stalling without warning, which can leave a driver stranded or in a dangerous situation.
Complaints include a bad factory seal on the high-voltage harness of hybrid models, allowing water to intrude and potentially short the battery. Others report total engine stalling and propulsion failure, often linked to the same power train issues.
The same high-voltage harness seal problem can cause electrical shorts, and some owners report a complete loss of electrical power with no warning, leaving the vehicle unable to start. This can be frustrating and costly if not covered by warranty.
While less frequent than engine issues, brake complaints appear in the data, though specific patterns are not detailed in the sample. Buyers should still have the braking system checked, as any brake problem is a safety concern.
“The vehicle repeatedly loses motive power while being driven at highway speed. It slows even with the accelerator pressed to the floor, does not shift into higher gears, and drops to 40 to 50 mph. On [XXX], the vehicle lost power at highway speed while I was…”
“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The vehicle suffers from an intermittent, total engine stalling and propulsion failure. Without warning, the engine completely shuts down while driving and auto…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
The most common complaint is a 'lead frame' issue that can cause the transmission to downshift unexpectedly or enter limp mode, sometimes stuck in 5th gear. Owners report this happening daily and even leading to near collisions, with some saying it has been a problem for over a decade.
The lead frame problem also appears under electrical system complaints, and some owners report a short in the rear window defroster that causes the back glass to shatter. Others mention output speed sensor failures that trigger limp mode on the highway.
Engine complaints are less frequent than power train issues but still present. Specific failure patterns are not detailed in the sample, but the high number of recalls related to engine components suggests buyers should check for open recalls.
With over 1,200 complaints, exterior lighting is a top concern, though the sample does not describe specific failures. This could include headlights, taillights, or turn signals not working, which affects visibility and safety.
“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 Santa FE — 41 recalls
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Tucson and Santa Fe vehicles. The connecting rod bolts in the engine may have been improperly tightened, which can cause a loss of drive power and engine damage, possibly resulting in an oil leak.
The risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. An oil leak in the presence of hot engine components can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the engine, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 23, 2025. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 281.
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Santa Fe vehicles. The B+ positive terminal cover on the starter motor assembly may be improperly installed, which can cause an electrical short during a crash.
The risk: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and reinstall the starter motor terminal cover, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning October 22, 2025. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Hybrid vehicles. The rearview camera may not have been installed properly, which can damage the wiring harness and cause the rearview camera image not to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the req…
The risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the camera wiring harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning January 15, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 288. Vehi…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025 Tucson, 2025-2026 Santa Cruz, Santa Fe, Santa Fe Hybrid, and 2026 Genesis GV70 vehicles. The side curtain air bags may not have been installed properly, which can cause the air bags not to deploy as intended.
The risk: Side curtain air bags that do not deploy as intended increase the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will reinstall the side curtain air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning December 29, 2025. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's numbers for this recall are 289…
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 Santa FE or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Hyundai Santa Fe has far fewer complaints per year (about 240) compared to the Ford F-150 (over 1,160), but both have serious reported issues. In practice, the Santa Fe may have fewer overall problems, but its engine and electrical failures can be severe, while the F-150's transmission and electrical issues are more frequent and well-documented.
Key differences
- The Ford F-150 has nearly five times as many complaints per year as the Hyundai Santa Fe, with power train issues being the most common.
- Hyundai Santa Fe owners frequently report sudden engine stalling and power loss, while Ford F-150 owners describe transmission limp mode and lead frame failures.
- The F-150 has more than three times as many recalls (151 vs. 41) and over three times as many injuries (297 vs. 86) reported.
- Electrical problems are prominent in both, but the Santa Fe's hybrid high-voltage connector issue and the F-150's rear window shattering are distinct concerns.
- During a test drive, accelerate hard and listen for hesitation or lack of power, and check if the transmission shifts smoothly; any stalling or limp mode is a red flag.
- Inspect the high-voltage harness connector on hybrid models for signs of water intrusion or corrosion, as this can lead to electrical shorts.
- Test the transmission thoroughly, especially for harsh shifting, getting stuck in gear, or entering limp mode; ask if the lead frame has been replaced.
- Check the rear window defroster for proper function and look for any cracks or signs of overheating that could cause the glass to shatter.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the engine, transmission, and electrical systems, focusing on the specific issues reported for each model.
- For the Santa Fe, ask about any engine stalling or power loss incidents and check for hybrid battery connector recalls.
- For the F-150, ask about transmission service history and whether the lead frame has been updated or replaced.
- Test drive both vehicles under various conditions, including highway speeds, to reproduce any intermittent 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 Santa FE | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 50 | 35 |
| 2025 | 135 | 345 |
| 2024 | 151 | 638 |
| 2023 | 210 | 1527 |
| 2022 | 199 | 3493 |
| 2021 | 166 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 213 | 44 |
| 2019 | 200 | 52 |
| 2018 | 109 | 79 |
| 2017 | 968 | 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 Hyundai Santa FE or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Hyundai Santa FE vs FORD F 150
- Hyundai Santa FE total complaints
- 2,401
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Hyundai Santa FE total recalls
- 41
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Hyundai Santa FE avg complaints/year
- 240.1
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Hyundai Santa FE
- Hyundai Santa FE top complaint area
- ENGINE
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN