Head-to-head reliability
Hyundai Sonata vs FORD F 150
How the Hyundai Sonata 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 Sonata vs FORD F 150: The Sonata has 180 complaints per year, mostly engine shutdowns and electrical failures. The F-150 averages 2,755 complaints per year, with powertrain and electrical issues causing loss of control. The F-150 has 141 recalls, the Sonata 19. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Hyundai Sonata or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Hyundai Sonata
The Hyundai Sonata is a midsize sedan that, based on NHTSA data, has a high rate of engine-related complaints—789 out of 1,800 total—with owners reporting sudden engine shutdowns while driving, often at highway speeds. Electrical system failures, including complete power loss and HVAC malfunctions, and steering issues linked to the Electronic Stability Control system also appear frequently. With 180 complaints per year and 19 recalls, the Sonata shows a pattern of potentially dangerous intermittent failures that could leave a driver stranded or without control.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint volume—27,553 over 10 years, averaging 2,755 per year—and 141 recalls. The dominant issue is powertrain problems (9,967 complaints), including transmission failures that prevent the truck from shifting into park, and engine troubles like turbo/wastegate defects. Electrical system failures causing complete loss of power while driving, and sudden unintended acceleration, are also reported. The F-150's reliability concerns are widespread and often involve major drivetrain and safety systems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Hyundai Sonata | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,800 Better | 27,553 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 19 Better | 141 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 79 Better | 762 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 180.0 Better | 2755.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 60 Better | 714 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 2 Better | 10 |
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 Sonata
- 01ENGINE789
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER268
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM233
- 04STEERING201
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM194
Owners report the engine suddenly shutting off while driving, sometimes at speeds over 50 mph, with headlights and power failing simultaneously. This can lead to loss of propulsion and control.
Complete electrical shutdowns occur, where the car goes black inside and out for seconds before restarting. HVAC controls also malfunction, with the A/C engaging when off.
The Electronic Stability Control system has intermittent failures causing unpredictable loss of steering control, creating a serious crash risk.
The panoramic sunroof can shatter spontaneously while driving, and the car may experience brief total electrical failure, both without warning.
“I purchased this vehicle brand new off of the lot February 2024. Since then, I have had two incidents where in the middle of driving my vehicle has completely shut off. The first experience, I was driving 50+ mph. First my headlights went out, my engine shut…”
“the car has two issues. brake issue (gas pedal is soft and sinks) and engine power ( gas pedal is soft and not responsive) Brakes are soft and spongy some times and sometimes hard. even you push the brake pedal twice or three time it takes long distance to st…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN9,967
- 02ENGINE4,861
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3,474
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER3,211
- 05STRUCTURE1,485
The transmission fails to engage park when the engine is shut off, leaving the truck stuck in drive and unable to lock. Turbo/wastegate defects also cause power loss.
Engine problems are linked to the same park-lock issue, and emissions control label updates suggest ongoing powertrain calibration flaws.
Complete loss of power while driving disables all safety systems—brakes, steering, airbags, hazards—making the truck uncontrollable. ABS issues after recall repairs also reported.
Sudden unintended acceleration occurs at low speeds, even without pressing the accelerator, and severe vibrations persist after dealer repairs.
“When I am parking the truck, I press and hold the brake pedal, While the truck shifter in in "Drive", I press the start/stop button to shut truck down, the shifter gets stuck in "drive" and doesn't automatically shift in to park. The truck locks down and will…”
“My truck is a 2025 Ford F150 STX with 5,900 miles on it. This truck was purchased new at River City Ford in Lavalette, WV The component in questions seems to be involved with the turbos and more specifically the wastegate that attached to the turbos. Also, ye…”
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 Sonata — 19 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 2024 Hyundai Sonata vehicles. The software for the brake lights may cause the brake lights to flash and not illuminate properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number…
The risk: Flashing brake lights may cause confusion for other drivers on the road, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the rear brake light software, free of charge. Additionally, Hyundai will release the software update over-the-air (OTA). Owner notification letters were mailed September 12, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer se…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Palisade Tucson, 2023 Sonata, Elantra, and Kona vehicles. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump controller to overheat.
The risk: An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the electric oil pump controller, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed starti…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Sonata vehicles. A damaged check valve can allow air to enter the fuel tank, causing it to expand and contact hot exhaust components, melting the tank.
The risk: A melted fuel tank can leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the check valve. The fuel tank assembly will be inspected for damage and replaced if necessary. Additionally, dealers will inspect and update the engine control unit software. All repairs will be performed…
FORD F 150 — 141 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 F-150, 2022-2026 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, Maverick, 2024-2026 Ranger, 2023-2026 F-600 SD, 2022-2027 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, and 2026 E-Transit vehicles. When towing a trailer, the integrated trailer module (ITRM) may los…
The risk: Trailer lights or brakes that do not function can reduce the driver’s ability to control the trailer and decrease the trailers visibility to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The integrated trailer module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 25, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, 2024 Expedition and 2024 Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with a 3.5L GTDI engine. The engines may have a misaligned engine cup plug, which can result in a rapid oil leak.
The risk: A rapid oil leak can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, an oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the engine cup plug alignment, and replace the plug if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 23, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for th…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, Bronco, 2024 Ranger, 2025 Mustang, Explorer, and Aviator vehicles. The transmission valve body may have been machined incorrectly, which can cause reverse gear failure, or unexpected forward movement in reverse or neutral gear.
The risk: Unexpected vehicle movement increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the transmission main control valve body, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S19.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, Expedition, and 2024 Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI engines. The engine may have a misaligned engine cup plug, which can result in a rapid oil leak.
The risk: A rapid oil leak can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, an oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the engine cup plug alignment, and replace the plug if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this…
Buyer analysis
Hyundai Sonata or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Hyundai Sonata averages 180 complaints per year versus the Ford F-150's 2,755, a 15-fold difference. While both have serious safety-related failures, the F-150's much higher complaint rate and recall count indicate a greater likelihood of encountering a major problem in ownership.
Key differences
- The Sonata's engine shutdowns occur at highway speeds; the F-150's power loss disables all safety systems.
- The F-150 has 141 recalls vs. the Sonata's 19, indicating more widespread manufacturing issues.
- The Sonata's steering loss is ESC-related; the F-150's unintended acceleration is a separate electronic throttle concern.
- The F-150's transmission park-lock failure is a unique and dangerous defect not reported on the Sonata.
- Test drive at highway speeds and watch for sudden engine shutdown or electrical flicker.
- Check the panoramic sunroof for cracks or previous shatter reports.
- After parking, verify the transmission reliably shifts into park and the truck locks.
- Test for sudden acceleration by slowly approaching a stop with one-pedal mode off.
Before you buy
- Check NHTSA recall status for both vehicles using the VIN.
- On the Sonata, test the HVAC system for unintended A/C engagement.
- On the F-150, perform a parking test: shut off engine in drive and see if it shifts to park.
- On both, drive at night to check for headlight or electrical system flickering.
- Ask for service records related to engine or transmission repairs.
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 Sonata | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 9 |
| 2025 | 15 | 320 |
| 2024 | 42 | 597 |
| 2023 | 83 | 1448 |
| 2022 | 88 | 3290 |
| 2021 | 120 | 4938 |
| 2020 | 169 | 2530 |
| 2019 | 155 | 5718 |
| 2018 | 365 | 5505 |
| 2017 | 761 | 3198 |
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 Sonata or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Hyundai Sonata vs FORD F 150
- Hyundai Sonata total complaints
- 1,800
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 27,553
- Hyundai Sonata total recalls
- 19
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 141
- Hyundai Sonata avg complaints/year
- 180.0
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 2755.3
- More reliable overall
- Hyundai Sonata
- Hyundai Sonata top complaint area
- ENGINE
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN