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: Over 10 years, the Sonata averaged 185.8 complaints per year with 19 recalls, while the F-150 averaged 1,162.1 complaints with 151 recalls. The Sonata's top issue is engine shutdowns; the F-150's is power train failures. 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 has averaged about 186 complaints per year over the past decade, with 19 recalls. The most common complaint area is the engine, followed by electrical and fuel/propulsion issues. Owners frequently report sudden engine shutdowns, electrical failures, and loss of acceleration, which can be alarming. While the overall complaint rate is lower than some competitors, the severity of these issues means a thorough pre-purchase inspection is crucial.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup that has generated over 11,600 complaints in 10 years—an average of 1,162 per year—along with 151 recalls. Power train and electrical problems dominate, with many owners reporting transmission limp mode, lead frame failures, and electrical glitches. The high volume of complaints and recalls suggests that while the F-150 is popular, it may require more frequent attention and repairs. Buyers should be aware of these patterns and check for outstanding recalls.
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 | 1,858 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 19 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 82 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 185.8 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 63 Better | 297 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 2 | 1 Better |
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
- 01ENGINE804
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER274
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM241
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM204
- 05POWER TRAIN202
Owners report the engine shutting off completely while driving, sometimes at highway speeds, with headlights going out first. This can lead to a dangerous loss of power and steering assist, making it a critical safety concern.
Complaints include the entire dash cluster and radio display cutting off and back on while driving, as well as the car's electrical system shutting off for seconds. This can disorient the driver and affect essential functions like lighting and safety systems.
Owners describe sudden loss of acceleration, such as when making a left turn, where the car won't accelerate beyond a low speed. This can leave the driver stranded in traffic and poses a risk of collision.
Some report spontaneous shattering of the panoramic sunroof while driving, with no apparent cause. This can cause injury from glass and is a costly repair if not covered by warranty.
“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 TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners frequently report transmission issues, including limp mode, getting stuck in 5th gear, and lead frame failures that can cause sudden loss of power. These problems can leave the truck undrivable and are expensive to fix.
Complaints include lead frame issues causing electrical faults, as well as rear window defroster shorts that can lead to the back window shattering. Electrical gremlins can be intermittent and hard to diagnose.
While specific complaints are not detailed, this is a top component with 1,224 complaints. Owners may experience brake light or other lighting failures, which can affect visibility and safety.
Engine-related complaints are less frequent than power train but still significant. Issues may include stalling or performance problems, though specific patterns are not highlighted in the sample.
“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 Sonata — 19 recalls
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…
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 Sonata or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Hyundai Sonata has far fewer complaints per year (about 186) compared to the Ford F-150 (over 1,162), but the Sonata's issues often involve sudden engine shutdowns and electrical failures that can be dangerous. The F-150's higher complaint volume reflects its popularity and a wide range of problems, especially with the power train. In practice, the Sonata may have fewer overall problems, but the F-150's issues are more numerous and varied.
Key differences
- The Ford F-150 has over six times as many complaints per year as the Hyundai Sonata, with power train issues being the most common.
- Hyundai Sonata owners report sudden engine shutdowns and electrical failures, while Ford F-150 owners frequently report transmission limp mode and lead frame failures.
- The F-150 has 151 recalls versus 19 for the Sonata, indicating more widespread safety-related fixes.
- Both vehicles have reports of spontaneous window shattering—sunroof on the Sonata and rear window on the F-150—but these are less frequent than the mechanical issues.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any hesitation, stalling, or sudden loss of power, especially at highway speeds, as this could indicate the engine shutdown issue.
- Check all electrical functions, including dashboard lights, radio, and headlights, for flickering or cutting out, which may signal the electrical system problem.
- Test the transmission thoroughly: look for rough shifting, getting stuck in gear, or entering limp mode, which are common complaints.
- Inspect the rear window and defroster for any signs of damage or aftermarket repair, as shorts can cause the window to shatter.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the specific model, focusing on engine, transmission, and electrical systems.
- During the test drive, simulate various driving conditions (highway, stop-and-go, turning) to check for stalling, loss of acceleration, or transmission issues.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes and electrical repairs.
- For the Ford F-150, verify that the lead frame and output speed sensor recalls have been performed, and for the Hyundai, check for any engine or electrical software updates.
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 | 6 | 35 |
| 2025 | 16 | 345 |
| 2024 | 46 | 638 |
| 2023 | 87 | 1527 |
| 2022 | 93 | 3493 |
| 2021 | 134 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 178 | 44 |
| 2019 | 161 | 52 |
| 2018 | 373 | 79 |
| 2017 | 764 | 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 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
- 1,858
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Hyundai Sonata total recalls
- 19
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Hyundai Sonata avg complaints/year
- 185.8
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Hyundai Sonata
- Hyundai Sonata top complaint area
- ENGINE
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN