Head-to-head reliability
Hyundai Tiburon vs FORD F 150
How the Hyundai Tiburon 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 Tiburon vs FORD F 150: The Tiburon averaged 75.7 complaints per year over 9 years, while the F-150 averaged 1,162.1 per year over 10 years. The F-150 also had 151 recalls versus 19 for the Tiburon. Both have power train and air bag issues, but the F-150's are more frequent. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Hyundai Tiburon or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Hyundai Tiburon
The Hyundai Tiburon is a sporty coupe that, based on owner complaints, can be a mixed bag for used-car shoppers. Over nine years, it averaged about 76 complaints per year, with the most common issues involving the power train, air bags, and seat belts. Many owners report transmission problems that cause the car to stick in gear, and air bag warning lights that dealers sometimes refuse to fix under warranty. While it may be affordable, these recurring safety and mechanical faults mean a thorough inspection is essential.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup that, according to NHTSA data, has a much higher volume of complaints—averaging over 1,100 per year across ten years. The most frequent trouble spots are the power train, electrical system, and engine, with owners describing transmission limp modes, lead frame failures, and rear window explosions. Recalls are also numerous, covering engines, seat belts, and air bags. For a used buyer, this means the F-150 can be capable but demands careful attention to known defect patterns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Hyundai Tiburon | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 681 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 19 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 86 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 75.7 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 62 Better | 297 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 3 | 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 Tiburon
- 01POWER TRAIN295
- 02AIR BAGS147
- 03SEAT BELTS58
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM54
- 05EXTERIOR LIGHTING35
Owners report transmissions that won't shift, stay stuck in third gear, or have hydraulic clutch failures that leave the pedal on the floor. These issues can strand a driver and lead to costly repairs, so a test drive should include checking for smooth shifting and clutch operation.
Complaints describe air bag warning lights coming on repeatedly and air bag control module failures, with some owners saying the bags didn't deploy in crashes. This is a critical safety concern; any illuminated air bag light should be diagnosed before purchase.
Drivers report seat belts that won't retract or extend properly, and seats that slide forward or backward unexpectedly while driving. These defects can compromise restraint effectiveness in a crash, so check belt operation and seat locking mechanisms.
Owners mention alarms going off while driving and warranty disputes over catalytic converter replacements. Electrical gremlins can be intermittent and frustrating, so test all accessories and look for signs of aftermarket alarm installations.
“AS THE ORIGINAL OWNER, I HAVE 4 TRANSMISSION REPAIRS FOR MY HYUNDAI TIBURON: 05/28/04 JIM BURKE HYUNDAI SERVICE INVOICE COMMENTS: ?CUSTOMER STATES TRANSAXLE WILL NOT SHIFT ? STAYS IN 3RD GEAR ? STATES HAS BEEN ADVISED NEEDS TCM REPLACED ? CHECK TRANSAXLE OPER…”
“The contact owns 2008 Hyundai Tiburon. The contact stated while driving 30 mph, the hydraulic clutch was depressed and ceased in the depressed position. The contact was able to switch lanes and pulled the vehicle into a parking lot. The vehicle was restarted…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Many owners describe a 'lead frame' issue that causes transmissions to go into limp mode, stick in 5th gear, or fail to shift, sometimes nearly causing collisions. This is a well-known, recurring defect that may require expensive repairs, so a pre-purchase inspection should include a transmission scan.
Complaints include output speed sensor failures that trigger limp mode and rear window defroster shorts that can shatter the back glass. These electrical faults can be dangerous and costly, so check for stored trouble codes and inspect the rear window for cracks.
While fewer complaints than power train, engine issues appear in recalls and owner reports, often related to stalling or performance problems. A thorough mechanical inspection and recall history check are advised.
Owners report brake light switch failures and other lighting problems that can affect visibility and safety. Test all lights, including brake and reverse lights, and check for any recalls on the lighting system.
“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 Tiburon — 19 recalls
The defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY" A VALVE ON THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY MAY NOT CLOSE PROPERLY. IF A VEHICLE ROLLS OVER AND THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY VALVE IS NOT PROPERLY CLOSED, FUEL SPILLAGE MAY OCCU…
The risk: FUEL SPILLAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY VALVE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 5, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HYUNDAI DE PUERTO RICO AT 1-800-981-0188.
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE REAR BRAKE TUBES PASS BEHIND THE FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER. TWO STEERING GEARBOX MOUNTING BRACKETS ARE WELDED TO THE CROSSMEMBER. ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS), THE REAR BRAKE TUBES COULD CONTACT BOTH STEERING GEARBOX MOUNTING BRACKET…
The risk: FLUID LEAKAGE COULD RESULT IN REDUCED BRAKING CAPABILITY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPOSITION THE REAR BRAKE TUBES SO THEY DO NOT CONTACT THE MOUNTING BRACKETS, INSTALL BRAKE TUBE CLIPS TO CONTROL THE LOCATION OF THE REAR BRAKE TUBES, AND APPLY ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL TO THE TUBES IN THE AREAS WHERE CONTACT…
The defect: Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Accent, model year 2007-2011 Azera, Sonata and Sante Fe,2006-2011 Tucson, 2009-2011 Elantra Touring, 2007-2010 Elantra, 2008-2011 Veracruz, 2009-2011 Genesis, 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, 2007-2008 Entourage, and 2006-2008 Tiburo…
The risk: Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved…
The fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 110.
The defect: Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Accent, model year 2007-2011 Azera, Sonata and Sante Fe,2006-2011 Tucson, 2009-2011 Elantra Touring, 2007-2010 Elantra, 2008-2011 Veracruz, 2009-2011 Genesis, 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, 2007-2008 Entourage, and 2006-2008 Tiburo…
The risk: Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved…
The fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 110.
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 Tiburon or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Hyundai Tiburon has far fewer complaints per year (about 76) compared to the Ford F-150 (over 1,100), but both have serious safety-related issues. In practice, the Tiburon may be easier to manage due to lower volume, but the F-150's problems are more widespread and include potentially life-threatening transmission failures. Neither should be bought without a careful inspection.
Key differences
- The Ford F-150 has over 15 times more complaints per year than the Hyundai Tiburon, but the Tiburon's issues are concentrated in power train and air bags.
- Tiburon owners report transmissions stuck in gear and air bag module failures; F-150 owners describe lead frame failures causing limp mode and rear window explosions.
- The F-150 has 151 recalls versus 19 for the Tiburon, covering engines, seat belts, and air bags, indicating broader defect patterns.
- Both vehicles have crash-related complaints, but the F-150 has more injuries reported (297 vs 62), though this may reflect higher sales volume.
- Check for any illuminated air bag warning light and ask for service records showing air bag module repairs.
- Test the transmission for smooth shifting and ensure the clutch pedal returns properly; listen for unusual noises.
- Scan for transmission trouble codes, especially P0722, and test drive at highway speeds to check for limp mode or stuck gears.
- Inspect the rear window for cracks or signs of shattering, and test the defroster for proper function.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and verify that all safety recalls have been completed.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the transmission, electrical system, and air bags.
- Test drive the vehicle under various conditions, including highway speeds, to check for shifting issues or limp mode.
- Check the operation of all seat belts, ensuring they retract and extend smoothly, and that seats lock securely.
- For the F-150, specifically ask about the lead frame and output speed sensor; for the Tiburon, ask about transmission control module and clutch repairs.
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 Tiburon or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Hyundai Tiburon vs FORD F 150
- Hyundai Tiburon total complaints
- 681
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Hyundai Tiburon total recalls
- 19
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Hyundai Tiburon avg complaints/year
- 75.7
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Hyundai Tiburon
- Hyundai Tiburon top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN