Head-to-head reliability
Hyundai Veloster vs FORD F 150
How the Hyundai Veloster 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 Veloster vs FORD F 150: The Veloster averages 129 complaints per year with 18 recalls, while the F-150 averages 1,162 complaints per year with 151 recalls. The Veloster’s main issues are engine and electrical failures; the F-150’s are transmission and electrical faults. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Hyundai Veloster or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Hyundai Veloster
The Hyundai Veloster is a compact hatchback that averages about 129 complaints per year over a decade, with 18 recalls. The most common owner-reported problem is engine failure, often tied to a knock sensor software recall that can leave the car undrivable. Electrical and power train complaints also appear, including stalling and transmission shuddering. Overall, it is a lower-volume vehicle with a concentrated set of serious engine and electrical issues.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup that averages about 1,162 complaints per year, with 151 recalls. Power train complaints dominate, especially transmission limp mode and lead frame failures that can cause sudden downshifts or loss of speed. Electrical issues, including rear window defroster shorts that shatter glass, are also reported. The sheer number of complaints and recalls means owners face a higher chance of encountering a known problem.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Hyundai Veloster | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,292 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 18 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 42 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 129.2 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 57 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 Veloster
- 01ENGINE530
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM210
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER179
- 04POWER TRAIN142
- 05STEERING126
Owners report engine failure after a knock sensor software recall, with cars stalling or dying shortly after the update. Some describe black smoke, burnt smells, and complete engine death, which can strand a driver and lead to costly repairs.
Complaints include stalling when taking a foot off the brake and sudden loss of power. One owner reported black smoke and a burnt smell that led to engine death, showing electrical faults can be severe.
Owners describe clicking noises when shifting, shuddering, and transmission revving without traction control warnings. In a snowstorm, one car revved high and slowed down unexpectedly, creating a dangerous loss of control.
A sunroof exploded while driving, showering occupants with shattered glass. Another owner reported the car stopped accelerating on the highway, which was linked to the knock sensor campaign but not fully explained.
“I took my vehicle in to get the initial KSDS recall campaign updated (knock sensor). The car failed on my way home from the dealership and they scheduled me the next day to fix the problem (the acknowledged the knock sensor update caused the failure and is th…”
“I own a 2017 hyundai veloster with roughly 122,000 miles on it, recently I got in my car to go to work, started the vehicle and exited my apartment complex onto a local road drove roughly a half mile to the on ramp for the highway, the car was just about up t…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
The lead frame issue causes sudden downshifts, limp mode, and being stuck in 5th gear, sometimes nearly causing collisions. Owners report daily transmission malfunctions that make the truck unreliable and dangerous to drive.
A short in the rear window defroster can cause the back window to explode outward, shattering glass. Another owner reported an output speed sensor failure that triggered highway limp mode despite a recall software update.
The rear window defroster short is also reported here, with the window exploding within minutes of use. This shows a fire or injury risk from an electrical fault that owners may not anticipate.
While not detailed in the sample complaints, engine issues appear in the top components and recall subjects. Buyers should be aware that engine-related recalls exist, though specific owner symptoms were not provided 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 Veloster — 18 recalls
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Elantra, 2019-2021 Kona and Veloster vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which could result in engine damage.
The risk: A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, oil may leak onto hot exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. In addition, Hyundai will deploy Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software. Owner notification letters were mailed August 24, 2021. Owners may contact Hyund…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019 Veloster vehicles. In certain side impact crashes, the driver's door latch housing and locking cable can become damaged, allowing the driver's side door to open.
The risk: The door opening could result in occupant ejection or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's side door latch assembly and lower channel, free of charge. The recall began June 17, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number f…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Elantra, 2019-2021 Kona and Veloster vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which could result in engine damage.
The risk: A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, oil may leak onto hot exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. In addition, Hyundai will deploy Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software. Owner notification letters were mailed August 24, 2021. Owners may contact Hyund…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Elantra, 2019-2021 Kona and Veloster vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which could result in engine damage.
The risk: A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, oil may leak onto hot exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. In addition, Hyundai will deploy Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software. Owner notification letters were mailed August 24, 2021. Owners may contact Hyund…
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 Veloster or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Hyundai Veloster has far fewer complaints per year (about 129 vs. 1,162 for the Ford F-150), but its engine and electrical problems can be severe and leave the car undrivable. The F-150’s higher volume means more reported issues overall, especially transmission and electrical faults that can cause sudden loss of power. In practice, the Veloster may have fewer total problems, but the F-150’s problems are more frequently reported and can affect a larger number of owners.
Key differences
- The Veloster’s top complaint is engine failure often linked to a knock sensor recall, while the F-150’s top complaint is transmission limp mode and lead frame failure.
- The F-150 has 151 recalls versus 18 for the Veloster, meaning more known safety defects to track.
- Veloster owners report sunroof glass exploding, while F-150 owners report rear window glass exploding from a defroster short.
- The F-150 has 330 crash-related complaints and 297 injuries, compared to 42 crashes and 57 injuries for the Veloster, though the F-150 is far more numerous on the road.
- Check for any history of engine stalling, black smoke, or burnt smells, especially after a knock sensor software update.
- Test the sunroof for cracks or signs of previous explosion, and listen for clicking or shuddering during gear changes.
- Test the transmission for limp mode, getting stuck in 5th gear, or sudden downshifts, especially after the lead frame recall.
- Inspect the rear window defroster for shorts and check for any cracks or previous shattering.
Before you buy
- Ask for proof that all open recalls, especially the knock sensor update on the Veloster and the lead frame or output speed sensor recalls on the F-150, have been completed.
- Take a long test drive that includes highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic to feel for transmission shuddering, limp mode, or stalling.
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine for signs of bearing noise or failure, and check the electrical system for shorts or burnt smells.
- For the Veloster, open and close the sunroof and inspect the glass for cracks; for the F-150, turn on the rear defroster and watch for any signs of overheating or glass stress.
- Review the NHTSA complaint history for the specific model year you are considering to see if the reported issues are common.
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 Veloster | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 11 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 24 | 44 |
| 2019 | 42 | 52 |
| 2018 | 0 | 79 |
| 2017 | 50 | 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 Veloster or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Hyundai Veloster vs FORD F 150
- Hyundai Veloster total complaints
- 1,292
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Hyundai Veloster total recalls
- 18
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Hyundai Veloster avg complaints/year
- 129.2
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Hyundai Veloster
- Hyundai Veloster top complaint area
- ENGINE
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN