Head-to-head reliability
KIA Borrego vs FORD F 150
How the KIA Borrego 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
KIA Borrego vs FORD F 150: The Borrego has 90 complaints over 3 years (30/year) and 7 recalls, while the F-150 has 11,621 complaints over 10 years (1,162/year) and 151 recalls. Both report transmission and electrical issues, but the F-150's volume means more known defects. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the KIA Borrego or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
KIA Borrego
The KIA Borrego is a body-on-frame SUV sold for only a few model years, so parts and repair knowledge can be harder to find. Over 3 years, it has 90 complaints (30 per year) and 7 recalls. Owners report serious transmission, brake, and seat belt problems that can be expensive and scary. It may suit a patient buyer who can handle frequent shop visits.
FORD F 150
The FORD F 150 is a full-size pickup with massive sales, so problems are widely reported. Over 10 years, it has 11,621 complaints (about 1,162 per year) and 151 recalls. Common issues include transmission limp mode, electrical glitches, and rear window shattering. It can be a good truck, but you must check for open recalls and known defects.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | KIA Borrego | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 90 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 7 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 8 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 30.0 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 3 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.
KIA Borrego
- 01POWER TRAIN18
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM16
- 03SERVICE BRAKES16
- 04SEAT BELTS11
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER10
Owners report the 6-speed automatic transmission shifting erratically, holding gears, or refusing to shift properly. This can leave you stuck in traffic or cause sudden acceleration problems, leading to costly repairs.
Complaints include the starter engaging on its own while the key is in the ignition, even in Park or Neutral. This can drain the battery or cause unexpected movement, and owners struggle to find the root cause.
Drivers report multiple warning lights (ABS, ESC, emergency brakes) coming on while driving, and some experience a complete loss of brakes without warning. A failed master cylinder is often the culprit, which is a serious safety concern.
There are reports of front seat belts unlatching on their own while driving, even after being re-latched. This defeats the belt's purpose in a crash and is a critical safety issue to check.
“THIS PAST TUESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2016, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTING BECAME ERRATIC, IN PARTICULAR, AND AMONG OTHER ISSUES, HOLDING ON TO 3RD GEAR AND REFUSING TO UP SHIFT OR DOWN SHIFT PROPERLY. THERE WERE A FEW TIMES IN WHICH WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STAND-STILL '…”
“I NOW FIND MYSELF DEALING WITH AN ISSUE THAT I NOW KNOW IS A WELL-KNOWN AND DOCUMENTED PROBLEM WITH THE ZF 6-SPEED TRANSMISSION USED IN THIS PARTICULAR V8 MODEL. THIS PAST WEEK, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTING BECAME ERRATIC, IN PARTICULAR, AND AMONG OTHER ISSUES,…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Many owners describe a 'lead frame' issue causing the transmission to go into limp mode, stuck in 5th gear, or fail to shift. This can happen at highway speeds and has led to near collisions, requiring an expensive part replacement.
The same lead frame problem can cause electrical faults, and some trucks enter limp mode due to output speed sensor failure. Owners report recurring issues even after software updates, leaving them stranded or in dangerous situations.
A disturbing complaint is the rear window shattering spontaneously, sometimes after using the defroster. This can happen while driving and poses a risk of injury from flying glass.
With 1,224 complaints, exterior lighting problems are common, though specific failure patterns are not detailed in the sample. Faulty lights can reduce visibility and increase crash risk, so check all lights carefully.
“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.
KIA Borrego — 7 recalls
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may…
The risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14…
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Borrego vehicles. The headliner plates may not be secured properly, which can result in the plates detaching in the event of a side curtain air bag deployment.
The risk: A headliner plate that detaches during a crash may strike an occupant, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will secure the headliner plates, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 30, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC286.
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may…
The risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14…
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Borrego vehicles. The headliner plates may not be secured properly, which can result in the plates detaching in the event of a side curtain air bag deployment.
The risk: A headliner plate that detaches during a crash may strike an occupant, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will secure the headliner plates, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 30, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC286.
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
KIA Borrego or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The KIA Borrego has far fewer complaints per year (30 vs. 1,162 for the F-150), but its issues are often severe and costly. The F-150's higher volume means more reported problems, but also more available fixes and aftermarket support. In practice, the Borrego may need more frequent attention for major systems, while the F-150 has widespread known defects that require careful recall checks.
Key differences
- The KIA Borrego has 30 complaints per year vs. 1,162 for the FORD F 150, but the Borrego's complaints include serious brake and seat belt failures.
- The FORD F 150 has 151 recalls over 10 years, including engine and air bag issues, while the Borrego has 7 recalls, mostly for brakes and roof structure.
- Transmission problems are common in both: the Borrego's ZF 6-speed shifts erratically, while the F-150's lead frame causes limp mode and stuck gears.
- The F-150 has reports of rear window shattering and electrical faults, while the Borrego has electrical issues like self-engaging starters and brake warning lights.
- During a test drive, check for erratic transmission shifting, especially holding gears or refusing to upshift/downshift.
- Test all seat belts by latching and tugging to see if they stay locked, and look for any brake warning lights on the dashboard.
- Ask for proof that all recalls, especially those for the lead frame and air bags, have been performed; otherwise, you may inherit a known defect.
- Test the rear window defroster and inspect the glass for cracks, and during a test drive, feel for transmission shudder or limp mode engagement.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the transmission, brakes, and electrical system, focusing on the specific issues reported for each model.
- For the KIA Borrego, test the starter with the key in the ignition to ensure it doesn't engage unexpectedly.
- For the FORD F 150, scan for transmission trouble codes and verify the lead frame has been replaced or updated.
- During a test drive, listen for unusual noises, check all lights, and ensure seat belts latch securely.
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 KIA Borrego or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- KIA Borrego vs FORD F 150
- KIA Borrego total complaints
- 90
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- KIA Borrego total recalls
- 7
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- KIA Borrego avg complaints/year
- 30.0
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- KIA Borrego
- KIA Borrego top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN