Head-to-head reliability
KIA K900 vs FORD F 150
How the KIA K900 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 K900 vs FORD F 150: The K900 averages 11.3 complaints per year with 11 recalls, while the F-150 averages 1,162.1 complaints per year with 151 recalls. Both have safety-related issues, but the F-150's higher volume means more reported problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the KIA K900 or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
KIA K900
The Kia K900 is a low-volume luxury sedan with an average of 11.3 complaints per year over six years. Owners report issues with exterior lighting, air bags, electrical system, service brakes, and engine, including headlights that flicker or fail, air bag blockage, and brake problems. With 11 recalls and 1 crash-related complaint, it's a car that needs careful inspection of safety systems.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a high-volume pickup with an average of 1,162.1 complaints per year over ten years. The most common complaints involve the power train, electrical system, and exterior lighting, with reports of transmission limp mode, lead frame failures, and rear window shattering. With 151 recalls and 330 crash-related complaints, it's a truck that requires vigilance for recurring safety defects.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | KIA K900 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 68 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 11 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 11.3 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 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 K900
- 01EXTERIOR LIGHTING21
- 02AIR BAGS16
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM13
- 04SERVICE BRAKES10
- 05ENGINE9
Owners report automatic headlights that flash on and off with small changes in ambient light, causing distractions and inhibiting driver visibility. This matters because it can affect your ability to see the road and other drivers' ability to see you.
Complaints include the passenger front air bag being blocked from opening correctly in a front-end collision, and seat belt warning lights staying on even when the belt is fastened. These issues could compromise occupant protection in a crash.
Owners describe engine fires (linked to a recall for melted engine compartment components) and no-start conditions with a 'Check Brake Fuse' warning. Electrical faults can leave you stranded or pose a fire risk.
Reports include ABS and check engine warning lights, and electronic parking brake (EPB) failing to release, preventing the car from moving. Brake problems directly affect your ability to stop safely.
“The PASSENGER FRONT AIR BAG will be blocked from opening correctly in the event of a front end collision. The AUTOMATIC HEADLIGHTS lights flash on and off with small changes in ambient light causing distractions to oncoming vehicles and also inhibiting driver…”
“My Kia Consumer Care Case #[XXX] assigned May 2024. For Lights/Headlights/Illumination Safety hazards. My complaint purpose is to explain & show docs. of my Interrupted Illumination Headlights/Loss of Viewing while using the headlights during the night. See a…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners report recurring transmission issues, including limp mode stuck in 5th gear, and lead frame failures that can cause sudden loss of power or near collisions. These defects can leave you stranded or create dangerous driving situations.
Complaints include lead frame issues causing electrical faults, and output speed sensor failures triggering limp mode. Electrical gremlins can lead to unpredictable vehicle behavior and costly repairs.
One owner reported the rear window shattering outward after using the defroster, due to a short in the defroster. This is a safety hazard that could cause injury from flying glass.
While specific complaints are not detailed in the sample, exterior lighting is a top component with 1,224 complaints. Lighting failures can reduce visibility and increase crash risk.
“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 K900 — 11 recalls
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2019-2020 K900, and 2018-2023 Stinger vehicles equipped with a 3.3-liter turbo gasoline direct injection engine. The left turbocharger oil feed pipe and hose assembly may deteriorate and leak oil.
The risk: An oil leak in the presence of hot engine components can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire while driving.
The fix: Dealers will replace the left turbocharger oil feed pipe and hose assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 26, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is S…
The defect: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2018 K900 and 2014-2016 Sportage vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire.
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 install a new fuse for the HECU circuit board, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 22, 2022. Owners…
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 Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2018 K900 and 2014-2016 Sportage vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire.
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 install a new fuse for the HECU circuit board, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 22, 2022. 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
KIA K900 or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Kia K900 has far fewer complaints per year (11.3 vs. 1,162.1) and fewer recalls (11 vs. 151), but both have safety-related issues. In practice, the F-150's higher volume means more reported problems, but the K900's low volume doesn't guarantee reliability—its issues can be severe when they occur.
Key differences
- The Ford F-150 has over 100 times more complaints per year than the Kia K900, but it also sells in much higher numbers.
- Kia K900 owners report air bag blockage and headlight flickering, while Ford F-150 owners report transmission limp mode and lead frame failures.
- The F-150 has 330 crash-related complaints and 297 injuries, compared to 1 crash-related and 1 injury for the K900.
- Both vehicles have electrical system complaints, but the F-150's are often tied to power train issues like limp mode, while the K900's include engine fires and no-start conditions.
- Check for automatic headlight flickering or failure, especially if the car has the auto-headlight feature.
- Test the electronic parking brake (EPB) to ensure it releases properly, and look for any ABS or check engine warning lights.
- Test drive at highway speeds to check for transmission shudder, limp mode, or getting stuck in 5th gear.
- Inspect the rear window defroster for signs of shorting or overheating, and ask if the window has ever shattered.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models, especially the K900's brake and engine recalls and the F-150's transmission and air bag recalls.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic, focusing on the K900's lighting, air bags, and brakes, and the F-150's transmission and electrical system.
- During the test drive, pay attention to any warning lights, unusual noises, or shifting problems.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, particularly for transmission services on the F-150 and brake repairs on the K900.
- Verify that any recall repairs have been completed, and if not, factor in the time and cost to have them done.
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 | KIA K900 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 0 | 44 |
| 2019 | 2 | 52 |
| 2018 | 0 | 79 |
| 2017 | 2 | 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 KIA K900 or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- KIA K900 vs FORD F 150
- KIA K900 total complaints
- 68
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- KIA K900 total recalls
- 11
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- KIA K900 avg complaints/year
- 11.3
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- KIA K900
- KIA K900 top complaint area
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN