Head-to-head reliability
KIA Rondo vs FORD F 150
How the KIA Rondo 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 Rondo vs FORD F 150: The Rondo averages 29.7 complaints per year with 11 recalls, while the F-150 averages 1,162.1 complaints per year with 151 recalls. The Rondo's top issues are steering and airbags; the F-150's are powertrain and electrical. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the KIA Rondo or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
KIA Rondo
The KIA Rondo is a compact people mover that averages about 30 complaints per year, with 11 recalls over a decade. Owners frequently report steering that locks up after hitting puddles, airbags that fail to deploy in crashes, and engines that stall. These patterns suggest that living with a Rondo means staying alert to wet-weather steering loss and confirming that recall work has been done.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup that generates over 1,100 complaints per year, with 151 recalls in ten years. The most common trouble spots are the powertrain, electrical system, and exterior lighting, with owners describing transmission limp mode, lead frame failures, and rear window explosions. This volume of reports means a used F-150 demands a thorough pre-purchase inspection and a check for open recalls.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | KIA Rondo | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 297 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 11 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 33 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 29.7 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 24 Better | 297 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 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 Rondo
- 01STEERING50
- 02AIR BAGS50
- 03ENGINE42
- 04SERVICE BRAKES41
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM31
Owners report that driving through puddles causes the steering to lock up for up to 45 seconds, sometimes leading to loss of control. This is a serious safety concern because it can happen at any speed and in wet conditions.
Several complaints describe airbags failing to deploy in crashes, including a rollover where only passenger-side airbags deployed. Buyers should verify that any airbag recalls have been completed.
Reports include engine stalling while driving, often accompanied by power steering loss. This can leave a driver stranded or unable to steer, making it a critical issue to check.
Some complaints mention brake-related issues, including antilock brake control module recalls. Owners also report repeated tire replacements, which may indicate brake or suspension problems.
“EVERY TIME I GO THROUGH A SMALL PUDDLE I LOSE CONTROL OF STEERING THE VEHICLE. IT HAS HAPPENED BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY NUMEROUS TIMES, LASTS A FEW MINUTES AND THEN I REGAIN CONTROL OF STEERING. FORTUNATELY, IT'S HAPPENED ON MY STREET FOR THE MOST PART. LAS…”
“WHEN IT IS RAINING OR AFTER RAIN IF THERE ARE STILL PUDDLES IN THE ROAD, WHEN THE CAR GOES THROUGH ANY PUDDLES THE STEERING LOCKS UP FOR AT LEAST 45 SECONDS. I HAD MY DAUGHTER LEARNING HOW TO DRIVE AND THIS HAPPENED TO HER. I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT PU…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners describe transmission problems such as limp mode, getting stuck in 5th gear, and lead frame failures that can cause sudden loss of power. These issues can be dangerous and expensive to fix.
Complaints include lead frame issues affecting the electrical system and output speed sensor failures that trigger limp mode. Electrical gremlins can be hard to diagnose and may recur.
One owner reported the rear window exploding outward after using the defroster, suggesting a possible short circuit. This is a rare but alarming failure that buyers should be aware of.
Exterior lighting is a top complaint area, though specific failure details are not provided in the sample. Buyers should test all lights and check for recalls related to lighting.
“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 Rondo — 11 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 Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul, model year 2008-2011 Optima, model year 2010 Forte, model year 2007-2009 Amanti, and model year 2009 Borrego vehicles. Originally, in April 201…
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: Kia will send an interim notification to owners in May 2013. When parts are available, owners will receive a second notification and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's…
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 Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul, model year 2008-2011 Optima, model year 2010 Forte, model year 2007-2009 Amanti, and model year 2009 Borrego vehicles. Originally, in April 201…
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: Kia will send an interim notification to owners in May 2013. When parts are available, owners will receive a second notification and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's…
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 Rondo or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The KIA Rondo has far fewer complaints per year (about 30) compared to the Ford F-150 (over 1,100), but the Rondo's issues often involve critical safety systems like steering and airbags. The F-150's higher volume means more frequent problems, but many are powertrain and electrical issues that may be addressed by recalls. In practice, the Rondo may be simpler to own but carries serious safety risks, while the F-150 demands more maintenance attention.
Key differences
- The KIA Rondo has about 30 complaints per year, while the Ford F-150 has over 1,100, but the Rondo's complaints often involve steering lock-up and airbag non-deployment.
- The Ford F-150's most common complaint area is the powertrain, with reports of transmission limp mode and lead frame failures, whereas the Rondo's top areas are steering and airbags.
- The Rondo has 11 recalls over ten years, compared to 151 for the F-150, indicating the F-150 has had far more recall campaigns.
- Both vehicles have 1 reported death in the data, but the F-150 has 297 injuries versus 24 for the Rondo, reflecting the higher number of complaints overall.
- Test the steering in wet conditions or after driving through puddles to see if it locks up or becomes difficult.
- Ask for proof that airbag recalls have been performed, and check for any warning lights related to the airbag system.
- During a test drive, watch for transmission shudder, delayed engagement, or sudden limp mode, especially in 2017 models with the 6-speed automatic.
- Inspect the rear window and defroster for signs of overheating or previous replacement, and test the defroster briefly.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA's recall website to see if all safety recalls have been completed for the specific vehicle.
- Take the vehicle to a trusted mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the Rondo's steering and airbags or the F-150's transmission and electrical system.
- For the Rondo, test drive in rain or wet conditions if possible to check for steering lock-up.
- For the F-150, scan for stored trouble codes related to the transmission and output speed sensor.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and check if the vehicle has any unresolved complaints or recalls.
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 Rondo or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- KIA Rondo vs FORD F 150
- KIA Rondo total complaints
- 297
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- KIA Rondo total recalls
- 11
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- KIA Rondo avg complaints/year
- 29.7
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- KIA Rondo
- KIA Rondo top complaint area
- STEERING
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN