Head-to-head reliability
KIA Sedona vs FORD F 150
How the KIA Sedona 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 Sedona vs FORD F 150: The Sedona averages 83 complaints per year with 24 recalls, while the F-150 averages 1,162 complaints per year with 151 recalls. The F-150 has more transmission and electrical issues, while the Sedona has engine and sliding door problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the KIA Sedona or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
KIA Sedona
The Kia Sedona is a minivan that owners often buy for family hauling, but the complaint pattern shows a vehicle that can become demanding with age. Engine issues are the most common, with reports of oil consumption and sudden power loss. Electrical and sliding door problems also appear frequently, sometimes causing doors to open while driving. With 830 complaints over 10 years, it averages about 83 per year, which is lower than the Ford F-150 but still significant for a minivan.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a huge owner base, and its complaint volume is correspondingly high: 11,621 over 10 years, or about 1,162 per year. Power train complaints dominate, especially transmission problems that can cause limp mode or harsh shifting. Electrical issues, including a recurring 'lead frame' fault, are also common and can lead to sudden loss of power. Recalls are frequent (151), and the truck has been involved in many crash-related reports.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | KIA Sedona | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 830 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 24 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 26 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 83.0 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 34 Better | 297 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 2 | 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.
KIA Sedona
- 01ENGINE322
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM171
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER108
- 04STRUCTURE101
- 05EXTERIOR LIGHTING76
Owners report oil consumption issues, often noticed after 100,000 miles, and some experience sudden slowing or power loss while driving. These can lead to expensive repairs and unsafe highway situations.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly braking on the interstate with warning lights, and sliding doors that do not stay closed or open while driving. These electrical glitches can be unpredictable and dangerous.
The sliding doors may not latch completely, causing them to open while driving and triggering alarms. This is a serious safety concern, especially with children in the van.
While less detailed in the sample, lighting issues appear in the top components, suggesting owners may face failing lights or related electrical problems that affect visibility.
“March 2024 just before hitting 100,000 miles I started having oil consumption issues. Current milage is 137,300 About 10,000 miles ago my check engine light came on. I took it to an auto parts store and it was reading bank 1 O2 sensor. I took it for an oil ch…”
“Problem: The Vehicle Slows down all of a sudden on the middle of the road from around 70 miles to 10 miles, then slowly drives at 15 or 20 miles speed. Safety Concern: On the Interstate Hwy, this has happened many time. Fortunately without any accidents. Very…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Many owners report transmission problems, including limp mode, getting stuck in 5th gear, and a 'lead frame' issue that can cause sudden downshifts or loss of power. These can happen without warning and are costly to fix.
The lead frame issue also appears under electrical, causing intermittent power loss. Another reported problem is the rear window defroster shorting and causing the back window to shatter.
Engine complaints are less frequent than power train but still present, with some owners reporting issues that may require major repairs. Recalls related to the engine exist, so buyers should check for open recalls.
Lighting problems are among the top complaints, which could mean failing bulbs or more complex electrical faults that affect safety and require attention.
“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 Sedona — 24 recalls
The defect: Kia Motors America (KIA) is recalling certain 2020 Sedona vehicles. The battery positive (B+) terminal nut on the alternator may not have been tightened properly during assembly, possibly causing it to loosen over time.
The risk: If the alternator B+ terminal nut loosens, electrical arcing may result, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the alternator B+ terminal nut, tightening it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began August 14, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this…
The defect: Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 Kia Sedona vehicles manufactured from June 15, 2005, through April 04, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the secondary hood latch may bind and remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed.
The risk: If the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
The fix: Kia will notify owners and dealers will replace the secondary hood latch or clean and lubricate the latch, depending on the vehicle's location and the condition of the latch. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began…
The defect: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Kia Sedona vehicles equipped with a power sliding door (PSD). The PSD may not auto-reverse when its closing is obstructed.
The risk: If the door closes on an occupant, there is an increased risk of an injury.
The fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the PSD module software, free of charge. The recall began on June 18, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC164.
The defect: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Sedona, Soul, Soul EV, 2017-2018 Forte, and 2017 Forte Koup vehicles. The Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) cover may contact a memory chip on the printed circuit board and damage the electrical circuit. Circuit damage may result in deactivated air b…
The risk: Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the ACU, and either update the software or replace the unit, as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 21, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-8…
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 Sedona or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Kia Sedona has far fewer complaints per year (about 83) compared to the Ford F-150 (about 1,162), but both have serious reported issues. In practice, the F-150's higher volume means more frequent problems, especially with the transmission, while the Sedona's issues tend to cluster around engine and sliding doors. Buyers should weigh the frequency against the severity of each model's typical failures.
Key differences
- The Ford F-150 has about 14 times more complaints per year than the Kia Sedona, but it also sells in much higher numbers, so the rate per vehicle may be closer.
- Transmission problems dominate F-150 complaints, with reports of limp mode and lead frame failures, while the Sedona's top issue is engine oil consumption and power loss.
- The Sedona has repeated complaints about sliding doors opening while driving, a unique safety concern not seen in the F-150 sample.
- The F-150 has far more recalls (151 vs 24) and crash-related reports (330 vs 26), indicating a broader range of safety issues.
- Check for excessive oil consumption and any check engine lights related to O2 sensors or engine misfires, as owners report these starting around 100,000 miles.
- Test the sliding doors thoroughly: open and close them multiple times, and check if they latch securely and stay closed while driving, as failures can cause them to open unexpectedly.
- Test drive the truck at highway speeds and watch for sudden downshifts, limp mode, or getting stuck in 5th gear, which are common transmission complaints.
- Inspect the rear window defroster for any signs of shorting or damage, and ask if the back window has ever shattered, as this has been reported.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls using the VIN on the NHTSA website.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the engine and transmission for the F-150, and engine and sliding doors for the Sedona.
- During the test drive, pay attention to any warning lights, unusual noises, or transmission behavior, and test all electrical features including doors and windows.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for oil changes and transmission services, to gauge how well the vehicle was cared for.
- For the Sedona, specifically test the sliding doors multiple times and check for oil consumption by asking about oil top-off frequency; for the F-150, scan for transmission codes and check the lead frame service history.
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 Sedona | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 9 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 20 | 44 |
| 2019 | 38 | 52 |
| 2018 | 48 | 79 |
| 2017 | 134 | 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 Sedona or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- KIA Sedona vs FORD F 150
- KIA Sedona total complaints
- 830
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- KIA Sedona total recalls
- 24
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- KIA Sedona avg complaints/year
- 83.0
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- KIA Sedona
- KIA Sedona top complaint area
- ENGINE
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN