Head-to-head reliability
KIA Seltos vs FORD F 150
How the KIA Seltos 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 Seltos vs FORD F 150: The Seltos has 553 complaints over 6 years (about 92 per year) and 7 recalls, while the F-150 has 11,621 complaints over 10 years (about 1,162 per year) and 151 recalls. The F-150 also has 330 crash-related complaints versus 29 for the Seltos. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the KIA Seltos or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
KIA Seltos
The KIA Seltos is a compact SUV that has drawn 553 complaints over six years, averaging about 92 per year. The most common trouble spots are the engine, electrical system, and power train, with owners describing repeated loss of power, severe shaking, and transmission jerking. While there are only 7 recalls, the high rate of engine-related complaints suggests that living with a Seltos may involve frequent trips to the shop for drivability issues.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup that has generated 11,621 complaints over ten years, averaging about 1,162 per year. Power train and electrical problems dominate, with many owners reporting transmission limp mode, lead frame failures, and sudden electrical glitches. With 151 recalls and 330 crash-related complaints, the F-150’s ownership experience can be marked by persistent safety and reliability concerns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | KIA Seltos | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 553 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 7 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 29 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 92.2 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 17 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 Seltos
- 01ENGINE293
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER92
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM90
- 04POWER TRAIN88
- 05ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING57
Owners report repeated loss of power, severe shaking during acceleration, and check engine lights, often leading to engine seizure. These symptoms can leave a driver stranded or unable to accelerate safely.
Complaints include a completely dark instrument cluster and issues after over-the-air software updates, which can leave the driver without speed or fuel information. Such failures affect basic driving visibility and vehicle control.
Drivers describe jerking between gear shifts, abnormal humming or grinding noises, and sudden loss of motive power. These problems can make the vehicle unpredictable in traffic and may require costly transmission repairs.
Reports include catastrophic wheel failure where the rim cracked and the tire separated, as well as unusual smells. These are serious safety events that can occur without warning.
“Since November 2025, this vehicle has experienced repeated loss of power, severe shaking during acceleration, jerking between gear shifts, abnormal humming/grinding noises, and multiple check engine light events. The condition is most noticeable between appro…”
“The vehicle has experienced two separate episodes of severe engine/propulsion malfunction approximately two months apart. During the first incident, the vehicle began shaking and idling roughly and had very little acceleration. Pressing the accelerator caused…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners frequently report transmission limp mode, stuck gears, and lead frame failures that cause sudden loss of power. These issues can happen at highway speeds and have been linked to near collisions.
Complaints include output speed sensor failures that trigger limp mode and lead frame problems that affect shifting. Electrical glitches can disable safety features and leave the truck in a reduced-power state.
One owner reported the rear window exploding outward shortly after using the defroster, suggesting a possible short circuit. Such unexpected breakage poses a risk of injury from shattered glass.
Although not detailed in the sample complaints, exterior lighting is a top complaint category, indicating owners often face lighting failures that can reduce visibility and safety.
“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 Seltos — 7 recalls
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Soul, Sportage, and 2023-2024 Seltos vehicles. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump to overheat.
The risk: An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the electric oil pump controller, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be…
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Soul and 2024 Seltos vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the side curtain air bags may deploy unexpectedly.
The risk: An air bag that deploys unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury or crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace both side curtain air bag modules as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 31, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this reca…
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Soul, Sportage, and 2023-2024 Seltos vehicles. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump to overheat.
The risk: An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the electric oil pump controller, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be…
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Seltos and Soul vehicles. The piston oil rings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in engine damage.
The risk: Engine damage can cause a vehicle stall or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Dealers will also install piston-ring noise sensing system (PNSS) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 4, 2025. Owners may contact…
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 Seltos or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The KIA Seltos has far fewer complaints per year (about 92) compared to the Ford F-150 (about 1,162), meaning Seltos owners report problems much less often. In practice, the F-150’s higher complaint rate and larger number of recalls suggest a greater likelihood of recurring repairs and safety-related issues.
Key differences
- The KIA Seltos averages about 92 complaints per year, while the Ford F-150 averages about 1,162 per year, a more than tenfold difference.
- Ford F-150 owners frequently report transmission limp mode and lead frame failures, whereas Seltos owners more often describe engine shaking and loss of power.
- The F-150 has 151 recalls and 330 crash-related complaints, compared to the Seltos’s 7 recalls and 29 crash-related complaints.
- Seltos complaints include catastrophic wheel failure and dark instrument clusters, while F-150 complaints include rear window shattering and output speed sensor failures.
- During a test drive, listen for abnormal humming or grinding noises and feel for jerking between gear shifts, which could indicate power train issues.
- Check that the instrument cluster lights up fully and that no warning lights remain on, as electrical failures have left some owners without speed or fuel readings.
- Test the transmission for limp mode or stuck gears by accelerating firmly from a stop and at highway speeds; any hesitation or refusal to shift is a warning sign.
- Inspect the rear window and defroster for cracks or signs of stress, and ask if the window has ever shattered, as one owner reported it exploding after defroster use.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed, especially for the F-150’s transmission and electrical recalls.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the engine, transmission, and electrical systems for both vehicles.
- During the test drive, specifically test acceleration, gear shifting, and all dashboard lights to uncover any drivability or electrical faults.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and whether any engine, transmission, or electrical repairs have already been done.
- For the F-150, check for any signs of lead frame or output speed sensor issues by scanning for stored trouble codes.
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 Seltos | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 35 |
| 2025 | 13 | 345 |
| 2024 | 45 | 638 |
| 2023 | 46 | 1527 |
| 2022 | 73 | 3493 |
| 2021 | 372 | 5349 |
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 Seltos or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- KIA Seltos vs FORD F 150
- KIA Seltos total complaints
- 553
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- KIA Seltos total recalls
- 7
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- KIA Seltos avg complaints/year
- 92.2
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- KIA Seltos
- KIA Seltos top complaint area
- ENGINE
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN