Head-to-head reliability
KIA Sorento vs FORD F 150
How the KIA Sorento 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 Sorento vs FORD F 150: The Sorento averages 207 complaints per year with 30 recalls, while the F-150 averages 1,162 complaints and 151 recalls. Both have engine and power train issues, but the F-150's are more frequent. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the KIA Sorento or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
KIA Sorento
The Kia Sorento is a mid-size SUV that owners often choose for family hauling and value. Over 10 years, it has averaged about 207 complaints per year, with engine issues dominating the list. Many complaints describe stalling, power steering failure, and transmission warnings, which can leave drivers feeling unsafe. While less frequent than some rivals, these problems can be serious and costly.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup known for its work capability and popularity. It averages about 1,162 complaints per year, with power train and electrical problems being the most common. Owners frequently report transmission limp mode, lead frame failures, and electrical glitches. The high volume of complaints suggests that many owners experience recurring issues.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | KIA Sorento | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2,074 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 30 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 65 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 207.4 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 83 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 Sorento
- 01ENGINE829
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER379
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM314
- 04POWER TRAIN239
- 05EXTERIOR LIGHTING201
Owners report sudden stalling while driving, including while going uphill, and electronic power steering failure that makes the wheel extremely stiff. These issues can happen without warning and may require immediate attention.
Complaints include transmission warning lights and messages about the Transmission Control System, as well as stalling when braking at intersections. These electrical glitches can cause the vehicle to shut off unexpectedly.
Drivers describe transmission warning lights and stalling incidents, often requiring manual restarts. Such problems can lead to dangerous situations if they occur in traffic.
While not detailed in the sample complaints, this is a top component with 201 complaints. Lighting failures can reduce visibility and increase accident risk, so buyers should check all lights.
“While driving my 2021 Kia Sorento, the electronic power steering suddenly failed/intermittently cut out while the vehicle was in motion. The steering wheel became extremely stiff and difficult to turn, making the vehicle very hard to control and creating a se…”
“I own a 2021 Kia Sorento 2.5L Turbo AWD with approximately 150,000 miles. In the evening, while driving home after dinner with my daughter in the vehicle, I was traveling in the area of [XXX] and [XXX] when the vehicle displayed a “STOP SAFELY IMMEDIATELY” wa…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners report recurring transmission problems, including limp mode, getting stuck in 5th gear, and lead frame failures that can cause near collisions. These issues often persist even after repairs.
Complaints include lead frame issues, output speed sensor failures triggering limp mode, and rear window defroster shorts that can cause the back window to shatter. Electrical faults can be unpredictable and expensive.
This category includes the rear window shattering incident, which owners say happened without impact. Such unexpected failures can be frightening and costly.
With 1,224 complaints, lighting problems are common. While specific details are not in the sample, frequent lighting issues can affect safety and require ongoing repairs.
“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 Sorento — 30 recalls
The defect: Kia Motor America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021 Sorento and 2021-2022 K5 vehicles equipped with 2.5L turbocharged engines. Fuel may leak at the pipe connection between the high-pressure fuel pump and fuel rail.
The risk: A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten, or replace the fuel pipe as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC214.
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris a…
The risk: A 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 inspect the vehicle, and, as necessary, replace the fuse and/or tow hitch harness module, free of charge. Owner notification lett…
The defect: Kia Motors, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Sorento and 2021-2023 K5 vehicles. The vehicle's "fail-safe" limited-mobility drive mode may be impaired, when prompted by a transmission oil pump malfunction, which can result in a complete loss of drive power.
The risk: Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission, as necessary. Dealers will also update the transmission control unit software. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 9, 2022. Owners…
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Sorento vehicles. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) blower motor wiring harness may be inadequate, which can result in a fire.
The risk: A fire increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the wiring harness and blower motor resistor, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2026. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC351. Veh…
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 Sorento or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Kia Sorento has far fewer complaints per year (about 207) compared to the Ford F-150 (about 1,162). In practice, this means Sorento owners report fewer problems overall, but the issues they do report—like stalling and power steering failure—can be severe. The F-150's higher complaint rate suggests more frequent visits to the shop, though many are for similar recurring problems.
Key differences
- The Ford F-150 has about 5.6 times more complaints per year than the Kia Sorento (1,162 vs. 207).
- Power train issues are the top complaint for the F-150 (3,648 complaints), while engine issues lead for the Sorento (829 complaints).
- F-150 owners report recurring transmission limp mode and lead frame failures; Sorento owners report stalling and power steering failure.
- The F-150 has 151 recalls vs. 30 for the Sorento, indicating more widespread safety-related fixes.
- During a test drive, check for any hesitation, stalling, or warning lights related to the transmission or engine.
- Test the power steering at low speeds and while turning; it should not become stiff or cut out.
- Test the transmission for smooth shifting and ensure it does not go into limp mode or get stuck in gear.
- Check the rear window defroster operation and inspect the window for any cracks or signs of stress.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report to see if recalls and repairs were performed.
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission and engine for signs of the reported issues.
- Test drive at various speeds and conditions, including braking and turning, to check for stalling or steering problems.
- Verify that all electrical components, including lights and infotainment warnings, function correctly.
- For the F-150, specifically ask about the lead frame and output speed sensor repairs.
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 Sorento | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | 35 |
| 2025 | 75 | 345 |
| 2024 | 41 | 638 |
| 2023 | 121 | 1527 |
| 2022 | 189 | 3493 |
| 2021 | 20 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 136 | 44 |
| 2019 | 428 | 52 |
| 2018 | 254 | 79 |
| 2017 | 804 | 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 Sorento or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- KIA Sorento vs FORD F 150
- KIA Sorento total complaints
- 2,074
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- KIA Sorento total recalls
- 30
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- KIA Sorento avg complaints/year
- 207.4
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- KIA Sorento
- KIA Sorento top complaint area
- ENGINE
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN