Head-to-head reliability
KIA Stinger vs FORD F 150
How the KIA Stinger 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 Stinger vs FORD F 150: The Stinger averaged 28 complaints per year over 6 years, while the F-150 averaged 1,162 over 10 years. The F-150 has 151 recalls versus 20 for the Stinger. Both have serious reported issues like stalling or transmission failure. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the KIA Stinger or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
KIA Stinger
The Kia Stinger is a sporty sedan that averaged about 28 complaints per year over six years, with 20 recalls. Owners report serious issues like engines stalling or losing power, often tied to fuel pump and electrical problems. While the complaint count is lower than the Ford F-150, the nature of the failures—such as a car that won't move from a stop—can be alarming.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup that averaged over 1,100 complaints per year over ten years, with 151 recalls. The most common trouble spots are the powertrain and electrical system, with many owners describing transmission problems that cause limp mode or harsh shifting. The sheer volume of complaints suggests that while many trucks serve well, a significant number develop recurring, sometimes dangerous, faults.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | KIA Stinger | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 169 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 20 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 6 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 28.2 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 2 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 Stinger
- 01ENGINE48
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM35
- 03SERVICE BRAKES30
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM25
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER22
Owners report the engine shutting off or failing to accelerate from a stop, with dashboard lights flashing. Some also say a recall fix for the high-pressure fuel pump didn't solve the problem, leaving them stranded.
Complaints include driver's door switch lighting and ambient lighting issues, which can be a nuisance. More seriously, some electrical faults are linked to the same stalling incidents reported under engine problems.
Reports describe braking and steering problems that make the car feel unsafe, sometimes after a road test by a mechanic. These issues can affect control and increase crash risk.
A recurring theme is sudden power loss while driving, sometimes within the first few hundred miles. Owners report the car won't restart, leaving them in dangerous situations.
“I was sitting at a red light with my foot on the brake. When I took my foot off the brake when the light turned green, my car would not drive forward!! I checked to make sure my car was not in Park. All of the lights on the dash were on and the engine was no…”
“I am reporting a Failure of the Remedy for NHTSA Recall 23V634000 (Kia Recall SC281). The original recall attempted to "fix" a High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) issue via a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU). This remedy has failed. My vehicle is c…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Many owners report transmission problems like limp mode, getting stuck in 5th gear, or harsh shifting. A 'lead frame' issue is frequently mentioned, with some saying it nearly caused a collision.
Electrical gremlins include the lead frame problem and rear window defroster shorts that can cause the back window to shatter. These faults can be unpredictable and costly.
Some complaints don't fit a specific category, such as the rear window exploding outward after using the defroster. This suggests potential defects that are hard to diagnose.
While not detailed in the sample, exterior lighting is a top complaint area, indicating owners frequently report lighting failures that could affect 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 Stinger — 20 recalls
The defect: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Stinger vehicles. A software error in the instrument cluster may cause an inaccurate fuel gauge reading.
The risk: An inaccurate fuel gauge may result in the vehicle unexpectedly running out of fuel and stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 10, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC219.
The defect: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Stinger vehicles. The fuel pump's jet nozzle may have a plastic burr remaining from the manufacturing process, possibly causing a blocked nozzle and an insufficient fuel supply to the engine.
The risk: Insufficient fuel supply to the engine can result in a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel pump and replace the jet nozzle housing assembly, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 29, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's n…
The defect: Kia Motors America (Kia) recalled certain 2019 Stinger vehicles equipped with 3.3L T-GDI engines on August 27, 2020. On December 30, 2020, Kia expanded the recall population and added certain 2018-2021 Stinger vehicles. While driving, an engine compartment fire may occur in the area where the Anti-…
The risk: An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury or crash.
The fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will install a new fuse kit in the electrical junction box, free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. The recall beg…
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Stinger vehicles. The fuel control valve plunger may stick inside the high pressure fuel pump, causing over-pressurization and loss of drive power.
The risk: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the engine control unit software, inspect, and replace the fuel pump as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 18, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia…
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 Stinger or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Kia Stinger has far fewer complaints per year (about 28) compared to the Ford F-150 (over 1,100), but both have serious reported issues. In practice, the Stinger may have fewer overall problems, but the F-150's higher volume means many trucks are affected, and its transmission faults can be particularly dangerous.
Key differences
- The Kia Stinger averages about 28 complaints per year, while the Ford F-150 averages over 1,100, but the F-150 has a much larger owner base.
- Stinger owners report sudden engine stalls and fuel pump failures; F-150 owners report transmission limp mode and lead frame issues.
- The F-150 has 151 recalls versus 20 for the Stinger, indicating more widespread safety-related fixes over time.
- Both vehicles have crash-related complaints, but the F-150 has 330 versus 6 for the Stinger, though this is partly due to sales volume.
- Check for any history of engine stalling or failure to accelerate from a stop, especially after a recall repair for the fuel pump.
- Test all electrical components, including door switch lighting and ambient lights, and look for signs of brake or steering issues during a test drive.
- Look for transmission problems like harsh shifting, limp mode, or getting stuck in gear, and ask if the lead frame has been replaced.
- Inspect the rear window for cracks or signs of shattering, and test the defroster to ensure it doesn't short out.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models, especially the Stinger's fuel pump recall and the F-150's transmission recalls.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the engine, transmission, and electrical systems.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any hesitation, stalling, or unusual shifting, and test all lights and accessories.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, particularly for transmission fluid changes on the F-150 and fuel system repairs on the Stinger.
- Verify that any recall repairs have been completed and ask for documentation.
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 Stinger | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 5 | 1527 |
| 2022 | 18 | 3493 |
| 2021 | 17 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 16 | 44 |
| 2019 | 44 | 52 |
| 2018 | 69 | 79 |
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 Stinger or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- KIA Stinger vs FORD F 150
- KIA Stinger total complaints
- 169
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- KIA Stinger total recalls
- 20
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- KIA Stinger avg complaints/year
- 28.2
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- KIA Stinger
- KIA Stinger top complaint area
- ENGINE
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN