Head-to-head reliability
KIA Telluride vs FORD F 150
How the KIA Telluride 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 Telluride vs FORD F 150: The Telluride averages 285 complaints per year with 33 recalls, while the F-150 averages 1,162 complaints per year with 151 recalls. The F-150 has more than four times the annual complaint rate, often due to transmission and electrical issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the KIA Telluride or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
KIA Telluride
The Kia Telluride is a three-row family SUV that has averaged about 285 complaints per year over seven years, with 33 recalls. Owners frequently report sudden sunroof glass shattering, windshield wiper fluid leaks, and electrical glitches that can disable power steering and other safety systems. While the overall complaint rate is lower than some rivals, the nature of these issues—especially glass shattering and electronic failures—can be alarming for a family vehicle.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup that has averaged roughly 1,162 complaints per year over ten years, with 151 recalls. The most common trouble spots are the transmission and electrical system, with many owners describing limp mode, harsh shifting, and lead frame failures that can cause sudden loss of power. These problems often occur at highway speeds, raising serious safety concerns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | KIA Telluride | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,998 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 33 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 39 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 285.4 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 41 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 Telluride
- 01UNKNOWN OR OTHER470
- 02VISIBILITY/WIPER347
- 03ENGINE324
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM287
- 05EXTERIOR LIGHTING207
Owners report the panoramic sunroof glass shattering with a loud bang, sending glass flying inside the cabin. This is a serious safety concern because it can happen while driving, potentially distracting or injuring occupants.
Complaints include windshield wiper fluid leaking onto the rear window and windshields cracking or shattering from minor debris. These issues can impair visibility and lead to costly repairs.
Some owners describe simultaneous failures of electric power steering, ABS, and stability control, often accompanied by engine control malfunctions. These electronic failures can make the vehicle hard to control, especially at speed.
Reports of electrical system malfunctions causing multiple dashboard warnings and disabling safety features like electronic parking brake and stability control. Such failures can leave the driver with reduced vehicle control.
“Was driving with my husband and granddaughter in the car and had just left the house. Horrible, loud explosive sound like a gunshot and glass sound and glanced to make sure all glass ok and our granddaughter was safe. Could see the glass flying behind us and…”
“Component: Factory forward panoramic sunroof glass, 2025 Kia Telluride, VIN [XXX]. On XXX at 8:18 a.m. ET, [XXX], 59 mph, the glass shattered with a loud bang. No object was seen hitting the roof. Sunshade open. Vehicle/photos available. Original glass may no…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners frequently report transmission problems, including limp mode, getting stuck in 5th gear, and lead frame failures. These issues can cause sudden loss of power and are often recurring, leading to expensive repairs.
The lead frame issue also affects the electrical system, causing speed sensor failures and limp mode. Additionally, rear window defroster shorts have led to rear windows shattering, posing a safety risk.
Complaints include rear window defroster shorts causing the back window to explode outward. This is dangerous as it can happen unexpectedly and shatter glass into the cabin or bed.
While not detailed in the sample, exterior lighting complaints are among the top components. Buyers should check for issues with headlights, taillights, or other lighting that could affect visibility.
“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 Telluride — 33 recalls
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Telluride vehicles. The door belt molding trim can delaminate and detach from the vehicle.
The risk: A detached trim piece can become a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the belt molding trim assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 19, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall…
The defect: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 Telluride and 2026 Sorento vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with an incorrect spare tire which, when installed, can impair the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and the traction control system (TCS). As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the…
The risk: Anti-lock braking or traction control systems that do not function properly can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the spare wheel and tire assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 3, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC355. Vehicle Iden…
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 Telluride vehicles, equipped with power front seat(s). Due to a manufacturing error, the driver and passenger seat back frame assemblies may fail to properly restrain occupants in a crash.
The risk: A seat back frame that fails to properly restrain an occupant during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the front seat back frame assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning April 24, 2026. Owners may contact Kia Customer Service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number f…
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Telluride vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the wire harnesses for the second row seat side air bags may become damaged, causing them not to deploy in the event of a crash.
The risk: Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace, or secure the air bag wire harnesses, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 28, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for thi…
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 Telluride or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Kia Telluride has far fewer complaints per year (about 285) compared to the Ford F-150 (about 1,162), and fewer recalls (33 vs. 151). In practice, this means Telluride owners report fewer overall problems, but the issues they do report—like sunroof shattering and electrical failures—can be severe. The F-150's higher complaint volume reflects more frequent and varied problems, especially with the transmission.
Key differences
- The Ford F-150 has over four times as many complaints per year as the Kia Telluride, with transmission issues being the most common.
- Kia Telluride owners report sunroof glass shattering, while Ford F-150 owners report rear window shattering due to defroster shorts.
- The F-150 has 151 recalls versus 33 for the Telluride, indicating more widespread safety-related defects.
- Both vehicles have electrical system complaints, but the F-150's are often tied to transmission limp mode, while the Telluride's involve multiple safety system failures.
- Inspect the panoramic sunroof for any signs of cracks, chips, or previous repairs, as owners report sudden shattering.
- Test the windshield wipers and washer fluid system for leaks or weak spray, and check for any electrical glitches like warning lights or power steering issues.
- Check for transmission shuddering, delayed engagement, or limp mode during a test drive, and ask for service records related to the lead frame or output speed sensor.
- Inspect the rear window and defroster for any signs of damage or aftermarket fixes, as shorts can cause the glass to shatter.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic, focusing on the transmission (F-150) or sunroof and electrical systems (Telluride).
- Test drive at highway speeds to check for transmission issues or electrical warnings.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes (F-150) or sunroof repairs (Telluride).
- Verify that all safety recalls have been addressed, and confirm any software updates for the transmission (F-150).
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 Telluride | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 35 |
| 2025 | 116 | 345 |
| 2024 | 219 | 638 |
| 2023 | 207 | 1527 |
| 2022 | 324 | 3493 |
| 2021 | 365 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 767 | 44 |
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 Telluride or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- KIA Telluride vs FORD F 150
- KIA Telluride total complaints
- 1,998
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- KIA Telluride total recalls
- 33
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- KIA Telluride avg complaints/year
- 285.4
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- KIA Telluride
- KIA Telluride top complaint area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN