Ford is one of the oldest car manufacturers in the world, and has made a significant contribution to the automobile industry. However, having a wealth of knowledge doesn’t mean Ford vehicles are without flaw.
To help you choose, we've compiled a list of the most dependable Ford vehicles and explored their issues.
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How we made the list
Every year automotive information and consumer rights organizations study how vehicles behave in the long-term and analyze feedback from owners. All this data helps other vehicle buyers to make the right decision.
In order to create an objective list of the most reliable Ford cars, we considered the findings of prestigious and respected entities like Consumer Reports, J.D. Power, and others.
10. Ford F-Series
The most lovable and the most popular Ford model is a unique proposition. It’s practical, roomy and with the right engine, it can be economical. And best of all, it can tow another truck or trailer with a passenger car in it.
Although the Ford F-Series pickup truck has excellent capabilities in various settings, its reliability is average. The F-Series has received a 3.5 out of 5.0 reliability rating from RepairPal. A similar conclusion was reached by J.D. Power as well (predicted reliability score of 77 out of 100). The 2022 model, however, has an impressive overall score of 83 out of 100, with a reliability rating of 86 out of 100.
Existing and future owners of the F-Series should be aware of paint bubbles and peeling paint. This problem is so common that there’s even a class action lawsuit against the F-150's rust and corrosion.
According to the lawsuit, F-150 trucks corrode prematurely because of paint and aluminum body flaws. Ford is also blamed for knowing about the problem but not doing enough to assist customers.
9. Ford Edge
Mid-size SUVs are very well-liked in North America, where cabin space and a comfortable chassis are priorities. While the Ford Edge was priced competitively in North America, the story is different in Europe, where the Edge was positioned as an upmarket crossover with a 50% price bump. The quality has failed to demonstrate a corresponding 50% improvement.
Much like the considerably larger F-150 series truck, the Edge delivers a decent reliability rating. J.D. Power has consistently rated the Ford Edge as one of the top 5 most dependable midsize SUVs. Furthermore, according to RepairPal, The Ford Edge also ranks 7th out of 26 other vehicles in its class.
That said, electrical issues are quite common in the Ford Edge. For example, the Edge has an annoying door ajar light issue. When a door is open, the door ajar sensor detects and alerts your vehicle's ECU. It then activates the dash icon, indicating that the door is open. If the light remains on, you may have a complex problem to resolve.
8. Ford Explorer
Big, equipped with extensive features, and capable of carrying seven people in absolute comfort – the Explorer is a formidable vehicle. Because of Ford's company policy and desire to impress even luxury vehicle owners, the Explorer can be fitted with a Plug-In Hybrid powertrain, offering an impressive 450 hp and 620 Nm of torque.
According to various reliability reports, the most recent Ford Explorer generation performs decently well. For example, J.D. Power gave 2021 and 2022 models reliability ratings of 81/100 and 82/100, respectively, which is considered great
However, early Explorers have had problems with the transmission. It may lurch and jolt, which can be unsettling. If your vehicle won't shift into gear, slips out of gear while driving, or jumps gears unexpectedly, you may want to visit your mechanic.
Warping and bubbling paint (which can lead to rust and corrosion) is another common Explorer problem.
7. Ford Ranger
Americans have a soft spot for pickup trucks, and there are few compact trucks like the Ranger. This model offers decent maintenance costs and fuel efficiency without sacrificing its towing capability.
However, the Ford Ranger truck's reliability varies depending on its model year. For instance, the 2019 models have suffered numerous recalls. Furthermore, Consumer Reports only gave the 2019 model a 1 out of 5 reliability rating.
Later models, however, have significantly improved. The 2020 model year models have received a Consumer Reports reliability rating of 4 out of 5. Furthermore, 2021 model year Rangers received a predicted reliability score of 85 out of 100.
The most expensive and commonplace problem with the Ranger is transmission failure because of worn bands and clutches. To reduce wear and tear of the transmission, owners recommend changing transmission oil every 30,000 miles.
6. Ford Focus
For years, the Focus was a symbol of Ford’s passenger car lineup. While the Focus is still sold in various parts of the world, it’s not as popular as it used to be. But it is still very reliable!
The 2023 What Car? reliability study gave the Focus a reliability rating of 94.6%, beating the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, the Honda Civic, and the technology-infused Volkswagen Golf.
As for common problems, some Focus cars have small displacement three or four-cylinder engines that also come with a particulate filter to cut down the emissions. The latter usually becomes an issue, as models with 1.0-liter and 1.5-liter petrol engines start getting a warning message.
Owners of the Focus have also reported problems with the auto-hold system. This issue is caused by the battery management system, which turns off the auto-hold function when battery charges fall below a certain level. The good news is that these issues can be resolved simply by turning off the start/stop system.
5. Ford Escape
Four generations of the Ford Escape (also known as the Kuga in Europe) have helped the company increase its market share in its competitive segment. The 4th generation Escape has a Plug-in Hybrid option, which can go 37 miles (60 km) on electricity alone.
While the 4th-generation model arrived in showrooms only in 2019, it would generally be premature to discuss the technical issues of the new model. However, RepairPal gave Ford Escape a high reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0. J.D. Power was also impressed by it, giving a predicted reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5.
Minor problems seemed to prevent Ford Escape from getting excellent ratings. Some owners are irritated by the 12-volt battery, which may drain overnight. However, battery issues are uncommon, so it's safe to say that the 4th-generation model is still quite dependable.
4. Ford Maverick
The Ford Maverick has been a standout in Ford's lineup of compact trucks for years, offering a versatile and efficient option for drivers. After its reintroduction in 2021, the Maverick has gained a strong following due to its blend of practicality and modern features.
All latest models have received over 80 out of 100 points from J.D. Power for Quality & Reliability. 2023 model, in particular, has been rated at 85 points, which is one of the best results among other Ford vehicles.
However, like any vehicle, the Maverick has its quirks. Owners report problems with in-car electronics, such as infotainment system, backup and other camera/sensors, and head-up display. The Ford Maverick hybrid has also been recalled five times.
Despite these hiccups, the Maverick remains a reliable and capable choice for those seeking a compact truck with modern amenities.
3. Ford Super Duty
The Ford Super Duty for its unmatched durability and powerful performance. Whether on the job site or the open road, the Super Duty is often the go-to choice for those who want the best in towing and payload capacity.
This beast by Ford was recognized as the most dependable heavy-duty pickup in J.D. Power’s 2024 U.S. Vehicle Dependability study, which is based on drivers’ feedback after the first three years of ownership. The latest models have consistently scored over 80 out of 100 points for Quality & Reliability, with the 2021 Super Duty standing out with an impressive 84 points – one of the highest ratings in its class.
The Super Duty is available in multiple trim levels, from the work-focused XL to the luxurious Limited, each offering different levels of equipment and comfort to suit different buyers.
2. Ford Mustang
The Ford Mustang is a global model made for a specific type of buyer – young, rebellious, and ignoring current automotive industry trends. Like its owners, the Ford Mustang is also very different compared to usual sports cars, which is why the Mustang is so great.
The 6th-generation Ford Mustang has proved more dependable than several competitors in this class. For instance, 2019-2020 models were given 87/100 Quality & Reliability rating by J.D. Power, which is not so common. However, the 10-speed automatic transmission may cause issues. Because of faulty valve bodies, the Mustang’s transmission may become unresponsive or even nonfunctional.
Owners also report issues with air conditioner compressors, faulty seat memory systems, and loose rear-view camera connectors.
1. Ford Fusion
A genuinely global model sold in the most important markets worldwide, including Europe, the US, and China. Ford has ensured that the Fusion (also known as the Mondeo) offers excellent fuel economy, good value, and high safety ratings.
In terms of reliability, the Ford Fusion is the most dependable model in the lineup. In the highly competitive midsize car class, the Fusion achieves the same reliability rating in the J.D. Power vehicle dependability study as the Toyota Camry and the Mazda 6. Also, it’s one of the most reliable American car models, making it a very attractive alternative to some very well known cars.
The most common problems with the Fusion are transmission half shaft leaks and a power steering failure. These issues are well known and documented, so resolving them won’t be a problem. However, it can be costly.
Is Ford more reliable than Toyota?
Toyota makes cars that don’t break very often. Even today, with more complex electrical systems and an impressive list of safety equipment, Toyota has maintained its position as a reliable vehicle manufacturer.
Ford is generally nowhere near as reliable. According to several vehicle durability studies, including those conducted by J.D. Power and Consumer Reports, Toyota stands firmly among the most reliable vehicle manufacturers. At the same time, Ford usually struggles to produce cheap and reliable car models that could overcome rivals from Europe and Japan. All that said, some Ford models are comparably reliable.
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Article by
Aivaras Grigelevičius
Aivaras has been excited about cars since he was a little kid. Later, this passion for drivable objects (and everything that surrounds them) grew into work as an automotive journalist. Since then, Aivaras has written for several different magazines, covering anything with an accelerator pedal. He has a soft spot for cars with an Alfa Romeo badge.