USA
Ford is America's truck king, building the best-selling vehicle in America (F-150) for over 40 consecutive years. While Ford trucks and SUVs are generally very reliable, some of their sedans and transmissions have had well-documented issues. Ford offers some of the best value in the truck and SUV segments.
3/5
Reliability Rating
$775/year
Avg. Annual Repair Cost
4
Models Covered
Ford vehicles have average reliability. Some models are excellent while others have known issues — model selection is important.
Ford's DPS6 dual-clutch automatic transmission in Focus and Fiesta is one of the worst transmissions ever mass-produced. Shuddering, slipping, and outright failure are extremely common. Multiple class-action lawsuits resulted.
Years affected: 2011-2019
Ford's 4.6L and 5.4L Triton V8 engines are notorious for spark plugs blowing out of the cylinder head or breaking off during removal due to a poor head design.
Years affected: 1997-2008
The 10R80 10-speed automatic in F-150 and other models can exhibit harsh shifts and shudder. Software updates and fluid changes help in most cases.
Years affected: 2017-2021
1948-present
The Ford F-150 has been America's best-selling vehicle for over 40 years.
2001-present
The Ford Escape is a compact crossover that's been a steady seller for Ford.
1991-present
The Ford Explorer helped create the SUV boom of the 1990s and remains one of America's most popular three-row SUVs.
1964-present
The Ford Mustang is America's sports car icon.
Ford's 5.4L 3-valve V8 (2004-2010) is notorious for spark plugs breaking during removal. Use anti-seize and the correct removal procedure.
Ford EcoBoost engines generally have reliable coils, but moisture intrusion in the coil wells can cause misfires. Check for water in spark plug wells.
Ford's 3.5L EcoBoost uses a water pump driven by the timing chain. If it leaks internally, coolant mixes with engine oil — a potentially catastrophic failure.
Trucks and heavy SUVs eat brake pads faster due to vehicle weight, especially if you tow. Expect 30,000-40,000 miles on front pads.
Heavy trucks and SUVs put more stress on rotors, especially when towing. Consider upgraded rotors if you tow regularly.
Ford F-150 starters (2011-2017) with auto start/stop cycle much more frequently and may wear out sooner — around 80,000-100,000 miles.
Ford trucks with the 5.4L V8 are known for MAF sensor issues. Cleaning with MAF cleaner often resolves the problem.
American truck V8 engines have long, easily accessible serpentine belts. Replacement is straightforward and a good DIY project.
American trucks often have multiple catalytic converters. Aftermarket (CARB-compliant) converters are available for $200-$500 each — much cheaper than OEM.
Ford F-150 (2018+) fuel pumps are integrated into the fuel tank. Replacement requires dropping the tank.
Trucks use LT (Light Truck) tires that cost more but last longer. All-terrain tires sacrifice some road noise for off-road capability.
Ford trucks are excellent buys. The F-150 with the 5.0L V8 is the reliability champion. The 3.5L EcoBoost is powerful but requires more maintenance. Never buy a 2011-2019 Focus or Fiesta with the automatic transmission — it will fail. The Explorer and Escape with the 2.0L EcoBoost are solid choices from 2020+. Ford's SUVs (Bronco, Bronco Sport) are exciting but too new to have long-term reliability data.