Last updated: 2026-07-26

Cadillac Lyriq vs Ford Mustang Mach-E: Reliability Compared

Choosing between the Cadillac Lyriq and the Ford Mustang Mach-E? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two midsize suvs.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Ford Mustang Mach-E currently leads with an average score of 72/100 compared to 68/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Cadillac Lyriq and Ford Mustang Mach-E Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the Ford Mustang Mach-E does not have a detailed generation history available, making it challenging to assess its reliability trajectory based on generational changes. In contrast, the Cadillac Lyriq is currently in its first generation, introduced in 2023. It underwent significant facelifts in 2024 and 2025, reflecting a commitment to refining the initial design. The Lyriq's early stage in its generational cycle means it may still exhibit first-year issues as the model matures. In general, newer platforms can experience teething problems, while more established designs, like those with multiple facelifts, tend to be more reliable as initial bugs are addressed.

Verdict

The Ford Mustang Mach-E is more reliable than the Cadillac Lyriq, scoring 72/100 vs 68/100.

The Ford Mustang Mach-E edges out the Cadillac Lyriq in reliability with a higher average score of 72/100 compared to the Lyriq's 68/100. The Mach-E also has fewer owner complaints per 10,000 units, at 10.7 versus the Lyriq's 22.9, indicating a better customer satisfaction rate relative to sales volume. Both vehicles have faced a significant number of recalls, but the Lyriq's 16 recalls in three years surpass the Mach-E's 13 over four years, suggesting more consistent reliability challenges. Common issues with both models include the electrical system and service brakes, but the Mach-E's broader range of problems may still be a consideration for potential buyers.

Key Differences

  1. 1Ford Mustang Mach-E has 12.2 fewer complaints per 10k sold
  2. 2Ford Mustang Mach-E scores 4 points higher in reliability
  3. 3Ford Mustang Mach-E has 3 fewer total recalls

Category Scoreboard

0Cadillac Lyriq
3Ford Mustang Mach-E
Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint RateSafety Rating

Cadillac Lyriq vs Ford Mustang Mach-E: Which Is More Reliable?

Cadillac Lyriq vs Ford Mustang Mach-E at-a-glance reliability comparison
MetricCadillac LyriqFord Mustang Mach-E
Reliability Score68/10072/100
Years Tracked34
Total Recalls1613
Complaints per 10k Sold22.910.7
Safety RatingNHTSA overall
2025 NHTSA
2026 NHTSA
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Year Wins21

What Are the Common Problems With the Cadillac Lyriq and Ford Mustang Mach-E?

The Ford Mustang Mach-E and Cadillac Lyriq exhibit distinct problem profiles, with both vehicles showing a significant number of complaints related to their electrical systems, but the Mach-E has a higher frequency in this area. The Mach-E also faces notable issues with its power train and vehicle speed control, each including crash-linked incidents, suggesting potential safety concerns. On the other hand, the Lyriq has a significant number of complaints related to service brakes, with a substantial portion being crash-linked, indicating a critical area for further investigation. Additionally, the Lyriq experiences more issues with exterior lighting compared to the Mach-E, which may affect nighttime driving safety.

Cadillac Lyriq vs Ford Mustang Mach-E common problem areas comparison
ComponentCadillac LyriqFord Mustang Mach-E
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM6.1Average3.6Average
EXTERIOR LIGHTING4.2AverageNone
SERVICE BRAKES3Low0.8Very Low
POWER TRAIN1.1Low2.1Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER1.6Low1.2Low
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE1.9Low0.2Very Low
BACK OVER PREVENTION1.8LowNone
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL0.5Very Low0.7Very Low
STEERING0.5Very Low0.6Very Low
STRUCTURE0.3Very Low0.3Very Low
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM0.3Very LowNone
AIR BAGSNone0.2Very Low
ENGINENone0.1Very Low

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

How Does Cadillac Lyriq vs Ford Mustang Mach-E Reliability Compare by Year?

Cadillac Lyriq vs Ford Mustang Mach-E year-by-year reliability scores
YearCadillac LyriqFord Mustang Mach-EEdge
202573/1003R / 13C72/1005R / 8CCadillac Lyriq
202464/1006R / 106C74/1003R / 35CFord Mustang Mach-E
202367/1007R / 24C66/1003R / 104CCadillac Lyriq

Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 Cadillac Lyriq scored 73/100 and the 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E scored 74/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Cadillac Lyriq vs the Ford Mustang Mach-E?

If you prioritize reliability and fewer owner complaints, the Ford Mustang Mach-E might be the better choice for you. With a reliability score of 72/100, it surpasses the Cadillac Lyriq's score of 68/100. The Mach-E has seen fewer recalls at 13 compared to the Lyriq's 16, and it experiences fewer owner complaints, with 10.7 per 10,000 sold. This suggests a more stable ownership experience, particularly if you are concerned about issues like the electrical system and power train. However, if you are drawn to advanced safety features and can manage potential reliability challenges, the Cadillac Lyriq could be appealing. It addresses safety with features like forward collision avoidance and back-over prevention, which might be a priority if you often drive in busy or urban areas. Keep in mind, though, that the Lyriq has higher complaints per 10,000 sold at 22.9, which suggests more frequent issues, particularly with the electrical system and exterior lighting.

Cadillac Lyriq vs Ford Mustang Mach-E: Common Questions

Is the Cadillac Lyriq more reliable than the Ford Mustang Mach-E?
Based on our data, the Ford Mustang Mach-E is more reliable with an average score of 72/100 compared to 68/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Cadillac Lyriq or the Ford Mustang Mach-E?
The Cadillac Lyriq has more recalls (16) compared to the Ford Mustang Mach-E (13). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the Cadillac Lyriq or the Ford Mustang Mach-E?
Adjusted for sales volume, the Ford Mustang Mach-E has a lower complaint rate at 10.7 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 22.9 for the Cadillac Lyriq. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Is the Cadillac Lyriq or Ford Mustang Mach-E safer?
Both the Cadillac Lyriq and Ford Mustang Mach-E received the same NHTSA overall safety rating of 5/5 stars. Check the frontal, side, and rollover sub-ratings above for a more detailed comparison.

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How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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