Last updated: 2026-05-15
Cadillac vs Ford: Reliability Compared
Cadillac
4 models tracked
Ford
12 models tracked
Comparing Cadillac and Ford on reliability? This page compares their scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs across every model we track.
Cadillac currently leads with an average score of 68/100 compared to 65/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Cadillac More Reliable Than Ford?
| Metric | Cadillac | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 68/100 | 65/100 |
| Models Tracked | 4 | 12 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 17 | 64 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 198 | 1735 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $907/yr | $705/yr |
Cadillac vs Ford: The Verdict
Cadillac edges out Ford on reliability, though both makes have solid options. Across 4 Cadillac and 12 Ford models, Cadillac averages 68/100 to 65/100 — a 3-point gap built from NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and independent repair cost data.
On the cost front, Ford is cheaper to maintain at $705/year versus $907/year. Over 5 years, that's roughly $1010 in savings. That maintenance gap adds up — budget-conscious buyers should factor in that Ford advantage.
Where Cadillac and Ford Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Cadillac | Ford |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 62/100Good | 60/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 62/100Good | 67/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 78/100Good | 59/100Mixed |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 82/100Excellent | 79/100Good |
The biggest gap is in recall impact, where Cadillac scores 19 points higher. That single component does the most to separate these two makes.
Cadillac vs Ford: Strengths and Weaknesses
Cadillac
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (68/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- 3 of 4 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- High maintenance costs ($907/year avg)
- Reliability trending downward in recent model years
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Ford
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (65/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 10 of 12 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 163 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
How Reliable Are Cadillac and Ford Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Cadillac
Ford
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Cadillac or Ford?
Based on independent repair cost data, Ford is cheaper to maintain at an average of $705/year compared to $907/year for Cadillac. That's a difference of $202/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Cadillac Repair Cost Range
$807 – $1007/yr
Average: $907/yr
Ford Repair Cost Range
$600 – $788/yr
Average: $705/yr
Cadillac vs Ford Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Cadillac | Ford | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(3 vs 6 models) | 68/100 | 64/100 | Cadillac |
Cadillac wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Cadillac vs Ford
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Cadillac | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 15%114 | 29%4,864 |
| ENGINE | 36%282 | 16%2,698 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 14%113 | 13%2,272 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 6%46 | 10%1,660 |
| STRUCTURE | 1%4 | 8%1,376 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 4%35 | 5%876 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 6%49 | 5%814 |
| STEERING | 5%36 | 3%452 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 4%33 | 1%181 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Cadillac vs Ford Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Cadillac owners reported 39 crash-related, 10 fire-related, and 26 injury-related complaints to NHTSA. Ford owners reported 502 crash-related, 163 fire-related, and 451 injury-related complaints. Cadillac has fewer severe incident reports overall. These counts reflect owner-reported incidents and don't establish causation — but they're a useful signal for comparing safety profiles.
Cadillac
39
Crash reports
10
Fire reports
26
Injury reports
Ford
502
Crash reports
163
Fire reports
451
Injury reports
Every Cadillac and Ford Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Cadillac Models
Ford Models
Cadillac vs Ford Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
Cadillac's reliability is declining in recent model years, which is worth noting if you're shopping for a newer vehicle. Ford's reliability is improving — recent model years average 71/100.
The trend lines are moving in opposite directions: Ford is getting more reliable while Cadillac is sliding. That's worth watching if you're buying a newer model year.
| Model Year | Cadillac | Ford | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 73/100(3) | 71/100(10) | Cadillac |
| 2024 | 67/100(3) | 70/100(11) | Ford |
| 2023 | 65/100(3) | 66/100(12) | Ford |
| 2022 | 59/100(1) | 60/100(11) | Ford |
| 2021 | 64/100(2) | 60/100(8) | Cadillac |
| 2020 | 69/100(2) | 63/100(7) | Cadillac |
| 2019 | 72/100(2) | 66/100(7) | Cadillac |
| 2018 | 77/100(1) | 62/100(6) | Cadillac |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
The Bottom Line: Cadillac or Ford?
Cadillac has the edge, but don't let a modest score gap override other factors like price, features, and dealer experience.
If you want the single most reliable option: the Cadillac XT5 leads both lineups with a score of 74/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that Ford costs less to maintain — $705/year vs $907/year. Over a typical 5-year ownership period, that adds up to roughly $1010 in savings.
All scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data combined with independent repair cost databases. Check individual model pages for year-specific reliability data before making a final decision.
Cadillac vs Ford: Common Questions
Is Cadillac more reliable than Ford?
Which is cheaper to maintain, Cadillac or Ford?
Which make has more recalls, Cadillac or Ford?
What are the most reliable models from Cadillac and Ford?
What are the least reliable models from Cadillac and Ford?
What are the most common problems with Cadillac and Ford vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, Cadillac or Ford?
How many Cadillac and Ford models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Cadillac or Ford?
Are Cadillac and Ford getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Cadillac or Ford?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Cadillac or Ford?
Comparing Cadillac vs Ford? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
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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
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.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
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.
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.