Last updated: 2026-07-17
Chevrolet vs Ford: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Chevrolet
14 models tracked
Ford
12 models tracked
Comparing Chevrolet 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.
Chevrolet currently leads with an average score of 73/100 compared to 66/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Chevrolet More Reliable Than Ford?
| Metric | Chevrolet | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 73/100 | 66/100 |
| Models Tracked | 14 | 12 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 22 | 65 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 962 | 1735 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $648/yr | $705/yr |
Chevrolet vs Ford: The Verdict
The numbers favor Chevrolet here, but Ford isn't far behind. We scored 26 models between the two makes: Chevrolet at 73/100 and Ford at 66/100, based on recalls, complaint severity, repair costs, and issue diversity.
On the cost front, Chevrolet is cheaper to maintain at $648/year versus $705/year. For buyers watching long-term costs, Chevrolet's lower maintenance bill is a real differentiator.
Where Chevrolet and Ford Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Chevrolet | Ford |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 64/100Good | 61/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 70/100Good | 67/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 82/100Excellent | 63/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 84/100Excellent | 80/100Excellent |
Chevrolet's advantage in recall impact (+19 points) is the main driver of the overall score difference between these makes.
Chevrolet vs Ford: Strengths and Weaknesses
Chevrolet
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (73/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($648/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 13 of 14 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 138 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Ford
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (66/100 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 Chevrolet and Ford Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Chevrolet
Ford
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Chevrolet or Ford?
Based on independent repair cost data, Chevrolet is cheaper to maintain at an average of $648/year compared to $705/year for Ford. The difference is relatively small, so maintenance costs shouldn't be a major deciding factor between these makes.
Chevrolet Repair Cost Range
$488 – $944/yr
Average: $648/yr
Ford Repair Cost Range
$600 – $788/yr
Average: $705/yr
Chevrolet vs Ford Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Chevrolet | Ford | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(9 vs 6 models) | 71/100 | 65/100 | Chevrolet |
| Trucks(2 vs 4 models) | 76/100 | 66/100 | Chevrolet |
| Coupes(1 vs 1 models) | 71/100 | 67/100 | Chevrolet |
Chevrolet wins 3 out of 3 shared categories.
Common Problems: Chevrolet vs Ford
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Chevrolet | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 24%2,893 | 29%4,864 |
| ENGINE | 15%1,797 | 16%2,698 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 18%2,140 | 13%2,272 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 9%1,074 | 10%1,660 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 9%1,029 | 5%876 |
| STRUCTURE | 1%137 | 8%1,376 |
| STEERING | 7%818 | 3%452 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 3%309 | 5%814 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 3%362 | 0%51 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Chevrolet vs Ford Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Chevrolet owners reported 423 crash-related, 138 fire-related, and 385 injury-related complaints to NHTSA. Ford owners reported 502 crash-related, 163 fire-related, and 451 injury-related complaints. Chevrolet 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.
Chevrolet
423
Crash reports
138
Fire reports
385
Injury reports
Ford
502
Crash reports
163
Fire reports
451
Injury reports
Every Chevrolet and Ford Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Chevrolet Models
Ford Models
Chevrolet vs Ford Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
Chevrolet's reliability is improving — recent model years average 80/100, up from earlier years. Ford's reliability is improving — recent model years average 73/100.
Interestingly, both Chevrolet and Ford show improving reliability trends recently.
| Model Year | Chevrolet | Ford | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 81/100(11) | 75/100(10) | Chevrolet |
| 2025 | 78/100(12) | 71/100(10) | Chevrolet |
| 2024 | 74/100(13) | 70/100(11) | Chevrolet |
| 2023 | 73/100(12) | 66/100(12) | Chevrolet |
| 2022 | 73/100(12) | 60/100(11) | Chevrolet |
| 2021 | 69/100(12) | 60/100(8) | Chevrolet |
| 2020 | 71/100(11) | 63/100(7) | Chevrolet |
| 2019 | 69/100(12) | 66/100(7) | Chevrolet |
| 2018 | 68/100(11) | 62/100(6) | Chevrolet |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
Chevrolet vs Ford: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Chevrolet and Ford. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
The Bottom Line: Chevrolet or Ford?
The data favors Chevrolet, but remember: the best model from the "losing" make often beats the worst model from the "winning" one.
If you want the single most reliable option: the Chevrolet Trax leads both lineups with a score of 81/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that Chevrolet costs less to maintain — $648/year vs $705/year.
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.
Chevrolet vs Ford: Common Questions
Is Chevrolet more reliable than Ford?
Which is cheaper to maintain, Chevrolet or Ford?
Which make has more recalls, Chevrolet or Ford?
What are the most reliable models from Chevrolet and Ford?
What are the least reliable models from Chevrolet and Ford?
What are the most common problems with Chevrolet and Ford vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, Chevrolet or Ford?
How many Chevrolet and Ford models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Chevrolet or Ford?
Are Chevrolet and Ford getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Chevrolet or Ford?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Chevrolet or Ford?
Comparing Chevrolet vs Ford? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Related Make Comparisons
More Chevrolet comparisons
More Ford comparisons
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.