Last updated: 2026-08-24
Ford vs Genesis: Reliability Compared
Ford
16 models tracked
Genesis
6 models tracked
Comparing Ford and Genesis on reliability? This page compares their scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs across every model we track.
Genesis currently leads with an average score of 67/100 compared to 65/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Ford More Reliable Than Genesis?
| Metric | Ford | Genesis |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 65/100 | 67/100 |
| Models Tracked | 16 | 6 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 60 | 14 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 2124 | 97 |
Ford vs Genesis: The Verdict
Between these two, Genesis comes out ahead on reliability, though specific model choice matters more than the overall gap. Aggregating recall data, owner complaints, and repair costs across every model we track, Ford averages 65/100 (16 models) and Genesis averages 67/100 (6 models).
Where Ford and Genesis Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Ford | Genesis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 57/100Mixed | 64/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 68/100Good | 58/100Mixed |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 63/100Good | 75/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 79/100Good | 79/100Good |
Where they diverge most: recall impact. Genesis has a 12-point edge in that component, which accounts for much of the reliability gap.
Ford vs Genesis: Strengths and Weaknesses
Ford
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (65/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 13 of 16 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 234 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Genesis
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (67/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 5 of 6 models rated Good or Excellent
How Reliable Are Ford and Genesis Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Ford
Genesis
Ford vs Genesis Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Ford | Genesis | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(8 vs 3 models) | 64/100 | 65/100 | Genesis |
| Sedans(2 vs 2 models) | 63/100 | 68/100 | Genesis |
Genesis wins 2 out of 2 shared categories.
Common Problems: Ford vs Genesis
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Ford | Genesis |
|---|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 36%10,478 | 15%72 |
| ENGINE | 15%4,269 | 8%38 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 10%3,024 | 26%122 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 7%2,082 | 14%64 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 7%2,092 | 1%6 |
| STRUCTURE | 5%1,462 | 2%11 |
| STEERING | 4%1,218 | 5%25 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 3%997 | 4%18 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 2%531 | 5%23 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 0%134 | 3%13 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Ford vs Genesis Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Ford owners reported 796 crash-related, 234 fire-related, and 731 injury-related complaints to NHTSA. Genesis owners reported 32 crash-related, 2 fire-related, and 18 injury-related complaints. Genesis 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.
Ford
796
Crash reports
234
Fire reports
731
Injury reports
Genesis
32
Crash reports
2
Fire reports
18
Injury reports
Every Ford and Genesis Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Ford Models
Ford vs Genesis Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
Ford's reliability is improving — recent model years average 73/100, up from earlier years. Genesis's reliability is improving — recent model years average 71/100.
Interestingly, both Ford and Genesis show improving reliability trends recently.
| Model Year | Ford | Genesis | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 74/100(11) | 73/100(3) | Ford |
| 2025 | 71/100(11) | 69/100(5) | Ford |
| 2024 | 70/100(12) | 70/100(5) | Tie |
| 2023 | 66/100(13) | 66/100(4) | Tie |
| 2022 | 61/100(13) | 64/100(3) | Genesis |
| 2021 | 60/100(10) | 67/100(2) | Genesis |
| 2020 | 62/100(10) | 67/100(2) | Genesis |
| 2019 | 64/100(10) | 61/100(2) | Ford |
| 2018 | 61/100(10) | 55/100(1) | Ford |
| 2017 | 58/100 | — | — |
| 2016 | 56/100 | — | — |
| 2015 | 59/100 | — | — |
| 2014 | 52/100 | — | — |
| 2013 | 54/100 | — | — |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
The Bottom Line: Ford or Genesis?
Genesis 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 Ford Ranger leads both lineups with a score of 73/100.
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.
Ford vs Genesis: Common Questions
Is Ford more reliable than Genesis?
Which make has more recalls, Ford or Genesis?
What are the most reliable models from Ford and Genesis?
What are the least reliable models from Ford and Genesis?
What are the most common problems with Ford and Genesis vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, Ford or Genesis?
How many Ford and Genesis models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Ford or Genesis?
Are Ford and Genesis getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Ford or Genesis?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Ford or Genesis?
Comparing Ford vs Genesis? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
Related Make 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 via vehicles.dev. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.