Last updated: 2026-10-10
Ford vs Infiniti: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Ford
16 models tracked
Infiniti
1 models tracked
Infiniti comes out well ahead of Ford on reliability, with fewer complaints per car sold and lower yearly repair costs. Both brands rate good, but Infiniti is a single model, the QX60 SUV, while Ford spans 16 models across trucks, vans, coupes and SUVs.
Is Ford More Reliable Than Infiniti?
| Metric | Ford | Infiniti |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 65/100 | 75/100 |
| Models Tracked | 16 | 1 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 60 | 13 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 2124 | 182 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $701/yr | $639/yr |
Ford vs Infiniti: The Verdict
A large gap separates these two on reliability, and Infiniti is ahead. Owners filed 0.8 complaints per 1,000 sold, against 2.5 for Ford. Infiniti is also stronger on complaint severity, recall impact and repair cost. Its problems are spread more evenly across systems, while Ford piles 35% of its complaints into the power train.
One caution. Infiniti is represented by the QX60 alone, so this result describes one SUV more than a whole brand. Ford rates good as well and is trending up. Its weak spots sit in specific models and years, not across the whole lineup.
Where Ford and Infiniti Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Ford | Infiniti |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 57/100Mixed | 68/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 68/100Good | 70/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 63/100Good | 84/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 79/100Good | 84/100Excellent |
Infiniti's advantage in recall impact (+21 points) is the main driver of the overall score difference between these makes.
Ford vs Infiniti: 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
- 257 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Infiniti
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (75/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($639/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Ford or Infiniti?
Based on independent repair cost data, Infiniti is cheaper to maintain at an average of $639/year compared to $701/year for Ford. The difference is relatively small, so maintenance costs shouldn't be a major deciding factor between these makes.
Ford Repair Cost Range
$569 – $861/yr
Average: $701/yr
Ford vs Infiniti Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Ford | Infiniti | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(8 vs 1 models) | 64/100 | 75/100 | Infiniti |
Infiniti wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Ford vs Infiniti
| Component | Ford | Infiniti |
|---|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 35%10,835 | 23%32 |
| ENGINE | 14%4,262 | 13%18 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 11%3,325 | 20%27 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 8%2,600 | 18%24 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 7%2,067 | — |
| STRUCTURE | 5%1,638 | — |
| STEERING | 4%1,195 | 1%2 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 3%1,015 | 8%11 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 2%536 | 3%4 |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | 1%209 | 3%4 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Ford vs Infiniti Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Ford
859
Crash reports
257
Fire reports
793
Injury reports
Infiniti
5
Crash reports
1
Fire reports
8
Injury reports
Every Ford and Infiniti Model Ranked
Ford Models
Infiniti Models
Ford vs Infiniti Reliability Trend by Year
Ford's reliability is improving — recent model years average 73/100, up from earlier years. Infiniti's reliability is improving — recent model years average 79/100.
Interestingly, both Ford and Infiniti show improving reliability trends recently.
| Model Year | Ford | Infiniti | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 74/100(11) | 82/100(1) | Infiniti |
| 2025 | 71/100(11) | 76/100(1) | Infiniti |
| 2024 | 70/100(12) | 73/100(1) | Infiniti |
| 2023 | 66/100(13) | 72/100(1) | Infiniti |
| 2022 | 61/100(13) | 73/100(1) | Infiniti |
| 2021 | 60/100(10) | 81/100(1) | Infiniti |
| 2020 | 62/100(10) | 74/100(1) | Infiniti |
| 2019 | 64/100(10) | 71/100(1) | Infiniti |
| 2018 | 61/100(10) | 72/100(1) | Infiniti |
| 2017 | 58/100 | — | — |
| 2016 | 56/100 | — | — |
| 2015 | 59/100 | — | — |
| 2014 | 52/100 | — | — |
| 2013 | 54/100 | — | — |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Who Should Buy Ford vs Infiniti?
If you want a midsize SUV with low upkeep, lean to the QX60. Independent repair-cost data puts it at about $639 a year. Its CVT can shudder or hesitate, and repairs do not always fix it. The 2021 model year is the one to favor, and the 2019 and 2023 rate lowest, so look hard at those before you commit.
If you need a truck, van or coupe, Ford is your only option here. Target the Ranger, and pick a 2022 over a 2019. The 2019 is the year to skip because its transmission shifts hard, slips or skips gears. The Mustang Mach-E and Fusion also rate good. Approach the Bronco with care. The 2021 and 2022 draw the most complaints, led by sudden power loss while driving and automatic transmission failure, and the 2024 is the steadier pick. The Focus and F-150 Lightning rate only mixed, so inspect them closely.
The Bottom Line: Ford or Infiniti?
Shoppers who only need an SUV should start with the QX60, ideally a 2021. The strongest single model across both lineups is the Ford Ranger, if a truck fits your needs. On cost, Infiniti averages $62 a year less than Ford, about $310 over five years. Ford models run from $569 to $861 a year, so the exact model matters more than the badge.
Ford vs Infiniti: Common Questions
Is Ford more reliable than Infiniti?
Which has more recalls, Ford or Infiniti?
Which is cheaper to repair, Ford or Infiniti?
What problems do Ford and Infiniti owners report most?
Which Ford models should I avoid used?
Comparing Ford vs Infiniti? 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 score Ford and Infiniti models
Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.