Last updated: 2026-10-10
Ford vs Lexus: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Ford
16 models tracked
Lexus
7 models tracked
Lexus beats Ford on used-car reliability by a large gap, with far fewer complaints per car sold and lower repair costs. Ford still has solid picks, led by the Ranger, but its lineup carries more serious problems and a much heavier recall load than Lexus.
Is Ford More Reliable Than Lexus?
| Metric | Ford | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 65/100 | 82/100 |
| Models Tracked | 16 | 7 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 60 | 18 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 2124 | 186 |
Ford vs Lexus: The Verdict
A large gap separates these brands, and it favors Lexus. Owners file about 0.5 complaints per 1,000 vehicles sold, against 2.5 for Ford. Lexus is also stronger on complaint severity, repair costs, and recall impact. Ford's 954 recalls come from a lineup more than twice as big, but the complaint rate shows the gap is not just size.
On how problems are spread across systems, the two brands are even. The kind of problem differs, though. Ford owners report power train faults most, at 35% of complaints. Lexus complaints are scattered, with airbags and electrical issues near the top. Ford's trend is improving and Lexus is stable, so Ford is closing in but has not caught up.
Where Ford and Lexus Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Ford | Lexus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 57/100Mixed | 73/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 68/100Good | 85/100Excellent |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 63/100Good | 89/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 79/100Good | 80/100Excellent |
Dig into the components and recall impact stands out — Lexus outscores by 26 points there, which carries significant weight in the final number.
Ford vs Lexus: 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
Lexus
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (82/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- 7 of 7 models rated Good or Excellent
How Reliable Are Ford and Lexus Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Ford
Lexus
Ford vs Lexus Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Ford | Lexus | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(8 vs 5 models) | 64/100 | 81/100 | Lexus |
| Sedans(2 vs 2 models) | 63/100 | 83/100 | Lexus |
Lexus wins 2 out of 2 shared categories.
Common Problems: Ford vs Lexus
| Component | Ford | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 35%10,835 | 6%35 |
| ENGINE | 14%4,262 | 5%26 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 11%3,325 | 15%87 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 8%2,600 | 18%102 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 7%2,067 | — |
| STRUCTURE | 5%1,638 | 6%32 |
| STEERING | 4%1,195 | 1%4 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 3%1,015 | 7%42 |
| FUEL SYSTEM | 2%728 | 5%29 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 2%536 | 9%50 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Ford vs Lexus Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Ford
859
Crash reports
257
Fire reports
793
Injury reports
Lexus
60
Crash reports
6
Fire reports
51
Injury reports
Every Ford and Lexus Model Ranked
Ford Models
Ford vs Lexus Reliability Trend by Year
Ford's reliability is improving — recent model years average 73/100, up from earlier years. Lexus's reliability has been stable.
| Model Year | Ford | Lexus | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 74/100(11) | 87/100(6) | Lexus |
| 2025 | 71/100(11) | 80/100(7) | Lexus |
| 2024 | 70/100(12) | 81/100(7) | Lexus |
| 2023 | 66/100(13) | 81/100(6) | Lexus |
| 2022 | 61/100(13) | 83/100(6) | Lexus |
| 2021 | 60/100(10) | 83/100(6) | Lexus |
| 2020 | 62/100(10) | 83/100(6) | Lexus |
| 2019 | 64/100(10) | 79/100(6) | Lexus |
| 2018 | 61/100(10) | 80/100(5) | Lexus |
| 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 Lexus?
If you want the lowest chance of trouble, lean Lexus. Target an RX, and favor the 2022, which has no recalls and far fewer complaints than the 2019 or 2021. On a 2022, check that the instrument cluster does not dim or go blank. An NX in 2021 is a good pick too, but look hard at any 2024, which draws far more complaints than other years. Ask about fuel pump history on any NX.
If you want a truck, Ford can work. The Ranger is the top Ford. Buy a 2022 and skip the 2019, which has transmission problems like hard shifts and slipping. Be careful with the Bronco, since 2021 and 2022 draw complaints about sudden power loss and transmission failure. The 2024 is the steadier year. The Focus and F-150 Lightning rate mixed, so inspect them closely or pass.
The Bottom Line: Ford or Lexus?
For most used-car shoppers, Lexus is the safer buy. The RX is the strongest model across both lineups, and a 2022 is the one to look for. Independent repair-cost data also shows Lexus as the cheaper brand to keep running, while Ford averages an estimated $701 a year. Choose Ford mainly for a Ranger, ideally a 2022, and have any Ford inspected before you buy.
Ford vs Lexus: Common Questions
Is Ford more reliable than Lexus?
Which brand has more recalls, Ford or Lexus?
Is Ford or Lexus cheaper to repair?
What goes wrong most often on used Fords?
What are the common problems on used Lexus models?
Comparing Ford vs Lexus? 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 Lexus 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.