Last updated: 2026-05-15
Ford vs Ram: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Ford
12 models tracked
Ram
3 models tracked
Comparing Ford and Ram on reliability? This page compares their scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs across every model we track.
Ford currently leads with an average score of 65/100 compared to 57/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Ford More Reliable Than Ram?
| Metric | Ford | Ram |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 65/100 | 57/100 |
| Models Tracked | 12 | 3 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 64 | 53 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 1735 | 1442 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $705/yr | $691/yr |
Ram Models
3 models ranked by reliability
Ford vs Ram: The Verdict
Between these two, Ford 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 (12 models) and Ram averages 57/100 (3 models).
On the cost front, Ram is cheaper to maintain at $691/year versus $705/year.
Where Ford and Ram Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Ford | Ram |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 60/100Good | 67/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 67/100Good | 55/100Mixed |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 59/100Mixed | 61/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 79/100Good | 81/100Excellent |
Where they diverge most: repair costs. Ford has a 12-point edge in that component, which accounts for much of the reliability gap.
Ford vs Ram: 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
- 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
Ram
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (57/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- Reliability trending downward in recent model years
- 37 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
How Reliable Are Ford and Ram Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Ford
Ram
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Ford or Ram?
Based on independent repair cost data, Ram is cheaper to maintain at an average of $691/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.
Ford Repair Cost Range
$600 – $788/yr
Average: $705/yr
Ford vs Ram Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Ford | Ram | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trucks(4 vs 3 models) | 64/100 | 43/100 | Ford |
Ford wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Ford vs Ram
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Ford | Ram |
|---|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 29%4,864 | 14%530 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 13%2,272 | 25%912 |
| ENGINE | 16%2,698 | 11%407 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 10%1,660 | 11%398 |
| STRUCTURE | 8%1,376 | 2%84 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 5%876 | 6%213 |
| STEERING | 3%452 | 15%563 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 5%814 | 2%80 |
| AIR BAGS | 1%196 | 4%132 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 0%51 | 3%125 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Ford vs Ram Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Ford owners reported 502 crash-related, 163 fire-related, and 451 injury-related complaints to NHTSA. Ram owners reported 171 crash-related, 37 fire-related, and 125 injury-related complaints. Ram 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
502
Crash reports
163
Fire reports
451
Injury reports
Ram
171
Crash reports
37
Fire reports
125
Injury reports
Every Ford and Ram Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Ford Models
Ford vs Ram 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 71/100, up from earlier years. Ram's reliability is declining in recent model years.
Ford's recent trajectory is encouraging, while Ram has been trending the wrong way. For newer model years, this momentum matters.
| Model Year | Ford | Ram | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 71/100(10) | 45/100(3) | Ford |
| 2024 | 70/100(11) | 46/100(3) | Ford |
| 2023 | 66/100(12) | 68/100(2) | Ram |
| 2022 | 60/100(11) | 63/100(2) | Ram |
| 2021 | 60/100(8) | 61/100(2) | Ram |
| 2020 | 63/100(7) | 64/100(2) | Ram |
| 2019 | 66/100(7) | 58/100(2) | Ford |
| 2018 | 62/100(6) | 66/100(2) | Ram |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
Ford vs Ram: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Ford and Ram. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
The Bottom Line: Ford or Ram?
The data favors Ford, 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 Ford Ranger leads both lineups with a score of 72/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that Ram costs less to maintain — $691/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.
Ford vs Ram: Common Questions
Is Ford more reliable than Ram?
Which is cheaper to maintain, Ford or Ram?
Which make has more recalls, Ford or Ram?
What are the most reliable models from Ford and Ram?
What are the least reliable models from Ford and Ram?
What are the most common problems with Ford and Ram vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, Ford or Ram?
How many Ford and Ram models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Ford or Ram?
Are Ford and Ram getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Ford or Ram?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Ford or Ram?
Comparing Ford vs Ram? 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.