Last updated: 2026-07-26
Ford vs Tesla: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Ford
15 models tracked
Tesla
5 models tracked
Comparing Ford and Tesla 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 66/100 compared to 52/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Ford More Reliable Than Tesla?
| Metric | Ford | Tesla |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 66/100 | 52/100 |
| Models Tracked | 15 | 5 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 59 | 102 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 1686 | 2526 |
Tesla Models
5 models ranked by reliability
Ford vs Tesla: The Verdict
The data is decisive here — Ford pulls well ahead of Tesla on reliability. Across 15 Ford and 5 Tesla models, Ford averages 66/100 to 52/100 — a 14-point gap built from NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and independent repair cost data.
Where Ford and Tesla Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Ford | Tesla |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 59/100Mixed | 49/100Mixed |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 67/100Good | 40/100Mixed |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 63/100Good | 59/100Mixed |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 80/100Excellent | 74/100Good |
The biggest gap is in repair costs, where Ford scores 27 points higher. That single component does the most to separate these two makes.
Ford vs Tesla: Strengths and Weaknesses
Ford
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (66/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 13 of 15 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 201 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Tesla
Strengths
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
Weaknesses
- 5 of 5 models rated Mixed or Poor
- 73 fire-related complaints across lineup
How Reliable Are Ford and Tesla Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Ford
Tesla
Ford vs Tesla Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Ford | Tesla | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(8 vs 2 models) | 64/100 | 56/100 | Ford |
| Trucks(4 vs 1 models) | 66/100 | 59/100 | Ford |
| Sedans(1 vs 2 models) | 69/100 | 48/100 | Ford |
Ford wins 3 out of 3 shared categories.
Common Problems: Ford vs Tesla
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Ford | Tesla |
|---|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 28%5,954 | 2%238 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 12%2,561 | 12%1,331 |
| ENGINE | 17%3,624 | 0%9 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 9%1,929 | 13%1,412 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 1%134 | 25%2,734 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 5%953 | 8%898 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 9%1,831 | — |
| STEERING | 2%527 | 12%1,303 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 1%242 | 14%1,504 |
| STRUCTURE | 7%1,418 | 2%222 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Ford vs Tesla Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Ford owners reported 597 crash-related, 201 fire-related, and 587 injury-related complaints to NHTSA. Tesla owners reported 1,306 crash-related, 73 fire-related, and 868 injury-related complaints. Ford 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
597
Crash reports
201
Fire reports
587
Injury reports
Tesla
1,306
Crash reports
73
Fire reports
868
Injury reports
Every Ford and Tesla Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Ford Models
Ford vs Tesla 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. Tesla's reliability is improving — recent model years average 62/100.
Both makes are trending improving in recent model years — neither is pulling away.
| Model Year | Ford | Tesla | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 74/100(11) | 59/100(2) | Ford |
| 2025 | 71/100(11) | 64/100(5) | Ford |
| 2024 | 70/100(12) | 56/100(5) | Ford |
| 2023 | 66/100(13) | 47/100(4) | Ford |
| 2022 | 61/100(13) | 54/100(4) | Ford |
| 2021 | 60/100(10) | 43/100(4) | Ford |
| 2020 | 62/100(10) | 47/100(4) | Ford |
| 2019 | 64/100(10) | 50/100(3) | Ford |
| 2018 | 61/100(9) | 48/100(3) | Ford |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
Ford vs Tesla: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Ford and Tesla. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
The Bottom Line: Ford or Tesla?
If reliability is a top priority, Ford deserves serious consideration over its rival.
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 Tesla: Common Questions
Is Ford more reliable than Tesla?
Which make has more recalls, Ford or Tesla?
What are the most reliable models from Ford and Tesla?
What are the least reliable models from Ford and Tesla?
What are the most common problems with Ford and Tesla vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, Ford or Tesla?
How many Ford and Tesla models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Ford or Tesla?
Are Ford and Tesla getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Ford or Tesla?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Ford or Tesla?
Comparing Ford vs Tesla? 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.