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Last updated: 2026-03-04

Ford Reliability Ratings — Every Model Ranked
Ford presents a mixed reliability picture. Some models perform well while others have notable issues. Buyers should research specific model years carefully before purchasing.
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Ford Reliability Score Comparison
Visual comparison of reliability scores across all Ford models. Longer bars indicate higher reliability.
Ford Model Rankings
| # | Vehicle | Best Year | Score | Rating | Recalls | Complaints / 10k | Maint. Rating | Est. Repair Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ford Ranger | 2022 | 72/100 | Good | 51 | 11.0 | 4 | $615/yr |
| 2 | Ford Mustang Mach-E | 2024 | 71/100 | Good | 11 | 10.7 | 3.5 | |
| 3 | Ford Explorer | 2024 | 66/100 | Good | 113 | 15.7 | 3.5 | $732/yr |
| 4 | Ford F-150 | 2025 | 66/100 | Good | 107 | 13.6 | 3.5 | $788/yr |
| 5 | Ford Maverick | 2025 | 66/100 | Good | 67 | 21.8 | 4 | |
| 6 | Ford Mustang | 2025 | 65/100 | Good | 70 | 22.3 | 3.5 | $709/yr |
| 7 | Ford Bronco | 2025 | 51/100 | Mixed | 124 | 29.7 | 2 | $784/yr |
| 8 | Ford F-150 Lightning | 2024 | 51/100 | Mixed | 27 | 47.3 | 1.5 |
Ford Models

Ford Ranger
4th gen (2019–2023)
The Ford Ranger, spanning model years 2019 to 2026, holds an average reliability score of 78/100, categorized as "Good" by the Auto Reliability Index. Data indicates persistent issues with the power train, particularly the 10R80 transmission, across multiple years, alongside electrical system concerns, with a notable improvement in complaint rates from 28.4 per 10,000 sold in 2019 to 1.6 in 2025.

The Ford Mustang Mach-E shows a mixed reliability reputation from 2023 to 2026, with scores ranging from 78/100 to 98/100. Common issues reported by owners include electrical system malfunctions and powertrain problems, particularly in earlier years, while the 2026 model sees a significant improvement with a score of 98/100 and no complaints.

Ford Explorer
6th gen (2020–2023)
The Ford Explorer, with an average reliability score of 65/100 from 2018 to 2026, shows mixed reliability, particularly in the 2020 model year with a score of 54/100 and high complaint rates. Common issues reported by owners include structural and powertrain problems, especially in earlier models, while electrical system concerns are noted in newer versions.

Ford F-150
14th gen (2021–present)
The Ford F-150, covering model years 2018 through 2026, holds an average reliability score of 66 out of 100, categorized as "Good" by the Auto Reliability Index. Common issues reported include power train and engine problems, particularly with the 10-speed transmission and cam phasers, while the 2024 and 2025 models show improvements with lower complaint rates and fewer recalls.

Covering model years 2022 to 2026, the Ford Maverick shows a mixed reliability record with an average score of 63/100. Data indicates significant improvement over time, with initial years marked by frequent issues in power train and electrical systems, particularly in 2022 and 2023, which had scores of 20/100 and 50/100 respectively.

Ford Mustang
7th gen (2024–2023)
The Ford Mustang, spanning from 2018 to 2026, maintains an average reliability score of 69/100, with models from 2021 showing a notably lower score of 55/100 due to increased complaints about electrical and powertrain issues. Data indicates common problems across these years include electrical system failures, particularly with infotainment and instrument clusters, and powertrain concerns, especially in models from 2018 to 2022.

Ford Bronco
6th gen (2021–2023), facelifted 2023
The Ford Bronco, covering model years 2021 to 2026, shows a mixed reliability reputation with scores ranging from 22/100 to 98/100, indicating significant improvement over time. Common issues reported by owners include electrical system malfunctions and power train concerns, particularly in earlier models, with repair costs averaging $784 annually.

Ford F-150 Lightning
1st gen (2022–present)
Data indicates that the Ford F-150 Lightning, covering model years 2022 through 2026, has an average reliability score of 61 out of 100, classified as "Good" on the Auto Reliability Index. Initial years, particularly 2022 and 2023, show significant issues with the power train and electrical systems, leading to high complaint rates and recalls, while later years, especially 2025 and 2026, demonstrate improved reliability with fewer complaints and recalls.
Common Ford Problems
Top complaint categories across all Ford models, based on owner-reported issues to NHTSA.
Ford by Category
coupe
- Mustang65/100
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are Ford cars reliable?
- Ford vehicles have an average reliability score of 64/100 ("Good") across 8 models and 8 years in our database. Ford presents a mixed reliability picture.
- What is the most reliable Ford?
- Based on our data, the highest-scoring Ford model-year is the 2025 Ford Maverick at 77/100. Scores can change as new recalls and complaints are filed. See our full Ford reliability rankings for the latest data.
- How much does it cost to maintain a Ford?
- Annual repair costs for Ford models range from $615 to $788 based on independent reliability data. Costs vary significantly by model and year.
- Which Ford models should I avoid?
- Based on our data, these Ford models are statistical outliers within their model lines: 2019 Ranger (64/100), 2023 Maverick (60/100), 2021 F-150 (58/100), 2018 F-150 (58/100), 2020 Explorer (54/100). These have higher recall counts or complaint volumes relative to their siblings.
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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.
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