Last updated: 2026-03-04
Ford Mustang Mach-E vs Tesla Model Y: Reliability Compared
Ford Mustang Mach-E
Tesla Model Y
Choosing between the Ford Mustang Mach-E and the Tesla Model Y? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two midsize suvs.
Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Ford Mustang Mach-E currently leads with an average score of 71/100 compared to 55/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.
How Do the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Tesla Model Y Generations Compare?
Verdict
The Ford Mustang Mach-E is more reliable than the Tesla Model Y, scoring 71/100 vs 55/100.
The Ford Mustang Mach-E demonstrates superior reliability compared to the Tesla Model Y, with an average reliability score of 73/100 against Tesla's 41/100. The Mach-E has experienced significantly fewer recalls, totaling 13 in four years, while the Model Y has amassed 83 over six years. Furthermore, owner complaints per 10,000 sold are notably lower for the Mach-E at 10.7, compared to the Model Y's 24.3, indicating a more consistent performance. Key differentiators include Tesla's higher incidence of issues related to forward collision avoidance and steering, while both models share concerns with the electrical system.
Key Differences
- 1Ford Mustang Mach-E has 70 fewer total recalls
- 2Ford Mustang Mach-E scores 16 points higher in reliability
- 3Ford Mustang Mach-E has 13.6 fewer complaints per 10k sold
Category Scoreboard
Ford Mustang Mach-E vs Tesla Model Y: Which Is More Reliable?
| Metric | Ford Mustang Mach-E | Tesla Model Y |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability Score | 71/100 | 55/100 |
| Years Tracked | 4 | 6 |
| Total Recalls | 13 | 83 |
| Complaints per 10k Sold | 10.7 | 24.3 |
| Safety RatingNHTSA overall | 2026 NHTSA | 2025 NHTSA |
| Frontal | ||
| Side | ||
| Rollover | ||
| Year Wins | 3 | 0 |
What Are the Common Problems With the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Tesla Model Y?
The Tesla Model Y exhibits a higher volume of complaints, particularly in forward collision avoidance and vehicle speed control, with significant numbers of these issues being linked to crashes (41 and 49, respectively). Additionally, the Model Y shows notable concerns in the electrical system and steering, each with a substantial number of crash-linked incidents. In contrast, the Ford Mustang Mach-E has fewer overall complaints, with the most significant issues being within the electrical system. However, the Mach-E's powertrain and airbag problems, though fewer in number, do include some crash-linked events, suggesting potential areas for safety improvement. Overall, the Tesla Model Y's problem profile indicates more widespread reliability challenges, particularly in critical safety systems, compared to the Mach-E.
| Component | Ford Mustang Mach-E | Tesla Model Y |
|---|---|---|
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 0.2Very Low | 6.3Average |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 3.6Average | 2.4Low |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 0.7Very Low | 3.1Average |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 1.2Low | 2.3Low |
| STEERING | 0.6Very Low | 2.4Low |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 0.8Very Low | 1.9Low |
| POWER TRAIN | 2.1Low | 0.4Very Low |
| SUSPENSION | —None | 0.9Very Low |
| AIR BAGS | 0.2Very Low | 0.6Very Low |
| STRUCTURE | 0.3Very Low | 0.2Very Low |
| LANE DEPARTURE | —None | 0.2Very Low |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | —None | 0.2Very Low |
| ENGINE | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| SEAT BELTS | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | —None | —None |
Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.
How Does Ford Mustang Mach-E vs Tesla Model Y Reliability Compare by Year?
| Year | Ford Mustang Mach-E | Tesla Model Y | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 72/1005R / 8C | 70/1002R / 69C | Ford Mustang Mach-E |
| 2024 | 74/1003R / 35C | 63/1005R / 254C | Ford Mustang Mach-E |
| 2023 | 66/1003R / 104C | 53/10015R / 997C | Ford Mustang Mach-E |
Best years to cross-shop: The 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E scored 74/100 and the 2025 Tesla Model Y scored 70/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.
Who Should Buy the Ford Mustang Mach-E vs the Tesla Model Y?
Ford Mustang Mach-E vs Tesla Model Y: Common Questions
- Is the Ford Mustang Mach-E more reliable than the Tesla Model Y?
- Based on our data, the Ford Mustang Mach-E is more reliable with an average score of 71/100 compared to 55/100. That's a significant difference worth considering.
- Which has more recalls, the Ford Mustang Mach-E or the Tesla Model Y?
- The Tesla Model Y has more recalls (83) compared to the Ford Mustang Mach-E (13). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
- Which has fewer owner complaints, the Ford Mustang Mach-E or the Tesla Model Y?
- Adjusted for sales volume, the Ford Mustang Mach-E has a lower complaint rate at 10.7 per 10,000 sold versus 24.3 for the Tesla Model Y. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
- Is the Ford Mustang Mach-E or Tesla Model Y safer?
- Both the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Tesla Model Y received the same NHTSA overall safety rating of 5/5 stars. Check the frontal, side, and rollover sub-ratings above for a more detailed comparison.
Related Reliability Comparisons
More Ford Mustang Mach-E comparisons
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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