Most Reliable Ford Cars, Trucks and SUVs | 2024

Ford vehicles are not known for being reliable. However, they are often very affordable. Before purchasing a Ford of your own, you will want to know which model of Ford has the least amount of problems.

Most Fords have various problems that need repairing, the most common being the transmission. The three Ford vehicles with the least problems are the F-350, the Ford Focus, and the Ford Mustang GT. Other models offer short-term reliability at a low price to consumers.

Most Google searches will only show you the least reliable Ford models on the road today. However, we have taken a different approach to the topic: if you are going to purchase a Ford, you want to purchase the model with the least amount of problems. In this article, you will learn about Ford’s most reliable truck, SUV, and sedan, so let’s get started!

Overall Ford Reliability

As you know, Ford is not known as the most reliable car manufacturer in the world. The company has become infamous for broken-down vehicles and constant repairs.

The company’s reputation for unreliable vehicles has earned it the nickname “Fix Or Repair Daily,” a play on its name.

The most common problem that needs to be repaired in all Ford vehicles is the transmission. This common problem is also one of the most expensive repairs that can be done.

Consumers who purchased Fords for the affordable price tag are soon shocked to see the stack of repair bills coming their way.

According to Repair Pal, a Ford model will require on average $775 worth of repairs each year. That is more than $100 over other car manufacturers’ repair costs. Regarding reliability, Repair Pal gave the Ford Motor Company a 3.5 out of 5 overall ratings.

While the brand as a whole is not known for reliability, there are also specific years that most consumers agree to avoid. Whenever the economy was booming and people were purchasing more vehicles, Ford rushed to release new models to attract their attention. The rush to produce led to a variety of defects and problems.

According to Ford Problems, most consumers agree that Ford’s made in 2002 should be avoided at all costs. Although Ford has had many reliability problems, they are still one of the most popular vehicle brands on the road today (as well as in the shop). Among many of the Ford mishaps, consumers have found several Ford models they believe to be reliable on the road.

Below you will find out which Ford models have the least amount of problems!

Most Reliable Ford Truck

Ford Pickup trucks set the industry standard for a long time. Recently Ford has found itself at the top of many “Most Popular Trucks” lists.

Because the Ford Pickup trucks have been around for so long (some were released in the 1940s), the company has had plenty of time to work out any quirks or issues.

According to Bankrate, the Ford F-150 is one of the nine most reliable vehicles of 2021. While older models have some issues, that is to be expected. Newer F-150s perform rather well on the reliability charts.

Unfortunately, the most recent release of the F-150 was quickly followed by a series of problems. According to Ford Problems, Ford believes many of the F-150’s windshields were not sealed properly and therefore drivers risk losing their windshield in the event of a crash.

Another problem facing the newest F-150 is excessive oil consumption. There were reports of previous models using too much oil; however, the solution Ford created for this problem has come under fire.

Rather than fixing the vehicle’s oil consumption, Ford changed where the low oil line on the dipstick sits.

Other than these problems, the F-150 is a reliable, lightweight, affordable truck that can handle anything you throw its way.

The Ford F-350 is also known as one of Ford’s most reliable pickup trucks. The F-350 is more capable than its little brother the F-150. While the 2021 F-150 has a maximum towing capacity of 12,700 pounds, the 2021 F-350 can tow up to 21,000 pounds!

The increased towing capacity makes the F-350 perfect for anyone who is looking to haul some heavy loads.

While the F-series trucks are known for their reliability, other Ford truck models rank poorly in this category. According to Motor Biscuit, the 2021 Ford Ranger received a predicted reliability rating of only 2 out of 5.

While this is apparently common for new releases, it does not instill confidence in people who are considering purchasing the truck.

Most Reliable Ford SUV

The results are not promising when looking for the Ford SUV with the least amount of problems. While Ford SUVs are very popular, they are also very unreliable.

The two most popular Ford SUVs are the Explorer and the Escape. However, the 2021 Consumer Reports did not find either of these to be the best Ford SUV model. This is for good reason too; one out of every ten Ford Explorers is likely to experience transmission failure. Meanwhile, Ford Escapes made before 2010 are known for their back windows shattering when exposed to colder temperatures.

Consumer Reports actually found the Ford Edge to be the best Ford SUV of 2021.

Unfortunately, two recalls have already been sent out on the 2021 Ford Edge. These recalls were for malfunctioning seatbelt assembly and power train failure.

However, after these recalls have been fixed, the Ford Edge is a very reliable vehicle. Consumer Reports rated it higher than average in terms of reliability!

Most other Ford-made SUVs received poor predicted reliability ratings. According to Motor Biscuit, the 2021 models of the Ford Escape, Explorer, and Ecosport received a rating of 1 out of 5 in either predicted customer satisfaction or predicted reliability.

Meanwhile, the 2021 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and Mustang Mach-E each received only a 2 out of 5 predicted reliability rating.

In terms of Ford, it is generally best to avoid purchasing an SUV made by the company. Most will be riddled with transmission, engine gasket, and electrical systems issues.

Most Reliable Ford Car

As of 2021, the Ford motor company will no longer be producing any cars other than the Mustang. The company has retired production of all sedans including the Taurus, Fusion, and Focus.

Some people wondered why the company retired their sedan collection, but it might be because it was a black mark on their reliability record.

Others believe Ford’s switch to SUVs and trucks is a ploy to avoid rising car fuel economy standards. Ford claimed they are simply following consumer preference.

Trucks and SUVs have gradually become more popular than sedans and other small cars. Ford will no longer be supplying the smaller vehicles to compensate for the drop in demand. But we’ll let you decide what the real reason is.

The Ford Taurus was once the most popular Ford sedan on the road. While the vehicle started as a reliable choice, many Ford customers realized that after about 50,000 miles, the vehicle needed a plethora of repairs.

Ford Tauruses had a history of overheating, head gasket failure, and many other problems. The Ford Taurus may be the best choice if you are looking for a short-term reliable vehicle.

After a year or two in the vehicle, it will likely be time for some major repairs.

The Ford Focus is enjoyed by many simply because of its speed. While it looks like any other sedan driving around town, the Ford Focus can reach very high speeds.

*Note: You should always follow the posted speed limit in your area*

We spoke with an employee at Kolar Tire & Auto in Helena, MT to find out if these fast cars are reliable as well. According to him, the most common work done on the Ford Focus (as well as the Ford Fusion) is front-end work, which is common for the vehicles in the area.

If you are looking for a reliable Ford sedan, the Ford Focus is the way to go.

Older models of Ford cars should be avoided. The earlier the vehicle was discontinued from production, the more problems the car will have. These models include the Aspire, Festiva, Tempo, Escort, Edsel, Contour, and especially the Pinto.

The placement and design of the fuel tank in the Ford Pinto created a massive safety problem. The tank would burst into flames whenever the vehicle was struck from behind.

The faulty fuel tank caused several hundred deaths during its short production period. In fact, the Ford Pinto was considered to be the most dangerous vehicle on the road.

Even more embarrassing, Ford was found to have considered not recalling the vehicles and simply paying the lawsuits that arose from collisions to save money. The Ford Pinto is a stain on the reputation of not just Ford vehicles, but the company as a whole.

The only older Ford car that was known for reliability was the Thunderbird V8 (NOT THE V6!). The only issue with this vehicle was a lack of power.

Ultimately, the Ford Mustang is the most reliable car ever made by the Ford Motor Company. From the very beginning, Ford Mustangs have taken consumers by storm. Even the earliest models, released in 1964, were regarded highly for their reliability.

Not only are Mustangs reliable, but they are built to reach high speeds as well. According to Car Logos, the Ford Mustang is the number one sports car in the world, and has been for nearly five years in a row!

The main issue with purchasing the reliable Ford Mustang is the price! Ford Mustangs start around $27,000 and can cost as much as $53,000!

Another issue with the Ford Mustang is that it is not suitable for families. Families looking for more seating and reliability would be better off purchasing an F-150.

Why do Fords Have so Many Problems?

Many believe the assumption of Ford vehicles being problem-ridden is just a joke created by pop culture.

However, there is evidence that Ford vehicles break more often than vehicles of other car manufacturers. Additionally, many of the people who claim that Fords are poorly made vehicles are Ford owners themselves!

According to Repair Pal, 15 percent of all Ford repairs are serious problems; meanwhile, only 10 percent of all repairs done on other car brands are serious issues.

Not only are the problems with Fords more serious, but they occur more frequently. Fords are found to need servicing more frequently than other car brands. This only fuels the name “Fix Or Repair Daily.”

While all car manufacturers issue recalls from time to time, Ford issues the most recalls each year. According to Auto Blog, Ford is the most recalled car brand and it has been since 2004.

Some common problems with Ford-made vehicles are transmission failures, blown head gaskets, overheating, and much more.

But are Ford vehicles really made that poorly? One former mechanic claimed that Ford followed an interesting philosophy when constructing its vehicles.

Parts are placed in positions that cause them unnecessary strain. This excessive strain wears out the parts faster, leading to premature breaks and necessary repairs.

How could Ford possibly not realize the vehicle’s design is its very downfall? The short answer is, Ford does not do as much testing as other vehicle manufacturers, according to consumers.

Some Ford drivers believe the company uses them to test for problems. While these problems are later corrected in future vehicle models, consumers in the current model are out of luck.

Regardless of Ford’s many problems, most can agree that the Ford F-series trucks are some of the most durable vehicles the company has ever made. In terms of reliability, the F-150 and the F-350 have the least problems out of all Ford-made vehicles.

Before purchasing a Ford of your own, be sure to read customer reviews. If multiple customers claim the vehicle has had similar problems, the chances are that your vehicle will also have those problems.

Additionally, pay attention to any recalls for the car you are considering purchasing. Be sure to ask the seller whether the vehicle received the recall. You do not want to drive a Ford vehicle with recalled parts.