The Worst Problems for Every Ford Model and Generation

A large pile of crushed cars

Car problems happen. But there's something we can do about it.

By matching owner complaints with recall, investigation and technical service bulletin data we've come up with a list of the most common Ford problems for every model and generation. We've even ranked vehicles by their reliability.

Trending Problems

A few problems that keep popping up. There's plenty more where that came from.

  3. Swollen and Stuck Lug Nuts

    Most lug nuts are one piece of hardened steel, but Ford chose a design that puts an aluminum cap over a steel core. The cap is notorious for swelling and delaminating when it gets hot, and it’s also a great place to trap moisture and promot…

    Continue reading article "Swollen and Stuck Lug Nuts"

All Problems

What Owners Complain About the Most

Sorting out which topics, problems, and model years have the most overall complaints from owners on CarComplaints.com.

Worst Issues view all problems

What Breaks the Most view all topics

Years to Avoid view all years

The Least Reliable Ford Models

Some models just can't seem to get out of their own way. We've created a list of the least reliable GMC models using data such as complaint volume, average cost of repairs, age of the car when it breaks down, and recall frequency.

All Models

Key Numbers

  1. 44 models

    Each with their own trim levels, bodystyles, and special blend of headaches.

  2. 102 generations

    A group of years for a specific model with the same design, features, and problems.

  3. 31 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  4. 44,639 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  5. 15,501 service bulletins

    Documenting the process of troubleshooting common problems.

  6. 1,147 recall campaigns

    Time-sensitive, free repairs for widespread safety problems.

Worst Generations

A generation is a group of model years where little, if any, changes were made. They tend to have the same problems and some generations have horrible reputations for reliability. Here's a handful you should avoid.

See All Generations

Recent Ford News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

  1. Ford thinks there's a good chance windshields can pop off the latest F-Series trucks during a crash

    because they weren't properly bonded to the structure. And while no injuries have been reported yet, the automaker says this greatly increases the chances of something bad happening during a collision. Yep, that checks out. Owners should be on the lookout for recall notices during the first week of April.…

    keep reading article "F-Series Windshields Recalled for Popping Out During Crashes"

  2. Ford may have used obsolete Takata replacement parts during a previous recall, extending what already feels like a never-ending airbag saga.

    Some Ford dealerships kept defective parts on their shelves long after they should have been tossed, and those wound up being used in vehicles as part of a collision of theft repair. Now Ford needs to re-recall 154,000 vehicles to inspect part numbers and replace the inflators if neccessary.…

    keep reading article "Ford Recalls Trucks That Received Obsolete Replacement Takata Parts"

  3. One of Ford's "solutions" to excessive oil concerns in the F-150 was to install new dipsticks with lowered minimum fill level markings. No wonder they're getting sued.

    A proposed class-action lawsuit says Ford needs to properly address oil consumption issues in the 5.0-liter Coyote engine.

    A couple major flaws inside the engine draw excess oil into the combustion chamber where it is burned off. Not only does this mean the engine uses much more oil than advertised, but all that additional carbon buildup causes wear on ignition and emissions equipment.…

    keep reading article "2018-2020 F-150 Owners Sue Ford Over Excessive Oil Consumption Concerns"

  5. Ford is recalling a problem that can cause a sudden loss of power while driving or an unexpected rollaway while parking. Neither of these things are ideal.

    The issue revolves around excess vibration that can prematurely snap a link shaft bracket somewhere in the powertrain. I'm guessing the transmission? Maybe the flux capacitor? Who can say for sure.…

    keep reading article "Little Known Bracket Recalled For Causing Big Time Problems in 16,000 Ford Vehicles"

  6. Ford needs to repair 18 driveshafts that they believe have fractured weld seams.

    Only trouble is they'll have to recall a heck of a lot of vehicles to find them. The affected vehicles are all 2020 Ford Explorers or Lincoln Aviators built in Chicago between 08/24/2019 and 09/30/2019. That's roughly 12,200 vehicles.

    So while less than 1% will actually have the problem, it's imperative that all affected owners bring their SUVs in for inspection.…

    keep reading article "A Handful of 2020 Explorers and Aviators Have a Dangerous Driveshaft Defect. Now Ford Just Needs to Find Them."

See More News

Having car trouble?

Tell Us What's Wrong With Your Ford

The best way to find out what's wrong with a vehicle is from the people who drive them. Not only do owner complaints help us rank vehicles by reliability, but they're often used to spark class-action lawsuits and warranty extensions. Plus, they're a great way to vent.

Add a complaint