Ford has come out as the least reliable car manufacturer in the U.S., according to a new study by Scrap Car Comparison that analyzed the data of more than 2 million Google searches.
When we encounter a problem with our car, many of us turn to the internet for help, and this new study got under the hood of which particular car models are causing their owners to frequently turn to Google for troubleshooting assistance.
The investigation analyzed breakdown, fault and repair related search volumes for almost 500 different car models. The data was then cross-referenced with the sales figures for each model to achieve a fair comparison. The resulting Crap Car Comparison Index reveals America’s second-largest automaker, Ford, is the least reliable, with more than 64,000 Google searches logged per year from Ford owners looking for advice around a fault in their car.
Mazda, Honda and Nissan, whose cars are all produced across factories in the U.S., Japan and Mexico, feature in the top five manufacturers you can rely least upon.
Brands such as GMC and Volkswagen fared better, sitting outside of the top 15 thanks to their comparatively low Google searches for problems vs. their high yearly sales.
In the U.S., Ford, Mazda and Nissan are the car manufacturers that are getting the most Google searches for problems relating to their cars. Specifically, the Nissan Rogue and Nissan Titan are causing owners to constantly Google what’s wrong with them, as is the Mazda CX-9.
The sporty Kia Stinger takes the unfortunate crown of being the least reliable car in the U.S., with relatively low sales figures suffering against comparatively high search volumes for breakdown related searches.
While Ford comes out as the worst car manufacturer, according to Google search data, none of its specific models actually make the top 15 least reliable car models in the U.S. The reason Ford comes out so high is because it has so many models lower down the model rankings---for example, the Ford Edge, Escape, Expedition, Explorer, Focus, Transit and EcoSport all feature in positions 20 through 50 for worst models, and their combined Google searches put Ford in the top spot as the least reliable manufacturer.
Scrap Car Comparison’s research also looked at which cars were troubling owners overseas, and found that Vauxhall is the least reliable brand in the UK, while the Kia Stinger was also found to be the least reliable model in the likes of Australia and Canada.
“As we see many of the same makes and models getting scrapped on a daily basis, we wanted to find out whether this stacked up against car reliability," said Dan Gick, managing director of Scrap Car Comparison. "The results seem to show that it does, as the Google search and sales data revealed Ford as the third least reliable brand in the UK, and most unreliable in the U.S.
"This is something that particularly stood out to me, as Fords and in particular their Focus model, have been the most scrapped cars in the UK every year since 2017. We hope the results of our Crap Car Comparison Index can help car buyers in their decision making when looking for their next car.” To see the full results of the study, including international analysis, click here.
Source: Scrap Car Comparison
FAQs
Overall Ford vehicles do have an average rating in reliability of 3.5/5 according to RepairPal. It can go either way depending on the model you have or are buying. In terms of safety, Ford is rated highly and they can boast about having some of the most reliable trucks on the market.
How unreliable are Ford's? ›
Ford remains average in reliability ratings across its historied lineup compared to other dominating brands. That's not to say the brand hasn't withstood its fair share of mishaps in its more than 120 years of serving automotive enthusiasts day in and day out.
What is the rank for Ford reliability? ›
Now, the 2023 Consumer Reports annual reliability survey has been released, and it's more of the same for Ford. This time around, Consumer Reports included 30 brands in its annual reliability survey, and out of that group, Ford ranked 22nd with a score of 40 out of 100 possible points.
What is the least reliable Ford car? ›
Ford's F-150 Hybrid was one of the least reliable vehicles in Consumer Reports' testing, with a score of just 54. Owners noted trouble spots in its transmission, electronics, battery, and more.
Is Ford voted most untrustworthy? ›
Kerrigan Advisors, a sell-side advisory firm that is known for its yearly Kerrigan Dealer Survey asked the 650 dealers polled this year the car companies they have the most confidence in and Ford came in dead last with 48% saying they have no trust in the Blue Oval.
Is Ford the most reliable American car? ›
Ford Super Duty Honored as America's Most Dependable Large Heavy-Duty Pickup by J.D. Power. DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 8, 2024 – The 2021 Ford Super Duty is the most dependable large heavy-duty pickup in the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, based on feedback from drivers after three years of ownership.
What is Ford's biggest problem? ›
Transmission Problems
One of the most common issues in Ford vehicles is related to transmission.
What mistakes did Ford make? ›
Ford's chief economic error, however, was political in nature. He replaced his first economic program, which raised taxes and capped spending in an effort to combat inflation, with a plan that cut taxes and limited government spending in the hopes of fighting unemployment.
Is Ford reliable as Toyota? ›
Ford vs Toyota: Reliability
It's a well-established fact that Toyota is a more reliable brand than Ford, as the 2023 WhatCar? Reliability Survey proves: Toyota - 2nd place, 97.4% Ford - 17th place, 91.4%
What car is number 1 reliability? ›
Lexus ranks highest overall in vehicle dependability for a second consecutive year, with a score of 135 PP100. Among premium brands, Porsche (175 PP100) ranks second and BMW (190 PP100) ranks third. Toyota ranks highest in the mass market segment, with a score of 147 PP100.
GM shines, Ford fails to impress in new J.D. Power dependability study ranking. Ford CEO Jim Farley has said again and again it's essential the automaker improve quality, and the new 2023 J.D. Power U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study released Thursday shows Ford and Lincoln among the worst brands.
Is Ford more reliable than Chevy? ›
Which is Better: Ford or Chevy Cars? Taking a look at the 2022 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study, you'll see that Chevrolet ranks in the top three of all tested OEMs. Ford, on the other hand, isn't even at the top. This quality study compares the average number of issues reported per 100 vehicles for each OEM.
What Ford engines last the longest? ›
Diesel engines.
Ford trucks and SUVs with diesel engines will last much longer than their gasoline counterparts. Diesel engines are known for their longevity, frequently surpassing 400,000 miles. There are even reports of a Ford diesel engine making it to 1 million miles.
What are the disadvantages of Ford? ›
Reliability Concerns
Ford has grappled with reliability across several models. The Ford Focus (2012-2016) faced transmission problems, while some F-150s with EcoBoost engines suffered power loss and fires. Engine stalling plagued Ford Escapes, and Explorer SUVs had suspension issues.
What is the nicest Ford? ›
Best Ford Vehicle for Performance and Reliability
- Ford F-150. The Ford F-150 remains a perennial favourite among truck enthusiasts, known for its strength, durability, and advanced technology. ...
- Ford Mustang. The Ford Mustang is an iconic sports car for those who crave speed and style. ...
- Ford Explorer. ...
- Ford Escape. ...
- Ford Edge.
Ford vs Toyota: Reliability
It's a well-established fact that Toyota is a more reliable brand than Ford, as the 2023 WhatCar? Reliability Survey proves: Toyota - 2nd place, 97.4% Ford - 17th place, 91.4%
Why is Ford popular in USA? ›
Ford is renowned for its top-notch SUVs and pickup trucks, which offer the ultimate power, storage, and capability. The Ford F-150 and Ford SuperDuty are two of the best-known vehicles in the lineup, with their excellent features and performance.
Is Ford or GM more reliable? ›
GM shines, Ford fails to impress in new J.D. Power dependability study ranking. Ford CEO Jim Farley has said again and again it's essential the automaker improve quality, and the new 2023 J.D. Power U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study released Thursday shows Ford and Lincoln among the worst brands.
