Transmission issues are common problems seen in Fords, along with spark plug wiring harness issues, oil pan leaks, fuel reliability, and engine malfunctions.
We all want to find the perfect car. But even the most dependable auto manufacturers have designed vehicles that suffer from the same issues year to year. Nobody wants to end up with a car that requires repeated expensive repairs.
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What are the most common Ford problems?
The Ford Motor Company has been building automobiles since 1903 and is known worldwide for its cars and trucks. But this doesn’t mean that Fords are without problems. Here are some of the most common problems with
Fordvehicles:
Transmission slippage and failure
Cracked panels below the rear window
Windows not rolling up
Overall, the 2006 Ford Explorer has the most reported problems, with four recalls and 630 complaints to the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
. In contrast, the
Ford F-350,
Ford Focus, and the
Ford Mustang GTreport the least number of problems.
For a quick breakdown of the most common Ford problems in the new and used models on the market in the US, check out the table below.
Model | Starting price | JD Power reliability rating | Most common problems | Years to avoid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Explorer | $35,240 (2022) | 81/100 | Wiring harness, body paint, transmission, radiator leaks, wheel bearing failures, panel cracks below rear window, tire blowouts | 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 |
Focus | $18,825 (2018) | 76/100 | Erratic engine RPM, exhaust and fuel system, transmission, low-speed pre-ignition, Ecoboost, steering, ignition key, engine stalls | 2012, 2014 |
Escape | $28,255 (2022) | N/A | Brakes, transmission, engine fires, ignition misfires, power steering, engine shutdown and PCM failure, transfer case | 2008, 2014 |
Mustang | $28,600 (2022) | N/A | Interior accessories, vehicle vibration, hood corrosion, body paint, camshaft position, tie rod ends, gasket oil leaks | 2006, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2018 |
Expedition | $54,315 (2022) | 75/100 | Electrical, blower motor, spark plug ejection, ignition coil, air suspension, EGR sensor, cracked PCV hose | 1999, 2000, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2011 |
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Most common Ford Explorer problems
Average annual repair cost: $732
CarComplaints.com complaints: 13,195
Ford gets a lot right, but even the more recent model vehicles experience mechanical issues.
Ford issued a recall for wiring harness issues with the 2020
Ford Explorer. The wiring harness on about 10,000 Explorers was not properly attached, increasing the threat of a short circuit. The recall began in October 2019, and Ford reported that most of the vehicles involved were still in dealerships.
There were also many quality control issues with Explorers, such as defective transmissions, faulty air-conditioning systems, or radiator leaks.
When discussing problems and recalls, the Ford-Firestone tire blowout controversy needs to be included. Between 1990 and 2000, the NHTSA received an alarming number of complaints regarding tire failure. Ford ended up settling the issue and replaced millions of Firestone tires.
These problems aren’t exclusive to the Explorer—there are similar issues with other Ford models and vehicles currently on the market. Generally speaking, the Ford Explorer is still one of the most reliable vehicles you can find among SUVs today.
Most common Ford Focus problems
Average annual repair cost: $569
CarComplaints.com complaints: 5,164
One of the most commonly reported problems with the
Ford Focusis transmission and engine issues.
Some owners report that the engine’s RPMs jump after putting the car in park.
Ford also recalled more than a million units of the 2012-2018 Ford Focus models due to a faulty purge valve in the exhaust system that could indirectly impair the fuel tank. Reported issues include loss of power, failed or inconsistent fuel gauges, and engines that don’t restart after a stall. The recall involved reprogramming the vehicles and replacing any affected parts. Ford issued a similar recall for 2012-2014 and 2017 Ford Focus, explaining that these vehicles needed an additional software update and reprogramming.
Most common Ford Escape problems
Average annual repair cost: $600
CarComplaints.com complaints: 4,567
Common problems with the
Ford Escapeinvolve significant engine issues, loss of power steering assist, and screeching brakes.
In July of 2012, Ford issued a series of recalls within months of releasing the 2013 Escape due to engine fires. The recall was so significant that Ford advised owners not to operate their SUVs, then sent tow trucks to take them to service centers. The Escape and other Ford models also suffered from inadequate cooling systems, resulting in a vehicle fire if flammable fluids came in contact with the exhaust system.
Most common Ford Mustang problems
Average annual repair cost: $709
CarComplaints.com complaints: 1,485
When it comes to
Ford Mustangs, interior accessory problems are among the most reported. Some consumers report troubles with the vehicle’s radio/sync display. Other problems involve the rearview camera, steering assist light, and the steering wheel. Ford has not issued any recalls to address these issues.
Some owners also report vibration while driving, usually when the car gets up to about 60 mph. Others hear loud squeaking or chirping noises as the engine warms up or the car goes over bumps.
Body paint and hood corrosion problems are common issues reported for older Ford Mustangs.
MORE:
Are Fords expensive to maintain?Are Ford cars reliable?
According to Repair Pal, Ford gets above-average marks for reliability at an average of 3.5 out of 5, making it 21 out of 32 for all car brands. Fords average 0.3 visits per year to the repair shop, with a 15% probability that the necessary repair will be considered severe.
According to Repair Pal, the average repair cost across all Ford models is $775 per year, compared to $652 across all brands.
The least reliable Ford model: 2006 Ford Explorer
Most common problem: Transmission
NHTSA complaints: 630
As mentioned earlier in this guide, the 2006 Ford Explorer was the subject of many transmission-related complaints. Owners reported transmission lunges in 2006. Drivers complained of hard jolts or shaking when shifting gears. The issue generally shows up around 49,450 miles and typically costs $1,830 to repair.
Owners also reported radiator leaks. The leaks appeared at about 63,800 miles on average. It sometimes took replacing the radiators multiple times before the problem was resolved.
The most reliable Ford model: 1993 F-150
Most common problem: Little to no heat in the cabin
NHTSA complaints: N/A
Consumers give glowing reviews of the 1993
Ford F-150. A classic hardbody pickup, this workhorse can still be found for sale in car lots and online. If you’re looking for a reliable truck, this is a great option.
MORE:
What's the best car insurance for a Ford?How to buy hassle-free car insurance
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