Why Do Ford Trucks Have a Bad Reputation? (2024)

As a truck enthusiast, when you hear people talking about Fords, you fall into one of two camps. You’re either a diehard fan, or you have a serious aversion to the brand altogether. Given the big three rivalries, there are apparent pros and cons for each brand. But why do Ford trucks always seem to have a bad reputation?

We took a closer look into how some of the deep-rooted loyalties began and discover why Ford trucks have consumers crying one of two battle cries — First On Race Day or Fix Or Repair Daily.

Why Do Ford Trucks Have a Bad Reputation? (1)

Ford trucks really aren’t as bad as critics believe

America’s best-selling trucks don’t earn that rank because they’re not good trucks. The truth is, Ford has been building trucks for decades. For each occasional hiccup, comes with it, years of amazing vehicles.

Ford has always promoted forward-thinking in design and performance. The company offers a great mix of luxury and tech components. It consistently launches top-notch trucks in all classes, including the redesign and resurrection of the Ford Ranger this year.

Why some people believe Ford trucks are awful

Despite Ford’s success in selling trucks, not all truck models have been free of problems. In fact, there are a host of issues and recalls in years past, that might be a major contributing factor to the trucks’ negative reputation. Here are a few problem areas that have plagued various models throughout the years.

  • Airbags – the F150 has experienced issues with seatbelts and rupturing airbags
  • Brakes – the 2016 F150 truck owners had problems with slipping brakes
  • Engine – 2013 F150s had engine failure complaints
  • Suspension – 2011 F250s and F350s have reported issues with softening suspensions
  • Exterior Integrity – Aluminum hoods improperly installed led to corrosion and rusting

Past Ford Truck recalls over the years have been prevalent, and in many cases, due to serious issues. Even the 2018 and 2019 models have experienced recalls. Many of the faults involve lights, interior controls, and failed seatbacks. Regardless of Ford’s complaints, it certainly doesn’t indicate that other models don’t have problems of their own.

All trucks have flaws

Even with the laundry list of faults and problems for Ford trucks, it’s important to note that all automakers experience defects in production and design. Chevy, Ram, and GMC trucks have all experienced their fair share of recalls and consumer complaints. Below is a sample of the latest concerns for the others in the truck market.

  • 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500 – 2 active recalls and complaints about lighting and electrical controls
  • 2013-2017 Dodge Ramsbrake and configuration issues that impaired driving and steering

  • 2019 GMC Sierra – Some models were recalled due to seatbelt and carpet fire complaints

Despite the truck problems across all models, truck owners remain loyal to their brands and continue to buy accordingly.

It boils down to old-fashioned rivalries

The number one and two trucks have always held a brand rivalry. Truck enthusiasts have bought their favorites and will defend their loyalties to the end. With dealership billboard wars and online memes, we don’t anticipate this bitter division between Ford trucks and its competitors to die down anytime soon.

So, which camp are you in? Are you a Ford truck fan and owner? Or, do you find yourself on team bowtie, swearing by your favorite Silverado? In taking a closer look, we can see that while Ford trucks may have a negative reputation, and their fair share of faults, it doesn’t relieve the other models of issues as well.

In fact, all manufacturers have experienced problematic components and complaints. Some model trucks may outperform others, but overall, it’s hard to commit to which truck is the best. For now, fans are still buying and driving their favorites and Ford vs. Chevy will continue to be a rivalry for the ages.

Why Do Ford Trucks Have a Bad Reputation? (2024)

FAQs

What is the biggest problem with Ford trucks? ›

Most Common Problems with the 2022 Ford F-150

Complaints to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) by 2022 Ford F-150 owners show that powertrain and visibility issues are the biggest problems. There are several major problems that relate to the powertrain.

Does Ford have a good reputation? ›

With its assembly line manufacturing practices and improved worker safety, Ford developed a reputation of being a modern and innovative company. The reputation that Ford vehicles have of being reliable and easy to maintain, has made them a popular choice in the used car market.

What does Ford struggle with? ›

The automaker said its revenue had risen about 16 percent, to $158 billion, mainly because of higher car prices. The company sold 4.2 million vehicles worldwide, up from 3.9 million in 2021. Ford has long struggled to reduce defects and recalls in its cars and trucks.

Why is Toyota better than Ford? ›

Here are some key differences: Ford is an American car manufacturer, while Toyota is Japanese. Ford often focuses performance and appearance, while Toyota prioritises practicality. Toyota is better known for its reliable cars.

Does Ford have more problems than Chevy? ›

When comparing reliability ratings across Ford and Chevrolet cars, on average, Chevy tends to come out on top. The brand's pickups, sedans, and SUVs are some of the top picks when it comes to reliability.

What do consumers think of Ford? ›

In 2022, according to the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ASCI), the index score of consumer satisfaction with Ford vehicles was 76 points out of 100, approximately a three percent decrease in satisfaction compared to the previous year.

Who is Fords top competitor? ›

Ford Motor's competitors

General Motors (GM) is a company that designs, manufactures, markets, and distributes vehicles and vehicle parts under the Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC brands. Honda Motor (本田技研工業株式会社) is a company that manufactures automobiles, motorcycles, and power equipment.

What is Ford ranked in the world? ›

21, 2022 – For the second time in a row Ford is ranked the top automotive brand in the World Benchmarking Alliances' 2022 Corporate Human Rights Benchmark. Ford also ranks among the top ten of 127 companies who were assessed as part of the benchmark.

What are some of Fords weaknesses? ›

Weak Foothold in Emerging Markets

As Ford's operations are diversified in many geographical areas, they lack focus on performance and productivity. They do not have a stronghold in emerging markets like India.

What is the most common problem with Fords? ›

Transmission issues, spark plug wiring harness failures, gas reliability issues, and engine malfunctions are all common Ford problems, but also look out for oil pan leaks, ignition misfires, and faulty blower motors.

What is the decline of Ford? ›

Ford's sales decline was in step with most other automakers. Overall, the industry sold about 13.8 million new vehicles in 2022, about one million fewer than in 2021, according to Edmunds, a market research firm.

Is Ford better than Chevy? ›

Ford and Chevy have been going head to head since the early 1900s. Today, they offer competing lineups of SUVs, trucks, and muscle cars, but Ford is typically favored for higher quality, better value, and marginally improved performance. .

Which is a better truck Ford or Toyota? ›

F-150: Towing and Hauling. In terms of truck capabilities, Ford is the clear winner. Our Tundra, as equipped, had a maximum payload of 1,740 pounds and a towing capacity of 11,120 pounds. The Ford, meanwhile, offered a 2,100-pound payload capacity and, with its Max Trailering package, a towing capacity of 13,900 pounds ...

Why Ford trucks are the best? ›

“The Ford truck team's ability to anticipate customer needs, continuously innovate, and provide best-in-class levels of capability and performance has helped make F-Series the sales leader time and time again,” said Kumar Galhotra, president, Ford Blue.

What was Ford's most famous car failure? ›

Introduced with much fanfare in the fall of 1957, the Edsel was greeted by car buyers with a collective shrug.

What Ford Motors to avoid? ›

If you're wondering what the worst Ford engine is, at least in the modern era, it might be the 5.4-liter Triton V8. This engine dates back to 1997, but 1999 is when the issues really started. Once Ford added the three-valve variant, a number of problems arose.

Who is the most powerful Ford? ›

1 2022 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 - 760 horsepower

Behind the prestigious cobra badge sits the most powerful engine Ford ever fitted into a car, a 5.2-liter supercharged aluminum-alloy V-8, which propels the GT500 from 0 to 60 in a nauseating 3.3 seconds.

What is the most reliable Ford truck? ›

2015-2020 Ford F-150

Specifically, the 2018 F-150 is easily one of the best and most reliable models of pickup trucks, thanks to its high durability ratings and great mileage. The 2019 model is also a standout with excellent critics and user reviews.

What is better Ford or Dodge? ›

Should You Choose a Ford or Dodge Vehicle? Ford offers more options for vehicles, including in segments where Dodge doesn't make vehicles, and they're typically more affordable and safer. The choice is clear: You should choose a Ford for your next new or used car purchase.

Who sells the most trucks Ford or Chevy? ›

Here are all the results for U.S. pickup truck sales in 2022. General Motors' full-size pickup trucks are still on top when you combine the Chevrolet and GMC truck sales together. Ford F-Series is still the best-selling truck nameplate in the country, but the 2022 Ford trucks number is down -9.9% when compared to 2021.

Who is Ford's rival? ›

Ford Motor Company competitors include Dodge, General Motors, Chevrolet, Nissan and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA). Ford Motor Company ranks 1st in Gender Score on Comparably vs its competitors.

Why do people prefer Ford? ›

With Ford's patented design and innovation, especially in their F-Series, their efforts in making their vehicles green and capable of self-driving technology gives them an edge among other brands, not to mention their cutting-edge design and technology.

Who buys the most Ford vehicles? ›

At about two million units, the U.S. is the number one sales market for the Ford Motor Company. Globally, sales grew by about 289,000 units between 2021 and 2022.

Who is the number 1 Ford dealer in the US? ›

Galpin Ford was named the number one volume Ford dealer in the world for a record 25th consecutive year, according to Ford Motor Company sales data.

Who is Ford owned by? ›

Ford Motor Company is not owned by another corporation; instead, it is only owned by shareholders. Since the shareholders are collectively the owners of the company, those with more shares technically own more of Ford Motor Co.

What makes Ford so special? ›

What Makes Ford Cars Special? Ford is a legendary car company. It's perhaps best known as the first auto manufacturer to automate production with an assembly line, pay workers a so-called fair daily wage, and produce a vehicle for the mass-market everyday consumer.

Is Ford or GM more popular? ›

General Motors has shown significantly higher Growth Rates than Ford: while GM's Revenue Growth Rates [YoY] is at 23.41%, Ford's is 15.93%. Furthermore, GM's Revenue Growth 3 Year [CAGR] of 4.53% is also higher than Ford's (0.46%).

Where does Ford make the most money? ›

Ford is an automotive company that sells cars, trucks, and sports utility vehicles. It also provides vehicle service and financing. The vast majority of the company's revenue comes from automotive sales.

What car does Ford sell the most of? ›

The Ford F-150 has been the best-selling vehicle in the U.S. for about the past 40 years.

How long do Fords live? ›

Ford vehicles have an average lifespan of approximately 200,000 miles. According to Ford drivers, their vehicles last from 150,000 to 250,000 miles.

Are Fords cheaper to fix? ›

Ford's maintenance cost is more expensive than many other brands. It's even more expensive than other American brands like Dodge and Chevy. When you add repair and maintenance costs together, drivers spend about $775 per year on their Fords, according to RepairPal.

What years did Ford have engine problems? ›

As some truck fans know, the 2004 to 2007 F-150s had a huge, glaring issue primarily caused by its V8 Triton engines. Vehicle History wrote that the Ford's Triton engines simply had a lot of reliability issues, and that's why the model years from 2004 to 2007 aren't recommended.

Why is Ford stopping truck production? ›

Ford Motor recently ran into a battery issue with its popular, all-electric F-150 Lightning pickup truck, prompting it to stop production. Investors just found out the halt will last until the end of next week, at least. Ford (ticker: F) stopped production of the truck on Feb.

Why did Ford lose so much money? ›

The global shortage of computer chips and other parts hit Ford hard at the end of last year, costing it production of roughly 100,000 vehicles that could have been sold, Chief Financial Officer John Lawler told reporters. “Our cost structure is not competitive, and our quality is not where it needs to be,” Lawler said.

Is there still a shortage of Ford trucks? ›

Today easily 90% of the trucks are gone with more trailers on the lot being loaded." This process looks like it began sometime after Dec. 21, 2022. Satellite photos from that date show a handful of lots packed to the brim with to-be-delivered pickups.

Who has more recalls Ford or Chevy? ›

While there was a vehicle inventory shortage throughout 2022, the same can not be said of automaker recalls. Topping the list for the most recalls last year, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), is Ford. According to new NHTSA stats, Ford issued 67 recalls in 2022.

Is f150 better than Silverado? ›

While both the F-150 and the new Chevy Silverado 1500 can tow and haul heavy loads, the F-150 can do just a little more of both than the 1500. This Ford truck has more engine options than the Chevy, and it gets better gas mileage.

Who is richer Ford or Chevy? ›

GM's total revenue for 2020 was $122 billion, a 10.75% decrease from the previous year. Ford's total revenue was $127 billion, an 18.45% decrease from the previous year.

What brand of truck is most reliable? ›

Based on reliability, the best truck to buy in 2022 is the Toyota Tacoma, which comes in with a Consumer Reports score of 74. This truck is followed closely by the Ford Lightning, which received a 73.

Why is the Ford truck so popular? ›

Durability, versatility, performance, Ford F150 in short.

Ford F-150 has a reputation for being a tough and reliable vehicle that can handle a variety of tasks, from hauling cargo to towing trailers, after all, it is Built Ford Tough.

Does Ford really sell the most trucks? ›

Ford has retained its title as America's Best-Selling Truck for 46 consecutive years. With Maverick, Ranger, F-150, Super Duty, all the way up to F-750, Ford offers America's broadest lineup of trucks to best deliver on customers' needs and is the only one that is Built Ford Tough.

What is the #1 selling truck in America? ›

FAQs. What Is The Number One Best-Selling Truck? The Ford F-Series is still the number one best-selling truck for 46 consecutive years. Ford delivered over 650,000 examples of the F-Series in 2022.

What is the most popular truck of all time? ›

Best selling truck of all time

Ford F-Series trucks have also been the most popular vehicle including cars in the US, not just most popular truck, for nearly 40 years. The first F-series, the Ford F1, was introduced way back in January, 1948, about 75 years ago.

What year was the best Ford truck? ›

The Ford SVT Lighting produced from 1999 to 2004 is often lauded as the greatest factory production performance truck ever made. Its supercharged 5.4L V8 engine sounded like a rabid hyena under full throttle, and its 380 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque could liquefy a set of rear tires in no time.

Is Ford a good truck to buy? ›

Ford has been one of the top-performing and selling trucks for decades and is generally considered the most reliable and durable option out there. In any given year, it has the chance to be the best-selling vehicle in the US and ranked third overall in 2021.

What is the defect in Ford truck? ›

Ford recalls 18 electric F-150 Lightning trucks for battery defects, following February fire. Ford Motor Co. is recalling 18 electric pickup trucks due to a battery defect that led to the production shutdown of the Lightning after a battery fire in early February, the automaker disclosed Friday.

How long do Ford trucks last on average? ›

These full-size trucks generally last between 200,000 and 300,000 miles, as long as they're properly maintained. If you drive an average of 15,000 miles per year around the Dayton-area, you can expect your F-150 to last anywhere between 13 and 30 years.

How many miles do Fords last? ›

How many miles can a Ford last? Ford vehicles have an average lifespan of approximately 200,000 miles. According to Ford drivers, their vehicles last from 150,000 to 250,000 miles.

What is the number one selling truck in the US? ›

FAQs. What Is The Number One Best-Selling Truck? The Ford F-Series is still the number one best-selling truck for 46 consecutive years. Ford delivered over 650,000 examples of the F-Series in 2022.

Why is Ford discontinuing the F-150? ›

Ford Motor has stopped production and shipments of its electric pickup truck, the F-150 Lightning, while it looks into a potential problem with the vehicle's battery pack.

Do Ford trucks have weak roofs? ›

The Problem: Ford F-250 and F-350 Super Duty Trucks Have Light, Weak Roofs. Ford Super Duty pickup trucks such as the F-250 and F-350 have inherently weak roofs.

Does Ford still use aluminum body? ›

Since 2015, Ford has made their popular F-150 truck out of aluminum. Then, in 2017, they also started creating their F-Series Super-Duty trucks out of aluminum as well. This trend continues until today, with these two models using aluminum bodies and all other Ford trucks having the typical steel bodies.

What years were Ford trucks bad? ›

There are plenty of F-150 model years that folks should avoid. The two main model year clusters are the 2004 to 2007 trucks and a handful of model years in the early 2010s. As some truck fans know, the 2004 to 2007 F-150s had a huge, glaring issue primarily caused by its V8 Triton engines.

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