Ford has faced notable transmission issues in certain model years, particularly with their PowerShift dual-clutch automatic transmission used in vehicles like the Focus and Fiesta. These problems have led to class-action lawsuits and significant customer dissatisfaction. Symptoms included shuddering, hesitation, and sudden loss of power.
Even in more recent years, some Ford models have faced criticism for transmission performance. For instance, some F-150 owners have reported issues with the 10-speed automatic transmission, including rough shifting and hesitation. The prevalence of these problems across multiple model years and vehicle types has created a perception of unreliability in Ford's transmissions.
Ford's standard warranty coverage, while adequate, falls short when compared to some competitors, particularly in the realm of powertrain coverage. Ford typically offers a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
In contrast, brands like Hyundai and Kia offer much longer warranties, with 5-year/60,000-mile basic coverage and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranties. Even domestic rivals like Chevrolet often match Ford's coverage but exceed it in certain areas, such as providing more comprehensive roadside assistance.
Some Ford models have been reported to have issues with noise, vibration, and harshness, which can significantly impact their driving experience. In fact, some F-150 owners have reported vibration issues, particularly in models with larger wheels.
The presence of these problems in various models across different years suggests that it might be a recurring issue in Ford's vehicle development process, potentially deterring buyers who place a high value on refinement and comfort.
While Ford has made strides in electrification, their hybrid offerings remain limited in certain vehicle categories. This can be a significant drawback for consumers looking to reduce their fuel consumption and environmental impact without fully committing to an electric vehicle.
In the truck segment, while the F-150 now offers a hybrid variant, SUVs like the Ford Explorer will not offer a hybrid option, which is shameful considering the high fuel costs customers are seeing across the country.
While Ford has updated many of its models in recent years, some vehicles in their lineup still feature designs that may be considered outdated compared to competitors. For one, the Ford EcoSport, before its discontinuation in the U.S. market, was criticized for its dated exterior and interior design compared to more modern subcompact SUVs.
Even popular models like the Ford Edge have faced criticism for interior designs that don't quite match the more modern design of some rivals. While the F-150 receives some minor regular updates, the differences have been negligible over the past 10 years.
In certain regions, particularly rural or less populated areas, Ford's dealership network may be less extensive compared to some competitors. This can lead to several inconveniences for Ford owners. For example, routine maintenance or repairs might require longer travel times to reach the nearest dealership. In some cases, this could mean driving several hours for service.
The limited network can also result in less competitive pricing and fewer options for shoppers, as there's less inter-dealership competition. Additionally, smaller dealerships may have limited inventory, making it harder to find specific models or trims.
Insurance rates for certain Ford models can be higher compared to similar vehicles from other manufacturers. This is often due to factors such as repair costs, theft rates, and safety ratings. For example, the Ford Mustang, particularly high-performance variants, often comes with higher insurance premiums due to its classification as a sports car and higher likelihood of aggressive driving.
Similarly, some Ford truck models may have higher insurance costs due to their size and potential for causing more damage in accidents. These higher insurance costs can significantly increase the overall cost of ownership.
Ford owners have reported longer wait times for replacement parts compared to some other brands, which can be frustrating and inconvenient when you depend on your vehicle. This issue can be particularly problematic for less common models or older vehicles.
Even for more common models, certain components may be backordered or take longer to ship. This can lead to extended periods where the vehicle is out of commission, causing inconvenience and potential additional costs for alternative transportation.
Ford's vehicles, particularly their larger models, may not offer the handling and driving dynamics that some drivers prefer. While Ford has made improvements, some of their vehicles still feel less agile and responsive compared to other makes.
The Ford Explorer, while spacious, doesn't handle as nimbly as some rivals like the Mazda CX-9. Even the Mustang, known for its performance in past iterations, has faced criticism from some enthusiasts.
Ford's luxury offerings are limited compared to many competitors, particularly in the premium and ultra-luxury segments. While Lincoln, Ford's luxury brand, offers some upscale options, it doesn't compete across all luxury categories such as the full-size luxury sedan segment.
Even in the luxury SUV segment, Lincoln's offerings, while improved, often don't match the prestige or advanced features of established luxury brands.
Ford has faced numerous recalls over the years, affecting various models across their lineup. These recalls can be inconvenient for owners and may raise concerns about overall quality and reliability. The F-150, Ford's bestselling vehicle, has seen recalls for problems like unexpected downshifting and engine stalling. Even newer models like the Mustang Mach-E have faced recalls for potential loss of power.
These frequent recalls erode consumer confidence, cause inconvenience due to necessary repairs, and potentially impact resale value. The time and effort required to address these recalls, along with concerns about safety and reliability, might push buyers towards brands with fewer recalls.
While Ford has made strides in improving fuel efficiency, many of their models still lag behind competitors in this crucial area. This is particularly noticeable in their popular truck and SUV lines. For example, the Ford F-150, despite improvements, still falls short in fuel economy compared to some rivals like the Ram 1500 with its eTorque system.
The Ford Explorer, a popular SUV, often has lower MPG ratings than competitors like the Honda Pilot or Toyota Highlander. Even in the compact SUV segment, the Ford Escape's fuel efficiency is not class-leading. This lack of fuel efficiency can lead to higher running costs over the vehicle's lifetime, making Ford vehicles less appealing to cost-conscious consumers or those concerned about their environmental impact.
Certain Ford models have gained a reputation for expensive repairs, particularly as they age. The complexity of modern vehicle systems, combined with the use of specialized parts, can lead to high maintenance costs. For instance, the Ford F-150, while popular, can be costly to repair due to its aluminum body panels, which require specialized equipment and training to fix.
The Mustang, especially high-performance variants, often incurs high repair bills due to its powerful engine and performance components. Even more common models like the Explorer have faced criticism for reliability issues that lead to costly repairs. These expenses can significantly increase the total cost of ownership, making Ford vehicles less attractive for budget-conscious buyers or those planning to keep their vehicles for many years.
Ford's decision to discontinue most of its sedan and compact car models in North America has left a significant gap in its lineup. Popular models like the Focus, Fusion, and Taurus are no longer available, limiting choices for buyers who prefer smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles.
Ford's focus on SUVs and trucks alienates a significant portion of the car-buying market. Their lack of compact options is particularly problematic in urban areas where larger vehicles are less practical, or for buyers on a tighter budget who typically gravitate towards more affordable compact models.
Ford's transition to electric vehicles has been slower than that of some competitors. While they've introduced the Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning, their electric lineup remains limited. This shortage of options may deter environmentally conscious buyers or those seeking to reduce fuel costs.
For instance, unlike Tesla or Volkswagen, Ford doesn't offer a compact electric car for urban commuters. The lack of diversity in their electric range means potential buyers might look elsewhere for specific EV body styles. Additionally, Ford's charging network isn't as extensive as some rivals, potentially causing range anxiety for long-distance travelers.
Ford owners have voiced dissatisfaction with the company's customer service, citing various challenges in resolving issues or obtaining timely assistance. Reports of long wait times for appointments at Ford service centers, difficulty in reaching knowledgeable support staff, and delays in getting repairs scheduled and completed all contribute to customer frustration.
Furthermore, some customers have expressed exasperation with the responsiveness of Ford's corporate customer service channels, noting instances of unreturned phone calls or emails regarding warranty claims or vehicle complaints.
Despite recent improvements, doubts linger regarding the long-term durability of Ford vehicles compared to rivals. Consumer reports and surveys indicate recurring concerns. For instance, while Ford has made strides in quality, competitors like Toyota and Honda often outperform in long-term reliability assessments.
Issues such as transmission problems in certain models and reports of premature component wear contribute to this skepticism. While Ford has implemented measures to enhance durability, including quality control enhancements and material improvements, some consumers remain cautious.
Safety concerns have shadowed some Ford models despite standard safety features. For instance, the Ford Explorer faced scrutiny for its rollover risk, prompting recalls and investigations by safety agencies. Additionally, certain Ford vehicles, like the Fiesta and Focus, received lower safety ratings due to issues such as subpar crash test performance and inadequate safety features.
Notably, the Takata airbag recall affected millions of Ford vehicles, raising alarms about potential safety risks. You’ll want to do thorough research into safety ratings and recall history before purchasing a Ford vehicle.
Evidence suggests that Ford vehicles often suffer from poor resale value compared to rivals. According to automotive research firms like Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds, Ford cars and trucks tend to depreciate faster than comparable models from competing brands.
For example, a three-year-old Ford Fusion may retain significantly less value than a Toyota Camry or Honda Accord of the same age and condition. This lower resale value means that Ford owners could face greater financial losses when selling or trading in their vehicles.
When it comes to driving dynamics, many reviewers have criticized Ford’s take. The Ford Fiesta has been noted for its numb steering and lackluster handling, failing to deliver the engaging driving experience expected in its class. Similarly, models like the Ford Fusion have been described as competent but uninspired, lacking the agility and responsiveness found in competitors.
Even performance-oriented models like the Mustang have faced scrutiny for their handling dynamics, with some enthusiasts finding them less precise and engaging compared to rival sports cars. These observations suggest that Ford vehicles may not provide the same level of driving excitement and satisfaction as other brands.
Ford's tech offerings have lagged behind competitors, leaving buyers feeling shortchanged. The Mustang Mach-E, for instance, lacked a crucial over-the-air update feature at launch, limiting its ability to receive software improvements remotely—a standard feature in many electric vehicles.
Moreover, while Ford's SYNC infotainment system has improved, it still trails behind rivals like Tesla's intuitive touchscreen interface or GM's advanced Super Cruise autonomous driving technology. The absence of cutting-edge features such as fully digital instrument clusters, augmented reality navigation, and advanced driver-assistance systems in some Ford models is really not a good look for the company.
Several Ford vehicles have been noted for their lackluster interior quality, often feeling cheaply made or lacking refinement compared to competitors. For instance, the Ford Fiesta and Focus have been cited for extensive use of hard plastics and subpar materials throughout the cabin, resulting in a less premium feel.
Reviews of the Ford Escape have highlighted issues with outdated design elements and inferior materials, detracting from the overall comfort and aesthetics of the interior. Additionally, compared to rivals such as Honda and Toyota, Ford's infotainment systems have been criticized for being less intuitive and responsive.
Many Ford models have faced criticism for their subpar fuel efficiency, impacting owners with higher fuel expenses over time. The Ford F-150 Raptor, known for its power and off-road capabilities, falls short in fuel economy compared to other trucks in its class, with an EPA-estimated 16 mpg combined.
Similarly, the Ford Explorer, a popular SUV choice, lags behind competitors in fuel efficiency, with some models averaging around 20 mpg combined. Even smaller vehicles like the Ford Fiesta and Focus struggle to match the fuel efficiency of their counterparts, with EPA-estimated combined mpg ratings below 30.
Ford cars often depreciate faster than competitors, leading to higher long-term ownership costs. For instance, Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds consistently show that Ford vehicles tend to retain less of their value over time compared to counterparts from manufacturers like Toyota, Honda, and Subaru.
A study by iSeeCars.com found that several Ford models, including the Fiesta, Fusion, and Taurus, experienced above-average depreciation rates, with some depreciating by over 50% within five years. This rapid depreciation can significantly impact resale values, potentially resulting in greater losses for Ford owners when they decide to sell or trade in their vehicles.
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.
Recent reports also indicate reliability concerns with the Mustang Mach-E's infotainment system glitches. These issues raise doubts about Ford's overall reliability, causing inconvenience, safety risks, and financial burdens for owners.
