Buying a used Ford? Reliability, problems & recalls
Updated Jun 11, 2026 · sources: NHTSA, Consumer Reports, J.D. Power, iSeeCars
Reliability. Ford rates about average for reliability — 13th of 22 brands in Consumer Reports and 21st of 32 on RepairPal. F-Series trucks and the Mustang hold up better than average; turbo crossovers and some compact cars do worse. Source: fordauthority.com
Resale value. The F-150 loses about 38% of its value over five years, better than the typical vehicle's 41.5%, so it holds value well. Cars and crossovers drop faster — the Explorer loses roughly 57% in five years. Source: iseecars.com
Theft risk. The F-150 was the 9th most-stolen vehicle in 2023, with nearly 16,000 thefts — mainly because so many are on the road and parts are in demand. In earlier years it was the most-stolen vehicle in the… Source: nicb.org
Most-reported problems on used Fords
- Dual-clutch automatic transmission problems
- Coolant leaking inside smaller turbo engines
- Turbo engine cracking from overheating
- 10-speed automatic glitch
- Older 6-speed automatic can suddenly downshift at highway speed
- Exhaust fumes entering the Explorer cabin
Notable safety recalls (NHTSA)
- F-150 transmission recall (2022) — Some 2021 F-150 trucks can suddenly shift into neutral while driving; dealers fix it free with a software update.
- Explorer trim recall (2024) — Trim near the windshield on 2011–2019 Explorers can fly off and endanger other drivers; dealers inspect and replace it.
- Engine fire recall (2017) — Engines in some 2013–2015 Fusions, Escapes, Fiestas, and Transit Connects can overheat and catch fire; dealers install a…
Confirm open recalls free by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Sources: NHTSA, plus the reliability and resale data linked above.
What’s new (2026)
- Ford scores 3.5 out of 5 for reliability on RepairPal, ranking 21st of 32 brands — below average for the industry. Source: repairpal.com
- The F-150 loses about 38% of its value in five years, slightly worse than the average full-size truck, partly due to higher ownership and recall costs. Source: iseecars.com
- Nearly 1.9 million 2011–2019 Explorers were recalled in 2024 because a trim piece near the windshield can come loose and fly off while driving. Source: static.nhtsa.gov
What buyers are asking right now
Does the F-150 have known transmission problems?
Yes — 2017–2022 F-150s have a known transmission defect that causes rough, jerky shifting when the truck is cold. Repairs are expensive once the warranty ends, so run the VIN for open service bulletins before buying.
Which Ford models had the EcoBoost engine coolant problem?
The 2012–2018 Escape, Edge, and Fusion are most affected — coolant can leak inside and ruin the engine. Ford fixed the design in 2019 but never issued a recall, so owners of earlier cars face $7,000–$9,000 repair bills.
How many Ford recalls are open right now?
Ford issued 152 recalls in 2025 — the most by any automaker in a decade, partly because regulators made Ford recheck older recalls. Always run the VIN on NHTSA.gov to see what applies to a specific vehicle.
