Fords are everywhere. The car brand has been around for a while and makes some pretty good cars. However, not every Ford has the greatest reputation for reliability. We looked at Consumer Reports to see which vehicle's you flat out avoid and will bankrupt you if you purchase them new or used. All information in this article is based on ownership reports from CR.

In North America, the Ford F-150 can be considered the king of the pickup trucks, as it is found everywhere on the road. This does not mean every model year is reliable, though. Some F-150 years you will just have to avoid. In this article, we'll dive into which Ford vehicles are complete lemons.

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10 2020 Ford Mustang - CR: 1 Of 5

Grey Ford Mustang
Ford

A Mustang is an unyielding weapon. The 2020 Ford Mustang comes with some problems. There were four recalls soon after release and another recall in 2022. The most notable of which being a brake pedal bracket that would be susceptible to snapping under heavy braking.

Like many unreliable Fords, owners report transmission problems. Major issues with the clutch, torque converters resulted in the transmission having to be rebuilt or replaced. Electrical issues also seem to be common. Buttons/knobs are often not working and the center console screen freezes. Even more important electric systems like the spark plugs, battery cables, starter and alternator suffer from issues.

9 2016 Ford Mustang - CR: 1 Of 5

2016 Ford Mustang
Ford

The climate system seems to be a common failure for this model year Mustang. The condenser, A/C fan and other components in the system fail early in the ownership cycle of the 2016 Ford Mustang. Electrical issues are also common. The LED turn signals often leave owners in the lurch as the wires are pinched and break in certain spots.

On the more serious side, it seems to suffer from major body integrity and suspension issues. The driveshaft experiences extreme vibrations at high speed. The body also squeaks and rattles, even at low speed. The suspension is another problem in a long list. The front struts and bushings experience issues, causing premature tire wear.

Related: The 25 Most Unreliable Fords Ever Made

8 2015 Ford Mustang - CR: 1 Of 5

Red Ford Mustang
Ford

The 2015 mustang has some serious issues. As this is the first year of a new platform, paint and rusting issues are common. Misaligned trim pieces and badging falling off are almost a guarantee. The door latches and inner controls also experience issues. The usual squeaks and rattles are also present.

There are also more bankrupting issues, as the transmission and engine are also fairly unreliable. Rubber hose leaks cause coolant loss and further engine issues if left unattended. The clutch arm pad breaks under more serious use, which mandates that the whole clutch arm be replaced.

7 2022 Ford Bronco - CR: 1 Of 5

Green Ford Bronco
Ford

The revival of the Ford Bronco platform has brought some issues with it. Problems with the exhaust system are common, even though the car is only a year old as of 2023. As with many Ford cars, the in-car electronics experiences issues. Owners note menu screens freeze, or the system is slow.

Fuel system issues can also present themselves early into ownership. Emissions control devices can fail and cause the car to go into limp mode. Although the V6 is reliable, owners have complained about minor issues with the transmission.

6 2018 Ford Expedition - CR: 1 Of 5

Grey 2018 Ford Expedition
Ford

An update from the 2017 model year, the 2018 Ford Expedition, comes with another set of issues. The engine cooling system fails and causes the engine to overheat. Staying there, the engine itself suffers from belt and cam phaser issues. Of course, a belt failure can cause spectacular engine failure and mandate an engine replacement.

Shocks and struts also suffer from issues. Owners complain about poor ride quality and squeaky wheel bearings. The 4WD system often leaks or cannot engage properly. If you’re in a situation where you need this, you might need to consider other options. This is another unreliable Ford to avoid.

5 2017 Ford Expedition - CR: 1 Of 5

Grey 2017 Ford Expedition
Ford

In terms of reliability, the 2017 Ford Expedition is not best-in-class. It suffers from major differential issues. It vibrates at low-speed or on cold starts, and many owners have reported it breaking or locking up. The climate system condenser, fan, and compressor motor are common points of failure.

The intermittent functioning of the backup camera makes the vehicle problematic to park or turn in tight spots. Under heavy weather conditions, it may not work at all. Another serious issue is with the body integrity. The seals often fail, causing water to enter the cabin.

4 2018 Ford F-150 - CR: 1 Of 5

Black Ford F-150
Ford

If you’re looking for a Ford F-150, the 2018 model year is the year to avoid. The new V6 engine burns oil. Many owners complain they need to add a quart every 1000 miles and some say they needed to replace the engine. Other than vibrating from the factory, the transmission often cannot select the correct gear or slips. This makes for a jerky ride, even in a new 2018 Ford F-150.

Sunroof failure, 4WD system failure, and body integrity issues are among the list of problems with this vehicle. Of course, it has electrical issues as well. The in-car electronics are often freezing or not working, and the starter failures early in the life of the F-150. A lot of these issues were remedied in the 2019 year F-150, which is one of the best F-150 years, so it's probably better to opt for that one.

3 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E - CR: 1 Of 5

Red Ford Mustang Mach-E
Ford

The Mustang Mach-E is a new venture for Ford. A new dedicated electric vehicle platform means new issues. The Mustang Mach-E suffered recalls for drive shaft issues and electrical system failure caused by an overheating battery. Another safety recall occurred when the seatbelt buckles were not attached to the floor correctly.

There are various electrical issues. Lights, keyless entry and starter motor failure are a few of these. The battery cooling system is a known failure in the Mustang Mach-E and can destroy the battery. Unfortunately, many of the more serious drivetrain issues are unfixable because of the nature of an electric car platform. The list price of a battery replacement is $23,000.

2 2007 Ford Ranger - CR: 1 Of 5

Red 2007 Ford Ranger
Ford

The 2007 Ford Ranger is fairly old as of 2023. However, it was quite unreliable even when it initially released. Owners complained of brake, suspension and drive system failure. Failure of the ABS system cost's around 1200$ to fix, combine that with paint issues which is another $3500 and suddenly, the 2007 Ranger becomes a bankrupting asset.

The suspension is also a major source of issues. Of course, bushings, struts and bearings begin to wear with age. With the 2007 Ford Ranger, these parts have a high rate of failure. Owners complain of faulty driveshafts, hydraulic and various body issues.

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1 2021 Ford F-250 - CR: 1 Of 5

2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty Pickup Truck
Flickr

The Ford F-250 is as tough as they come but, even it, comes with some issues. Major transmission issues present themselves, requiring a full rebuild or replacement of the transmission. Unfortunately, Major engine issues are also common. It shares many components with the most reliable F-150 year, but carries heavier loads, straining the engine more and causing issues.

Issues with the electrics are once again prevalent. The alternator, starter and in-car controls make it difficult to live with. Owners have also reported suspension and body issues. The liftgate not staying closed, and rattling bushings and struts are some of these issues.

Sources: Manufacturer's Page, Consumer Reports