These are the worst years for Ford

24/7 insights

• • While Ford makes a strong lineup of cars, it has had some very bad model years.
  • The Ford Super Duty vehicles (F-250 and F-350) were particularly problematic.
  • The Ford F-150 Lightning is the only vehicle in the Ford lineup with no major NHTSA complaints.
  • Also: Discover the “Next NVIDIA”

As exceptional as Ford has been at making cars over the past 100+ years, no automaker is perfect. Throughout its history, Ford has had some great vehicles with both good and bad model years. Even though the Ford F-150 is America’s most popular pickup truck and has been for the past 50 years, that doesn’t mean it hasn’t had its fair share of engine problems.

There is no doubt that every car manufacturer is looking to launch vehicles in peak shape. Of course, if a problem is identified, both the company and the customer hope to see the problem go away in the next model year, but that’s not always the case. With that in mind, let’s look at the worst model years for various Ford vehicles based on data from CarComplaints.

Why is this important?

Ford dealerships have some great options for customers.

Ford is a core stock company in the automotive world and a brand we regularly cover 24/7 on Wall Street, so any news about its vehicles makes sense for our coverage. Whenever Ford moves into the vehicle industry, either with a new car or something related to electric vehicles, the rest of the auto industry takes notice, making the Ford brand very strong.

Ford Escape

The Ford Escape has had some really rough model years.

• The worst model years: 2008, 2013, 2014

While Ford Escape it has done well as a compact SUV for the brand, it is almost trouble free. According to Car Complaints, the worst model years for the Escape were 2008, 2013 and 2014. Each of those years received the site’s “Avoid like the Plague” recommendation. Worse yet, over the course of three years, nearly 2,000 NHTSA (National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration) complaints have been received, all of which must be answered by the brand. Between engine, steering, and transmission issues, you should avoid all three of the worst model years as much as possible.

Ford Escape Hybrid

Even the Ford Escape Hybrid has its share of challenges.

• The worst model years: 2006, 2007, 2008, 2022

While the Ford Escape hybrid has had a good run, some issues need to be addressed. Most recently the car has been running well except for a few 2022 engine issues that you should avoid. However, the slightly older models of the Escape Hybrid between 2006, 2007 and 2008 are worth avoiding. All three model years have received hundreds of NHTSA complaints, particularly regarding braking, electrical issues, and steering issues, which should make you hesitant to choose any of these three model years.

Ford Bronco Sport

The Ford Bronco Sport is relatively new, so it’s time to improve.

• The worst model years: 2022

As of 2024, the Ford Bronco Sport is only available from 2020 for the 2021 model year. Surprisingly, it wasn’t the first model year that was the one to avoid, but the second. In 2022, Ford took a few steps back with the Bronco Sport and received north of 100 NHTSA complaints. The most serious problem involves engine problems, while fuel system problems are also a major concern. Of course, braking and electrical problems were the third and fourth most common complaints, according to NHTSA. You should avoid the 2022 model year entirely and focus on the newer model years, including the 2025 launch, which is set to hit showrooms soon.

Ford Bronco

The updated Ford Bronco looks great, but it’s already had a rough couple of years.

• The worst model years: 2021, 2022

Although the updated version of the 2020 Ford Bronco has been highly anticipated, it is almost certain that every new car model will have its share of problems. The launch of the 2020 Ford Bronco was no exception. While you might hope that between 1996 and 2021, Ford might figure out how to launch the Bronco with a clean bill of health, it wasn’t meant to be. The 2021 model year had 59 complaints about engine problems, which is a red flag. The 2022 model year similarly focused on engine issues, but issues with braking and exterior accessories also created cause for concern.

Ford Edge

The Ford Edge is an attractive mid-size SUV when it’s running smoothly.

• The worst model years: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2016

Looking at the history of the Ford Edge, this popular mid-size SUV has been a huge success for Ford for all the right reasons. Ideal for families, the Edge is slightly smaller than the Explorer but also a bit sportier, hence the name. However, as you might suspect, it’s not a perfect model, so stay away from the 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2016 model years. The 2013 model year is the worst, as it won the “Beware of the Clunker” award from to CarComplaints due to an overwhelming number of electrical and braking issues, earning more than 1,400 NHTSA complaints between those two issues.

Ford Explorer

The Explorer is one of Ford’s most popular models.

• The worst model years: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2013

As one of America’s most popular SUVs, it’s big news whenever something goes wrong with the Ford Explorer. That’s exactly the case for the 2003 – 2005 and 2013 model years. The good news is that Ford has improved the Explorer since then, but there’s no reason to pick up any used Explorer you can find from any of those four model years. . The volume of NHTSA complaints for those years averaged over 1,000, which is alarming to any potential buyer who would be better off spending money elsewhere.

Ford Expedition

The Ford Expedition is the company’s longest SUV.

• The worst model years: 2011, 2015, 2016, 2017

The Ford Expedition is a large, family-friendly SUV that competes with the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon. Starting in 2011, there are several years to avoid the Ford Expedition for a number of reasons, including engine, transmission, windshield, suspension, and other problems involving the transmission. Engine problems are probably the most consistent problem Expedition owners have to deal with, as each model year has had about 50 NHTSA complaints, a notable number for any engine model year.

Ford Mustang Mach-E

The Ford Mustang Mach-E is the company’s best-selling electric vehicle.

• The worst model years: 2022

So far, the Ford Mustang Mach-E has had a good run, but the 2022 model year is one to avoid. While there haven’t been a lot of NHTSA considerations, car complaints have suggested the 2022 model is worth avoiding. Between the steering, exterior accessories (wipers, etc.) and electrical issues, there are enough concerns to justify designating this year as the year to avoid.

Ford Maverick

Ford Maverick is new, so it has time to introduce improvements.

• The worst model years: 2023

Brand new in 2022, the first model year for the Ford Maverick passed without much concern. However, things changed slightly in 2023, as CarComplaints saw quite a year-over-year increase in NHTSA complaints. About 66 files indicated transmission problems. At the same time, another 43 complaints were filed about electrical issues with the vehicle, including the cruise control suddenly stopping working and the backup camera shutting down completely.

Ford Ranger

The Ford Ranger is a smaller version of the F-150.

• The worst model years: 2008, 2011, 2019, 2020

Ford’s smaller pickup alternative to the F-150/F-250 series, the Ford Ranger, is a fantastic choice for those who don’t need as much storage space in the bed. Of course, being a great choice doesn’t mean it’s without problems, as there are at least four model years you’d want to avoid. In 2008, a major airbag problem would be reason to avoid returning this far with a used model. In 2011, you had a similar problem, so stay away from those years. The 2019 and 2020 models are a bit more varied in their issues, but no less worrisome when it comes to picking up a used model.

Ford F-150

The Ford F-150 is the best-selling pickup truck in the US.

• The worst model years: 2010, 2013, 2015, 2016

As the most popular pickup truck in the country, the Ford F-150 is one of the reasons why Ford remains successful. However, the more a vehicle sells, the more issues will be identified and the faster it will turn into larger conversations. For the Ford F-150, the most prominent red flag years focus on 2010, 2013, 2015 and 2016.

In 2010, you had car complaints that awarded the F-150 the “Beware of the Clunker” label with hundreds of NHTSA complaints for electrical, engine and window issues. In 2013, you have 1,000 problems for the transmission alone, so stay away from this model year at all costs. With the 2015 and 2016, you have a lot of braking and engine issues, so once again, stay away. As for the F-150 Lightning, so far both model years have been fine. As far as complaints go, there’s little reason to avoid this vehicle at this point.

Ford F-250

The Ford F-250 is a Super Duty model with extra towing power.

• The worst model years: F-250: 2011, 2015, 2017, 2019

With the Ford F-250, there are a few model years you want to avoid. Starting in 2017, something about this year’s steering and suspension issues makes it worth staying away. With over 1,000 NHTSA complaints for these two issues, there was something about this year that should be left alone. In particular, if you go back in time to 2011, the same issues surrounding the suspension were also present, so it’s something to consider before any F-250 purchase. Things get worse in 2019 when you have 1,380 NHTSA complaints between steering and suspension issues.

Ford F-350

The Ford F-350 has had several troubling issues over the past ten years.

• The worst model years: 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2022

Unfortunately, the Ford F-350 is one of the toughest trucks in the Ford lineup. For a brand that claims its vehicles are built “Ford Tough,” the F-350 has some less tough model years. In 2011, things were just getting started as you had some suspension and steering concerns, but it wasn’t until 2015 that the steering issues spawned a Wasp. You went from 60 NHTSA complaints in 2015 to 266 in 2017 and another 254 in 2019.

This is a central focal point for Ford F-350 buyers, so it’s something to be aware of for anyone looking to buy in 2024. This is doubly true when you consider that many of the same model years have issues with the suspensions, which is a concern considering how much towing and/or hauling you might be doing with Ford Super Duty vehicles.

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