Ford Warranty Options

New vehicles from Ford typically come with a 3-year/36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty that covers manufacturing defects. There’s also a powertrain warranty for 5 years/60,000 miles. However, the average American drives over 13,000 miles per year, so it’s likely your factory warranty will run out due to mileage, not time. Ford owners looking for protection after their original warranty expires can opt for third-party coverage from Endurance Warranty.

• Read more about Ford Warranties

  Drivers who choose an Endurance plan can customize anything from an essential powertrain plan that safeguards your engine, transmission, and drive axles, to an exclusionary program that’s most similar to the manufacturer’s warranty that accompanies a new car. Every Endurance contract includes 24/7 roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and trip interruption protection. This coverage also enables owners to use any licensed repair facility, including a Ford dealership, for covered repairs.

  Compare Ford warranty options:

  • Ford Extended Warranty: Review, Price, And Coverage Options

Ford Reliability

Ford’s reliability record varies depending on the year and model. Lately, the company has been involved in a record-setting range of recalls involving everything from malfunctioning rearview cameras and bad door hinges to faulty brakes. To better understand dependability, you’ll want to examine different Ford models.

• Read more about Ford Reliability

  Most Ford F-250 Super Duty model years since 2007 have an “average” quality and reliability rating from J.D. Power. However, examples from 2013 through 2016 earned “great” scores. Meanwhile, the Ford Expedition, a full-sized SUV, only has an average J.D. Power rating.

  Some Ford engines are notorious for problems, such as with many EcoBoost powerplants. Some four-cylinder versions of these turbocharged units have a documented history of head gasket failures and cooling system problems, leading to lawsuits. These troubled engines were used in specific versions of the 2013-2019 Ford Escape and Fusion and several other Ford products.

  Furthermore, some Ford transmissions have contributed to the brand’s reliability challenges. Some variants of the company’s ten-speed automatic gearbox, co-developed with General Motors, are known to have delayed shifting, hesitation, and shuddering issues. In addition, some Ford Focus and Escape model years are prone to transmission issues.

  Break down Ford’s reliability record:

  • Unreliable Vehicles to Avoid: Ford Fiesta
  • Unreliable Vehicles to Avoid: Ford Edge

Ford Maintenance Costs

A Ford’s average annual maintenance cost is $775. This compares to $441 per year for Toyota, $428 for Honda, and $634 for Dodge. Keep in mind that upkeep expenses will vary by model.*

• Read more about Ford maintenance costs

  The Ford Explorer, specifically, has a typical annual repair bill of $732, which is very close to the brand’s average. On the other hand, yearly maintenance for the Ford Escape totals about $600. Still, other models have lower annual maintenance costs, including the Ford Fusion ($581), Ford Focus ($569), Ford Fiesta ($552), and Ford Bronco ($501). Ford owners can reference the owner’s manual or visit Ford.com for maintenance schedules.*

  Understand Ford ownership costs:

  • Are Ford Escapes Expensive to Maintain?
  • Ford Explorer: Family SUV Depreciation vs. Maintenance

Common Repairs for Ford Vehicles

While repairs can vary by model, many Ford Motor Company vehicles share a pattern of recurring issues seen across popular makes and years. For instance, repairs for the Ford Fiesta often center on defective catalytic converters, oil leaks, and shifting problems with the PowerShift six-speed automatic transmission. Meanwhile, trips to the mechanic for the Ford Edge may involve correcting a faulty air conditioner or defective brake boosters.

• Read more about common Ford repairs

  The venerable Ford F-150 is no stranger to repairs. Common problems include ignition coil failure, insufficient cabin heat, exhaust manifold leaks, and defective oil pan gaskets. A broken heater blend door, engine stalling, a worn timing chain, and loss of oil pressure are among the troubles a Ford Explorer owner may face. In some cases, vehicles equipped with available SYNC® 4 can receive over-the-air software updates that improve performance and help reduce the need to visit local Ford dealers.

Ford Buyer’s Guides

Looking to buy a Ford? Our buyer’s guides offer expert insights to help you compare models, features, and ownership costs with confidence:

• The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide for the Ford F-150
• Everything You Need to Know When Buying a Used Ford Fusion

*Repair prices are estimates from RepairPal and may vary by model, year, location, and repair shop. Always confirm current costs with your service provider or dealership.