Consumer Reports Says to Avoid These 6 Ford Models
Consumer Reports members have had more issues with these used Ford models than most others.
Problematic Models
Shopping for used vehicles can be an exercise riddled with pitfalls, potential problems, and various other hazards. After all, some issues present on a used vehicle can be hard to spot, and as most of us are well aware, every vehicle in history has had its own unique set of problems - some more prevalent than others. Thus, it's good to have some real data at one's disposal from the folks that actually own and drive them before investing in a used vehicle - and that's precisely what Consumer Reports' annual list of used vehicles to avoid aims to do.
Photos: Ford
2020-2021 Ford Escape
This list is based on data collected from Consumer Reports' Annual Auto Surveys, which indicate what sort of problems owners have experienced with various vehicles - which can then be compared with the average problem rate of all models from each year. In that regard, the 2020-2021 Ford Escape and Escape Hybrid made the cut with the worst reliability in its class, as most owners experienced issues with the crossover's engine and transmission, as well as in-vehicle electronics.
Photos: Ford
2017-2019 Ford Expedition
The same is true of Ford Expedition models from the 2017-2019 model years, as it also ranked last in the large SUV segment in terms of reliability. Owners have experienced a variety of powertrain issues with their Expeditions, including a rough shifting transmission that slips gears, and in many cases, has had to be replaced as a result.
Photos: Ford
2016, 2020 Ford Explorer
The 2020 Ford Explorer experienced one of the worst new vehicle launches in history when it debuted, which makes it somewhat unsurprising that it also made this list - along with the 2016 model, specifically. In addition to being the subject of 22 recalls, the 2020 Explorer has also given owners plenty of headaches with problems pertaining to the transmission, in-car electronics, and seat controls, specifically.
Photos: Ford
2021-2022 Ford F-150 Hybrid
The launch of the all-new 2021 Ford F-150 saw the debut of the first-ever hybrid version of the popular pickup - the PowerBoost - which has proven to be quite popular with shoppers since then. However, the 2021 and 2022 F-150 PowerBoost also made this list of used vehicles to avoid - largely due to its own transmission woes and a rather "jerky" operation of the hybrid system itself that has proven to be anything but smooth.
Photos: Ford
2019, 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty
Ranking next to last in its class in terms of reliability rankings from CR, the 2019 and 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty has experienced its fair share of engine issues, while the CV joints have also proven to be a weak spot for owners.
Photos: Ford
2020 Ford Mustang
Finally, we have the 2020 Ford Mustang, which has also performed quite poorly in Consumer Reports' owner surveys, too. This particular year of the pony car hasn't necessarily had major mechanical issues, but rather, it has irked owners with squeaks and rattles, leaks in convertible models, and loose exterior trim.
Photos: Ford
>>Join the conversation about these Ford models right here in the forum.
For help with your maintenance and repair projects, please visit our how-to section of Ford-trucks.com.