Ford's lineup has 5,163 recorded NHTSA recalls across 59 models (1981–2026) and averages 3.9/5 for reliability on ForCar. Check any Ford's open recalls, owner complaints, MPG and NHTSA safety below — or decode its VIN for the exact build. Free, by model and year.
Each model's ForCar Reliability Score is built from NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency (25%) and complaint severity (35%) — not user reviews. Brand score = average of rated models.
Ford — VIN decoder & full model lineup
Ford Motor Company, originating in Detroit, Michigan, has a rich history of producing durable and iconic vehicles, often associated with American work ethic and a spirit of adventure. From trucks and SUVs to sporty Mustangs, Ford vehicles appeal to a wide range of drivers who value capability and a strong brand heritage. At ForCar.org, we can help you unlock the complete story of your Ford by decoding any VIN to reveal vehicle specifications, recall information, and a wealth of detailed data.
Buying or selling? See what used Ford models are worth, current used-market prices and how different models hold value over time.
All Ford models 59
Every Ford model we track, grouped by body type. Click any model for its VIN decoder, recalls, MPG, safety and ForCar Reliability Score — broken down by year.
Ford SUVs & crossovers 18
Ford Cars & sedans 19
Ford Trucks 5
Ford Minivans & vans 7
Ford More models 10
Ford recalls
Across the Ford lineup, ForCar tracks 5,163 recorded NHTSA recalls — each tied to a specific model and year. There's no single "Ford recall" number; open a model for its exact campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
| # | Ford model | Recalls | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Ford F-150 | 4.0 /5 | |
| 02 | Ford Explorer | 4.0 /5 | |
| 03 | Ford E-350 | 3.5 /5 | |
| 04 | Ford Mustang | 4.0 /5 | |
| 05 | Ford Ranger | 3.5 /5 | |
| 06 | Ford F-250 | 4.0 /5 | |
| 07 | Ford Escape | 4.5 /5 | |
| 08 | Ford F-350 | 3.5 /5 | |
| 09 | Ford Expedition | 4.0 /5 | |
| 10 | Ford E-150 | 3.5 /5 |
Most-recalled system across Ford: Exterior Lighting. Source: NHTSA recall campaigns — open any model for full details by year.
Is Ford reliable?
Across rated models, Ford averages a 3.9/5 ForCar Reliability Score, with 38 models rated 4★ or higher. Each model is scored from NHTSA crash-test safety, recall frequency and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury — not user reviews.
Ford competes across nearly every passenger and light-commercial segment in North America, with particular strength in full-size pickups and body-on-frame SUVs. The company's Built Ford Tough marketing positions trucks for towing, payload and work-site use, while the Mustang and Bronco lines target enthusiast and lifestyle buyers. Ford's Model e division focuses exclusively on electric vehicles and is run as a separate profit-and-loss unit alongside Ford Blue (gasoline) and Ford Pro (commercial).
Ford models by owner-complaint volume (NHTSA):
| # | Ford model | Owner complaints | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Ford Explorer | 4.0 /5 | |
| 02 | Ford Escape | 4.5 /5 | |
| 03 | Ford Fusion | 4.5 /5 | |
| 04 | Ford Focus | 4.5 /5 | |
| 05 | Ford Taurus | 4.0 /5 | |
| 06 | Ford F-150 | 4.0 /5 | |
| 07 | Ford Windstar | 3.5 /5 | |
| 08 | Ford Edge | 4.5 /5 | |
| 09 | Ford Mustang | 4.0 /5 | |
| 10 | Ford Expedition | 4.0 /5 |
Higher complaint counts often track higher sales volume, not necessarily worse reliability — open a model for its complaints by year and best/worst-year analysis.
Most fuel-efficient Ford models
The most fuel-efficient Ford models by EPA combined MPG — hybrids and small engines lead. Open any model for its full city / highway / combined rating by engine and year.
| # | Model | Best combined MPG | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Ford Mustang | Car | |
| 02 | Ford Mustang Mach-E | Car | |
| 03 | Ford Focus | Car | |
| 04 | Ford F-150 | Car | |
| 05 | Ford Ranger | Car | |
| 06 | Ford Fusion | Car | |
| 07 | Ford Escape | Car | |
| 08 | Ford F-350 | Car |
Best EPA combined rating per model (highest across engines and years). Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Comparing across the whole market? See the most fuel-efficient cars by class & budget, or calculate any model's real yearly fuel cost.
Safest Ford models
Ford models by NHTSA overall crash-test rating (5★ is best). Open a model for its frontal, side and rollover scores by year.
| Ford model | NHTSA safety | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|
| Ford Mustang GTD | ★★★★★ | 5.0 /5 |
| Ford Escape | ★★★★★ | 4.5 /5 |
| Ford Focus | ★★★★★ | 4.5 /5 |
| Ford Edge | ★★★★★ | 4.5 /5 |
| Ford Fusion | ★★★★★ | 4.5 /5 |
| Ford Mustang Mach-E | ★★★★★ | 4.5 /5 |
| Ford Transit Connect | ★★★★★ | 4.5 /5 |
| Ford Expedition EL | ★★★★★ | 4.5 /5 |
Best NHTSA overall 5-Star Safety rating per model (highest tested year). Source: NHTSA NCAP.
See how they rank against every make — the safest cars & SUVs by crash-test score.
How much is Ford insurance?
Across 32 Ford models with real loss data, a typical driver pays about $1,301 a year on full coverage. The E-350 is cheapest to insure (≈ $951/yr) and the Ecosport priciest (≈ $1,957/yr) — from real HLDI insurance-loss indices.
Ford insurance cost by model & state →
Estimate = US-average premium × each model's HLDI loss index (100 = average car). Your rate varies with state, age, record & coverage.
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Ford hybrids & electric models
Ford's electrified lineup — 13 hybrids and 6 electric / plug-in. Click any model for its full powertrain, MPG and range by year.
Ford hybrids 13
Ford electric & plug-in 6
Electrified variants from EPA fueleconomy.gov powertrain data. A model may offer gas, hybrid and electric versions across years.
Get a Ford window sticker by VIN
Recreate any Ford's original Monroney label — MSRP, factory options, EPA MPG and safety — free from the VIN.
Ford window stickers →How to read a Ford VIN
Every Ford built since 1981 carries a unique 17-character VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). It encodes where and when the vehicle was made, its engine and body — here's what each part means:
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Ford and the country it was built in (real Ford codes below).
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled it.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- USA1F1 · 1F7 · 1FA · 1FB · 1FM · 1FT
- Canada2FA · 2FM · 2FT · 2LM · 2LN · 2ME
- Mexico3FA · 3FB · 3FM · 3FT · 3LN · 3MA
- GermanyWF0 · WF1
- Norway1FL
The remaining digits — engine (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard. The whole position-by-position breakdown — year codes 2001–2026, country codes, stamping locations — lives in our VIN decoder tool.
About Ford
Henry Ford founded the company in a converted Detroit wagon factory in June 1903 with twelve investors and $28,000 in capital. The Model T, introduced in 1908, was the first automobile mass-produced on a moving assembly line, dropping its price from $850 in 1908 to $260 by 1925 and putting cars within reach of working-class Americans. The five-dollar workday Ford introduced in 1914 set a new wage benchmark for American industry.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1903 |
| Headquarters | Dearborn, USA |
| Slogan | "Built Ford Tough" |
| Models tracked | 59 (1981–2026) |
Ford — frequently asked
How do I decode a Ford VIN for free?
Enter the 17-character VIN in the decoder at the top of this page. You'll get the exact year, trim, engine and plant, then can check that vehicle's recalls, MPG and safety — free, no signup.
How many Ford models are there?
ForCar tracks 59 Ford models spanning 1981–2026. See the full list above, ordered by how often each is searched.
Where is Ford made?
Ford is headquartered in Dearborn, USA, founded in 1903. Individual models are assembled at plants worldwide — the VIN's 11th character identifies the exact factory.
How do I check Ford recalls?
Recalls are tracked per model and year. Open any Ford model above to see its NHTSA recall campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
Which Ford is most reliable?
Reliability varies by model and year. Each model page shows its ForCar Reliability Score (from NHTSA safety, recalls and complaint severity) so you can compare directly.
What's the Ford warranty?
New Ford vehicles come with a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Ford dealer.