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A burgundy Explorer in the desert

Most Complained About Ford Models

Ford sells a lot of cars, trucks, SUVS, and crossovers. Surely with mass production like this, not everything always turns out perfect. Sometimes owners have issues and they complain. Then, if the complaints are bad enough, some Ford consumers post their complaints on websites such as CarComplaints.com so that others can use their experience for …

Ford sells a lot of cars, trucks, SUVS, and crossovers. Surely with mass production like this, not everything always turns out perfect. Sometimes owners have issues and they complain. Then, if the complaints are bad enough, some Ford consumers post their complaints on websites such as CarComplaints.com so that others can use their experience for research when buying a new or used Ford. The following are the most complained about Ford models.

The Ford Escape

With 4,170 complaints, the Ford Escape is one of the top most complained about Ford models. According to CarComplaints.com, the worst Ford Escape model is the 2014 model year. However, it does not have the most complaints on file. In fact, the most complained about Ford Escape model year is the 2008 Escape.

The worst problem for the Ford Escape is transmission issues. The most common complaint is for excessive wheel and shock tower rust. The complaints about this problem are filed for the 2005 model year Ford Escape.

The Ford Escape on display at the Chicago Auto Show
The Ford Escape | Raymond Boyd/Getty Images

The Ford Focus

There are 5,017 complaints on file for the Ford Focus on CarComplaints.com, which is no small number. The 2014 model year is also the worst on file for the Ford Focus. This model is plagued with issues with its accessories and interior problems.

The 2012 Ford Focus has the most complaints filed, but it’s still not deemed the worst year for this most complained about Ford model. The problems with the 2014 model year are generally more frustrating and expensive to repair. The 2003 Ford Focus is the model year with the most common repeated complaint: when you put the key in the ignition, it won’t turn.

A 2014 Ford Focus parked on a dirt road
A 2014 Ford Focus | National Motor Museum/Heritage Images via Getty Images

The Ford F-150

Considering the volume of Ford F-150 pickup truck sales, this number doesn’t feel crazy high. Still, it’s the second most complained about Ford vehicle. The Ford F-150 pickup truck that CarComplaints.com names the worst of all is the 2012 model year. Apparently, this year F-150 has engine problems.

The 2004 Ford F-150 has the most complaints on file, but they aren’t generally as serious as the engine problems of the 2012 model year. The 2004 Ford F-150 pickup truck is also the model year with the most common complaint. The most complaints are on file for problems with the windows failing to roll up.

A red 2012 Ford F-150 driving off the car lot.
2012 Ford F-150 | Jim R. Bounds/Bloomberg via Getty Images

The Ford Explorer

This is one of the most popular Fords out there. It also has more than double the complaints on file than the other most complained about ford models. The Ford Explorer has 12,913 complaints on file with CarComplaints.com.

The absolute worst model for the Ford Explorer is the 2006 vintage. This model had infamous transmission problems. However, the most overall complaints are for the 2002 model year. The most commonly reported complaint is for a cracked panel near the rear window of the 2004 Ford Explorer model year.

Green 2002 Ford Explorer
| JEFF KOWALSKY/AFP via Getty Images

Most complained about Ford models

The most complained about Ford vehicles are, naturally, also among the most popular. You always have to remember that these complaints are filed not as percentages but as raw numbers. That said, it is still notable that the For Explorer shows over 12,000 complaints. The Ford Explorer is the most complained about Ford by a landslide.

2006 Ford Explorer in serene lighting near a still body of water
2006 Ford Explorer | Ford
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