Quality woes have plagued Ford for a few years now, which has led to an industry-leading number of recalls being issued, not to mention soaring warranty costs for the automaker and headaches for many owners. Thus, CEO Jim Farley set out to correct that problem some time ago, and was quite forthcoming about that mission, to boot. The results of that effort are beginning to show up in various studies that measure things like quality and dependability, too – in fact, both Ford and Lincoln posted massive improvements in the 2025 J.D. Power U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS).
As Ford Authority previously reported, Ford actually improved the most of any automotive brand between 2024 and 2025 in J.D. Power’s VDS, moving up to 13th among that pack with a reported 208 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) compared to 23rd overall in 2024 at 239 problems per 100 vehicles. As for Lincoln, it experienced the second-biggest improvement of any brand, moving up from 25th place in 2024 to 19th this time around with a score of 221 PP100 in the 2025 VDS versus 251 last year. Also notable is the fact that the industry average actually worsened while FoMoCo improved, increasing from 190 PP100 in 2024 to 202 in 2025.
Ford’s efforts to turn things around in terms of quality began years ago, when the automaker announced new focus areas it planned on dialing in – engineering robustness, reducing complexity, thoroughly testing products in the pre-production phase before customer vehicles are launched, sorting out software bugs, elevating supplier quality standards, reducing plant defects, taking an always-on approach in terms of monitoring and responding to issues and warranty claims, and improving the recall process.
This plan paid off with some newer products like the refreshed 2024 Ford F-150, as the pre-launch inspection process reportedly saved the automaker from issuing a dozen recalls for that model. The Ford Super Duty also managed to rank second in the large heavy-duty pickup segment of the 2024 J.D. Power U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS), too. Looking ahead, Farley recently stated that Ford’s quality will continue to improve throughout 2025, and the automaker is also set to appoint a new head of quality very soon.
Comments
Actually, I think part the problem is social media coupled with misuse of the products. I’m among those who has seen the good and bad. I had a 2021 Mustang Mach E First Edition which I really liked. It was the only car I’ve owned over 65 years that was towed 3 times. I traded the MmE for a 2024 Bronco Sport Badlands. I haven’t been back to dealer for anything. My one oil change was done by the dealer’s mobile unit on my driveway !
My 2014 Fusion Hybrid only vidits tbe deaker for annual oil changes (it needs a lift to remove the underbody cover) and for only two recalls. It had two electrical problems that I solved at home with parts from eBay. One was the cooland fan relay and the other was the brake light switch. In total I spend less than $50.
In ten years I had no other problem. I changed the engine air filter myself. Even the brake pads are still the factory installed set. My only big expense were one set if tires.
I traded a 2005 Lincoln Town car , which I owned new from 2005 until 2016 . I then bought the 2016 Ford Flex , which was a better built auto . The Flex has better Navigation , Radio and information controls that the Lincoln never had in the 11 years of its continued manufacturer . Why , and quality in the Wixom Plant was never any better , all those years !
Just hope the water pump doesnt go out. in Flex…..one of worse designs ever…its behind the timing chain cover…and when it goes…water right in oil…just google all the issues…class action law suit at one time…they did that design on Explorers and Taurus on that vin..until the rwd..
Until Ford ends the complicated probmatic Ecoboost engine line up…and starts making or at least give customers a option of a little less hp and fuel milieage…and more reliality.. engine….think most customers would rather have that….
Improved but still worse than average. For some reason I am not impressed.