Quality has been a challenge for Ford over the last few years, prompting execs to focus on nailing down and eliminating problems with its lineup. CEO Jim Farley repeatedly claimed that 2024 model year vehicles would be the first to benefit from more stringent quality checks, and it seemed to have the intended effect – in 2024, the J.D. Power Initial Quality Study (IQS) recognized Ford as being above average, but in 2025, the automaker received a mixed bag of results.
The 2025 IQS examined responses collected from 92,694 purchasers and lessees of new 2025 model year vehicles who were surveyed after 90 days of ownership. In addition, the study accounts for repair visit data based on real-world events reported to franchised new vehicle dealers, which helps automakers determine potential issues and remedy them before they become bigger problems. The study presents questions pertaining to infotainment; features, controls and displays; exterior; driving assistance; interior; powertrain; seats; driving experience; climate; and unspecified (unique to repair).
In the grand scheme of things, Ford ranked below average in terms of problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) – but just barely. The industry average was 192 PP100 reported. Ford slotted in just below that with a PP100 score of 193. For context, in 2024, Ford’s PP100 score was 172, indicating that despite the fact that execs have stated that 2025 model year quality is on the rise, in practice, it’s actually slipped, at least for the crop of vehicles tested.
On the bright side, four Ford models ranked in four segment awards, including the Ford Mustang, the Ford F-150, the Ford Escape, and the Ford Super Duty. The only automaker to reel in more individual segment awards was General Motors, with five.
“Customers expect new vehicles to make their lives easier, more fun, or both right from the first mile,” said Josh Halliburton, executive director of quality at Ford Motor Company. “Four segment-topping finishers and overall improving vehicle quality scores for most nameplates show that while we have to remain laser-focused on earning the trust of our customers, we’re headed in the right direction.”
He added, “We are making progress improving quality, but we know quality is a marathon, not a sprint – and we’ll keep working to deliver even better-quality vehicles for customers.”
6/27 update: Mike Levine, communications director at Ford Blue, reached out to Ford Authority to properly contextualize the automaker’s 2025 brand ranking:
“The new 2025 Explorer launched earlier than Ford’s other 2025 model year resulting in a 55% overall brand survey weighting. Unexpected early quality issues are disproportionately represented compared to Explorer’s typical sales mix. We have addressed these early quality issues since the IQS survey was conducted.
All Ford models finished better than their segment average except for the new 2025 Explorer, which had early quality issues that we have since addressed.”
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So do I understand that ford beat toyota? That’s great!