12 Ford Cars to Avoid and 6 Affordable Gems Worth Checking Out

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12 Ford Cars to Avoid and 6 Affordable Gems Worth Checking Out
12 Ford Cars to Avoid and 6 Affordable Gems Worth Checking Out

Ford’s longstanding presence in the automotive industry is exemplified by its robust sales performance, exceeding two million vehicles sold in the United States in 2024 alone, and an extensive portfolio that spans nearly every major vehicle segment.

As such, prospective buyers in the used car market are likely to find at least one Ford model that meets their criteria, whether seeking a nearly-new vehicle or a more economical, older option. Nevertheless, while many of Ford’s offerings remain reliable choices, certain models have been noted for significant shortcomings.

Some suffer from well-documented defects, while others exhibit a range of minor issues that collectively undermine their dependability. Drawing on data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), including recalls, investigations, and owner complaints, we identify several models that warrant caution.

In parallel, Ford’s legacy of collectible automobiles—from groundbreaking muscle cars to rally icons—continues to attract automotive enthusiasts. Although high demand and limited availability have rendered many classics inaccessible to the average consumer, select models remain relatively affordable based on market data from Classic.com.

Given the recent stabilization of used car prices following unprecedented highs in 2022, the current market may represent an opportune moment for both practical and enthusiast-driven acquisitions. In this article, we will take a look at 12 Ford cars that one should stay away from, and 6 cars that are affordable and one can check out.

Also Read: 10 Best Practices to Keep Your Engine Running Like New in High-Performance Motorsport Vehicles

2013 Ford F 150
2013 Ford F 150

2013 Ford F-150

Only three years after the 2013 Ford F-150 was released, the NHTSA said it was looking into reports about the truck’s brakes not working properly. Ford later responded by recalling the vehicles that were affected, but the problems didn’t end there. Many owners kept sending complaints to the NHTSA, but this time for another reason.

The truck’s transmission would suddenly shift into first gear, even when the truck was moving fast. This led to another investigation, and then two more recalls were made to try to fix it.

But as of April 2025, the NHTSA is still getting a lot of complaints about the same transmission problem. There might be several causes for this. Some of the trucks that were part of the recall may not have had the correct repair done.

Another chance is that the recall didn’t fix the issue properly, or that it didn’t include all the trucks that had the problem in the first place. Right now, the exact reason why the reports keep coming in isn’t known, but as long as they do, avoiding this model year might be the smarter choice.

2002 Ford Explorer
2002 Ford Explorer

2002 Ford Explorer

The 2002 Ford Explorer became known for its problems almost as soon as it was released. The NHTSA began its first investigation into the airbags in December 2001. Although this didn’t lead to a recall, many owners have still reported airbag problems all the way through 2024.

But the biggest issue for the 2002 Explorer is with its powertrain, especially the transmission. As of now, there have been more than 1,500 powertrain complaints made to the NHTSA.

Another problem area is the Explorer’s suspension, along with several issues connected to how the vehicle is built. Many complaints about the structure say the back window glass can crack or break, even when the car is parked and no one is inside.

If that wasn’t enough, other problems that have been reported include the gas pedal sticking or not working, sunroofs coming off on their own, and the steering locking up while the vehicle is being driven.

With this many problems, a 2002 Explorer that works well all the time is probably rare, and if someone says their car has never had any trouble, it’s wise to be cautious.

2012 Ford Focus
2012 Ford Focus

2012 Ford Focus

Several years of the Ford Focus are known for having serious problems with their automatic transmissions. A lawsuit filed in 2019 claimed that the company knew the transmissions were faulty but still kept selling the cars.

That lawsuit was later settled, but people who own 2012 to 2016 Focus models still say they’re having trouble with their vehicles. The 2012 Focus gets a large number of complaints, especially about its transmission, along with several other issues that make it a car many people try to avoid.

Many owners say their cars have problems with the electrical system. One major issue is the electric steering, which has caused a lot of trouble. Quite a few drivers have said the power steering either locked up or stopped working while they were on the road.

There hasn’t been an investigation by the NHTSA, and Ford hasn’t recalled the cars for this problem. Because of that, drivers with failed steering systems have had to pay for repairs themselves.

1997 Ford F 150
1997 Ford F 150

1997 Ford F-150

In a 2023 list ranking every generation of the Ford F-Series, the tenth-generation truck that first came out in 1997 was ranked as the worst one. One of the main reasons for this poor rating was the higher number of recalls and complaints compared to other generations, and the 1997 version had some of the worst results.

Owners have talked about a mix of issues, from problems with electrical systems to transmission breakdowns. Some have even said their trucks caught fire while parked.

One possible cause of these fires is a faulty fuel tank strap, which Ford recalled in 2011. But because fires and fuel tank problems have still been reported after the recall, it looks like some trucks didn’t get the proper repairs.

There have also been complaints about problems with the suspension, brakes, and tires. Later models from the same generation didn’t get as many complaints, and since all of these trucks are old now, those later versions won’t cost much more to buy. That’s one reason why many people think the 1997 model is best avoided.

2013 Ford Escape
2013 Ford Escape

2013 Ford Escape

In December 2012, just as people were starting to drive their brand-new 2013 Ford Escapes, Ford issued a recall because of a problem with the coolant system. This system could leak, which might cause the engine to overheat or, in serious situations, catch fire.

The recall included just over 80,000 vehicles, and Ford said it would update the control module to help prevent overheating and check for leaks. Sadly, this fix didn’t seem to be enough.

The NHTSA has logged more than 1,000 complaints about engine problems, and many are connected to coolant leaks. In a lot of these cases, people said their car wasn’t fixed because the repairs were either too large or too expensive. Many of these complaints are from recent years, but at the time of this writing, no new investigation or recall has been made.

There are other serious recalls for this car as well. One from 2012 is marked by the NHTSA as urgent because of how dangerous it could be. That recall is for a bad fuel line that might lead to a fire in the engine area. In total, the 2013 Escape has 17 recalls listed by the NHTSA.

Some of these are for a faulty latch that could cause doors to open while driving, a missing part in the shifter cable that might let the car roll away, and wrong engine wiring that could make the car stall.

2014 Ford Focus
2014 Ford Focus

2014 Ford Focus

The 2014 Focus has the same well-known transmission problems as other Focus models from this period. Even though it hasn’t gotten quite as many complaints as the 2012 version, it still doesn’t have a good reputation.

Just having a transmission that often fails is enough to make people stay away from this car, but the problems don’t end there. Like the 2012 Focus, this one is known to have steering issues, with some drivers saying the steering becomes hard to use or locks up completely.

This car was part of a recall for a faulty door latch, which affected several Ford and Lincoln cars made between 2011 and 2016. That recall came out in 2020 and explained that if the latch broke, the door might open while the car was moving.

There was another recall for the canister purge valve, which could break because a past recall wasn’t done right on many vehicles. These are just a few of the 12 total recalls for the 2014 Focus so far.

1995 Ford Windstar
1995 Ford Windstar

1995 Ford Windstar

One of the most frustrating things for car owners is when a problem keeps coming back, even after several tries to fix it. That’s something many owners of the 1995 Ford Windstar have experienced. People took their vans to mechanics, got a repair, and then the same problem would happen again soon after.

Most of these issues were related to the engine. Because of how old the 1995 Windstar is and how little it’s worth now, many owners likely decided not to spend money on expensive engine repairs. Instead, they just gave up on the van—though it would have been smarter to not buy one at all.

Even if you ignore the engine problems, this van still doesn’t have a good track record. It has been recalled eight times since it first came out, with the most recent recall happening in 2009. That recall had to do with the speed control deactivation switch, which could get too hot and possibly cause a fire—even when the engine was off.

The recall included many Ford vehicles made between the late 1990s and the mid-2000s. When you look at that along with the other recalls and the well-known engine problems, it makes the 1995 Windstar a vehicle best left alone.

2016 Ford Explorer
2016 Ford Explorer

2016 Ford Explorer

Sometimes, when a car company brings out the first version of a new design, it can have some early problems. The 2016 Ford Explorer was first shown to the public at the Los Angeles Auto Show in 2014, with Ford showing off its updated design, new features, and a new EcoBoost engine.

But the vehicle ended up being released with several quality problems, and it has since gotten over 2,000 complaints filed with the NHTSA.

One of the most common reasons people contacted the agency was because of steering trouble. Some owners said their power steering stopped working without any warning while they were driving. There were also problems with how parts of the car were built.

Ford issued two recalls for this in 2024 and 2021. Both recalls were about parts that could come loose while the car was being driven. One was for the roof rails, and the other was for the A-pillar trim. Some owners brought their Explorers to the dealership for recall repairs, but were told that the needed part wasn’t available.

2000 Ford Focus
2000 Ford Focus

2000 Ford Focus

One of the worst years for the Focus is also its very first. The model was introduced in 2000, and it came with a number of problems that make it a poor choice for anyone looking to buy a used car.

One of the biggest issues involves the car’s electrical systems. Many owners have reported ignition problems to the NHTSA, along with problems related to the headlights. Hundreds of other complaints focus on engine trouble and a faulty fuel pump.

If those issues weren’t enough to stay away from the car, it has been recalled 18 times since it first came out. It’s likely that most of the ones still for sale today are not in perfect condition. On top of that, they probably won’t come with full records showing what repairs or recall work has been done.

That makes it hard to know whether any used one has been properly fixed, which is another solid reason to choose a different car if you’re looking for something affordable.

2013 Ford Edge
2013 Ford Edge

2013 Ford Edge

Electrical problems can stop a car from starting or cause it to lose power while driving. Brake problems are even more serious, since they can keep the car from stopping when it needs to.

The 2013 Ford Edge has been reported to have both, according to complaints sent to the NHTSA, along with several other issues.

As of now, many of the recent complaints focus on the brakes. Some owners say they hear a hissing sound when using the brakes and notice that the brakes don’t work as well as they should.

Mechanics have often traced the issue to a faulty brake booster, though in some cases, the problem returned even after the part was replaced.

The electrical problems in the Edge are also worrying. Drivers have mentioned a wide range of faults, including dashboard warning lights that stay on and problems with the infotainment system. A common complaint is that the “door ajar” warning stays on all the time.

The NHTSA looked into that specific issue during an investigation between 2016 and 2017. After several months, the agency decided that the problem didn’t pose a safety risk, so they didn’t take any further steps.

2008 Ford Escape
2008 Ford Escape

2008 Ford Escape

The biggest problem that owners mention about the 2008 Ford Escape is its steering. Many say the steering becomes stiff or even locks up, often without any warning.

In 2014, Ford issued a recall to deal with power steering failure — one of six total recalls for this model — but it appears that some vehicles with the problem weren’t included. That means those owners have had to pay for the repairs themselves, if they even chose to fix the issue at all.

Even for drivers who haven’t dealt with steering failure, there are other problems. Some people have reported trouble with the car’s anti-lock braking system (ABS). The issue may come from the hydraulic control module, but some say finding a replacement for the part has been difficult.

Others have pointed to the transmission, saying it has slipped while shifting or even come out of gear completely, causing the car to roll while parked.

2010 Ford Fusion
2010 Ford Fusion

2010 Ford Fusion

The 2010 Ford Fusion has the unwanted reputation of being the Ford with the most complaints ever reported to the NHTSA, with over 5,000 filed. The 2011 and 2012 models also don’t score well in terms of owner satisfaction, though not as badly as the 2010 version.

The problems are wide-ranging, with reports mentioning issues related to the steering, transmission, brakes, and electrical systems. Some of the most common complaints include throttle body failure, ABS problems, power steering failure, and faulty airbags.

A number of these have been officially recognized by Ford and were covered by recalls. Still, many owners say problems have continued, even after repairs. With so many reported faults and not many reasons to pick this car over other affordable used sedans, most people consider it a model to avoid.

Ford Mustang
Ford Mustang

Ford Mustang

The Ford Mustang is one of the most well-known cars ever made. Many people might be surprised to learn that the first-generation Mustang isn’t as expensive as some newer models.

The average price for a first-generation Ford Mustang Hardtop is $23,033. But if you’re someone who enjoys driving with the top down, the convertible version will cost more, with an average sale price of $37,175.

One big thing that affects how much a Mustang sells for is the type of engine it has. The 1965 Mustang came out with a straight-six engine that made 120 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque.

But buyers could choose other options, like a 4.3-liter V8 and the very popular 289 cid Hi-Po V8, which made 271 horsepower and 312 pound-feet of torque. There were also special versions like the Shelby GT350 and the Mustang GT, which were introduced in 1965. These special models usually cost a lot more.

Older Mustangs from later years can be even more expensive. The 1967 Mustang, for instance, has an average sale price of $67,163. So, if you’re trying to get a classic Mustang without spending too much, one from the first generation (1965–1966) could be the best choice.

Ford Maverick
Ford Maverick

Ford Maverick

Before the Ford Maverick became a well-known small pickup truck, it started as a two-door coupe. According to Ford’s then-Vice President John Naughton, the rear-wheel-drive 1970 Maverick was made to compete with small foreign cars.

The name “Maverick” comes from a pioneer named Samuel Augustus Maverick, who didn’t brand his cattle. The car’s logo, which has cow horns, is a tribute to him.

Even though it wasn’t really a muscle car, Ford hoped it would be just as popular as the Mustang because of its similar design, like the long hood and sloped rear. When the Maverick first came out, it cost just under $2,000 — which is about $15,000 today.

Many people liked it because it saved gas, getting 22.5 miles per gallon. The first Maverick had a three-speed manual transmission and a 2.8L inline-six engine that made about 105 brake horsepower.

More engine choices were added later during the car’s seven years on the market. Later versions of the Maverick also came in four-door models.

Since most people go for Mustangs or Thunderbirds, the Maverick hasn’t gotten as much attention from Ford fans. That might explain why the average sale price for a Maverick on Classic.com is $18,218. Some of them have even sold for about $5,000.

Ford Galaxie
Ford Galaxie

Ford Galaxie

The Ford Galaxie was a car that really fit the time it was made in. Ford came up with its space-themed name during a period when the U.S. was deep into the space race.

Even though it wasn’t made to feel like space travel, the shiny chrome details and rounded shape can take you back to a time when Americans believed anything was possible. The full-sized car was first released for the 1959 model year and stayed in production until 1974.

The first-generation Ford Galaxie had a 118-inch wheelbase and came with several engine choices. Buyers could go with a 3.7 inline-six or a V8 engine — like the FE block 332 cid with 225 horsepower, the Y block 292 cid with 200 horsepower, or the strong FE block 352 cid V8 that produced 300 horsepower.

There were also different trim styles, including sedan and hardtop models, with both two-door and four-door options, so customers had a lot to choose from.

The average price for a first-generation Ford Galaxie is $29,807. The good news is that some of the later models, which are great for restoring, can be found for less money.

The fourth-generation Ford Galaxie (1969–1974) had a new body design and a longer 121-inch wheelbase, and it usually sells for around $15,857. But if you want one with the strong 460 cid V8 engine, expect to pay a bit more.

Ford Thunderbird
Ford Thunderbird

Ford Thunderbird

With lots of shiny chrome touches and bold square design, the Ford Thunderbird has a unique style that gets noticed on the road. It was first planned as a sporty car, weighing 2,525 pounds and powered by an interceptor V8 that could make it go over 100 mph.

Even though it started with a sporty idea, the car ended up with more luxurious features, so it became a mix of performance and comfort, not just a fast car.

The 1955 Thunderbird came with a three-speed manual transmission and a big 292 cid Y-block V8 that made 198 horsepower and 285 pound-feet of torque. Ford also offered a 312 cid 5.1-liter engine as another option. To add more luxury, the Thunderbird was available as a convertible.

A first-generation Ford Thunderbird (1955–1957) usually sells for $44,335 on average. That makes it pricier than the other cars in this article. But not every Thunderbird model is that expensive: the fourth-generation Thunderbird (1964–1966), which had a smoother look and a standard 300 horsepower V8, goes for less than half that, at an average of $21,856.

Ford Torino
Ford Torino

Ford Torino

The Ford Torino is a muscle car that many people think is worth the money. It became especially famous as the car featured in the 1970s detective show “Starsky and Hutch.” But the Torino was already being made long before it appeared on TV. This mid-sized car came out in 1968 as part of the Ford Fairlane line.

The first generation gave buyers a lot of variety, offering hardtop, convertible, two-door, and four-door versions. It had many engine choices too, starting with an inline-six that made 105 horsepower, and including several V8 options.

Not long after it was released, NASCAR star Richard Petty surprised everyone by switching to a special edition Torino, which was one of the most talked-about moments in racing that year.

The second-generation Torino (1970–1971) got some changes to its outside look to make it better at cutting through the air. This version also brought in the famous Super Cobra Jet, which had a 429 cid V8 engine and 375 horsepower.

By the time the third and last generation came out in 1972, the Torino got more styling updates before it was eventually stopped in 1976.

The average sale price for a Torino is $40,616. But for fans of the 1976 “Starsky and Hutch” Torino, there’s good news — the third-generation model usually sells for almost half that, at around $22,650.

ford flex at dealership
Ford Flex

2019 Ford Flex

With its big, square shape, it’s easy to recognize a Ford Flex when you see one on the road. Its look makes more sense when you know that back in 2009, Ford was trying to move away from station wagons and minivans.

Also Read: 10 Cars That Can Run Up to 250,000 Miles Without Major Repairs

One of the best years to consider when shopping for a used Ford Flex is 2019, because the EcoBoost timing chain that caused problems in earlier models isn’t a concern here. With its turbocharged V6 engine and strong dependability ratings, the 2019 Flex was one of the top choices in its category.

Ford Cars to Avoid and 6 Affordable Gems Worth Checking Out">

By Ritik K

Ritik Katiyar is pursuing a post-graduate degree in Pharmaceutics. Currently, he lives in Srinagar, Uttarakhand, India. You can find him writing about all sorts of listicle topics.

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