Every Ford SUV Model Ranked By Reliability

There is no common, agreed-upon definition of a Sports Utility Vehicle, and the term is applied broadly from monster 4x4s to sub-compact glorified station wagons. Maybe the only two defining characteristics of an SUV are that it is not a pickup truck and has all-wheel drive capabilities. Ford was an early adopter of the SUV segment with the 1966 introduction of the Bronco and came to dominate the market through the 1980s and 1990s with popular models like the Bronco II, Explorer, and Expedition.

These days, SUVs and, more importantly, crossover SUVs are the highest-selling vehicles of all classes and every major manufacturer has at least one in their line-up. Ford is the number one American automaker because they produce vehicles that people want, and for 2024, they have an astounding seven SUVs and crossovers to choose from. There is a size, style, and powertrain, including electric, to satisfy every consumer’s want or need. While Ford has a reputation for making reliable vehicles, some in the 2024 SUV lineup are more dependable than others.

In compiling this article, we have cross-referenced information about vehicle reliability, maintenance, and pricing from sources like J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, RepairPal, CarEdge, and Consumer Reports to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible. Please note that we have ranked the following models based on most reliable to least reliable.

1 2024 Ford Bronco Sport

Reliability Score: 87/100

The Ford Bronco Sport is a compact crossover SUV that was introduced for the 2020 model year. Though it bears the name “Bronco” it is not a variant or trim of that nameplate, but rather an entirely new vehicle. With an optional 245-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive, it is a peppy little ride that is fun both on and off the road. Starting at just $32,825, the Bronco Sport is a major hit for Ford, moving 127,476 units in 2023 alone.

Reliability

J.D. Power uses “hundreds of thousands of independent and unbiased opinions of verified car owners” to come up with its reliability rankings, and for the 2024 Bronco Sport, awarded the Ford SUV 87 out of 100 points. That is considered a “great” ranking, and to put that into perspective, the top-ranked small SUV for 2024 was the Buick Encore GX, with an 87 as well, so the Bronco Sport is tied for top dog.

• Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: Not rated (RepairPal)
• Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: Not rated (CarEdge)
• Total Recalls: 0
• Worst Bronco Sport Year To Buy Used: 2022

2 2024 Ford Explorer

Reliability Score: 82/100

The mid-sized Ford Explorer SUV replaced the Bronco II in 1991 and was more or less a Ranger truck with a cap instead of a bed. Made continuously since, the Explorer has changed shapes and sizes across six generations, and in 2019 settled in as the family-friendly ride in the Ford SUV lineup. It comes with some decent power options, including a plug-in hybrid engine, but there are no neck-snapping high-performance V-8s. Though it is available with all-wheel drive, it is more of a grocery getter than an off-roader.

Reliability

The 2024 Ford Explorer also got a “great” reliability rating from J.D. Power, which “measures the level of defects, malfunctions, and design flaws experienced by vehicle owners.” RepairPal found that the Explorer was less likely to need unscheduled repairs and noted that severe repairs were uncommon, meaning that it’s a very reliable vehicle.

• Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $732 (RepairPal)
• Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $9,017 (CarEdge)
• Total Recalls: 0
• Worst Explorer Year To Buy Used: 2002-2006

3 2024 Ford Edge

Reliability Score: 80/100

Introduced for the 2007 model year, the Edge is the first crossover SUV marketed by Ford in North America. Taking its name from a Ford Ranger trim, the mid-size Edge is positioned between the compact Escape and the larger Explorer in the Ford product lineup. It is the “Goldilocks” Ford SUV in that it’s not too small, nor too big, but just right. With capable power options and available all-wheel drive, this is another Ford that was meant as reliable street transportation rather than off-road marauding.

Reliability

The Ford Edge was rated for quality and reliability by J.D. Power as being average, but that was still good enough to place it in the top five mid-size SUVs for the model year. It has a 13% probability of requiring a major repair, which is, surprise, the average for all vehicles. It does have, however, a slightly below-average occurrence of unscheduled repairs.

• Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $611 (RepairPal)
• Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $8,883 (CarEdge)
• Total Recalls: 0
• Worst Edge Year To Buy Used: 2007

4 2024 Ford Bronco

Reliability Score: 75/100

Next to the Mustang and F-series trucks, the Bronco is one of the most iconic and best-selling Ford nameplates ever. Made continuously since its introduction in 1966, it went on hiatus after the 1996 model year. In 2021, the Bronco got a glorious reboot, with retro/modern styling that recalled the 60s classics with a decidedly updated feel.

The new mid-size Bronco has impressively powerful engine options as well as amazing 4×4 packages, making it the most serious off-road SUV in Ford’s lineup. With a seemingly endless number of trims and configurations, it is also the most versatile Ford, which can be everything from a family ride to a gnarly rock climber.

Reliability

The 2024 Ford Bronco is another SUV to receive an average rating on quality and reliability, but that’s not a cause for concern because it is as solid as anything else on the road. Since it is a relatively new entry, being released in 2021, there is insufficient data for ratings from RepairPal and CarEdge. There are, however, 2 NHTSB recalls on the two-door and another two on the four-door that involve child-safety latches and potential rear glass detachment.

• Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: Not rated (RepairPal)
• Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: Not rated (CarEdge)
• Total Recalls: 4
• Worst Bronco Year To Buy Used: N/A

5 2024 Ford Expedition

Reliability Score: 74/100

The Ford Expedition, introduced in 1997, was a massive 9-person land yacht with one of the longest wheelbases of any non-commercial vehicle ever made. The full-size SUV has been through several generations, with the most recent beginning in 2018, and, despite the compact crossover trend, grew by three inches to become the most massive thing on the streets.

The Expedition is a luxury vehicle with enough power options to make sure it moves in style, including an available 440-horsepower 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6. It is available with four-wheel drive, but chances are nobody is taking this status symbol off the road.

Reliability

J.D. Power gives the Ford Expedition an average rating for reliability and so does RepairPal. CarEdge reports that there is a 26.6% chance that an Expedition will need a major repair during the first 10 years of ownership. This is 5.1% worse than other similar vehicles in the segment. Realistically, any ten-year-old vehicle is probably going to need a transmission rebuild, so this isn’t as scary as it seems.

• Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $861 (RepairPal)
• Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $9,443 (CarEdge)
• Total Recalls: 0
• Worst Expedition Year To Buy Used: 2018

6 2024 Mustang Mach-E

Reliability Score: 69/100

The Ford Mustang Mach-E is a battery-electric crossover SUV, but despite its name, it has nothing to do with the iconic Blue Oval pony car. The name was selected simply because it has weight, and not because it is related to the Mustang or the Mach 1 variant. Introduced for the 2021 model year, the Mustang Mach-E has a fairly generic style that looks similar to a dozen other crossovers on the market, but it is an all-electric vehicle, which sets it apart. There are also some great power upgrades available, that put 480 horsepower and 634 pound-feet of instant torque into all four wheels simultaneously.

Reliability

The 2024 Mustang Mach-E actually gets a fair rating from J.D. Power on quality and reliability, which is probably due to the fact that it is one of Ford’s first attempts at an EV, and they probably still have some kinks to work out. Neither RepairPal nor CarEdge has enough data to rate it, but Consumer Reports has reported that there have been some issues with the battery overheating, as well as sudden accelerations or loss of power.

• Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: Not rated (RepairPal)
• Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: Not Rated (CarEdge)
• Total Recalls: 0
• Worst Mustang Mach-E Year To Buy Used: N/A

7 2024 Ford Escape

Reliability Score: Not Rated

Ford, for the most part, seems to like giving their SUVs names that begin with the letter “E” and the Escape is a part of that. Introduced in 2001, the Escape is a compact crossover SUV that is bigger than the recently discontinued EcoSport, but smaller than the Edge.

The current generation of the Escape is 200 pounds lighter, but also wider and has more headroom than its predecessors. Available with some adequate but modest power options, including a plug-in hybrid, it is affordable basic transportation that is available in four-wheel drive, but probably never goes mod-bogging.

Reliability

The 2024 Ford Escape hasn’t been rated by J.D. Power for anything yet, but RepairPal rates it as above average and ranks it 16 out of 26 compact SUVs. Its $600 annual repair cost is below the $652 of all vehicle models. It also has an 11% probability of needing a major repair, which is less than the 13% average. CarEdge estimates that there is a 26.6% chance it will need a major repair in the first 10 years of ownership.

• Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $600 (RepairPal)
• Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $8,721 (CarEdge)
• Total Recalls: 0
• Worst Escape Year To Buy Used: 2008