5 Used Ford Models Not to Buy in 2026, According to Consumer Reports – Jalopnik

Buying a used Ford is a wise purchasing decision. Not only will it help you avoid the steepest part of the depreciation curve, but you can also choose from a variety of bargain options and potentially access cheaper insurance premiums if you play your cards right. But as experienced bargain hunters will know all too well, the used car market can be a tricky minefield if you don’t have the right information. There is a real risk of ending up with a vehicle with outstanding financing, extremely high mileage, flood damage or reliability issues.

Fortunately, you can tilt the odds further in your favor by doing your research and carrying out the right checks. Starting your research with words from owners is a good first step because it will let you know in advance whether owners of the vehicle you want to purchase are satisfied with it or consider the vehicle to be reliable. In a recent compilation, Consumer Reports Compile a list of 42 used cars to avoid buying, as they are much more likely to break down and require expensive repairs than their peers. That’s based on data from the organization’s annual car surveys submitted by members, and we look at the Ford models that showed up there: the Bronco Sport, Explorer, F-150 Hybrid, Expedition and Escape Hybrid.

Billed as a small Bronco that drives and handles both around town and on rugged off-road terrains, the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was expected to deliver excellence. Unfortunately, its brightest points were somewhat offset by a high error rate, giving it a poor rating in Consumer Reports’ reliability survey. The car has also been recalled 15 times due to numerous faults ranging from short circuits in fires to oil leaks, braking problems, loss of propulsion power and handling and control issues. On models with the turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-three engine, the fuel injector may crack and leak fuel into the engine compartment, further increasing the risk of fire.

The Ford Bronco Sport has received 600 complaints on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website. In fact, many of these complaints involve the SUV actually bursting into flames and burning to the ground. If you still like this vehicle, a wise precaution is to consider models with the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost engine. The stronger powertrain appears to be free of some of the issues that plague the three-cylinder mill.

As the first-year car of the sixth-generation model, the extensively redesigned 2020 Ford Explorer brought many desirable upgrades. One of the most notable changes was the adoption of a new platform and rear-wheel drive. The move was motivated by a desire to increase power, handling and towing capacity. While the 2020 model delivered on that promise and even introduced the very first Explorer Hybrid, the added use of so many new technologies and features didn’t do much for reliability.

The SUV has been recalled 30 times to date, with the most common recalls involving the powertrain and rearview camera. In the latter case, it may occasionally happen that no image is displayed when reversing, reducing the driver’s visibility and increasing the risk of an accident. Other common problems range from exhaust leaks to leaking CV boots, defective rear axle bolts, camshaft phaser noise on cold starts, harsh downshifts and much more.

We previously cheered the arrival of the Ford F-150 Hybrid, which takes the half-ton pickup to the next level. With up to 430 horsepower and 570 pound-feet of torque, 12,700 pounds of towing capacity, 25 mpg combined fuel economy, a quiet cabin and a long list of tech and safety systems, it fills its role quite well. But it can also leave owners with a frustrating (and often expensive) ownership experience. In its latest rankings, Consumer Reports notes that reliability is particularly poor in 2022-2023 hybrid pickup models.

The main trouble spots for these models are the powertrain, transmission, electronics, climate control and hybrid battery. The 2021 model didn’t fare much better, meaning the F-150 Hybrid was named one of the least reliable vehicles three years in a row. However, despite the apparently persistent reliability issues, satisfaction among Ford F-150 PowerBoost owners appears to be high. When it comes to that aspect, both the 2022 and 2023 models earned above-average ratings in CR’s surveys.

Like the F-150 Hybrid above, the Ford Expedition is a common sight on Consumer Reports’ list of least reliable used cars to buy. The Expedition’s 10-speed automatic transmission, also known as the 10R80, has a known defect where the bushing in the CDF drum can move out of position. This will damage one of the Teflon ring seals and subsequently cause a loss of hydraulic pressure, causing the transmission to slip unexpectedly or jump into neutral. According to a Ford technical service bulletin, the problem can also manifest itself in harsh or delayed shifting or engagement.

In addition to the CDF drum problems, the Ford Expedition transmission is known for valve body and outer shell problems. Other issues with the SUV itself include brake fluid leaks, suspension issues, camshaft phaser issues, and a parking function malfunction that can cause the vehicle to roll while parked. All of these complaints led to approximately eleven recalls during the 2018 expedition. The 2019 model has been recalled eight times to date.

The compact Escape is yet another Ford model with many aggrieved drivers. Consumer Reports lists the 2020-2021 and 2023 models as the worst offenders, with the 2022 and 2023 Plug-in Hybrid variants also having terrible reliability. Owners of Ford Escape Hybrids have faced build quality issues, with some complaining of a welding problem in the door that could cause the hinge to fail and the door to fly open while driving.

Squeaky brakes, transmission problems, premature 12V battery failure, and problems with the car’s electronics also seem to be common problems with Escape Hybrids. Specific reports on the plug-in models suggest that they often suffer from many of the same problems, including problems with the 12V battery. Just last year, Ford was forced to issue a recall for the Escape Plug-in Hybrid due to concerns about a manufacturing defect that could damage the high-voltage battery cell’s interface, leading to a potential fire. Blackouts on the infotainment screen and a faulty head-up display are also common problems with the aforementioned Escape Plug-In Hybrid model years.