Fords dominate American roads. The F-150, Escape, Explorer, Fusion, and Focus are some of the best-selling models in history. But even bestsellers have flaws. If you drive a Ford in San Francisco, you already know the challenges—steep streets, stop-and-go traffic, and the constant battle between city driving and vehicle wear. Ford owners trust their vehicles to deliver power and reliability, but every model has weak points. At Cowden Automotive, we know exactly where those weak points are. Here are the five most common problems Ford drivers face—and what happens if you ignore them.
1. Rough or Slipping Transmission—A Ford Signature Problem
Ford’s transmissions have a reputation, and not in a good way. If your Ford jerks between gears, delays shifting, or slips into neutral unexpectedly, you’re not imagining things. The 2011-2020 Ford Focus and 2013-2019 Ford Fiesta have been plagued by issues with their DPS6 PowerShift transmission, leading to harsh shifting and premature failure. Meanwhile, the 2015-2023 Ford F-150 has had its share of transmission recalls due to sudden downshifting and hard shifts. If your Ford hesitates before accelerating or shifts feel rough, don’t wait until you’re stuck in limp mode. Get it checked before it turns into a full transmission replacement.
2. EcoBoost Engines—Big Power, Bigger Problems
Ford’s EcoBoost engines pack serious performance into a small package, but they’re not bulletproof. The 2015-2022 Ford Escape, 2014-2020 Ford Fusion, and 2017-2023 Ford Explorer have all faced issues with carbon buildup, coolant leaks, and turbocharger failures. Many owners report random stalling, engine misfires, and loss of power while driving. Some 1.5L and 2.0L EcoBoost engines have even suffered from cracked cylinder heads, leading to catastrophic coolant leaks. If your Ford hesitates, idles rough, or shows signs of overheating, don’t brush it off. A minor issue today could lead to a blown head gasket tomorrow.
3. Electrical Glitches—Ford Dashboards
Modern Ford vehicles rely on electronic systems to control nearly everything—power windows, door locks, traction control, and even the transmission. When those systems fail, it’s chaos. The 2013-2023 Ford Edge, 2016-2022 Ford Mustang, and 2017-2023 Ford Expedition are known for battery drain issues, random warning lights, and faulty sensors that trigger everything from ABS failures to false airbag alerts. If your Ford’s dashboard suddenly lights up like a Christmas tree, it’s not something to ignore. Electrical failures don’t just affect convenience—they can impact safety systems, leaving you vulnerable in an emergency.
4. Power Steering Loss—A Sudden, Dangerous Problem
Ford transitioned from hydraulic to electronic power steering in many models, and while it improved fuel efficiency, it also introduced a major weak spot. The 2012-2019 Ford Fusion, 2014-2022 Ford Escape, and 2011-2018 Ford Explorer have all suffered from steering assist failures, sometimes while driving at high speeds. Many Ford owners have reported their steering becoming stiff or locking up entirely. In a city like San Francisco, where tight parking spots and quick turns are part of daily driving, losing power steering isn’t just frustrating—it’s dangerous. If your wheel feels unusually heavy or stiff, it’s time to bring it in.
5. Suspension and Front-End Wear—A Rough Ride That Gets Worse
If your Ford clunks over bumps, pulls to one side, or wears through tires too quickly, suspension issues may be the culprit. The 2009-2023 Ford F-150, 2013-2019 Ford Taurus, and 2016-2023 Ford Ranger are notorious for premature ball joint wear, tie rod failures, and weak control arms. Left unchecked, these problems can lead to unpredictable steering and uneven braking, which isn’t something you want to deal with on San Francisco’s hilly streets. If your Ford feels unstable or the front end makes noise when turning, don’t ignore it. Worn suspension components only get worse with time.
Ford Problems Don’t Fix Themselves—Address Them Now
Every car has its quirks, but ignoring these Ford-specific problems is a gamble you don’t want to take. A slipping transmission will only get worse. A rough idle could turn into an engine failure. A flickering warning light might be telling you something serious. If your Ford is showing any of these warning signs, the solution is simple—get it checked before the issue spirals into something bigger.
At Cowden Automotive in San Francisco, we diagnose and repair Ford vehicles daily. Whether it’s a failing transmission, a rough-running EcoBoost, or an electrical nightmare, we have the expertise to get your Ford back in top shape.
Call Cowden Automotive at (415) 777-9858 today. Your Ford is built tough, but it won’t fix itself.
