Driven by Quality: Ford and Lincoln Climb J.D. Power Rankings

Ford and Lincoln made notable strides in the 2025 J.D. Power U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), a well-respected benchmark that measures problems experienced by original owners of three-year-old vehicles. This year’s report underscores the success of both brands in boosting long-term customer satisfaction and reliability through focused efforts in quality improvement and proactive engineering.

Ford’s Strong Performance

Ford made one of the most significant improvements in this year’s rankings, climbing ten spots to rank 13th among all automotive brands. The brand reduced its problem count from 239 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) in 2024 to 208 PP100 in 2025. This marked improvement reflects Ford’s dedication to rigorous quality assurance practices and extensive monitoring of vehicle performance across its lineup.

Key contributors to Ford’s progress include targeted testing procedures and engineering enhancements designed to catch and address potential issues before vehicles reach consumers. By implementing smarter quality control systems and responding to customer feedback, Ford demonstrated a commitment to continuous improvement and product dependability.

Lincoln’s Progress and Recognition

Lincoln also showed meaningful advancement in the study, rising six places to rank 19th overall. Its PP100 score improved from 251 in the previous year to 221 in 2025. Though still below the industry average, Lincoln’s improvement represents a significant step in its journey toward delivering a more refined and reliable ownership experience.

The brand has focused on strengthening its premium positioning by improving the consistency and quality of its vehicles. Lincoln’s progress in this year’s rankings suggests its strategy of investing in engineering excellence and customer-centric design is yielding results.

Commitment to Customer Satisfaction

Ford and Lincoln’s advancements reflect a broader organizational push toward enhancing customer satisfaction by emphasizing reliability and long-term vehicle quality. Teams across both brands have worked closely with dealers, engineers, and customer service teams to gather real-world insights and translate them into product and service improvements.

By reducing common vehicle issues and emphasizing dependable technology, both brands have taken meaningful steps to earn greater trust and loyalty from their customers. Their movement up the J.D. Power rankings serves as external validation of these ongoing efforts.

Looking Ahead

Ford and Lincoln continue to prioritize dependability as a key component of their product strategies. With a clear focus on long-term quality and innovation, both brands are poised to build on this momentum in future studies. Their progress in 2025 is not only a reflection of improvements made to current vehicles but also a signal of their commitment to delivering reliable and rewarding ownership experiences for years to come.