How Much Does Ford Maintenance Cost?
We go over the average annual Ford maintenance cost and recommended service plan. Click to find out the best ways to save money on your Ford maintenance.
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An extended car warranty refers to mechanical breakdown coverage offered by a vehicle manufacturer. However, this term is often mistakenly used to describe coverage from third-party companies. Independent providers offer similar protection through vehicle service contracts, but we’ve used the terms interchangeably in this article for convenience.
There’s more that goes into purchasing a Ford than just the sticker price – you’ll also need to budget for recommended scheduled services and mechanical repair costs. But how much does Ford maintenance cost per year?
In this article, we’ll discuss the average annual Ford maintenance cost, routine service schedule and commonly reported repairs.
Ford maintenance can be burdensome if you’re unprepared when services arise. One way to prepare for and lower these costs is by purchasing an extended warranty. We’ve reviewed the best car extended warranty companies on the market and will introduce you to a few of our top picks above. You can also start getting free quotes from leading providers to see how much you could save on Ford expenses.
Average Annual Ford Maintenance Cost
Average Ford maintenance costs total $775 per year, according to RepairPal. Compared to other popular commuter brands, Ford’s ownership costs are higher than most. This annual average includes routine services like oil changes and brake bleeds, as well as mechanical repairs like a water pump replacement.
However, Ford maintenance costs can vary depending on a vehicle’s age, mileage, location and model. For example, the Ford Focus costs about $569 to properly maintain each year. Below, we’ve outlined many of the recommended routine services for Ford vehicles based on data for the Focus.
| Ford Maintenance Service | Maintenance Cost* |
|---|---|
| Oil and filter change | $108 to $136 |
| Tire rotation | $35 to $44 |
| Transmission fluid replacement | $386 to $417 |
| Spark plug replacement | $108 to $125 |
| Cabin air filter replacement | $56 to $78 |
| Brake fluid replacement | $72 to $91 |
| Coolant replacement | $139 to $176 |
| *Data from RepairPal. |
To give you a better idea of how much Ford maintenance costs can vary, we also listed a few other popular models and their maintenance costs.
| Ford Model | Reliability Rating | Annual Ford Maintenance Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Ford Escape | 4.0 out of 5.0 | $600 |
| Ford Expedition | 3.0 out of 5.0 | $861 |
| Ford Fiesta | 4.0 out of 5.0 | $552 |
| Ford Mustang | 3.5 out of 5.0 | $709 |
Compared to other brands like Toyota and Hyundai, Ford maintenance costs are on the pricier side. This is mainly due to the manufacturer’s average reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5.0.
Ford Recommended Maintenance Schedule
Ford, like many manufacturers, asks drivers to follow its recommended maintenance schedule. Not only does doing so keep your factory warranty valid, but it also keeps your car in peak condition. For drivers keen on owning their Ford vehicle for a long time, keeping up with your routine maintenance services is a smart plan of action.
Ford recommends specialized maintenance schedules depending on which model you own. To see what services your vehicle will need, you can either look through your owner’s manual or use Ford’s online tool. If you opt for the online option, you’ll need to have your odometer reading, make, and estimated yearly mileage on hand.
Below, we outlined the most common services needed across all Ford models, according to World Ford Pensacola.
| Ford Mileage | Services Needed |
|---|---|
| Every 10,000 miles | Change oil and replace oil filter, tire rotation, various inspections |
| Every 20,000 miles | Replace cabin air filter |
| Every 60,000 miles | Replace engine air filter |
| Every 100,000 miles | Change engine coolant |
Other common services, like spark plug replacements and transmission fluid changes, will vary among different Ford models.
Prepaid Ford Maintenance Plan
Purchasing the Ford Protect Premium Maintenance Plan is one option for drivers looking for added peace of mind. Rather than pay for routine services as they occur, this prepaid service follows the manufacturer-recommended maintenance plan for the contract length purchased.
The Ford Protect Premium Maintenance Plan covers services like:
- Oil changes
- Tire rotations
- Multi-point inspections
- Transmission fluid changes
- Engine air filter replacements
- Spark plug replacements
- Brake pad replacements
- Lubrications
- Engine belt replacements
If you’re interested, Ford offers free online quotes for the service. You’ll need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN), odometer reading and estimated yearly mileage handy. This service is also transferable to any subsequent owner. However, the Ford Protect Premium Maintenance Plan can only be purchased before the New Vehicle Limited Warranty expires.
Vehicle Repairs and Ford Maintenance Cost
Ford maintenance costs are easy to budget for because they’re routine. However, mechanical and electrical repairs are less predictable. Looking at commonly reported repairs can help you prepare financially for what you may be charged in a repair shop.
Here are a few common Ford repairs and their estimated costs, according to RepairPal:
| Ford Model | Repair | Repair Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Ford Fiesta | Head gasket replacement | $1,475 to $1,833 |
| Ford Edge | Brake booster replacement | $496 to $567 |
| Ford Escape | Ignition coil replacement | $98 to $164 |
| Ford Explorer | Radiator replacement | $211 to $884 |
How Can an Extended Warranty Lower the Ford Maintenance Cost?
One option to financially prepare for unexpected repairs is to purchase an extended car warranty. Rather than pay for mechanical and electrical repairs outright, this optional service foots the bill, leaving you only responsible for a deductible at the repair shop and a monthly payment plan or one-time purchase.
An extended warranty – also referred to as a vehicle service contract – can be purchased from the manufacturer or a third-party warranty company. The pros and cons of extended car warranty coverage vary based on the provider you choose.
| Manufacturer Extended Auto Warranty | Third-Party Extended Auto Warranty |
|---|---|
| Brand-specific contracts with factory-trained technicians | More general coverage outlined in contracts, but can work with both dealerships and repair shops |
| Generally need to purchase warranty when the vehicle is purchased or before the original warranty expires | Can be purchased at any time |
| Usually offer one to three coverage plans | Top-recommended warranty companies offer five or six coverage plans |
| Need to go to the dealership for covered repairs | Are often cheaper than the manufacturer’s option |
Best Options for Extended Ford Protection
Our review team has researched each key player in the extended auto warranty industry. After taking a look at plan details, costs, benefits, customer reviews and more, we’ve determined two of the top providers for Ford protection are Endurance and CARCHEX.
Endurance: Best Provider
Available in most states nationwide, Endurance is a reputable choice for Ford vehicles. The provider offers six different coverage plans, each with varying levels of protection. Additionally, Endurance’s maximum coverage extends up to 15 years/200,000+ miles. This coverage easily surpasses what most manufacturer extended warranties offer.
Other benefits of choosing an Endurance warranty include:
- You can take your vehicle to your choice of repairs shops for covered repairs.
- The company offers four deductible options.
- Sample contracts are available so that you can familiarize yourself with coverage details before talking to a sales representative.
- Endurance offers the best additional benefits package in the auto warranty industry.
Read our Endurance warranty review for more information, and click below for a free quote from Endurance.
CARCHEX: Runner-Up, Best Provider
Another strong warranty option, CARCHEX, is available nationwide. This third-party provider offers five coverage options that can extend up to 10 years/250,000 miles. CARCHEX plans can be more affordable than competitor plans too.
Other benefits of choosing CARCHEX coverage include:
- There are four deductible options to choose from.
- The company provides a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- CARCHEX has an excellent industry reputation, partnering with well-known companies such as CARFAX, Edmunds.com and Kelley Blue Book.
- CARCHEX has largely positive customer reviews.
Read our comprehensive CARCHEX review to learn more. Or, click below to receive a free, individualized quote from CARCHEX.
