(Photo credit Edmunds 2026)

Ford Ranks #1 in J.D. Power Initial Quality Study (IQS) for mainstream brands, while several Ford Models take the top spot for their segment.

J.D. Power has recently released their 2026 Initial Quality Study, which is a survey presented to real world consumers of 2026 models following 90 days over ownership of their vehicles. The score for this IQS is scored on a variety of metrics based on “problems per 100 vehicles” ( [score] PP100).  Ford ranked #1 for having the least problems per 100 vehicles among mainstream brands, and placing third overall brand just behind high-end market luxury brands. This is the largest year-over-year increase for any brand, as Ford was ranked 16th in 2023.

Read More from Ford directly:  Ford – From the Road: JD Power’s #1 IQS 2026
Read J.D. Power’s Press Release here:  JD Power IQS 2026 Press Release

Some highlights to relay, Ford:From the Road writes,

“The Ford Escape, Ford Explorer, Ford Expedition and Ford Maverick also placed in the top three in their segments. That means seven of Ford’s 10 models tested placed in the top three in their segments, the highest percentage of any other automaker. It is the second year in a row that those three iconic vehicles won their segments. Ford also ranks second overall among corporations and third overall among brands.

Ford improved by 41 fewer problems per 100 vehicles compared with last year, the largest year-over-year improvement among mainstream brands. The momentum extends to Lincoln, which climbs to No. 6 from No. 8 among premium brands. Ford improved in nearly every vehicle category measured by JD Power. Driven by software improvements, infotainment quality saw the largest leap forward, performing 11 points better than the industry average, while powertrain reliability also improved significantly.”

Regarding the Initial Quality Study itself, JD Power writes,

“According to the J.D. Power 2026 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS),^SM overall new-vehicle quality, which is measured by the total number of problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) experienced in the first 90 days of ownership, has improved sharply this year, with fewer problems cited across nine of 10 categories evaluated. … A lower PP100 score indicates higher vehicle quality.

The U.S. Initial Quality Study, now in its 40th year, is based this year on responses from 78,514 purchasers and lessees of new 2026 model-year vehicles who were surveyed after 90 days of ownership. The IQS additionally incorporates repair visit data based on hundreds of thousands of real-world events reported to franchised new-vehicle dealers. The methodology unites state-of-the-art vehicle repair data with traditional JD Power Voice of the Customer (VOC) data fielded continuously year-round and published monthly for subscribing clients. The enhanced IQS data enables automakers to quickly identify potential issues before they become bigger problems in the quality landscape.

The dataset is based on a battery of 227 VOC questions plus relevant repair data, all of which is organized into 10 vehicle categories: infotainment; features, controls and displays; exterior; driving assistance; interior; seats; powertrain; driving experience; climate; and unspecified (unique to repair). The dataset is designed to provide manufacturers with information to facilitate the identification of problems and to drive product improvement.”

“…Among mass market brands, Ford ranks highest with a score of 152 PP100.” – JD Power

Per J.D. Power, the data for the Initial Quality Study (IQS) was collected from June 2025 through May 2026. 

FAQ regarding Ford’s quality rating in the J.D. Power IQS 2026,

Which brand ranked highest in the J.D. Power 2026 IQS?>

Ford ranked as the top mainstream brand in the J.D. Power 2026 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS), becoming the gold standard for mass market new-vehicle quality for the first time since 2010. Ford also placed second overall among corporations and third overall among brands.

How much has Ford’s vehicle quality improved? >

Ford improved by 41 fewer problems per 100 vehicles compared with the previous year — the largest year-over-year improvement among mainstream brands in the J.D. Power 2026 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS). Ford climbed from No. 16 in 2023 to No. 1 among mainstream brands, with infotainment quality leading the gains at 11 points better than the industry average.

Which Ford vehicles won J.D. Power 2026 segment awards? >

The Ford F-150, Ford Mustang and Ford F-Series Super Duty each ranked highest in their respective segments for the second year in a row. The Ford Escape, Explorer, Expedition and Maverick also finished in the top three of their segments — meaning seven of Ford’s 10 tested models placed in the top three, the highest percentage of any automaker.

JD Power 2026 IQS Brand Ranking

JD Power 2026 Car Model Ranking Per Segment

JD Power 2026 Pickup and Van Segment Ranking