Consumer NZ says ongoing mechanical problems put Fords to the top of its list of the worst cars to own.

The US brand produced the two least reliable cars - in its survey of almost 6,000 owners.

The Focus and Escape Models won the top spots.

Product test journalist, Bryan Wall, says out of all cars, they had the most major faults reported.

"Their cars were off-road for, probably, an extended period of time, because the engine wasn't working or the gearbox had failed or there's an electrical problem."

Volkswagen's Tiguan and BMW three series make up the top four. 

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