Ford Ranger Problems — All Years, Common Issues & Reliability

Year-by-year breakdown of safety recalls, NHTSA owner complaints, reported deaths, injuries, crashes, and worst problem areas. Updated daily from federal databases.

90
Total Recalls
3595
Total Complaints
348
Total Crashes
296
Reported Injuries
15
Reported Deaths
1999
Worst Year
2026
Best Year
0
Poor
Overall Reliability Score (0–100)

Own a Ford Ranger? Check your specific VIN for a full history report.

Ford Ranger — Year-by-Year Problem Comparison

YearVerdictRecallsComplaintsCrashesInjuriesDeathsTop Issue
2026BestExcellent11Unknown Or OtherFull report →
2025Excellent2133Service BrakesFull report →
2024Good3463Electrical SystemFull report →
2023Excellent11211Power TrainFull report →
2022Excellent125Power TrainFull report →
2021Good36562Power TrainFull report →
2020Good35647Power TrainFull report →
2019Good716951Power TrainFull report →
2011Good313083Air BagsFull report →
2010Good68312Air BagsFull report →
2009Good597461Air BagsFull report →
2008Good3174331Air BagsFull report →
2007Good313896Air BagsFull report →
2006Good816397Air BagsFull report →
2005Caution61941818Air BagsFull report →
2004Caution721727223Air BagsFull report →
2003Caution31482541Vehicle Speed ControlFull report →
2002Caution323727261Vehicle Speed ControlFull report →
2001Avoid534447392SuspensionFull report →
2000Avoid442354472TiresFull report →
1999WorstAvoid64875642TiresFull report →
1998Avoid737341205TiresFull report →

22 model years shown. Crashes, injuries, and deaths from NHTSA complaint filings. Click any year for full details.

Most Common Ford Ranger Problems

Air Bags
911
Structure
313
Power Train
295
Tires
285
Suspension
216
Vehicle Speed Control
211
Service Brakes / Hydraulic
187
Electrical System
174
Engine And Engine Cooling
136
Unknown Or Other
116
Fuel System / Gasoline
97
Engine
77

Based on 3,595 owner complaints filed with NHTSA across all model years.

Recent Safety Recalls — Ford Ranger (20222026)

#22V4510002022
24/06/2022
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 Bronco and Ranger vehicles. The windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, which could allow it to detach during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 212, "Windshield Mounting."

Remedy: Dealers will remove and reinstall the windshield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22C12.

#22V6850002022
14/09/2022
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 Explorer and Ranger vehicles equipped with 2.3L engines. The fuel line may be loose due to improper tightening of the fuel line connection.

Remedy: Ford will inspect and replace the fuel line assembly, if needed, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 29, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S60.

#23V3790002022
26/05/2023
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Bronco, 2023 Super Duty F-250, and 2019-2023 Ranger vehicles. The Tire and Loading Information (TREAD) label states the incorrect load carrying capacity, which can result in an overloaded vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Remedy: Ford will mail a new TREAD label to install over the existing label, free of charge. Owners will also have the option to take their vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to have the new label installed, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C18.

#25V4420002022
27/06/2025
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.

Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.

#25V6850002022
10/10/2025
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated September 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.

#23V2830002023
20/04/2023
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Bronco and Ranger vehicles. The lug nuts on the driver's side wheels may have been improperly tightened.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect, and if necessary, retighten the lug nuts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 2, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S17.

#24V5970002024
09/08/2024
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Ranger and 2024 Lincoln Nautilus vehicles. When closing the windows with the global closing feature, the windows may not automatically reverse after detecting an object. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."

Remedy: Dealers will update the driver door module (DDM) and the passenger door module (PDM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 13, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C24.

#24V7700002024
16/10/2024
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Ranger, and 2024-2025 Bronco vehicles. The front upper control arm ball joint nut may not have been installed or tightened properly, allowing the front upper control arm to detach from the knuckle assembly.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and verify that the ball joint fastener is tightened properly. If a fastener is loose or missing, the dealer will replace the ball joint and knuckle assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 20, 2024. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S64.

#26V1220002025
03/03/2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Ranger, Lincoln Nautilus, Mustang, Maverick, Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Corsair, Bronco Sport, and Bronco vehicles. The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve may fail, resulting in an unexpected loss of drive power.

Remedy: The remedy is currently under development. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed March 20, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in September 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S10. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 4, 2026.

#24V8480002024
08/11/2024
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Ranger vehicles. The fuel vapor line bracket may have insufficient clearance to the fuel vapor line, which can result in fuel vapor line damage that can lead to a fuel vapor leak.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect for a fuel vapor line bracket and install a tie strap to secure the fuel vapor line to the bracket, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 20, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S71.

#25V1640002024
14/03/2025
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:FLUID/LUBRICANT:VALVES/VALVE BODY

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, Bronco, 2024 Ranger, 2025 Mustang, Explorer, and Aviator vehicles. The transmission valve body may have been machined incorrectly, which can cause reverse gear failure, or unexpected forward movement in reverse or neutral gear.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the transmission main control valve body, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S19.

#25V2370002024
11/04/2025
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Ranger and 2024 Lincoln Nautilus vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 24V-597. When closing the windows with the global closing feature, the windows may not automatically reverse after detecting an object. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."

Remedy: Dealers will update the driver door module (DDM) and the passenger door module (PDM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 15, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C10.

#25V3100002024
09/05/2025
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Bronco and Ranger vehicles. The front upper control arm ball joint fastener may be missing or tightened improperly, allowing the front upper control arm to detach from the knuckle assembly.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten, or replace the ball joint fastener as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 23, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S45.

#25V3150002024
14/05/2025
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco, F-150, 2021-2024 Edge, 2022-2025 Escape, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600, 2022-2024 Expedition, 2022-2025 Transit, 2021-2023 Mach-E, 2024 Ranger, Mustang, 2021-2023 Lincoln Nautilus, 2022-2024 Navigator, and 2023-2024 Corsair vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera image to delay, freeze, or not display when the vehicle is in reverse.

Remedy: The accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air update, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on June 26, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the final remedy is available on each phase. Owner notification letters were sent on October 8, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S49.

#25V5410002024
22/08/2025
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Ranger vehicles. The side curtain air bags may contact the B-Pillar inner reinforcements and tear during deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 226, "Ejection Mitigation."

Remedy: Dealers will install protective shields, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 26, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C41.

#25V5970002024
11/09/2025
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Bronco and Ranger vehicles. The bolts securing the high pressure fuel pump may not be tightened properly, which can result in a fuel leak.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump mounting bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S90.

#26V1040002024
20/02/2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 F-150, 2022-2026 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, Maverick, 2024-2026 Ranger, 2023-2026 F-600 SD, 2022-2027 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, and 2026 E-Transit vehicles. When towing a trailer, the integrated trailer module (ITRM) may lose communication with the vehicle, possibly causing a loss of brake and turn signal lights, or a loss of brake function. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Remedy: The integrated trailer module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 25, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C10. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning March 17, 2026.

#26V2380002024
14/04/2026
STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:SUN VISOR

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Ranger vehicles. The sun visor or headliner wiring harnesses may be improperly positioned or have excessive tape thickness, which can result in damaged wires.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the wiring for damage and update the body control module software. Damaged wiring harnesses will be replaced as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. This will be a Phased campaign. Phase 1 will include 2025 model year vehicles. Owners will be notified by mail the week of 5/31/2026. Phase 2 will include 2026 model year vehicles and Phase 3 will include 2024 model year vehicles. Owners will be notified by mail the week of 6/29/2026 for Phase 2 and the week of 7/27/2026 for Phase 3. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, are expected to be mailed April 27, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in August 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S29. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 17, 2026.

#25V3110002025
09/05/2025
SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Ranger and Bronco vehicles. The bolts that secure the driver's seat frame to the body may be loose or missing. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 207, "Seating Systems."

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the seat fasteners and tighten or install new fasteners as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 23, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C16.

#25V3990002025
13/06/2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Ranger trucks. The instrument panel was not properly configured, preventing many of the the warning lights or gauges from properly displaying. This includes forward collision warnings, auto emergency braking, traction control, roll stability, and other gauges. The fuel gauge, distance to empty, and fuel economy may also not show accurately. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 101, "Control and Displays" and 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."

Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument panel software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 29, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Fords number for this recall is 25C23.

#25V4880002025
25/07/2025
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:ELECTRIC:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Lincoln Navigator, F-150, Expedition, Bronco, and Ranger vehicles. The Electronic Brake Booster (EBB) module may malfunction while driving or when the driver is utilizing an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) feature, resulting in a loss of power brake assist.

Remedy: The EBB module software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S77.

#25V6830002025
10/10/2025
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Bronco and Ranger vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 212, "Windshield Mounting."

Remedy: Dealers will remove and replace the windshield, free charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 20, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C52. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 14, 2025.

#25V6780002025
09/10/2025
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Ranger vehicles. The instrument panel top cover may prevent the passenger air bag from deploying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Remedy: Dealers will replace the instrument panel assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 26, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C54. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 14, 2025.

#25V8230002025
01/12/2025
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:ELECTRIC:CONTROL MODULE

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Lincoln Navigator, F-150, Expedition, Bronco, and Ranger vehicles. The Electronic Brake Booster (EBB) module may malfunction while driving or when the driver is utilizing an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) feature, resulting in a loss of power brake assist.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the electronic brake booster, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 26, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SD4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 3, 2025.

Showing 24 recalls from 20222026 model years. See the full year-specific pages for older recalls.

Ranger Years to Avoid

1999 Ranger
487 complaints · 6 recalls · 56 crashes
Details →
2000 Ranger
423 complaints · 4 recalls · 54 crashes · 2 deaths
Details →
1998 Ranger
373 complaints · 7 recalls · 41 crashes · 5 deaths
Details →

Ranked by combined complaints, recalls, crashes, injuries, and deaths.

Best Ranger Years to Buy

2026 Ranger
1 complaints · 1 recalls
Details →
2023 Ranger
12 complaints · 1 recalls
Details →
2025 Ranger
13 complaints · 2 recalls
Details →

Years with fewest complaints and recalls.

Ford Ranger Problems by Year

Select a year to see detailed complaints, recall notices, and safety incident data.

Frequently Asked Questions — Ford Ranger Reliability

What year Ranger has the most problems?

Based on NHTSA data, the 1999 Ford Ranger had the highest combined complaint and recall count — 487 complaints and 6 safety recalls. See the full 1999 report for specific defects.

Is the Ford Ranger reliable?

The Ford Ranger has accumulated 3,595 owner-filed complaints and 90 safety recalls across all model years in NHTSA's database. There have been 15 reported deaths associated with complaints. The 2026 model year shows the fewest reported issues. Always run a VIN check before purchasing any used Ranger.

What are the most common Ranger problems?

The most frequently cited problem areas are: Air Bags (911 reports), Structure (313 reports), Power Train (295 reports), Tires (285 reports). Based on NHTSA complaints across all model years.

How do I check if my Ranger has an open recall?

Use the vehicle's 17-character VIN at VinCheckEngine.com. Our free VIN report pulls the latest NHTSA recall data along with auction history, odometer records, and 30+ intelligence signals.

Check a Specific Ford Ranger VIN

Model-level data shows what can go wrong. A VIN-specific report shows what has gone wrong with a particular vehicle — including auction history, odometer discrepancies, open recalls, accident records, and 30+ intelligence signals.

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