V
VIN Check Engine
Home/1FTER4KH7TLE03949
VIN REPORT

1FTER4KH7TLE039492026 FORD RangerLariat

Risk Score
22
MODERATE RISK
out of 100
Safety Recalls
4 Found
4 campaigns
NHTSA Complaints
None
No complaints filed
Safety Rating
Not Tested
See iihs.org/ratings
Vehicle Age
0 yrs
Made in UNITED STATES (USA)
Safety Grade
D
Score: 60/100
Verdict & Risk Assessment
📄

Executive Summary

2026 FORD Ranger was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 4 open recalls on record — these are safety-critical and should be addressed immediately.

  • ▸4 open recalls including safety-critical systems (Airbag system recall; Brake system recall)
  • ▸Component failure cascade detected — a known defect pattern that typically leads to more severe downstream damage
  • ▸Vehicle may qualify for lemon law protection based on recall and complaint pattern — consult an attorney
22/100
Moderate Risk
2 moderate risk signals detected. Negotiate accordingly and verify service history.
LOWMODERATEHIGHCRITICAL
Contributing Risk Factors — 2 detected
4 model-wide recalls on record
+12
Vehicle may qualify as a lemon — repeat repair failures
+10
Critical Alerts
Title Brand CheckMined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull

No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.

Vehicle
Vehicle SpecificationsDecoded from NHTSA vPIC database
Make
FORD
Model
Ranger
Year
2026
Trim / Series
Lariat
Body Style
Pickup
Vehicle Type
TRUCK
Drive Type
4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Engine
4-cyl 2.3L
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Assembly
WAYNE, MICHIGAN, UNITED STATES (USA)
GVWR
Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg)
Assembly Plant QualityPlant: WAYNE, MICHIGAN
CQuality55/100
Standard📍 WAYNE, MICHIGAN

No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.

Safety
Safety IntelligenceComposite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data
Overall Safety Grade
D
Score: 60/100
Crash Test Rating20/40
Recall Safety10/30
Complaint History30/30
Recall Risk Score
65/100High
  • ▸Airbag system recall
  • ▸Brake system recall
  • ▸Structural/frame recall
Modern Safety Index
10/100
Basic
3 of 20 safety features detected
Missing: Automatic Emergency Braking, Pedestrian AEB, Forward Collision Warning, Electronic Stability Control
Lemon Law Risk Indicator
Moderate
  • ⚠2 recalls on same component: Exterior/Other

Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.

Driver Assistance FeaturesADAS equipment data from NHTSA vPIC database
Forward Collision Warning?Unknown
Automatic Emergency Braking?Unknown
Pedestrian AEB?Unknown
Rear AEB?Unknown
Lane Departure Warning?Unknown
Lane Keep Assist?Unknown
Lane Centering Assist?Unknown
Blind Spot Monitoring?Unknown
Rear Cross Traffic Alert✓Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control✓Standard
Adaptive Headlights?Unknown
Auto High Beam?Unknown
Parking Assist✓Standard
Backup Camera?Unknown
Electronic Stability Control?Unknown
Tire Pressure Monitoring?Unknown
Event Data Recorder?Unknown
Crash Notification?Unknown
Dynamic Brake Support?Unknown
Keyless Ignition?Unknown
Recalls
NHTSA Safety Recalls
44 RECALLS
ℹ

NHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 4 recalls below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Estimated Repair Completion (Statistical)

4 of 4 recalls have a low industry completion rate — statistically likely unrepaired.

25%
avg repaired

Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.

FORD Recall Completion Rate — Industry Context
89%Good

FORD completes recalls at a good rate (89%), averaging about 18 months to remedy. Most affected vehicles are fixed.

Avg time to remedy open recall: ~18 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports

Avg Fix Time
18mo
#25V541000
Invalid Date

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN

SummaryFord 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."
Read full details...
ConsequenceAir bags that deploy improperly during a crash increase the risk of injury.
Est. Repair Completion~54%

~46% of these vehicles are statistically unrepaired

High Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#26V104000
Invalid Date

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL

SummaryFord 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."
Read full details...
ConsequenceTrailer lights or brakes that do not function can reduce the driver’s ability to control the trailer and decrease the trailers visibility to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
Est. Repair Completion~26%

~74% of these vehicles are statistically unrepaired

High Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#26V238000
Invalid Date

STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:SUN VISOR

SummaryFord 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.
Read full details...
ConsequenceDamaged wires can create an electrical short and cause a fire in the A-pillar area, increasing the risk of injury or a crash.
Est. Repair Completion~12%

~88% of these vehicles are statistically unrepaired

High Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#26V268000
Invalid Date

SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS

SummaryFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Ranger and Bronco vehicles. The front seats may have a loose or dislodged seat frame height-adjust pivot bolt.
Read full details...
ConsequenceA seat with a dislodged bolt may not properly restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Est. Repair Completion~6%

~94% of these vehicles are statistically unrepaired

High Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

Recall IntelligenceDetailed analysis of recall history and severity
First Recall
14/04/2026
4 total campaigns
Systems Recalled
Safety SystemsElectricalBrakesBody/StructureExterior/Other
Recall Remedy Breakdown
2
Part Replacements
2
Software/OTA Updates
0
Buyback/Refund
0
High-Effort Repairs
Lemon Law Eligibility
May Qualify

This vehicle shows 3 lemon law indicators. Eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service — consult a lemon law attorney.

Strong protection states: California, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts
Complaints
Component Failure Cascade RiskKnown patterns where one defect leads to more severe downstream failures
CriticalEGR issue detected

▸ Head gasket failure and engine overheating — EGR cooler failure is the leading cause of catastrophic engine failure on diesel engines

Details & Analysis
Financial
5-Year Total Cost of OwnershipEstimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation
$34,194
~$570/mo over 5 yrs
Fuel
$10,000
Insurance (est.)
$8,850
Maintenance
$4,000
Repair Risk Buffer
$3,000
Depreciation
$8,344

Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $34,194 (~$570/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.

Negotiation AmmunitionUse these data-backed findings to negotiate the price down
4 open recalls (unverified repair status)−$2,000
Total recommended deduction−$2,000
Pre-Purchase Inspection ChecklistTailored for the 2026 FORD Ranger — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list
HIGH
Inspect for egr issue detected — ask for repair records
Head gasket failure and engine overheating — EGR cooler failure is the leading cause of catastrophic engine failure on diesel engines
HIGH
Verify recall AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN has been repaired
Recall on record for: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Ranger vehicles. The side curtain air bags may contact the B-Pi
HIGH
Verify recall ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL has been repaired
Recall on record for: 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, Maveri
HIGH
Verify recall STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:SUN VISOR has been repaired
Recall on record for: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Ranger vehicles. The sun visor or headliner wiring harnesses ma
HIGH
Verify recall SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS has been repaired
Recall on record for: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Ranger and Bronco vehicles. The front seats may have a loose or
MEDIUM
Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic
For any used vehicle with a risk score above Low, a $100–$150 independent inspection is always worth it.
MEDIUM
Run a VIN check on NHTSA.gov to confirm all recalls are closed
Free at nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/recalls — enter the VIN and confirm all campaigns show as completed.
MEDIUM
Verify title is clean and check for salvage/rebuilt brands at your state DMV
Title washing across state lines is common — confirm with your state DMV before finalizing purchase.
Recall Probability ForecastEstimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals
15%
18-month
28%
2-year
Low Probability
Cumulative 2-year risk: 28%

15% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.

  • ▸Multiple prior recalls — pattern of safety issues on this model
Maintenance ScheduleOEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle

Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.

Official FORD Maintenance Guide ↗Search Owner's Manual ↗

Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.

History & Auctions
Insurance Cost EstimateEstimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings
Full Coverage
$2,200–$2,800/yr
~$183–$233/mo
Liability Only
$560–$710/yr
~$47–$59/mo
Category: Standard Vehicle
▲ Moderate theft risk: +8% to comprehensive premium▲ New / recent model year: +15% (high replacement cost)

Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.

Market & Background SignalsTheft risk, fleet history, dealer patterns, and emissions compliance
Theft Risk
Moderate
2.2× national average · 24/1,000 vehicles
Recovery rate:70%of stolen FORD Rangers are recovered

FORD Ranger has a moderately elevated theft risk (2.2× average).

Manufacturer NHTSA Penalty HistoryFederal fines issued for recall delays and safety violations

FORD has been fined $17M+ by NHTSA. Most recently in 2015: Failure to timely file Early Warning Reports on defect data.

2015$17MFailure to timely file Early Warning Reports on defect data
State-Specific Legal ProtectionsWhat consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state

Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.

Complete Data TableAll decoded fields in a single flattened view

Vehicle Identity

VIN1FTER4KH7TLE03949
Model Year2026
MakeFORD
ModelRanger
TrimLariat
SeriesSuperCrew
Vehicle TypeTRUCK

Body & Configuration

Body StylePickup
Drive Type4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4
Fuel TypeGasoline

Engine

Engine Cylinders4
Displacement (L)2.3

Manufacturer

ManufacturerFORD MOTOR COMPANY
Assembly CityWAYNE
Assembly CountryUNITED STATES (USA)

VIN Structure

WMI (Chars 1–3)1FT
Check Digit (Char 9)7
Model Year Code (Char 10)T
Plant Code (Char 11)L
Sequence (Chars 12–17)E03949

Safety Data

NHTSA Recall Count4
NHTSA Complaint Count0
VIN Structure DecodeISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number
1
1
F
2
T
3
E
4
R
5
4
6
K
7
H
8
7
9
T
10
L
11
E
12
0
13
3
14
9
15
4
16
9
17
WMI (1–3)
VDS (4–8)
Check Digit (9)
Model Year (10)
Serial (11–17)
1
World Manufacturer
Country & region of manufacture
Position 1
F
Manufacturer
Specific manufacturer identifier
Position 2
T
Vehicle Type
Division or vehicle type
Position 3
ER4KH
Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)
Body style, engine type, restraint system
Position 4–8
7
Check Digit
Mathematical validation character
Position 9
T
Model Year
Year of manufacture
Position 10
L
Assembly Plant
Where the vehicle was assembled
Position 11
E03949
Production Sequence
Unique serial number for this vehicle
Position 12–17
Country of Manufacture
United States
From VIN position 1 (1)
Model Year Character
"T" → 2026
Could also be 1996
Check Digit (Pos 9)
✓ Valid
ISO 3779 weighted-sum algorithm
Research This Model
Reliability Scores
Year-by-year reliability ratings
Years to Avoid
Best & worst model years ranked
Common Problems
Owner complaints & known defects
All NHTSA Recalls
Complete recall campaign history
View all FORD VIN reports →← New Lookup

Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 5/27/2026, 2:46:52 PM.