Ford Ranger problems by model year
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
NHTSA has 812 owner complaints and 59 recalls on file for the Ford Ranger (2005–2026). The 2022 Ranger has the most serious complaints, most often about transmission & drivetrain.
- Complaints
- 812
- Recalls
- 59
- Model years
- 15
- Worst year
- 2022
Complaints by model year
Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.
Worst Ford Ranger years to buy
Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).
- 2022 Ford Ranger — 37 complaints, 1 crash; top problem: Transmission & Drivetrain
- 2019 Ford Ranger — 251 complaints, 9 crashes, 2 fires; top problem: Transmission & Drivetrain
- 2021 Ford Ranger — 117 complaints, 6 crashes, 3 fires; top problem: Transmission & Drivetrain
- 2020 Ford Ranger — 129 complaints, 6 crashes, 1 fire; top problem: Transmission & Drivetrain
- 2024 Ford Ranger — 88 complaints, 2 crashes; top problem: Transmission & Drivetrain
Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2007 (12 complaints).
Every Ford Ranger model year
| Year | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Recalls | Top problem |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Ranger | 7 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 8 | Seats & Seat Belts |
| 2025 Ranger | 43 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 13 | Transmission & Drivetrain |
| 2024 Ranger | 88 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 13 | Transmission & Drivetrain |
| 2023 Ranger | 18 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 4 | Transmission & Drivetrain |
| 2022 Ranger | 37 | 1 | 0 | 99 | 5 | Transmission & Drivetrain |
| 2021 Ranger | 117 | 6 | 3 | 9 | 6 | Transmission & Drivetrain |
| 2020 Ranger | 129 | 6 | 1 | 6 | 7 | Transmission & Drivetrain |
| 2019 Ranger | 251 | 9 | 2 | 6 | 11 | Transmission & Drivetrain |
| 2011 Ranger | 31 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 5 | Airbags |
| 2010 Ranger | 15 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 8 | Airbags |
| 2009 Ranger | 10 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 6 | Airbags |
| 2008 Ranger | 14 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 5 | Airbags |
| 2007 Ranger | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | Airbags |
| 2006 Ranger | 20 | 4 | 0 | 5 | 11 | Body & Structure |
| 2005 Ranger | 20 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 9 | Airbags |
Most common Ford Ranger problem areas (all years)
- Transmission & Drivetrain275 complaints
- Electrical System107 complaints
- Engine97 complaints
- Airbags87 complaints
- Brakes65 complaints
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech50 complaints
- Body & Structure47 complaints
- Visibility & Wipers43 complaints
- Acceleration & Cruise Control40 complaints
- Suspension37 complaints
Complaint trend
Ford Ranger recalls
Risk: A rearview camera image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Risk: A sudden loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Risk: The incorrect tire size, tire pressures, and GAWR listed on the labels can allow the vehicle to be overloaded or have improperly inflated tires, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: A seat with a dislodged bolt may not properly restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Risk: Damaged wires can create an electrical short and cause a fire in the A-pillar area, increasing the risk of injury or a crash.
Risk: An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Risk: Trailer 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.
Risk: An unexpected loss of power brake assist while driving can extend stopping distance and increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, a loss of power brake assist while ADAS features are engaged can result in the vehicle not braking as expected, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: In the event of a crash, windshield detachment can increase the risk of injury.
Risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Risk: A rearview camera that displays an inverted, distorted, or blank image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: Air bags that deploy improperly during a crash increase the risk of injury.
Risk: An unexpected loss of power brake assist while driving can extend stopping distance and increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, a loss of power brake assist while ADAS features are engaged can result in the vehicle not braking as expected, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
Risk: An instrument panel that does not clearly display critical safety information increases the risk of a crash.
Risk: A detached control arm can cause a loss of vehicle steering and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: A seat with loose or missing fasteners may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Risk: A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: A closing window may exert excessive force and pinch a driver or passenger before retracting, increasing the risk of injury.
Risk: Unexpected vehicle movement increases the risk of a crash.
Risk: A fuel vapor leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Risk: A detached control arm can cause a loss of vehicle steering and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Other Ford models
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology