2021 Ford Ranger transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Oct 1, 2026WITransmission & Drivetrain

   I was parking the truck and I put it in reverse and no reverse whatsoever. I put it and drive them back and reverse nothing. I put it in park turned it off restarted it and reverse worked took it to the dealer and they said the transmission has to be replaced due to faulty parts from Ford on the original transmission although it might be covered under the 200,000 mile powertrain warranty it is still a big inconvenience and this is not the first time I was having problems…

   NHTSA complaint #11768399 · source
2. Filed Sep 30, 2026WITransmission & Drivetrain

   The 2021 Ford Ranger Lariat , mileage 42,362 would not go into reverse, the wrench was lit up on dash. Shut Truck off it cleared the code, immediately took it to Ford dealer. Was sent home because the tech said the light was off so he couldn’t diagnose. After reading about the issue we made the appt for a diagnostic scan. The codes were P2704, P0772 . The truck has been with dealership since 09/14/2026. It’s the 10R80 transmission with a service bulletin out on the CDF…

   NHTSA complaint #11768109 · source
3. Filed Sep 13, 2026CATransmission & Drivetrain

   While driving from [XXX] to [XXX] on XXX my 2021 Ford Ranger's dash light came on and I noticed harsh shifting and the vehicle began jolting unpredictably while I was driving at highway speeds. To avoid imminent danger, I pulled off the 101 and slowly drove to the closest Ford dealership, Vista Ford Lincoln of [XXX], in order to have the truck assessed. Technicians performed a diagnostic evaluation and retrieved DTC P0766 (shift solenoid "D" performance/stuck off) and P2703…

   NHTSA complaint #11763949 · source
4. Filed Aug 14, 202659,000 miMITransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2021 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and shifting gear, the transmission shifted hard. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the transmission was operating as designed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there was no recalls on the VIN associated with…

   NHTSA complaint #11756983 · source
5. Filed Aug 5, 2026TXTransmission & Drivetrain

   Transmission hard shifts in low gear and sometimes slips gears or revs up engine without accelerating then slams into gear lurching forward. Had transmission oil checked by dealer and they said it looked great. Happened 29 July several times and again 5 Aug all throughout the day.

   NHTSA complaint #11755122 · source
6. Filed Jul 29, 2026NEOther / UnknownAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

   The 10R80 10-speed automatic transmission and the gear-shift linkage module are defective, and the truck remains available for inspection. Our safety is constantly put at risk because the transmission exhibits an extremely violent, highly intermittent powertrain lunging jolt during deceleration and stopping. The impact is so severe that it sounds and feels like a loud gunshot firing right next to the cabin occupants. Furthermore, the transmission simultaneously exhibits…

   NHTSA complaint #11753464 · source
7. Filed Jul 10, 2026MITransmission & Drivetrain

   I've had many issue's with this vehicle's transmission: Harsh and erratic shifting. Shuddering when accelerating. Slippage. On several occasions not able to go in reverse. Issue's started at 45k miles. Had it in the shop on several occasions to address problem. I've had to replace faulty transmission at 70k miles. This is a faulty transmission due to incompetent CDF Clutch drum. This is NOT a safe vehicle to operate.

   NHTSA complaint #11749472 · source
8. Filed Jul 1, 202693,000 miVATransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2021 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission was slipping in and out of gear. There was no warning light illuminated. After approximately 3 seconds, the transmission shifted into the correct gear. The failure had occurred while driving through an intersection, placing the contact at risk of being rear-ended. The dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was…

   NHTSA complaint #11747624 · source
9. Filed Jun 16, 2026IDOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain

   Vehicle: 2021 Ford Ranger. Mileage: 44,000 My 2021 Ford Ranger begin experiencing dangerous transmission shifting issues with absolutely no warning signs or indicator lights prior to the incidents. On multiple occasions the truck suddenly and randomly stalled in the middle of the freeway and in the middle of the road, feeling as if the transmission went into neutral with no power to move the vehicle. These incidents occurred multiple times putting myself and my small child…

   NHTSA complaint #11744440 · source
10. Filed Jun 2, 2026COBrakesElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain

    During low speed driving, mainly stop and go traffic the truck will randomly lunge forward when the brake pedal is engaged. It happens when accelerating and the truck will shift in to second gear, then if you apply the brake the truck will act like it is going to stall, the engine rpm will spike and the truck will launch forward. If you dont force the brake pedal to the floor, the truck will continue to accelerate, potentially slamming into another vehicle. This has happened…

    NHTSA complaint #11741626 · source
11. Filed May 28, 2026COTransmission & Drivetrain

    truck hesitates to go into gear then slams into reverse unexpectedly with a lot of force backing up - almost ran over a family member. Same thing when cold and going from park to drive, almost drove off my driveway down a steep mountain. I believe it is related to TSB 24-2046 No warning lights or anything, dealer has not been able so far to reproduce because the weather warmed up

    NHTSA complaint #11740512 · source
12. Filed May 27, 2026VATransmission & Drivetrain

    The 10R80 transmission CDF drum failed due to a defective bushing housing, resulting in the replacement of the 10R80 transmission. The diagnosis of the failure took 3 weeks because there were no warning lights or engine codes. The symptoms of the failure were erratic shifting in heavy highway traffic, causing harsh up/down shifts and shift patterns. The erratic shifting makes driving feel unsafe, as the vehicle may lurk or seem to lose power. Currently, with the new 10R80…

    NHTSA complaint #11740493 · source

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. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology