2025 Ford Ranger problems, complaints & recalls

2025 Ford Ranger recalls (13)

• Recall 26V343000May 27, 20261,536 vehicles
  ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL

  Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Explorer, Ranger, and Bronco vehicles. The engine may fail, which can result in a loss of drive power.

  Risk: A sudden loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine long block, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed June 5, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in November 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S35. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 28, 2026.

• Recall 26V268000Apr 28, 2026179,698 vehicles
  SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS

  Ford 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.

  Risk: A seat with a dislodged bolt may not properly restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

  Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the pivot links and bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 26S30. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning April 30, 2026.

• Recall 26V238000Apr 14, 2026140,201 vehicles
  ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · 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.

  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.

  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, were mailed May 5, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in October 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.

• Recall 26V122000Mar 3, 202647,804 vehicles
  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.

  Risk: An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Dealers will replace the EGR valves, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 31, 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.

• Recall 26V104000Feb 20, 20264,381,878 vehicles
  ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL · EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

  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."

  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.

  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.

• Recall 25V823000Dec 1, 2025679 vehicles
  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.

  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.

  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.

• Recall 25V683000Oct 10, 20259 vehicles
  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."

  Risk: In the event of a crash, windshield detachment can increase the risk of injury.

  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.

• Recall 25V678000Oct 9, 2025405 vehicles
  AIR BAGS:FRONTAL · STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:DASHBOARD

  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."

  Risk: An air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.

  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.

• Recall 25V541000Aug 22, 2025100,900 vehicles
  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."

  Risk: Air bags that deploy improperly during a crash increase the risk of injury.

  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.

• Recall 25V488000Jul 25, 2025312,120 vehicles
  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.

  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.

  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.

• Recall 25V399000Jun 13, 202545 vehicles
  ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:FUEL GAUGE · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

  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."

  Risk: An instrument panel that does not clearly display critical safety information increases the risk of a crash.

  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.

• Recall 25V311000May 9, 202546 vehicles
  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."

  Risk: A seat with loose or missing fasteners may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

  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.

• Recall 25V310000May 9, 20254,497 vehicles
  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.

  Risk: A detached control arm can cause a loss of vehicle steering and control, increasing the risk of a crash.

  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.

Recent 2025 Ford Ranger complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

1. Filed Oct 5, 2026CASuspensionTransmission & Drivetrain

   I was driving at approximately 25 MPH and all of a sudden the truck automatically went into 4 wheel drive low which altered my ability to keep up with traffic and caused me to pull over to figure out why. I had to restart my truck to get it out of 4 wheel drive. This has happened approximately 5 times and fortunately at low speeds. I have not taken it to the dealer because it is an intermittent problem. I have read that it is a common problem with this truck and the dealer…

   NHTSA complaint #11769094 · source
2. Filed Sep 28, 2026AZTransmission & Drivetrain

   While driving at 45 mph. The dash changed and the truck started shifting into wheel low. I had to stop and put the truck back into 2 wheel drive. This has happened 5 times since new.

   NHTSA complaint #11767346 · source
3. Filed Sep 25, 2026UTElectrical System

   My 2025 Ford Ranger Raptor will shift drive modes by itself. I has tried to shift from normal drive mode to rock crawl mode or Baja mode. Rock crawl mode goes into 4 wheel drive low which would be very dangerous if it tried to shift into 4 low on the highway. It has happened multiple times. Sometime while parked, sometimes while driving.

   NHTSA complaint #11766922 · source
4. Filed Sep 18, 2026MOTransmission & Drivetrain

   I have around 26000 miles on my 2025 Ford Ranger Lariat 2.7l V6. My drive mode has changed on its own multiple times without anyone touching the dial. Recently I was letting it idle to cool the cabin. I hopped in and heard some thunking and saw my drive mode change all the way to slippery mode. Nothing was touching the dial. It has also changed modes while I was exiting my driveway, leaving the Taco Bell drive-thru, and driving down the highway at about 50 MPH. It's scary to…

   NHTSA complaint #11765304 · source
5. Filed Sep 17, 2026UTOther / Unknown

   When I'm driving in standard mode on the highway the truck software will change to different drive modes on it own. I do not touch anything and it will try to change to crawl mode or 4 wheel low mode even going 65MPH on the freeway. One time it changed on the freeway going 65mph and switch to 4 wheel low and the tach raced up to 8K even though I had slowed down to 25mph. I had to turn the vehicle on and off to correct the issue. This is dangerous.

   NHTSA complaint #11764965 · source
6. Filed Sep 12, 2026ARBrakes

   Brake fault warning light stays on. It will not reset and 2 different Ford dealers cannot figure out the problem. The dealerships cannot determine if the brakes are malfunctioning. The problem forst occured May 2026.

   NHTSA complaint #11763760 · source
7. Filed Sep 11, 2026FLElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   Yes this is my second time filing a complaint regarding my new truck switching drive modes on its own. The first time it tried going into 4 low while i was going over 45 mph, with only 800 miles. The next time it did it was at around 1200 miles it switched drive modes completely and tried switching into 4 wd while at hoghway speeds. This is clearly a safety issue, their are numerous threads on reddit, facebook and ranger forums regarding it. Ford cannot replicate so they…

   NHTSA complaint #11763583 · source
8. Filed Sep 2, 2026WIElectrical System

   2025 Ford Ranger XLT experienced an electrical short-circuit causing a persistent speaker hiss with the vehicle turned off, accompanied by an electrical burning smell. The radio and audio became very staticky and a constant hissing sound with the radio and the truck turned off. By the time the dealer looked at the vehicle it was operating normally. Dealership refused to inspect wiring or ACM due to intermittent nature of the failure.

   NHTSA complaint #11761748 · source

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 2026. 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