Ford Ranger Reliability Problems

Ranger owners have made 733 complaints over 29 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 22nd in overall reliability out of 42 Ford models, with some engine and transmission concerns.

The Most Common Ranger Problem

A list of some of the most common issues Ranger owners have to deal with.

  2. What Are We Missing?

    We know there's more problems than this. Let us know which one you'd like to see us cover next.

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What Ranger Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

Full Lists on CarComplaints.com

Ranger Generations

The Ranger has 3 generations, each with their own issues. Using the same PainRank™ system we've determined that you're better off avoiding the 2nd generation (1993–2013).

Ranger Key Numbers

  1. 733 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  2. 787 service bulletins

    Documenting the process of troubleshooting common problems.

  3. 73 recall campaigns

    Time-sensitive, free repairs for widespread safety problems.

Recent Ranger News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

  1. Ford may have used obsolete Takata replacement parts during a previous recall, extending what already feels like a never-ending airbag saga.

    Some Ford dealerships kept defective parts on their shelves long after they should have been tossed, and those wound up being used in vehicles as part of a collision of theft repair. Now Ford needs to re-recall 154,000 vehicles to inspect part numbers and replace the inflators if neccessary.…

    keep reading article "Ford Recalls Trucks That Received Obsolete Replacement Takata Parts"

  2. The 2019 Ranger’s gear shifter interlock is being recalled because it could allow the truck to shift out of park unintentionally.

    The interlock is supposed to prevent the transmission from shifting when the vehicle is off or the driver’s foot isn’t pressing the brake pedal. However, Ford admits that wiring can interfere with the shifter interlock override and prevent the gear shifter from locking in the PARK position.

    keep reading article "Regrettable Rollaway Ranger Recall Really Rucks"

  5. Ford has reluctantly settled a class-action lawsuit for using defective Takata airbags.

    Although agreeing to settle the case without the court deciding right or wrong, Ford continues to deny all liability and wrongdoing concerning the vehicles. The automaker says it decided to settle to get the matter over with and avoid the cost of further litigation.

    This isn't the first time Ford has acted reluctant when it comes to Takata problems. Owners can expect to see the following benefits regardless of Ford doing it out of the kindness of their heart or the protection of their checkbooks.…

    keep reading article "Takeways from Ford's Takata Class-Action Settlement"

  6. Ford is warning even more 2006 Ranger owners to stop driving their trucks immediately because the airbags can kill them.

    Last month Ford sent a message to 3,000 owners saying their trucks need to be parked because of an elevated risk of safety. They even insist on towing the vehicles to the dealership for repair because driving them is just too dangerous. 😳 This latest warning affects 33,400 additional owners.

    The affected trucks were built between 08/10/2005 to 12/15/2005, and 08/05/2005 to 11/04/2005.

    keep reading article "Ford Warns More 2006 Ranger Owners to Stop Driving Their Trucks Immediately"

  7. You know what feels like a long time ago? The first Takata inflator recall in May of 2013.

    That’s back when we were young and optimistic that the issue would be resolved quickly.

    Now I can hardly remember what it feels like to have hope at all. Especially as we stare down the barrel of another recall expansion for passenger-side inflators in the Mustang, Edge, Fusion, and Ranger. CarComplaints.com has information on which model years and zones.…

    keep reading article "It Never Ends. Takata Recalls Expanded by 328,000 Vehicles"

  8. Like it or not, Ford is going to need to recall nearly 3 million vehicles with Takata airbags.

    Back in July, Ford filed a petition to delay the recalls so they could investigate the matter further. Time’s up.

    “NHTSA says the request for additional testing by the automakers isn't reasonable based on the data that has been collected.”

    This isn’t a no harm, no foul situation. Delaying the recall puts people’s lives at risk and it’s not a good look for Ford.

    keep reading article "Ford’s Petition to Stop Takata Recall Has Been Denied"

See All Ranger News

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