2019 Ford Ranger driver assist problems

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

The vehicle is experiencing a severe power train failure involving erratic and violent gear selection. The transmission unexpectedly jumps from 2nd, 3rd, or 4th gear directly up to 7th or 8th gear, resulting in a total loss of acceleration. This is immediately followed by the transmission "slamming" down into lower gears, usually 1st or 2nd gear without driver input. This behavior is accompanied by a strong burning smell and a dashboard "wrench" warning light. The symptoms match the manufacturing defect documented in Ford TSB 24-2101 (CDF clutch drum). Diagnosis & Manufacturer Response: The issue began in October 2025 with a noticeable transmission shudder. I paid for two transmission flushes at Big O Tires to attempt to resolve the issue, but the mechanical failure has since escalated. When the "wrench" light appeared, an independent diagnostic computer was unable to retrieve an error code, as the light is a proprietary Ford powertrain indicator. Furthermore, the wrench light clears upon restarting the vehicle, despite the violent shifting and burning smell remaining. Ford Corporate agents claim there are "no known issues" and have refused to assist with towing, despite an active NHTSA Engineering Analysis (PE 24-001) regarding this exact 10R80 transmission. Safety Risk: This defect creates an extreme safety hazard. Violent downshifting into low gears at highway speeds can cause a loss of vehicle control or a rear-end collision. The burning smell indicates internal friction and fluid oxidation, posing an immediate fire risk or the potential for a catastrophic mechanical lock-up.

NHTSA complaint #11713793 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

The vehicle is experiencing a severe power train failure involving erratic and violent gear selection. The transmission unexpectedly jumps from 2nd, 3rd, or 4th gear directly up to 7th or 8th gear, resulting in a total loss of acceleration. This is immediately followed by the transmission "slamming" down into lower gears, usually 1st or 2nd gear without driver input. This behavior is accompanied by a strong burning smell and a dashboard "wrench" warning light. The symptoms match the manufacturing defect documented in Ford TSB 24-2101 (CDF clutch drum). Diagnosis & Manufacturer Response: The issue began in October 2025 with a noticeable transmission shudder. I paid for two transmission flushes at Big O Tires to attempt to resolve the issue, but the mechanical failure has since escalated. When the "wrench" light appeared, an independent diagnostic computer was unable to retrieve an error code, as the light is a proprietary Ford powertrain indicator. Furthermore, the wrench light clears upon restarting the vehicle, despite the violent shifting and burning smell remaining. Ford Corporate agents claim there are "no known issues" and have refused to assist with towing, despite an active NHTSA Engineering Analysis (PE 24-001) regarding this exact 10R80 transmission. Safety Risk: This defect creates an extreme safety hazard. Violent downshifting into low gears at highway speeds can cause a loss of vehicle control or a rear-end collision. The burning smell indicates internal friction and fluid oxidation, posing an immediate fire risk or the potential for a catastrophic mechanical lock-up.

NHTSA complaint #11713793 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

BACK OVER PREVENTION

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while in reverse(R), the backup camera initially projected three lines at the bottom of the screen, distorting the driver’s vision. The contact stated that over time, the camera displayed a blank or distorted image, and the message "Camera Not Accessible" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and the backup camera was reset. The reset initially repaired the failure; however, the failure returned soon after the reset. The contact made two attempts to reach the manufacturer, but the call was disconnected each time. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.

NHTSA complaint #11697140 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

BACK OVER PREVENTION

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Ranger. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V442000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the dealer refused to perform the recall repair. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a black screen while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure had obstructed the driver's visibility, which prevented the driver from safely operating the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000.

NHTSA complaint #11687940 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

BACK OVER PREVENTION

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a black screen while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure obstructed the visibility, and the contact was prevented from safely operating the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or inspected. The vehicle was not repaired because the VIN was not under recall. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V442000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 19,000.

NHTSA complaint #11671062 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING

My tail lights just stopped working. I didn't know that they were out until someone behind me told me that they were out. I didn't have any collision, nothing like that. I called the Ford Dealership and they told me to bring it in so that they can see what the problem is. They have been having issues with tail lights just going out.

NHTSA complaint #11666884 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING

This is in relation to an existing recall on the 2019 Ford Ranger, NHTSA Recall no. 19V-839 This recall was for improperly connected inline electrical connectors from the Ford factory causing issues with rear brake lamps. I have recently had a fault with the same connector, which Ford technicians discovered was not properly connected. This connector failed due to the loose connection, causing all electrical connections in the rear frame (fuel pump, rear view camera, cross traffic warning, parking sensors) to fail. Upon discovering recall 19V-839, I contacted Ford support. I was informed that my truck was built in the same factory as the recalled vehicles, but was completed three days after the impacted period ( JUN 04, 2018 - AUG 16, 2019). Therefor Ford will not consider my issue part of the recall. Ford has advised me to bring this up to the NHTSA to broaden the scope of the recall. I It seems clear to me that this issue was the same as the recall, and likely the original dates were too narrow. I hope you will investigate this issue.

NHTSA complaint #11652627 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

Once the "Maintenace Required" message is displayed on the "multi-information display" (shortly prior to standard maintenance intervals), it is permanently displayed . Once the message is displayed, "meter control switches" no longer function (until reset by dealer maintenance). Enabling any ADAS feature (if not enabled) is impossible as this requires using the "meter control switches." While stopped (or not), resetting the "message indicating maintenance" procedure in the user manual does not work (page 447 in [XXX] ) as it requires functional "meter control switches": ■Resetting the message indicating maintenance is required After the required maintenance is performed according to the maintenance schedule, please reset the reminder light or message. To reset the reminder light or message, follow the procedure described below: 1 Press or of the meter control switches and select on the multi-information display. 2 Press or of the meter control switches and select “Vehicle Settings”. Then press and hold . 3 Press or of the meter control switches and select “Scheduled Maintenance”. Then press . 4 Select “Yes” and press . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11639405 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING

Once the "Maintenace Required" message is displayed on the "multi-information display" (shortly prior to standard maintenance intervals), it is permanently displayed . Once the message is displayed, "meter control switches" no longer function (until reset by dealer maintenance). Enabling any ADAS feature (if not enabled) is impossible as this requires using the "meter control switches." While stopped (or not), resetting the "message indicating maintenance" procedure in the user manual does not work (page 447 in [XXX] ) as it requires functional "meter control switches": ■Resetting the message indicating maintenance is required After the required maintenance is performed according to the maintenance schedule, please reset the reminder light or message. To reset the reminder light or message, follow the procedure described below: 1 Press or of the meter control switches and select on the multi-information display. 2 Press or of the meter control switches and select “Vehicle Settings”. Then press and hold . 3 Press or of the meter control switches and select “Scheduled Maintenance”. Then press . 4 Select “Yes” and press . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11639405 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION

Once the "Maintenace Required" message is displayed on the "multi-information display" (shortly prior to standard maintenance intervals), it is permanently displayed . Once the message is displayed, "meter control switches" no longer function (until reset by dealer maintenance). Enabling any ADAS feature (if not enabled) is impossible as this requires using the "meter control switches." While stopped (or not), resetting the "message indicating maintenance" procedure in the user manual does not work (page 447 in [XXX] ) as it requires functional "meter control switches": ■Resetting the message indicating maintenance is required After the required maintenance is performed according to the maintenance schedule, please reset the reminder light or message. To reset the reminder light or message, follow the procedure described below: 1 Press or of the meter control switches and select on the multi-information display. 2 Press or of the meter control switches and select “Vehicle Settings”. Then press and hold . 3 Press or of the meter control switches and select “Scheduled Maintenance”. Then press . 4 Select “Yes” and press . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11639405 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION

Vehicle presented a blind spot system fault warning and a cross traffic system fault. Immediately after this warning appears the vehicle ac/ heater shutdown, passengers seat belts light came up and radio got frozen. None of the ac/ heater controls worked. Blinkers appears to be advising that the were not working properly. Vehicle rums but everything else regarding de console stopped working.

NHTSA complaint #11549414 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION

The blindspot sensor on my truck appears to have gotten very hot. It melted the tail light and the wiring harness.

NHTSA complaint #11536051 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Back up camera is blurry unable to identify objects. I know there’s been a recall on many of the back up cameras but none on my vehicle since I have a back up camera that is blurry and unable to identify objects. Clearly, how do I go about getting it fixed?

NHTSA complaint #11502106 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

My rear camera stopped working and I think the front collision alert is affected as well. I understand there was/is a recall for this issue but not my vehicle. I do not understand why.

NHTSA complaint #11473417 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

This is not the first time, but I will randomly get a collision warning while I am driving my car. The last incident happened on a 2 lane road with no traffic within visible distance in front of me. It was early in the morning with the sun ahead of the vehicle (approx 7am) and the collision warning indicator came on for no reason. This has happened before. Another incident occurred when I was turning right onto an on ramp and there was a car traveling next to me (who would continue straight) and the warning was going off for no reason. These incidents are extremely dangerous as the flashing and chiming from the alert system is very distracting and causes someone to react to this as opposed to focusing on driving the vehicle. For some people this could lead to a crash by itself as there is no training on what your vehicle will do in one of these situations (ie, like a push to test in an aircraft to know what is making the noise).

NHTSA complaint #11452789 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

APPLYING BRAKE TRUCK WILL STOP, AFTER STOPING YOU FILL THE PADDLE MOVE DOWNWARD IN THE DIRECTION OF THE FLOORBOARD, AND THE TRUCK WILL START ROLLING UNTIL YOU APPLY MORE PRESSURE TO TH PADDLE..ACTING LIKE A BAD MASTER CYLINDER..2. CRASH LIGHT WILL FLASH, BUT NO BRAKING..THIS HAPPENS ABOUT EVERY TIME I DRIVE..

NHTSA complaint #11384502 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.