2019 Ford Ranger window and wiper problems

VISIBILITY/WIPER

The climate control system on my 2019 Ford Ranger has a recurring failure that prevents the vehicle from properly adjusting temperature or directing air through the vents. The failure causes a constant clicking/snapping noise behind the dashboard, and the blend door does not move when the temperature is changed. This malfunction matches Ford’s published SSM 49264, which identifies a known defect in 2019–2020 Rangers built on or before 7/30/2020 and states that the entire HVAC housing assembly must be replaced. This issue creates a safety hazard because the truck cannot reliably defrost the windshield in cold or wet weather. Loss of defrosting capability severely limits visibility and makes safe operation of the vehicle difficult. The issue is reproducible every time the temperature is adjusted. The problem began when the vehicle was still within the original mileage window of the factory warranty, but the dealership did not repair it. Ford has confirmed the malfunction is caused by the blend door system, yet they have refused goodwill coverage for a repair that requires full dash removal and replacement of a known defective part. There were no warning lights, but the clicking noise and loss of temperature control began well before the warranty expired. The vehicle continues to experience the defect, and it poses an ongoing visibility and safety risk. Ford has acknowledged this exact failure mode in writing (SSM 49264), but has not issued a recall or safety campaign.

NHTSA complaint #11704505 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VISIBILITY

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that the temperature failed to adjust as needed. The contact stated that the damper was stuck. The heater was continuously blowing out hot air on the driver's side. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V726000 (Visibility). The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and opened a case, and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 25,152.

NHTSA complaint #11645473 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

Heater box went out due to a defective heater door. This caused the front windshield to ice over and not being able to see other traffic. No warm air would come out of the vents .Heater box was replaced by the Dealer at the cost to owner.

NHTSA complaint #11574078 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Known issue with 2019 Ford Rangers where they've issued a safety recall on SOME, but not ALL Rangers in that year. Related to SSM [XXX]: 2019-2020 Ranger - Climate Control Temperature Will Not Adjust With Clicking/Snapping Noise From The Dash - Built On Or Before 30-Jul-2020. Related to recall 19S34. There is an online thread with over 20 pages on [XXX] [XXX] ) where numerous people have reported this issue where one side no longer has A/C. This is dangerous as A/C is required in the winter to help dehumidify the air before it goes across the heater core to defrost the windshield. Ford does not want to issue a recall for all models because it's a labor intensive costly repair to replace the HVAC Distribution Box. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11571946 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

I was driving over a bridge at 65 mph on a foggy morning a couple weeks ago and my windshield fogged over. I turned on the defroster and it only blew cold air. I could not see and I couldn't clear it. I had to slow down and find a safe spot to pull over. I had to try to wipe down the windshield and then start driving. It did it again and i had to pull over again and wipe and wait for it to clear to be able to drive. It was foggy the next morning and I had to do the same thing all over again. I stopped by a ford dealer and spoke to someone. He told me, oh yeah we know all about it and so does ford. The ac heater chamber in the dash breaks. Costs about 2 grand to fix. All the new rangers do it. This is a safety defect and needs to be recalled by ford. Thank you.

NHTSA complaint #11552889 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the HVAC blower motor failed to blow cold or hot air as needed. The failure caused the defroster to be inoperable and failed to defrost the front windshield. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the climate control housing box needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 26,662.

NHTSA complaint #11529568 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VISIBILITY

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that upon activating the air condition, the vents failed to blow cold or redirect airflow. The contact stated that due to the failure as a result, the defogger and defroster failed to operate as needed. There were warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the front pre-tensioner and air intake damper position sensor. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V726000 (Visibility). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 31,500.

NHTSA complaint #11526217 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:AIR HANDLER/CHAMBER, DUCTS, AND VALVES

With high outside temperatures A/C unit was on, but only the heating system was working. Air Conditioning system was not functuning and heating system would not go off. With windows down, inside tempearture was over 100 degrees and passing out due to heat was happening. Ford Dealer inspected the problem and said it was a manufacture malfunction. After repairing, the same issue developed again five days later. Ford dealer said it was another malfunctioning manufacture part.

NHTSA complaint #11517351 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:AIR HANDLER/CHAMBER, DUCTS, AND VALVES

In May of 2022 at approximatley 46,000 miles a family members 2019 Ford Ranger had the A/C unit on, but VERY hot air was blowing on drivers side. After inspection and Pin Point Test the Ford Dealership determined a manufactures Drivers Side Temp Blend Door was malfunctioning and was replaced at full charge of both parts and labor to the owner. A few days later after the manufactures malfunctioning part was replaced, the VERY same issue developed and caused a family member to pass out due to over 100 degress inside the vehicle. After OTHER inspection by the Ford Dealership it was determined the manufactures Blend Door Acuator, was malfunctioning and was replaced at full charge of both parts and labor to the owner. ON THE WEEK OF APRIL 10, 2023, THIS VIN'S FORD RANGER HAS EXPERIENCED THE EXACT SAME ISSUES AND HAS BEEN DETERMINED THE EXACT SAME MANUFACTURES PARTS ARE MALFUNCTIONING. THIS MUST BE DETERMINED AS A RECALL!

NHTSA complaint #11517352 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VISIBILITY

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Ranger. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, hot air was entering through the vents. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the air distribution box to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V137000 (Visibility) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.

NHTSA complaint #11516884 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Climate control temperature system failed and would not adjust. A clicking/snapping noise was present under the dash when attempting to control climate and defrost. Ford verified the failure of the climate control system and stated that I the original owner, [XXX], must personally pay for labor and parts to replace the climate control housing assembly to resolve the failed climate control system and achieve functional defrost. The vehicle went in for inspection at Jim Click Ford (6244 E 22nd St; Tucson AZ 85711; +1-520-570-7301) on the March 29th, 2023 and the repair was completed on April 4th, 2023 (Ford Part Number 18478). The vehicle had 29,634 miles on it at the time of repair. The issue is identical to that described in “SSM 49264: 2019-2020 – Climate Control Temperature Will Not Adjust With Clicking/Snapping Noise From The Dash – Built On Or Before 30-Jul-2020”. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA complaint #11515754 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

Climate control temperature system failed and would not adjust. A clicking/snapping noise was present under the dash when attempting to control climate and defrost. Ford verified the failure of the climate control system and stated that I the original owner, [XXX], must personally pay for labor and parts to replace the climate control housing assembly to resolve the failed climate control system and achieve functional defrost. The vehicle went in for inspection at Jim Click Ford (6244 E 22nd St; Tucson AZ 85711; +1-520-570-7301) on the March 29th, 2023 and the repair was completed on April 4th, 2023 (Ford Part Number 18478). The vehicle had 29,634 miles on it at the time of repair. The issue is identical to that described in “SSM 49264: 2019-2020 – Climate Control Temperature Will Not Adjust With Clicking/Snapping Noise From The Dash – Built On Or Before 30-Jul-2020”. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA complaint #11515754 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard a clicking and popping sound when attempting to operate the air conditioning unit. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the blend door actuator and air conditioning flow box failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 27,682.

NHTSA complaint #11507481 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:FAN/MOTOR

Very simple I believe this car fall into the recall discovered under Motor Company is issuing a safety recall for select 2019 Ford Ranger vehicles. Affected vehicles had the heating, ventilation and air conditioning, or HVAC, blower motor replaced from Oct. 9 to Nov. 22, 2019, per recall 19534. My car has only 27k miles and ac it’s blowing hot !!! Dealer would not repair it because vin did not “have” a recall but it’s the same exact issue above

NHTSA complaint #11505375 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:AIR HANDLER/CHAMBER, DUCTS, AND VALVES

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal cracking sound, and then the heating system became inoperable. The contact stated that he was freezing while driving in 20-degree weather. The contact was concerned that if he became stranded in traffic during a snowstorm, he would freeze. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the heating duct was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and agreed to cover a portion of the cost of the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.

NHTSA complaint #11504622 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:AIR HANDLER/CHAMBER, DUCTS, AND VALVES

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Ranger. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH with the heating system activated, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the vents. The contact stated that both cold air and heat was coming through the vents. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was 39,081.

NHTSA complaint #11504716 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:AIR HANDLER/CHAMBER, DUCTS, AND VALVES

The actuator motor is not working. This is a common complaint of the 2019 Ford Ranger and is noted in Ford's SSM 49264. Certainly a service bulletin identifying a need to replace the entire climate control housing assembly is worthy of a recall. This truck has 23, 000 miles on it and is just out of warranty.

NHTSA complaint #11504085 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

It looks like on some 2019 Ford Rangers (mine included), there is a faulty blend door in the heater box assembly. Note this issue is not present in other model years due to Ford correcting the defective part. This defective part causes the switch between hot and cold air to fail. My truck got stuck on hot and the dealer replaced it under warranty. The replacement has now failed 6 months (3000) miles later. This issue can prevent the heat from functioning properly in cold weather, which means the defrost is ineffective - requiring the driver to manually clear the windshield. The issue is that Ford A) knows there is a defect that can impact the safe operation of the vehicle B) These vehicles would likely be covered under the manufacturer warranty due to low miles from 2020 (COVID) but has not made efforts to notify owners of the defect C) will gladly charge $3,000-$4,000 for this repair once the warranty expires (which has happened for many 2019 vehicles by this point). Profiteering on a known factory defect is unacceptable!

NHTSA complaint #11502863 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

My vehicle's heater stopped working mid-drive. I heard a loud POP sound and then the air that came out of the vent was room temperature. I pulled over and stopped the vehicle. Waited a minute and restarted it. The temperature did not change. I was driving on Highway 80 over Donner pass in the Sierra mountains. The temperature was very cold and my window began fogging up. I then had to continue my drive by wiping my windshield from the inside with a rag every 15 seconds or so to maintain visibility enough to drive. As the snow was coming down and it was getting dark, I needed to keep going as it would have been too cold to stay in the vehicle and wait out the storm. Now, driving the vehicle is hazardous because I do not have proper defrosting capability. I took it to a dealership and they estimated roughly $4000 in repairs to fix the issue. The car is barely 3 years old.

NHTSA complaint #11501121 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VISIBILITY

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that upon activation of the blower motor, an abnormal odor would emit from the vehicle without warning. The contact stated that he and his wife both were asthmatic and that the vehicle had become difficult to drive due to the failure. The contact called several dealers and the manufacturer, and each informed him that his vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V726000 (Visibility). The contact left the vehicle with the dealer and the mechanic was unable to diagnose the failure. Other dealers in the area informed him that they were unable to inspect the vehicle for another month. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 500.

NHTSA complaint #11439327 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT WINDOW IS DEVELOPING SEVERAL SNOWFLAKE LIKE DEFECTS IN BETWEEN THE GLASS. THESE ARE THREE TO FOUR INCHES IN DIAMETER AND IMPEDE THE SIDE VISION OF THE VEHICLE. FORD IS REFUSING TO REPLACE THE GLASS. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED. THE SIZE GROWS AN 1/8 INCH A DAY AND DOES NOT STOP. THE SPOT IN THE PICTURE IS NEARLY DOUBLE IN SIZE NOW.

NHTSA complaint #11327953 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

THOUSANDS OF TINY SPECS IN WINDSHIELD OBSCURE VISIBILITY IN CERTAIN LIGHT - MORNING, LATE AFTERNOON. HAPPENS SUDDENLY AND COULD CAUSE INABILITY TO SEE INCOMING CAR OR PEDESTRIAN, BICYCLES!! VERY FRIGHTENING. RESEARCH ONLINE REVEALS MANY HAVE THIS PROBLEM WITH WINDSHIELDS. THIS IS A BRAND NEW TRUCK. I BELIEVE IT IS A DEFECT IN THE WINDSHIELD ON THIS VEHICLE AND OTHERS. COULD CAUSE LOSS OF LIFE AS VISIBILITY IS GREATLY REDUCED AND IT HAPPENS SUDDENLY IN THE LIGHT CONDITIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE DURING ROUTINE DRIVING. THESE SPECKS CAN ALSO BE SEEN WHEN VEHICLE IS STATIONARY IN THE CONDITIONS NOTED. IT IS ESPECIALLY FRIGHTENING IF IT HAPPENS IN AN INTERSECTION, WHILE TURNING, ETC.

NHTSA complaint #11308846 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW HAS A FUN-HOUSE DISTORTION IN THE GLASS. THIS MAKES LOOKING OUT THE WINDOW, INCLUDING LOOKING IN THE SIDE-VIEW MIRROR, DIFFICULT AND AFFECTS THE USER'S ATTENTION AND INCITES NAUSEA AND DIZZINESS. THIS IS A 2ND REPLACEMENT, AS THE FIRST WINDOW WAS DEFECTIVE AS WELL. REPLACEMENT IS PENDING, AS FORD IS DRAGGING THEIR FEET ON THE 2ND DEFECTIVE GLASS.

NHTSA complaint #11299516 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

I BOUGHT A 2019 FORD RANGER ON AUGUST 4, 2019 AND THE TRUCK VIBRATES SHAKES WHILE DRIVING AND THE WINDSHIELD WINDOW A LOUD NOISE LIKE AIR ITS COMING IN AND FEELS LIKE ITS GOING TO EXPLODE. THE MORE SPEED THE MORE VIBRATION AND NOISES IT MAKES. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS TRUCK AT ALL.

NHTSA complaint #11267626 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.