Owners have filed 21 complaints
about the 2023 Ford Ranger with NHTSA between 2023 and 2026.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 15 of 26 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 3
Against the median year of the Ford Ranger. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 98
19% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
89% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2023 Ford Ranger
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Transmission & Drivetrain
523.8%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 5,500 mi
Brakes
314.3%
Median failure at 1,640 miles
Engine & Cooling
314.3%
Acceleration & Cruise Control
29.5%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 38,000 mi
Airbags
29.5%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 2,000 mi
Electrical System
29.5%
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance
14.8%
Median failure at 1,700 miles
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
14.8%
Median failure at 10,000 miles
Fuel & Propulsion
14.8%
Median failure at 50 miles
Suspension
14.8%
Median failure at 10,000 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
111.1%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
444.4%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
333.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
111.1%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jul 2023peak 5Aug 2026
Recalls on the 2023 Ford Ranger
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2026005138,783 units in Canada
Electrical
Issue: On certain vehicles, the engine block heater could leak coolant. If this happens, the block heater could short circuit when it's plugged in. Note: This recall replaces Transport Canada recall no. 2025-554. Vehicles that were repaired under that recall don't require this repair. Safety Risk: A short circuit can create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: To reduce the safety risk, Ford advises you not to use the engine block heater until the recall repairs have been completed. Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the block heater. Alternatively, owners can choose to have the dealership permanently disable the engine block heater.
Recall 2025554128,886 units in Canada
Electrical
This recall was replaced by Transport Canada recall no. 2026-005. Issue: On certain vehicles, the engine block heater could leak coolant. If this happens, the block heater could short circuit when it's plugged in. Safety Risk: A short circuit can create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: To reduce the safety risk, Ford advises you not to use the engine block heater until the recall repairs have been completed. Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the block heater.
Recall 202536016,575 units in Canada
Visual System
Issue: On certain vehicles, a software problem could cause the rearview camera image not to display when the transmission is shifted into reverse. Canadian regulations require the rearview image to display when the vehicle is reversing. Safety Risk: A rearview camera image that doesn't display could reduce a driver's ability to see behind the vehicle while backing up. This could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to update the SYNC software.
Recall 2023243327 units in Canada
Wheels
Issue: On certain vehicles, the wheel lug nuts may not have been properly tightened on the left-side of the vehicle. As a result, the lug nuts could loosen or fall off. If this happens, a wheel could separate from the vehicle. Safety Risk: A wheel separation could cause a loss of control and increase the risk of a crash. A wheel that separates could also hit another person or vehicle. Corrective Actions: Ford advises not to drive your vehicle until the wheel lug nuts have been inspected and tightened properly. Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to contact a local dealer to arrange for this inspection. The dealer will replace any damaged lug nuts, wheel studs and wheels, as necessary.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 38,000 milesTopeka, KSCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while idling at the red traffic light, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle was accelerating unintendedly. The contact continuously depressed the brake pedal; however, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly at approximately 1 MPH and crashed into the rear of another occupied vehicle. There was no injury sustained. The air bags did not deploy. No police report was filed. The contact and the other driver pulled into a gas station and exchanged the vehicle's insurance information. The contact stated that there was no visible damage on either vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer informed the contact that no failure was found. The contact noticed that the dealer service report stated that the contact had stated that the vehicle was experiencing rough shifting while idling; however, the contact had only described the incident to the dealer and had not mentioned rough shifting while idling. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact requested buy-back assistance. The manufacturer informed the contact that the buy-back request was denied because neither the State where the vehicle was purchased, nor the State where the contact resided, required the buyback of the vehicle. Additionally, the contact was advised to take the vehicle to another dealer for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.
NHTSA complaint #11711247 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,000 milesFlemington, NJFire
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
The contact owned a 2023 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed in tow mode, he heard an abnormal pop emanating from underneath the vehicle, prompting him to pull to the shoulder of the roadway. After a visual inspection, he observed an oil leak, smoke, and a fire near the transmission. Local emergency services were called, and they were able to extinguish the fire. A police and fire report was filed, but no injuries were reported. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed a total loss. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 1,000.
NHTSA complaint #11551701 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,000 milesOldsmar, FLCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
The contact owned a 2023 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, another vehicle cut them off, and caused the contact to swerve in order to avoid the vehicle this caused the contact to crash into an electric pole. The air bags did not deploy. The contact had a bruise on his legs and between neck and shoulder. No medical treatment was needed. The vehicle was towed from the scene. Police report had been filled. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000.
NHTSA complaint #11541295 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Raleigh, NC
ENGINE
Appx 73000 Miles truck developed shudder (felt like transmission jumping gears) under moderate acceleration. Gently Drove home, no other shudder. Called dealer who said to drive it in. Noted a missfire warning on phone app, also stated to gently drive to dealer. On way dealer up hill at ~60 mph (on 70mph freeway) shudder returned, slowed to 55mph, heard spark plug(s) eject and much louder noises. Stopped and had towed to dealer (tow truck drove onto roll back.. very noisy, dealer stated sounded terrible when drove into shop. Engine repair quoted at ~10k (disassembly,machine, sleeve cyinders, new parts) Ford extended warranty refused claim.
NHTSA complaint #11755726 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Iliff, CO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Received safety recall 25S72 sync software and had repaired in Feb. 2026. Same issue has already resurfaced. Many issues are related to this. Sync software affects B/U camera, Ford pass will not work, phones will not sync, internal components will not work properly. IE: Radio, etc. Was repaired during warranty period but now a few weeks out of warranty and dealer will not repair again without a healthy charge. I just wanted to report since initial repair failed again so quickly. Thanks
NHTSA complaint #11747442 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 38,000 milesTopeka, KSCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while idling at the red traffic light, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle was accelerating unintendedly. The contact continuously depressed the brake pedal; however, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly at approximately 1 MPH and crashed into the rear of another occupied vehicle. There was no injury sustained. The air bags did not deploy. No police report was filed. The contact and the other driver pulled into a gas station and exchanged the vehicle's insurance information. The contact stated that there was no visible damage on either vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer informed the contact that no failure was found. The contact noticed that the dealer service report stated that the contact had stated that the vehicle was experiencing rough shifting while idling; however, the contact had only described the incident to the dealer and had not mentioned rough shifting while idling. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact requested buy-back assistance. The manufacturer informed the contact that the buy-back request was denied because neither the State where the vehicle was purchased, nor the State where the contact resided, required the buyback of the vehicle. Additionally, the contact was advised to take the vehicle to another dealer for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.
NHTSA complaint #11711247 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mansfield, TX
SERVICE BRAKES
Brake pad fell off while driving, it hasn’t been serviced by anyone else except the manufacturer. It’s a manufacturer failure and a safety issue. The dealer ship refused to provide an inspection report of the vehicle
NHTSA complaint #11700807 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50 milesMohawk, WV
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while the vehicle was turned off, the fuel pump erroneously activated, sending fuel to the engine. The contact had to restart and turn off the vehicle for the fuel pump to shut off. The failure occurred intermittently, but frequently. The dealer was contacted regarding a possible recall; however, the contact was unable to speak with a representative. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50.
NHTSA complaint #11679805 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,000 milesBelton, TX
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Ranger. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated to 40 MPH, and the vehicle then shifted into 4WD-Low independently. As a result of the failure, the vehicle dramatically decelerated and skidded to a complete stop. The 4WD warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who observed water damage to the fuse box which caused electrical failures. The contact was informed that the fuse box needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 10,000.
NHTSA complaint #11651300 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bend, OR
POWER TRAIN
in normal drive mode the transmission downs shifts thru the gears and skips from 3 to 1. becuase of that skip it feels like you got rear ended by another car. if your not prepared for it you could let off the brakes which could cuase you to hit the person in front. in sport mode it downshifts thru all the 10 gears properly.
NHTSA complaint #11638904 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Delaware, OH
POWER TRAIN
Transmission. Hesitates from a stop to highway speeds and hard downshift upon stopping…either controlled or emergency stop. Seems hard to find a gear. Indecisive acceleration. I took it back to Ford and they drove it and said they could not replicate my complaint. No one has inspected it except when I took it back to my dealership. No warning lamps or issues. There is a definite problem with the shifting and clunking of this transmission. It hesitates & makes a hard noise when stopping. I’m [XXX] and have always bought Fords. This one needs fixed! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11594547 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Baton Rouge, LA
AIR BAGS
AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT HAS RECENTLY ILLUMINATED. INDEPENDENT MECHANIC SCAN TOOL READING ON 3/15/24 SHOWS THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG TO HAVE COMPLETELY FAILED AND BECOME INOPERABLE. VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INVOLVED IN ANY IMPACTS OR COLLISIONS.
NHTSA complaint #11577700 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,700 milesPocatello, ID
LANE DEPARTURE: LANE KEEP: STEERING ASSIST
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while the Lane Keep Assist system activated, the system failed to work properly. While the alarm was on, the steering wheel vibrated, and the vehicle remained in the lane. While using the assist option, the vehicle veered into the other lane. While the Lane Keep Assist system was positioned with the alarm and assist, the system was inoperable. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the vehicle was working as designed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 1,700.
NHTSA complaint #11568744 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Belleville, IL
ENGINE
engine revving up, could have engaged the vehicle to move quickly into traffic. the revving up lasted about 15 seconds.
NHTSA complaint #11563426 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,000 milesFlemington, NJFire
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
The contact owned a 2023 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed in tow mode, he heard an abnormal pop emanating from underneath the vehicle, prompting him to pull to the shoulder of the roadway. After a visual inspection, he observed an oil leak, smoke, and a fire near the transmission. Local emergency services were called, and they were able to extinguish the fire. A police and fire report was filed, but no injuries were reported. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed a total loss. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 1,000.
NHTSA complaint #11551701 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arlington, TX
POWER TRAIN
It is automatic shut down. No power. No light. No door lock……I let it sit after few hours it starts working back. No idea what happen. There is very dangerous when traveling for long way in hot or cold weather.
NHTSA complaint #11551677 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arlington, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
It is automatic shut down. No power. No light. No door lock……I let it sit after few hours it starts working back. No idea what happen. There is very dangerous when traveling for long way in hot or cold weather.
NHTSA complaint #11551677 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arlington, TX
ENGINE
It is automatic shut down. No power. No light. No door lock……I let it sit after few hours it starts working back. No idea what happen. There is very dangerous when traveling for long way in hot or cold weather.
NHTSA complaint #11551677 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Shiloh, IL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
On the right of the gas pedal there is plastic molding, the molding protrudes and causes your foot to catch when attempting to take your foot off the gas pedal, this can cause accidents or crashes that could be deadly, by not allowing your foot to reach the brake in a safe manner.
NHTSA complaint #11548554 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,000 milesOrlando, FL
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Ranger. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front tires were rubbing while turning. The contact also stated that the front windshield was delaminating. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with misaligned front tires and front windshield delamination. The contact was informed that the vehicle needed an alignment and the front windshield needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.
NHTSA complaint #11543233 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,000 milesOrlando, FL
VISIBILITY
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Ranger. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front tires were rubbing while turning. The contact also stated that the front windshield was delaminating. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with misaligned front tires and front windshield delamination. The contact was informed that the vehicle needed an alignment and the front windshield needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.
NHTSA complaint #11543233 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake Ronkonkoma, NY
SERVICE BRAKES
there is an air vent just above the brake pedal .when stepping on the brake my foot presses on that vent, it feels like the brake, until you realize the car is not stopping. took it to the dealer they cant do anything for it. I feel it could be a big issue for someone until the driver figures it out..thank you
NHTSA complaint #11541584 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,000 milesOldsmar, FLCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
The contact owned a 2023 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, another vehicle cut them off, and caused the contact to swerve in order to avoid the vehicle this caused the contact to crash into an electric pole. The air bags did not deploy. The contact had a bruise on his legs and between neck and shoulder. No medical treatment was needed. The vehicle was towed from the scene. Police report had been filled. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000.
NHTSA complaint #11541295 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,640 milesPort Saint Lucie, FL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the pedal would fade and extend to the floor. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who bled the brake lines, but after retrieving the vehicle the failure reoccurred. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 1,640.
NHTSA complaint #11532905 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.