64 of the
10,502 complaints filed about the Ford Ranger
are about the driver-assist systems —
1% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2019.
64
Complaints
1%
Share of all complaints
11
Crashes
3
Fires
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance complaints by model year
1. Transmission is going out dealership never said a word about the 6 recalls on it one being transmission 2. Front seat belts are in backwards and the child safety hook in back seat has a recall on it that the 3 of the 6 I know of Ford had told alm to replace the entire transmission before they ever sold it they did not do that they didn't take care of any of the recalls
NHTSA complaint #11756331 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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.
I came up to a stop sign on a snow cover highway. When I applied the brakes my ABS brakes came on, but instead of slowing down, I felt the vehicle accelerating instead. I was pushed into the middle of the intersection and involved in an accident. An accident report was filed with the state of Wisconsin. No injuries occurred. I mentioned the problem to the Ford dealer, but they said there was no recall notice on file. An insurance adjuster inspected the damage to my vehicle last week. I have made an appointment with a body shop in February. I have not driven the vehicle since the accident. There were no warning messages before the accident.
NHTSA complaint #11710739 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
The ACM (Audio Control Module) failed, causing a network failure in the CAN system. This caused a condition of no speedometer reading, no automatic braking, no adaptive cruise control, no fuel gauge reading, no blind spot monitoring, no forward collision, no rear cross traffic warning. Additionally, while the turn signals worked, there was no inside audio or visual confirmation that it was functioning. Also no high beam headlight indicator and no automatic high-low beams. Cost of repair was $739.00 and the dealer had to order the part.
NHTSA complaint #11705968 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The ACM (Audio Control Module) failed, causing a network failure in the CAN system. This caused a condition of no speedometer reading, no automatic braking, no adaptive cruise control, no fuel gauge reading, no blind spot monitoring, no forward collision, no rear cross traffic warning. Additionally, while the turn signals worked, there was no inside audio or visual confirmation that it was functioning. Also no high beam headlight indicator and no automatic high-low beams. Cost of repair was $739.00 and the dealer had to order the part.
NHTSA complaint #11705968 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that the back over prevention camera screen was either blank, frozen, or reversed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V442000 (Back Over Prevention). The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact was informed about a possible diagnostic test and repair cost. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
NHTSA complaint #11697876 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
The boot material surrounding the parking brake bunches up and does not allow the handle to properly seat. When using the cruise control, the parking brake handle will raise up on its own, due to the boot material, causing the cruise control to abruptly disengage. This causes the vehicle to mildly to moderately deaccelerate without warning. This could cause rear end collision.
NHTSA complaint #11698044 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
While backing up out of a parking space, my BLIS system did not give me a warning letting me know there was a pole to my left side...finally, it beeped just once as I backed into the pole...no other warning. Estimate of repair is $4900. My neighbor was with me and can confirm everything
NHTSA complaint #11689959 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While backing up out of a parking space, my BLIS system did not give me a warning letting me know there was a pole to my left side...finally, it beeped just once as I backed into the pole...no other warning. Estimate of repair is $4900. My neighbor was with me and can confirm everything
NHTSA complaint #11689959 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Backup camera isn't working a recall on some 2020 rangers has been issued but not mine. Parking collision warning isn't as loud as it used to be. Took it t ford garage but they wanted to charge me to do diagnostics. Warning onbackup camera call your service department
NHTSA complaint #11689153 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
This truck looses power whenever someone changes lanes in front of your car. This happens even if adaptive cruise control and emergency braking is off. When someone changes lanes in front of you, even if they are going the same speed or faster, your car loses all power for 2-3 seconds, even if you apply additional throttle input. If I am on a road trip with standard cruise control on, it will cut power dozes of times per hour. If I am in the right lane with a major exit comming up, my truck will cut power every time someone changes lanes in front of me. I have had 18 wheelers lay on their horn because they do not understand why I am slowing down when there is no reason to slow down. I cannot properly explain how dangerous this vehicle behavior is. I have brought the truck to the dealer two times and they are unable to resolve it.
NHTSA complaint #11687823 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
This truck looses power whenever someone changes lanes in front of your car. This happens even if adaptive cruise control and emergency braking is off. When someone changes lanes in front of you, even if they are going the same speed or faster, your car loses all power for 2-3 seconds, even if you apply additional throttle input. If I am on a road trip with standard cruise control on, it will cut power dozes of times per hour. If I am in the right lane with a major exit comming up, my truck will cut power every time someone changes lanes in front of me. I have had 18 wheelers lay on their horn because they do not understand why I am slowing down when there is no reason to slow down. I cannot properly explain how dangerous this vehicle behavior is. I have brought the truck to the dealer two times and they are unable to resolve it.
NHTSA complaint #11687823 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
We were making a right through an intersection at a speed of 9MPH when the car in front of us hit their brakes unexpectedly. My 30 year old son was driving and felt like the brakes did not respond when he pressed them. My truck did not stop until it hit the car in front of us. It did start beeping just before impact and the dash lit up but the brakes didn’t engage until after impact.
NHTSA complaint #11681122 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
We were making a right through an intersection at a speed of 9MPH when the car in front of us hit their brakes unexpectedly. My 30 year old son was driving and felt like the brakes did not respond when he pressed them. My truck did not stop until it hit the car in front of us. It did start beeping just before impact and the dash lit up but the brakes didn’t engage until after impact.
NHTSA complaint #11681122 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When truck was new at 400 miles Abs traction controll rear collision and all braking erro codes were displayed on dash. Brought to dealer had a bad wheel speed sensor in rear. At that time I asked about large amount of rear brakes dust on vehicle like if the brakes were dragging. Technician said just poor oem pads. Now at 14k miles rear pads at 6mm thickness back wheels are always covered in brake dust. I was at dealer asked if there is anything they could do regarding initial build quality. Dealer said no there is no fault just poorly made pads. As a consumer ths is less then except able of a vehicle to almost need new rear brakes at 14k miles. Delaer should be replacing these pads on there behalf not the customer.
NHTSA complaint #11679680 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When truck was new at 400 miles Abs traction controll rear collision and all braking erro codes were displayed on dash. Brought to dealer had a bad wheel speed sensor in rear. At that time I asked about large amount of rear brakes dust on vehicle like if the brakes were dragging. Technician said just poor oem pads. Now at 14k miles rear pads at 6mm thickness back wheels are always covered in brake dust. I was at dealer asked if there is anything they could do regarding initial build quality. Dealer said no there is no fault just poorly made pads. As a consumer ths is less then except able of a vehicle to almost need new rear brakes at 14k miles. Delaer should be replacing these pads on there behalf not the customer.
NHTSA complaint #11679680 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VIN: [XXX] Recall data refreshed on Aug 09,2025 0 Unrepaired Recalls associated with this VIN Please Amber alert the following for NATIONAL BROADCAST NHTSA 2025 Ranger Safety Recalls* Inspect seat bolt presence and torque - recall is unable to be performed at this time. Please check the fsa landing page for more details. Recall incomplete Front upper control arm to knuckle ball joint loose or missing fastener Recall incomplete Instrument panel cluster configuration Recall incomplete INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11679494 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.