FaultScore

Ford Ranger engine problems

652 of the 10,502 complaints filed about the Ford Ranger are about the engine — 6% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 1998.

652

Complaints

6%

Share of all complaints

15

Crashes

46

Fires

Engine & Cooling complaints by model year

1983 Ranger 1 0.2%
1984 Ranger 2 0.3%

Median failure at 135,000 miles

1985 Ranger 3 0.5%

Median failure at 27,000 miles

1986 Ranger 9 1.4%
1987 Ranger 7 1.1%
1988 Ranger 15 2.3%

Median failure at 89,000 miles

1989 Ranger 13 2.0%

Median failure at 102,000 miles

1990 Ranger 16 2.5%

Median failure at 138,000 miles

1991 Ranger 16 2.5%

Median failure at 125,000 miles

1992 Ranger 20 3.1%

Median failure at 108,000 miles

1993 Ranger 14 2.1%

Median failure at 82,000 miles

1994 Ranger 27 4.1%

Median failure at 115,500 miles

1995 Ranger 17 2.6%

Median failure at 230,000 miles

1996 Ranger 36 5.5%

Median failure at 190,000 miles

1997 Ranger 19 2.9%

Median failure at 70,000 miles

1998 Ranger 57 8.7%

Median failure at 83,000 miles

1999 Ranger 51 7.8%

Median failure at 95,000 miles

2000 Ranger 43 6.6%

Median failure at 64,044 miles

2001 Ranger 35 5.4%

Median failure at 89,900 miles

2002 Ranger 46 7.1%

Median failure at 38,250 miles

2003 Ranger 27 4.1%

Median failure at 19,650 miles

2004 Ranger 24 3.7%

Median failure at 71,665 miles

2005 Ranger 17 2.6%

Median failure at 62,000 miles

2006 Ranger 20 3.1%

Median failure at 70,000 miles

2007 Ranger 4 0.6%

Median failure at 33,541 miles

2008 Ranger 6 0.9%

Median failure at 34,150 miles

2009 Ranger 6 0.9%

Median failure at 1,500 miles

2010 Ranger 5 0.8%

Median failure at 28,505 miles

2011 Ranger 4 0.6%

Median failure at 49,944 miles

2019 Ranger 32 4.9%

Median failure at 28,000 miles

2020 Ranger 18 2.8%

Median failure at 31,250 miles

2021 Ranger 15 2.3%

Median failure at 11,476 miles

2022 Ranger 6 0.9%

Median failure at 300 miles

2023 Ranger 3 0.5%
2024 Ranger 7 1.1%
2025 Ranger 10 1.5%
2026 Ranger 1 0.2%

What owners said

2025 Ford Ranger Milwaukee, WI

ENGINE

Vehicle received and installed an over-the-air software update to the Body Control Module, identified on the vehicle screen as BCM-26.6.3 and associated with Safety Recall 26S29 (A-pillar/sun visor wiring, NHTSA 26V238000). The update screen displayed a status of "Not Completed." Since that update the vehicle will not start and is inoperative. Current condition: opening the driver door wakes the center infotainment screen only. The instrument cluster does not illuminate. Pressing the brake pedal produces no response - no cluster illumination, no warning lamps, no chimes, no messages, no crank. 12V power is present; the manufacturer's telematics app still reaches the vehicle and returns status. Symptoms are consistent with a Body Control Module that is powered but not communicating on the vehicle network. No warning lamps, messages, or symptoms were present before the update. The vehicle operated normally until the update was installed. Safety risk: the vehicle became immobile without warning immediately following installation of a manufacturer-pushed safety recall remedy. The transmission cannot be shifted electronically, requiring the manual park release to move or tow the vehicle. Had this occurred away from home or in a traffic lane, the vehicle would have been stranded and unable to move under its own power. The BCM also governs exterior lighting and hazard lamp function. Note: the update screen header displayed "25S29" while the body text referenced completing Safety Recall 26S29. The vehicle has a dealer-installed Ford Performance ProCal calibration. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the dealer or manufacturer. It is available for inspection upon request.

NHTSA complaint #11757184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Ford Ranger Aztec, NM

ENGINE

The cooling fan clutch control wire is supported by a "wire support hose" between the engine block and the fan clutch. the cooling fan clutch control freely rotates on a raceway on the drive shaft. The purpose of the support hose is to prevent the fan clutch control from freely rotating, but allows the control a limited range of movement as the drive shaft changes speed with engine RPM. The idea is that this hose prevents undue stress on the control wire. Hose is normally a consumable part that may need replaced with age, heat, etc. The hose is not sold as a replacement part and can only be obtained by purchasing a new fan clutch. When the hose fails, the control wraps around the drive shaft causing damage to the fan clutch control and wiring requiring replacement. The circuit on which the fan clutch control sits is integrated with no less than 6 other critical vehicle systems including oil pressure. When the incident occurs, all these systems generate errors that put the vehicle into limp mode until repair can be made. The fan clutch control wiring support hose should be a bracket with a different mechanical linkage solution to support wire while allowing the necessary limited movement. This low-tech hose solution causes outsized damage when it fails, effectively disabling the vehicle which creates a safety concern and undue hardship from an unnecessarily cascading damage effect. Ford acknowledges this defect by redesigning this feature for 6G Rangers but will not proactively correct through manufacturer recall 5G Rangers. If Ford will not correct, I believe the NHTSA should get involved and force Ford's hand at addressing this repair.

NHTSA complaint #11756686 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 Ford Ranger 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.

2025 Ford Ranger Walnut Creek, CA

ENGINE

I was exiting the freeway, and as I was turning off of the freeway onto a side street, at approximately 20mph, my vehicle did not respond to throttle input, and left me slowing to a stop in the middle of a busy intersection. I had to shift my vehicle into neutral and then back into drive, to get it to respond to throttle input. When I slow down at intersections, turn and then attempt to throttle my vehicle, it hesitates and struggles to output power until I throttle about halfway.

NHTSA complaint #11754755 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2024 Ford Ranger Louisville, KY

ENGINE

When turning vehicle will intermittently lose power for 1 to 2 seconds, and then it suddenly returns.

NHTSA complaint #11753907 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Ford Ranger Honolulu, HI

ENGINE

Coolant intrusion defect that affects other 4 cyl ecoboost Ford engines occurred on this regularly serviced per Ford recommendations vehicle as well. Engine failure at highway speeds could cause a severe accident as the engine can seize when coolant mixes with the oil. The vehicle has been inspected by a Ford dealership. The only warning sign that there was a problem was a coolant temperature threshold exceeded warning.

NHTSA complaint #11753512 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 Ford Ranger Drums, PA

ENGINE

2025 Ranger STX with 950 miles on odometer. When starting vehicle with transmission in park, a pronounced clunk/thump is heard and felt. The clunk/thump varies in intensity with the most intense episode resulting in the physical slight rearward movement of the truck. Symptom seems to be more prevalent when vehicle has been dormant for a few hours or overnight. Initially thought vehicle was going to lunge rearward by physical movement of truck. No warning lights were present with the event. Dealer appointment is scheduled later next week. vehicle is availabe for inspection upon request.

NHTSA complaint #11752830 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Ford Ranger Greenfield, MA

ENGINE

Transmission replacement needed. Truck has been at dealership going on 3 months with continued delays. It was acknowledged cooperate was covering replacement now story changed that owner/myself having to pay $4000+. Cooperate covering $000 . Current owner/myself bought 2 years ago with 13000 miles and has only put 6000 miles on it. Dealership and cooperate admitted to known problem assured coverage however put fixing on hold because they are behind due to staffing issues. I have been bounced around to 3 different people at dealership who have taken case over. Dealership and cooperate blaming each other for lack if communication and delays.

NHTSA complaint #11750461 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2024 Ford Ranger Oak Hill, VA

ENGINE

On multiple occasions while making a left or right turn and trying to accelerate, there is no input via the gas pedal. The truck will not accelerate at all. It takes a random amount of time before any throttle input is registered, which is usually followed by rapid acceleration.

NHTSA complaint #11749997 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Ford Ranger Lincoln, CA

ENGINE

I was driving the vehicle, when I started to fell a " Shuddering " sensation on acceleration. I let off the gas pedal and the Shuddering went away. A few miles down the road the check engine light came on and was flashing. I immediately pulled and shut the vehicle off. After sitting for 10 minutes I restarted the vehicle and the check engine light was no longer on, but the " Shuddering " sensation was still present. I took it to Dupratt Ford in Auburn,Ca. and they diagnosed it as a Cylinder 1 mis-fire. Upon further inspection they found water in the Cylinder 1 spark plug well. After doing some research I found out the Ford issued TSB 23-2011for this exact issue, but did not order a recall to fix the faulty windshield cowl which is the problem. I found thousands of complaints and numerous Ranger owners who have had the exact same issue and had to pay out of pocket to get the issue and damaged fixed. Meanwhile Ford knew about the issue and did absolutely nothing, did not even alert the owners of the issue. I was lucky and did not have to replace the cylinder head, but others have not been so lucky. I had to pay over $1800 to have the mis-fire issue fixed and had to do my own preventative measures to seal the windshield cowl. I contacted Ford and they were only willing to reimburse me $725 dollars of my repair bill which was 100% their fault.

NHTSA complaint #11747696 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 Ford Ranger Avon Park, FL

ENGINE

On 6-7 separate occasions, my 2025 Ranger had a sudden and complete loss of accelerator response while slowing down to make a left turn. This also happens on occasion at traffic lights when the light turns and I attempt to turn left. The duration of loss of power has increased with each incident and is very frightening when it occurs. When attempting to accelerate across the road, there was no response or power from the engine to get me through traffic. On each occasions, the safety of everyone in my vehicle as well members of the public were at great risk. It is only by good luck that these engine failure incidents did not cause a serious crash. The local Ford dealer has been unable to identify the problem. Until and unless the Ford Dealer can replicate the problem, I am unable to get the problem resolved. In the meantime, I feel that I my life is at risk every time I drive my truck. There were no warnings from the vehicle about this loss of power and the randomness of this causes great fear when driving. The incident appears to be the same as Recall 26V343000, Loss of Drive Power from Engine Failure, which does not include my specific VIN.

NHTSA complaint #11744742 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 Ford Ranger Summerfield, FL

ENGINE

Purchased this truck new and took on a trip over the weekend. Put on just under 800 miles no issues. This morning while driving to get my wondows tinted I noticed my truck flashing to apply brakes as it was trying to shift itself into 4wd low setting. Sure enough i looked over and the truck was switching drive modes when no one had touched it. Nothing in my cupholder either that could have accidentally bunped it either. I quickly pulled over and pressed the 2 wheel drive button and restarted the truck. I did a quick google search and found that others are having this issue too. I cant even imagine what damage it would have done to the vehicle or myself if it fully shifted over while driving at highway speeds.

NHTSA complaint #11744564 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2026 Ford Ranger Long Beach, CA

ENGINE

Description On your vehicle it is possible that the trailer module trm may lose communication at vehicle start-up. If a trm loss of communication occurs and a trailer is connected to the vehicle, trailer stop lamps and turn signal indicators will not function. Additionally, for trailers equipped with electronic trailer brakes, the trailer brakes will not function. This loss of communication can occur with-or-without a trailer connected to the vehicle and can only initiate at vehicle start-up. If this occurs, a trailer brake module fault notification will pop-up on the vehicles instrument panel cluster. The vehicle brake and turn signal lamps will continue to operate normally and are not affected by this trm fault. If you do not tow with your vehicle, you may wait for ota deployment for your vehicle remedy. Safety Risk This may result in inoperable trailer brake lights, trailer turn signals and trailer braking functions that can reduce a drivers ability to control an attached trailer and make the trailer less visible to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash. Remedy Software is available to repair your vehicle. Ford Motor Company has authorized your dealer to reprogram your vehicles trm free of charge. Next Steps Contact your dealer for more information to schedule the free service.

NHTSA complaint #11744634 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 Ford Ranger Ofallon, IL

ENGINE

Complete power loss from transmission. Yes available for inspection. Power loss was experienced on at least 4 separate occasions. This occurred during either slowing down or stopping to make a left hand turn while yielding to oncoming traffic. When re-engaging the accelerator to get across oncoming traffic zero power transfer occurred putting my self, my passengers, and the oncoming vehicles and passengers at risk for a head on or Tbone collision. The loss of power has not been replicated but a ford dealership did note high pitched transmission whine and hard shifting when during deceleration during inspection. Inspected by authorized ford dealer. No lights or warnings present, prior to, during, or after incidents.

NHTSA complaint #11736073 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Ford Ranger Alzada, MT

ENGINE

The brakes failed within hours of owning the Certified, WARRANTIED VEHICLE. ALMOST had an accident. Within <5 weeks of owning this warrantied certified vehicle, was stranded on Rine Ridge Indian Reservation and on the highway. Engine jerk so bad feels like I a derby car. Then just stalls. The dont comply with their own 172 point certified inspection. They claim two keys for specified vehicle. They gave me two 1 starts the vehicle the other errors no key in ignition when you insert into ignition. NOW I have to pay bills to get a warrantied certified vehicle repaired plus loaner car because Ford McKie k owing sold an Unsafe vehicle under deceptive pretense. Multiple engine and brake failures which was supposedly certified inspected.

NHTSA complaint #11735236 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 Ford Ranger Helena, MT

ENGINE

Coolant hose on bypass valve came off. Dumped coolant and engine overheated. Tech said it just came off, service advisor said I “hit a bump”.

NHTSA complaint #11734992 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Ford Ranger Greenfield, MA

ENGINE

Bought 2020 Ford Ranger Lariat in March 2024 with 13k miles. I have had no issues and have kept up maintenance needed. Vehicle currently has 19,128 miles and on 4/17/26 while driving the vehicle lost power. I was able to pull over and immediately called the dealership where vehicle was purchased and had towed to their facility for diagnosis. There we no warning lights prior to losing power. The dealership informed me a new transmission is needed pulling codes P0751 and P2700. The cost they informed me for replacement was $10k +/= indicating the Power Train warranty had expired in 2025. (5 yr/60,000) I find this appalling that at 19k I am responsible to replace something that has clearly had issues in past. Their only option was to replace transmission or they could take apart and overhaul to fix the codes which could be cheaper but also may result in transmission replacement anyways which will cost more in long run.

NHTSA complaint #11734620 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 Ford Ranger Austin, TX

ENGINE

My 2025 Ford Ranger Lariat FX4 has experienced sudden and complete loss of accelerator pedal response while driving at low speed on at least 4 to 6 separate occasions. The engine continues to run normally, but pressing the accelerator produces no power and no vehicle response. The condition has consistently occurred while pulling into my subdivision, which has an inclined entrance. The truck also feels noticeably sluggish nearly every time I make this turn, even when full dropout does not occur. No warning lights, check engine light, or messages in the instrument cluster illuminate during these events. No diagnostic trouble codes have been stored that I am aware of. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The symptoms closely match two active Ford recalls — 26S10 (EGR valve failure causing unexpected loss of drive power, stated by Ford to be most likely at speeds under 13 mph) and 25V-239 (PCM reset causing temporary loss of acceleration). My vehicle is not currently listed as included in either recall per Ford’s VIN lookup. Numerous owner reports on public Ford Ranger forums describe identical symptoms on 2024 and 2025 Ranger trucks, many of which are also not covered by the existing recalls and for which dealers have been unable to find stored codes. A sudden, unannounced loss of drive power at low speed on an incline or while turning into traffic represents a clear crash risk. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether the affected vehicle population should be expanded.

NHTSA complaint #11733498 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Ford Ranger Acworth, GA

ENGINE

The cylinder #1 spark plug ignition coil. Check engine light came on and the vehicle began to vibrate while traveling 70 mph. The last 30 miles of the drive on an interstate required no speed higher than 50 to prevent the vibrations. Per the independent service center, Ford has issued guidance that water could enter this compartment and rust the part. A repair costing 847.00 was completed by the mechanic, verifying it was completely rusted. Flashing check engine light came on and then steady light.

NHTSA complaint #11731585 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2024 Ford Ranger Cumming, GA

ENGINE

My 2024 Ford Ranger XLT 2W has been suddenly losing power or stumbling upon initial acceleration. This has been occurring intermittently. My truck now has approximately 20,000 miles. The problem has become increasingly frequent. It seems to occur most often when accelerating from a complete stop. The loss of power can last for several seconds, then normal power is regained. Several times, the truck has lost power while making a left turn. It simply will not accelerate, and I find that I am stuck, unable to complete my turn and clear the oncoming traffic. I have taken my truck to a local dealer who attempted to diagnose the problem and they didn’t offer a solution since they were unable to reproduce the problem during their road test. It has happened many times since then and I am scheduled to return the vehicle to the same dealership to attempt to diagnose and fix the problem again soon. The problem seems to occur, regardless of which drive mode the truck is in and also occurs with Electronic Stability Control both enabled and disabled. There are no warning lights or check engine codes shown.

NHTSA complaint #11731068 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other Ford Ranger problems