298 of the
10,502 complaints filed about the Ford Ranger
are about the lighting —
3% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 1997.
My complaint isn't about my vehicle. My complaint pertains to pickup truck and SUV lighting. The lighting on these vehicles have become so bright that they blind oncoming drivers. In addition, I was recently blinded by the lights on a lifted pickup truck, that was following behind me. The lights on these vehicles have become so bright that they present a hazard to other drivers. This hazard is made worse when the vehicles are lifted (body or big wheels). Please consider taking action to address this problem.
NHTSA complaint #11701278 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
After hookup of any type of trailer to electrical on vehicle, left turn signal fails to operate on vehicle or trailer, and warning message is displayed on panel. After disconnection of trailer operation of all turn signals in vehicle resume as designed.
NHTSA complaint #11667077 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
Rear brake lights did not work, but high mount brake light functioned normally. I found a safety recall for the 2019 Ford Ranger for the same condition (19S43). This safety recall identifies connector C442 as the root cause for the incident. Based on this information, I located the connected. I disconnected the connector, did visual inspection. Visual inspection did not find any bent pins, so I reconnected connector. After inspection and reconnection of connector C442 the brake light now work. A little background on me. I’m a retire Service Engineer from Nissan and I have extensive background in vehicle service issues, recalls and campaigns. Based on my experience, I believe that the incident I confirmed on my vehicle may indicate that the Ford Ranger may continue to have brake light inoperative condition beyond the current Safety Recall window of vehicle. I have already contacted Ford to advise them of this condition. I offered to make my vehicle available to Ford for inspection, Ford declined.
NHTSA complaint #11659506 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The taillight on the driver's side has never worked properly. Took it for repair to get a replacement bulb. Personnel at local auto parts store were aware of problems on this model vehicle. They stated no replacement bulbs were available because it required an electronic "bulb." Was informed that the part was VERY expensive, so was unable to get replacement part. Was pulled over by local police and told no lights in rear of vehicle, including brake lights were working. Consumer reports reported same problem with 2019 Ford Ranger and had article "Ford Recalls Ranger Pickup Trucks for Taillight Problem." November 25, 2019. Ford recalled 78,264, year 2019 Rangers. My truck is a 2020 Ranger and the problem with the taillights0030 described for 2019 is IDENTICAL TO THE ONE DESCRIBED FOR 2019.
NHTSA complaint #11651773 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I purchased a 2020 Ford Ranger truck which had, either a faulty "bulb," or other type of device which caused the driver side tail light to not illuminate. I was not made aware of this, as I do not commonly check to see if the taillights were when I turn on the lights to drive at night. However, I observed the faulty taillight probably a year or so after owning the vehicle. The vehicle is not frequently driven, as I brought the 2020 Ford Ranger truck new, and it presently as of April 2025 has about 7300 miles on it. When I became aware of the faulty taillight, I went to the local AutoZone store to purchase a replacement bulb, and was informed by a fairly knowledgeable individual that my vehicle did not have a standard "bulb" which could be replaced. I was told the unit which housed the component which caused the lighting to occur was an integrated compounded which had to be totally replaced, at a significant cost. I have not made any attempts to remove the component, and was informed there would be a significant cost to do so. On March 29, 2025 I was pulled over by a local sheriff's office indicating there was a problem with not only the taillight on the driver side not operating, but also problems with operation of my brake lights and other lights in the rear of the truck. I was informed that I should get the problem fixed as soon as possible. I did explain that I had previously made an attempt to get the driver side taillight fixed, but the component, was not available to do so. I then began to research the problem, and found an article was online which was attributed to Consumer Reports entitled "Ford recalls Ranger pickup trucks for taillight problem, automaker says loose electrical connections could lead to a crash" the basis of the November 25, 2019 article stated "Ford is recalling 78,264 of its 2019 Ranger pickup trucks because electrical connector may be loose or not properly installed. As a result the taillights may be inoperative or work intermittently.
NHTSA complaint #11651930 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I took this vehicle in on 5-19-2020 for recall (19543/NSTSA Recall 19V-839). Local dealership removed skid plate, inspection/pass. Over the next 3 yrs. the p/u was taken in because of battery drainage & then battery replacement. May 2024 it was taken in as all the rear lights stopped working (exactly what was stated in the recall letter would happen). Was told at the time that the topper, which a very reputable dealer put on, did the wiring wrong so I was charged over $1300 for repairing the wiring. The topper was put on in 2019, recall was 2020, and nothing was found then. An inspection was done and not replacement of rear lights wiring. I came very close to several rear-end collisions as I hadn't realized no rear lights in May 2024. Now, I'm getting "System Off to save battery. Please turn ignition off or start engine" again on the console. I've contacted Ford at Dearborn and was referred back to local dealership and they have given me the run around. I was in a week and half ago to show them all the paperwork, was told they'd look it over and give me a call. I've heard nothing. I'm upset that the recall work wasn't done in 2020 but had to pay for the same work to be done in 2024. Since the work done in May 2024 really didn't handle the battery being drained, I'd like a new pickup as this one seems to be a lemon, or the dealership isn't doing what they said they did. I have paperwork, but it wouldn't scan onto document.
NHTSA complaint #11621949 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
HIGH BEAM LIGHTS FAILED ON, THE HI-LO BEAM SWITCH IN TURN, HAZARD, WIPER COMBO SWITCH LATER OVERHEATED, BURN UP, SMOKE IN CABIN CAUSING COMPLETE LOSS OF LAMPS, WIPERS AT NIGHT IN RAIN. CLEARLY A COMMON ISSUE BASED ON WEB. IF YOU ARE GOING TO SEND FULL LOAD CURRENT WITH NO CONTROL RELAYS FORCE A HIGHER STANDARD ON DESIGN MARGINS AND AND MTTF. YOU HAVE (4) HEAD LAMPS ON A CAR NO REASON A DESIGN SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO CAUSE ALL (4) TO FAILURE. FORCE MULTIPLE RELAYS, MODULES, AND CONTACTS, WIRING CIRCUITS AND FUSES. ALSO FIX THE BLINDING HEADLIGHT ISSUES. I SEE ALMOST NO DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LO AND HI BEAMS ON NEW CARS AND SEE SPOTS FOR 30 SECONDS AFTER PASSING CARS ON LO. SET STANDARDS AND FORCE CERTS ON EVERY NEW HEAD LIGHT DESIGN. DOT/NHTSA SHOULD BE LIABLE FOR ANY CRASHES RELATED TO BEING BLINDED WITH HEADLIGHTS
NHTSA complaint #11618410 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Ranger. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the driver’s side headlight intermittently failed to operate as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the contact was informed that a defective wiring harness had caused the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.
NHTSA complaint #11565849 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Had someone driving behind me flag me over. I had no tail lights, brake lights, turn signals front or rear or hazzard lights in the front or back. There is only 15,000kms on this truck. Head light low beam and high beam work. trying to get in contact with ford canada and a ford dealership. was scanned at a shop and showed multiple body control module faults and looks like a module. but not touching the vehicle as it has the max warranty they sell this vehicle is in nova scotia, but came from the michigan plant. it will not accept my canadian address
NHTSA complaint #11529833 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Regular headlights are excessively bright. Oncoming traffic is constantly flashing their bright lights with implications that my Ford Ranger's lights are on bright and not normal setting. This seems to be dangerous to oncoming traffic. It happens repeatedly every morning I am driving in the dark (5:00am-6:30am) Dealer said that there is nothing they can do. No indications that the bright lights are on (bright light symbol not appearing)
NHTSA complaint #11496205 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that the driver’s side rear taillight intermittently failed to illuminate while depressing the brake pedal. The contact also stated that the horn failed to operate as needed. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer where he was informed that his vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V839000 (Exterior Lighting). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred him to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.
NHTSA complaint #11477212 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
As I was pulling out of Zip's Car into a parking spot to vacuum truck. I was barely moving when the truck accelerated at a high rate of speed and hit the wall in front of me. It was like the truck had a mind of its own. I just knew I wasn't doing it. If someone had been walking in front of me it would have killed them. My air bag did not come out. My chest hit the steering wheel very hard. The police showed up and did a report. I did not get a ticket. The truck was towed and looked over. There was so much damage to the truck it was totaled. I can't believe this happened to me. I wouldn't want this to happen to anyone. It was a very scary experience.
NHTSA complaint #11471269 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The lighting on the shift lever that shows what mode the transmission is being selected is missing. Apparently Ford stopped installing the lighting that lights the "Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive" in the shifter beginning in 2021. This is a serious safety issue because at night, the driver cannot look down at determine what mode is being selected. The dealer stated to me the selected mode is in the driver console at night. I'm a 5'9" male and any time the wheel is turned or my hand in on the wheel, I cannot see the mode selected. I quickly realized this the first time I drove the vehicle at night, none of the lighting on the shifter was on. I thought it was broken! Basically Ford has skimped a few dollars and NOT installed internal night lighting on the lettering. A simple correction for this is require ford to install the lighting in the unit as a retrofit kit (basically put back what they stopped installing). This would not incur a great expense or time, however, this could PREVENT the driver from selecting the wrong mode causing abrupt forward or backward movement injuring another person or vehicle when moving the vehicle out of park, in particular, backing in or out of parking spots for example that require you to turn the vehicle (AKA WHEEL NOT CENTERED). If not requiring a recall, FORD should make this retrofit available to owners because as of right now, I was told there is none. I included a short video showing the impeded view of the shift mode selected on the driver panel when the steering wheel is being moved and not at wheel centered. At night, this would be the only lighted shifting reference. I also included a day photo of the same view, a view of an earlier 2020 ranger (that had the shifter lighting standard) and my 2022 ranger shifter at night with no lighting. The current standard equipment lighting presents a safety hazard and is directly related to the movement of the vehicle so the likelihood of injury or occurrence are both HIGH.
NHTSA complaint #11461578 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I HAVE TWO FORD TRUCKS AND BOTH HAVE INSTRUMENT PANELS THAT ARE IMPOSSIBLE TO READ IN DAYLIGHT EXCEPT FOR THE SPEEDOMETERS. THEY BOTH HAVE THE DASH LIGHTS TURNED UP AS BRIGHT AS THEY WILL GO. NOT BEING ABLE TO READ MY INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES IS A DANGER FOR MULTIPLE REASONS.
NHTSA complaint #11398898 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR IS HARD TO OPEN AND CLOSE. MY SEVEN YEAR OLD CAN'T OPEN IT WITHOUT HELP ON THAT SIDE. WARNING LIGHT COMES ON WHILE DRIVING SOMETIMES WHEN IT IS CLOSED. AFTER PARKING THE PROBLEM CAUSES THE REAR TAILGATE TO STAY ON TO DRAIN BATTERY BECAUSE TRUCK REGISTERS THE DOOR AS AJAR. HAVE TO SLAM AND RELOCK SEVERAL TIMES TO GET WARNING AND LIGHTS TO TURN OFF. WHEN AN OBJECT IS IN THAT DOOR'S POCKET THE PROBLEM IS WORSE AND IT MAY MAKE THE ALARM GO OFF HOURS AFTER PARKING. OFTEN TAKES SEVERAL ATTEMPTS OF OPENING AND CLOSING DOORS AND TURNING INTERIOR LIGHTS ON AND OFF TO GET THE TRUCK LOCKED WITH ALL THE LIGHTS OFF.
NHTSA complaint #11395113 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN I SMELLED SMOKE AND SAW FLAMES COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND THE POWER TO THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO CUT OUT MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO MOVE OR STEER THE TRUCK TO SAFETY I THEN EXITED THE VEHICLE AND FLAMES WERE COMING OUT OF THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE GOOD AND HEADLIGHT. SO I CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND THEY CAME AND SPRAYED THE TRUCK PUTTING THE FLAMES OUT. AND CUTTING THE WIRES TO THE BATTERY
NHTSA complaint #11366006 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HER HUSBAND WAS DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE HEADLIGHTS, TAILLIGHTS, AND HORN BECAME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS LIKE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V352000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. WASHINGTON FORD LOCATED AT 507 WASHINGTON ROAD, WASHINGTON, PA 15301 AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.
NHTSA complaint #11355192 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAFETY RECALL 19V-839 HAVE LETTER STATING PARTS ARE AVAILABLE TOOK VEHICLE IN TO DEALER 07/23/2020 NO PARTS AVAILABLE, IT IS 08/04/2020 STILL NO PARTS AVAILABLE AND DEALER CAN NOT TELL ME WHEN PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11343166 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.