FaultScore

Ford Ranger window and wiper problems

416 of the 10,502 complaints filed about the Ford Ranger are about the glass, mirrors and wipers — 4% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 1999.

416

Complaints

4%

Share of all complaints

3

Crashes

12

Fires

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers complaints by model year

1983 Ranger 1 0.2%
1984 Ranger 2 0.5%
1985 Ranger 4 1.0%

Median failure at 27,000 miles

1986 Ranger 1 0.2%
1988 Ranger 5 1.2%
1989 Ranger 3 0.7%
1990 Ranger 16 3.8%
1991 Ranger 13 3.1%
1992 Ranger 22 5.3%

Median failure at 88,910 miles

1993 Ranger 5 1.2%

Median failure at 80,000 miles

1994 Ranger 14 3.4%

Median failure at 110,000 miles

1995 Ranger 67 16.1%
1996 Ranger 54 13.0%

Median failure at 99,300 miles

1997 Ranger 36 8.7%

Median failure at 101,000 miles

1998 Ranger 18 4.3%

Median failure at 33,290 miles

1999 Ranger 76 18.3%

Median failure at 64,901 miles

2000 Ranger 5 1.2%

Median failure at 57,500 miles

2001 Ranger 5 1.2%

Median failure at 30,300 miles

2002 Ranger 7 1.7%

Median failure at 32,539 miles

2003 Ranger 1 0.2%
2004 Ranger 9 2.2%

Median failure at 25,000 miles

2005 Ranger 1 0.2%

Median failure at 18,574 miles

2006 Ranger 5 1.2%

Median failure at 13,000 miles

2007 Ranger 2 0.5%

Median failure at 59,000 miles

2010 Ranger 1 0.2%

Median failure at 54,000 miles

2011 Ranger 1 0.2%

Median failure at 110,000 miles

2019 Ranger 24 5.8%

Median failure at 28,658 miles

2020 Ranger 9 2.2%

Median failure at 86,000 miles

2022 Ranger 3 0.7%

Median failure at 27,000 miles

2023 Ranger 1 0.2%

Median failure at 10,000 miles

2024 Ranger 4 1.0%

Median failure at 1,000 miles

2025 Ranger 1 0.2%

What owners said

2025 Ford Ranger Saylorsburg, PA

VISIBILITY/WIPER

When using the rear camera while towing a trailer, the image is partially blocked by a persistent message stating “full view not available”. This creates a safety issue as it obscures the driver’s view of the trailer and/or the trailer load. It is critical to be able to monitor the trailer and the load during towing to ensure a hazardous condition is not developing. I believe the rear view camera is working as designed, that is I do not believe there is a defect or failure in the hardware. However the design of the message is the problem. If the driver needs to know that “full view not available” then the message should be moved to a different part of the screen to not obscure the view of the trailer.

NHTSA complaint #11739677 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2024 Ford Ranger Bogart, GA

VISIBILITY/WIPER

When using the rear camera while towing a trailer, the image is partially blocked by a persistent message stating “full view not available”. This creates a safety issue as it obscures the driver’s view of the trailer and/or the trailer load. It is critical to be able to monitor the trailer and the load during towing to ensure a hazardous condition is not developing. I believe the rear view camera is working as designed, that is I do not believe there is a defect or failure in the hardware. However the design of the message is the problem. If the driver needs to know that “full view not available” then the message should be moved to a different part of the screen to not obscure the view of the trailer.

NHTSA complaint #11738102 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Ford Ranger Norwalk, CT

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Clicking sound coming from under the dash. I traced it to the blend door assy. Defrost intermittently will disengage. Vehicle has 29,600 miles on it

NHTSA complaint #11733994 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2024 Ford Ranger Portland, OR

VISIBILITY

The contact owns a 2024 Ford Ranger. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V597000 (VISIBILITY); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. 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 contact had not experienced a failure. The VIN was unavailable.

NHTSA complaint #11714031 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Ford Ranger Crestview, FL

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Wiper arm stops working or stays in up position. Intermittent issue.

NHTSA complaint #11709077 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Ford Ranger Greer, SC

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.

2024 Ford Ranger at 1,000 miles Murrieta, CA

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

The contact owns a 2024 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the contact had trouble seeing out of the windshield and became aware that the front windshield was distorted. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where a warranty claim was submitted, and it was determined that the windshield needed to be replaced. The windshield was replaced but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Gosch Ford Temecula-Service Dept (26895 Ynez Rd, Temecula, CA 92591); where it was determined that a windshield replacement was needed. The windshield was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The dealer checked other years, makes, and models, and became aware that the vehicles had the same distorted windshields. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 1,000.

NHTSA complaint #11662066 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2024 Ford Ranger Anchorage, AK

VISIBILITY/WIPER

2024 Ranger Raptor built in December of 2024 with 1,750 miles on it. The rubber trim around the sliding rear window appears to have melted from the in glass defroster overheating. It is now duct taped to keep water from leaking into the cab.

NHTSA complaint #11654964 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Ford Ranger at 25,152 miles Millsboro, DE

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.

2020 Ford Ranger at 86,000 miles Crowley Lake, CA

VISIBILITY

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Ranger. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the heating system became inoperable. The contact stated that the heater would not function properly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the HVAC blower motor failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was referred to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 86,000.

NHTSA complaint #11635073 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Ford Ranger Willis, TX

VISIBILITY/WIPER

The blend door for HVAC controls sticks, makes clicking noises. From time to time it will stick in one position, for example cabin, when I need defrost, making it difficult to see safely potentially.

NHTSA complaint #11626414 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2011 Ford Ranger at 110,000 miles Casselberry, FL

VISIBILITY/WIPER

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.

2020 Ford Ranger Greenville, OH

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Early model 2019-2020 Ford Rangers have a known defect where the blend door actuator fails. The assembly was redesigned mid 2020 and is now the common fix for all who are affected by this issue. During this failure the blend door cannot and will not actuate as it should causing in ability to defrost the windshield causing visibility issues. Additionally, it causes unbearable heat to be released inside the vehicle with no warning causing additional safety issues for drivers and passengers. The issue is widely observed for all owners of early generations. Even though ford has known about the issue that forced an entire redesign they are unwilling to recall the defective component. I have contacted their corporate office and was informed there is no support for this issue. Today, while driving the system on its own changed to defrost, half of the windshield could be seen through, the other half could not due to variations on both sides which also caused condensation to form.

NHTSA complaint #11615914 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Ford Ranger at 27,000 miles Bennington, VT

VISIBILITY

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Ranger. The contact stated while driving 2 MPH and exiting the driveway, the contact heard a loud bang coming from the vehicle. The contact stopped the vehicle and noticed that the rear windshield had fractured without impact. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The contact was informed that the rear windshield was not defective. The contact was informed that the replacement of the windshield was not covered under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 27,000.

NHTSA complaint #11592254 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Ford Ranger Omaha, NE

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.

2019 Ford Ranger Aubrey, TX

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.

2020 Ford Ranger Long Beach, NY

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

Vehicle has 51,532 miles and a blend door actuator needs to be replaced - inconsistent air flow coming in. The desired air wanted whether it be hot or cold, is being diverted incorrectly, so we are not getting a consistent temperature out of the A/C system. This item was recalled previously In the 2019 Ford Ranger.

NHTSA complaint #11560748 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Ford Ranger Lompoc, CA

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

At one point, the heat/ac would blow air but would not heat or cool. This was about a month and a half ago., There was an electrical burning smell, and at that point the system would not heat or cool. The burning smell has since subsided. I took the truck to Santa Maria Ford to have it looked at and have my oil changed. I was told that it would cost 3500.00 to repair the issue. I looked the issue up and I found that the 2019 Ford Ranger had been recalled for this exacted issue. I felt that it was just a matter of time before the 2020 Ford Ranger would be recalled for this item. I decided to I should submit this form to be on the safe side.

NHTSA complaint #11559859 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Ford Ranger Jacksonville, FL

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.

2023 Ford Ranger at 10,000 miles Orlando, 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.

Other Ford Ranger problems