Ford Ranger problems

The Ford Ranger is a compact or mid-size pickup marketed globally by Ford over a series of generations, varying between both in-house or outside development and manufacturing — and with a hiatus in North America from 2011–2018.
Debuting as a compact pickup in North America in 1982 for the 1983 model year, the Ranger was later introduced in some South American countries. From 1998 to 2011, the Ranger nameplate was used for models developed by Mazda for sale outside the North American market. In 2011, Ford introduced the first Ranger based on the T6 platform. Considered a mid-size pickup truck, the model was developed in-house by Ford Australia. In that same year, the North American-market Ranger was discontinued, leaving the T6 platform-based Ranger as the sole Ranger model worldwide.
For the 2019 model year, the Ranger was reintroduced in North America using the globally-marketed T6 model. It is manufactured at the Michigan Assembly Plant at Wayne, Michigan. The Ranger is smaller than the F-150 and larger than the Maverick in the Ford North American pickup truck range, while for markets outside the Americas it is typically the only Ford pickup offered for sale.
The second generation of the T6-based Ranger was released in 2021 for worldwide markets, using a revised T6 platform.
Social links
Ford Ranger model years
Common Ford Ranger problems
The Ford Ranger is a popular pickup truck, but like any vehicle, it can experience various issues. Here are some common problems reported by Ford Ranger owners:
- Oil Pump Failure: Ford Ranger owners have reported turbocharger failure and damage to the crankshaft, which can cause a significant drop in fuel economy and unusual noises coming from the engine.
- Fuel Injector Issues: Some Ford Rangers have fuel injector problems, which can cause a drop in fuel economy, unsteady idling, and engine misfires. The cause is often a dirty or clogged filter, but if the fuel injector is faulty, it will require a replacement.
- MAF Sensor Problems: The Mass Airflow (MAF) sensor measures the amount of air entering the engine and is essential for proper fuel delivery. A malfunctioning MAF sensor can cause a rough idle, poor acceleration, and reduced fuel economy.
- SCR Problems: The Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system is responsible for reducing emissions from the Ranger's diesel engine. However, the SCR system can fail due to a faulty sensor or injector, causing a check engine light and reduced engine performance.
- Brake System Issues: Brake system issues have been reported with Ford Rangers, including brake fluid leaks, brake pad wear, and brake rotor warping. These issues can cause reduced braking performance or complete brake failure.
- Cooling System Issues: Cooling system issues, such as radiator leaks, have been reported with Ford Rangers. The radiator is responsible for cooling the engine by circulating coolant through the engine block. Over time, the radiator can become corroded, leading to leaks in the coolant.
- Steering Issues: Owners of the 2007 Ranger have reported clicking and clunking noises while steering. This issue has been attributed to a faulty tie rod assembly, which can cause difficulty steering and reduced steering performance.
- Engine Misfire: Ranger models from 2004 to 2006 have been reported for engine problems, particularly with misfires. Drivers have experienced power loss, slight tremors, and stalls.
- High Engine Idle: Abnormally high idle speeds have been reported for many Ford Ranger model years. Drivers have claimed that the issue usually occurs after disengaging the clutch in a manual gearbox or cold starts.
- Hard to Start Cold: Many drivers have reported having difficulty starting the Ranger from cold. The Ranger also tends to hesitate during acceleration and stalls at idle.
It is important to note that not all Ford Rangers will experience these issues, and many owners have reported positive experiences with the vehicle. However, if you own a Ford Ranger or are considering purchasing one, it is important to be aware of these common problems and address them promptly if they arise. Regular maintenance, such as checking and changing transmission fluid, can help prevent many of these issues from occurring.
What is the most common problem with the Ford Ranger?
Common engine problems on a Ford Ranger include a turbo failure and engine crank damage which causes excessive overheating, dark smoke from the exhaust, and a dip in fuel economy. Engine problems can land your car in serious trouble. Thus, it is always better to consult a mechanic right after you've spotted any faults.
What are the bad years for Ford Ranger?
The two major Ford Ranger years to avoid are 1999 and 2001. Other than that, the vehicle has a solid reputation, which has caught attention for several reasons. For decades, they have been around and went down in history as one of Ford's most-loved vehicles.
Is the Ford Ranger a reliable vehicle?
Yes, the 2022 Ford Ranger made the KBB list of Best Resale Value Awards. After five years of ownership, the average new vehicle retains 43% of its original value, per KBB. The used Ford Ranger is projected to retain 56.7 % of its value after five years.
Which Ford Ranger has transmission problems?
These parts were actually recalled for 2017 - 2019 Rangers for causing a number of issues in the transmission pump. While they're the same gearbox in the Next Gen range, Ford says it's been updated to provide a more intuitive and smoother ride.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Ford Ranger years
We have researched Ford problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Ford Ranger cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Ford Ranger model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Ford Ranger model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Ford Ranger years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Ford Ranger car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Ford Ranger , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Air bags problems
- Tires problems
- Service brakes problems
- Structure problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Ford Ranger vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Ranger model years
A total of 785 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Ranger model years
There were a total of 343 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Ranger model years
There were a total of 662 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Ranger model years
There were a total of 48 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 8401 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Ford Ranger . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Ford Ranger vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Ford Ranger 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-20
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-25
- VIN: 1FTER1FH6KL
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: 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.
Ford Ranger 2011
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-07
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-07
- VIN: 1FTKR1ED3BP
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: 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
Ford Ranger 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-01
- VIN: 1FTER4FH9KL
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: In the past 3 months, my 2019 Ford ranger has had a multitude of issues come up all at once. First, my transmission destroyed a gear and needed to be rebuilt. Next was an engine misfire code that Ford detected, and ended up being spark plugs at 66k miles. The current issue is that my fan clutch failed, causing it to rip off the wiring harness that was nearby that led to the oil pressure sensor. This caused an instant loss in power on the highway and almost caused an accident. This truck has been given servicing on every mileage checkpoint that it was suppose to.
Ford Ranger 2004
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-15
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-01
- VIN: 1FTYR10U44P
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
- Summary: I dropped the vehicle off in April, Bought it off facebook marketplace in March. Since then, I have dropped the vehicle off at Big Star Ford in Pearland texas, and it has been there until today [XXX]. They FINALLy called me to tell me they cannot get parts for this 2017, or the 2023 recall that must be performed, and that I was "Free to come pick my vehicle up from them" It has been over six months with lack of communication, and me sacrificing time to complete in person visits, this is insane. I cannot believe they are still allowed to service vehicles INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Ford Ranger 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-23
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-23
- VIN: 1FTER4FHXLL
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: 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.
Ford Ranger 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-20
- VIN: 1FTER4FH3KL
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2019 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that there was a misfire in the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that there was water build up in the spark plug wells, and there were signs of corrosion on electrical component. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact about Technical Service Bulletin Number: 23-2011 and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.
Ford Ranger 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-07
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-01
- VIN: 1FTER4FH7LL
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: Transmission has rough and erratic shifts at lower speeds. Bucking and bouncing of the vehicle occurs do to the shifting.
Ford Ranger 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-19
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-21
- VIN: 1FTER4FH9KL
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: Transmission is in signs of failure. Ford is offering updates to the computer to attempt to remedy the issue. Very similar behavior across all models with this family of 10 speed transmissions. Discouraging for owners just coming out of warranty. TSBs show Ford knows of these issues. No warning lights, violent shifting and worse yet when the vehicle is cold the shift will be missed and make it extremely dangerous when merging into traffic. I feel like I am about to be rear ended every day leaving work. There is no way these transmissions are 'okay' or that this is considered the 'new-norm' that the Ford Dealer is pushing. I have some dash cam footage that I shared with Ford (and on my personal youtube account).
Ford Ranger 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-20
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-20
- VIN: 1FTER1EH7KL
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: Transmission jerky. Trying to come up with a solution.
Ford Ranger 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-18
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-19
- VIN: 1FTER4FH9KL
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: Transmission has been slipping from gears 3 into 4th & 7th into 8th. Also check engine light turns on & a wrench symbols. Then a notification pops up on my ford app in my iPhone stating powertrain 4 wheel drive problems. My vechile looses all boost from turbo and un bale to get up to any type of speed within the original engine’s capabilities.
Ford Ranger 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-09
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-09
- VIN: 1FTER4EH7LL
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2020 Ford Ranger. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine, which caused a failure with the spark plugs. The contact was informed that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. Additionally, the contact was informed that an engine appearance shield needed to be installed over the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Ford Ranger 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-08
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-31
- VIN: 1FTER4FH3KL
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The contact owns a 2019 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on several occasions, the vehicle downshifted unexpectedly. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Ford Ranger 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-31
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The contact owns a 2019 Ford Ranger. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop and up to 45 MPH, the vehicle jerked, lunged, and shuddered while the transmission was shifting gear. Additionally, the contact stated that the transmission was slipping while in low gear and in higher gears. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000. The VIN was not available.
Ford Ranger 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-08
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-29
- VIN: 1FTER4FH4KL
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Apparently the heater box in the 2019 Ranger is prone to warping. This leads to malfunctions in the heat/ac in the cabin. They tell me if I don’t get it replaced I could wind up getting ac instead of heat. This would be a real problem in winter weather, as I may not be able to keep the windshield clear without heat. I saw many complaints about this happening to owners of the 2019 Ford Ranger. The fix is to remove the dashboard to install a new box at a cost of 2200.00, according to the Ford dealership I bought the truck from.
Ford Ranger 2011
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-10
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-24
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1FTKR1AD7BP
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2011 Ford Ranger. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V158000 (Air Bags) however, the dealer wanted to charge the contact to complete the repair because the air bag was deployed. The contact stated that prior to the recall appointment, he had a crash with a deer which deployed the driver's side front air bag. The contact stated that he was driving at approximately 20 MPH during the impact. The contact stated that the deer crashed into the passenger side of the vehicle and only cracked the passenger side front headlight. The contact stated that the dealer was unwilling to complete the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 235,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Latest 5 recalls Ford Ranger
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 235 recalls for different components of the Ford Ranger.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Ford Ranger 2023
- Report Received Date: 2023-05-26
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Bronco, 2023 Super Duty F-250, and 2019-2023 Ranger vehicles. The Tire and Loading Information (TREAD) label states the incorrect load carrying capacity, which can result in an overloaded vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
- Consequence: An overloaded vehicle increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Ford will mail a new TREAD label to install over the existing label, free of charge. Owners will also have the option to take their vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to have the new label installed, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C18.
- Model: Ford Ranger 2022
- Report Received Date: 2023-05-26
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Bronco, 2023 Super Duty F-250, and 2019-2023 Ranger vehicles. The Tire and Loading Information (TREAD) label states the incorrect load carrying capacity, which can result in an overloaded vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
- Consequence: An overloaded vehicle increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Ford will mail a new TREAD label to install over the existing label, free of charge. Owners will also have the option to take their vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to have the new label installed, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C18.
- Model: Ford Ranger 2019
- Report Received Date: 2023-05-26
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Bronco, 2023 Super Duty F-250, and 2019-2023 Ranger vehicles. The Tire and Loading Information (TREAD) label states the incorrect load carrying capacity, which can result in an overloaded vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
- Consequence: An overloaded vehicle increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Ford will mail a new TREAD label to install over the existing label, free of charge. Owners will also have the option to take their vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to have the new label installed, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C18.
- Model: Ford Ranger 2021
- Report Received Date: 2023-05-26
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Bronco, 2023 Super Duty F-250, and 2019-2023 Ranger vehicles. The Tire and Loading Information (TREAD) label states the incorrect load carrying capacity, which can result in an overloaded vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
- Consequence: An overloaded vehicle increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Ford will mail a new TREAD label to install over the existing label, free of charge. Owners will also have the option to take their vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to have the new label installed, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C18.
- Model: Ford Ranger 2020
- Report Received Date: 2023-05-26
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Bronco, 2023 Super Duty F-250, and 2019-2023 Ranger vehicles. The Tire and Loading Information (TREAD) label states the incorrect load carrying capacity, which can result in an overloaded vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
- Consequence: An overloaded vehicle increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Ford will mail a new TREAD label to install over the existing label, free of charge. Owners will also have the option to take their vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to have the new label installed, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C18.
Latest negative Ford Ranger car reviews
Latest positive Ford Ranger car reviews
-
Vehicle year: 1997
Wow, you've put a lot of miles on your truck! It sounds like you've taken great care of it over the years, having replaced the clutch, alternator, leaf spring hangers, shock absorber bracket, and radiator. It's impressive that the original power steering pump, fuel pump, water pump, and master cylinder are still going strong. Although there have been some ongoing issues with the cargo light/center brake light leaking and staining the headliner, it's clear that this truck has served you well. Thank you for sharing its history with us!
-
Vehicle year: 1998
Your little ranger is amazing! I can't believe it still runs strong after all those wrecks and over 600k miles. It's clear that when Ford says Built TOUGH, they really mean it. The fact that you have an extra engine in your basement just shows how much you love and care for your truck. And let's not forget about the great gas mileage it gets! The only minor issue you've had is replacing the clutch, but that's to be expected with all the driving you do. Overall, it's safe to say that your little ranger is the best truck Ford has ever made!
-
Vehicle year: 1995
It's great to hear that your truck has been so reliable! It's impressive that it has never failed to start and has never left you stranded. Even with hauling 2000 lb. in the bed, it still gets the job done. While it may struggle a bit with pulling a bass boat up and out of the water, it still manages to do the job. Overall, it sounds like you have a really good truck!
-
Vehicle year: 1998
The 2.5L engine offers impressive fuel efficiency and a satisfactory amount of power when required. By driving conservatively, you can easily achieve 25+ mpg on the highway. However, if you intend to use the full 120hp, expect less than 17 mpg in the city. The truck's handling is commendable for its class; you can easily maneuver the rear or front for better cornering.
-
Vehicle year: 2004
Hey there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share with you about my truck that I absolutely loved. It was such a great ride and I was getting around 20MPG which was pretty decent. Unfortunately, I was in an accident last week and my truck got totaled. The front wheel was knocked off, the cab was warped and the frame was bent in two places. But the good news is that both I and the other driver walked away without any serious injuries. I had the truck for a year and a half and even though the insurance company paid me $1000 less than what I paid for it, I'm planning on buying another one just like it. By the way, I also have an '88 with 250k miles on it. Take care!
Keshawn Stanton 2025-05-10
Vehicle year: 2005
I recently purchased this vehicle and have been quite satisfied with its performance. While the clutch pedal can be a bit stiff and squeaky, the aftermarket dealer installed A/C has resolved any issues. Additionally, the rear leaf spring was out of alignment, but the problem has since been resolved. The 4 banger engine can struggle a bit on hills here in NM, but overall it performs well. I also added an Astro bed topper which not only looks great and matches the white almost perfectly, but has also improved the handling. With a good set of Continental SUV tires, the vehicle is now performing exactly as expected. As they say, you get what you pay for!
Trent Davis 2025-05-08
Vehicle year: 2002
Good to drive and economical. However, the workmanship under the hood is unimpressive and not well thought out. The hoses and vacuum lines are routed very poorly, which is not likely to be reliable. Additionally, the sheet metal edges are poorly finished and sharp. On the bright side, the 2.3L engine and 5-speed transmission have pep, but no power, which is the price of good fuel economy (Ford 6-cylinder engines are guzzlers while 4-cylinder engines sip fuel).
Clark Wisoky 2025-05-07
Vehicle year: 2001
I purchased this truck used after my beloved 86 F150 finally gave out. The Ranger was the perfect choice for me as I have a 6ft garage door on my new house and the new full size trucks just don't fit. I absolutely love this truck! Although it may not be as flashy as some of the current trucks out there, it can slug it out with the best of them. I was able to improve the fuel mileage by 1-2 mpg when I installed a KN filter. The stepside bed may not hold much, but when I need to haul anything, I can always borrow my brother's Chevy (after all, isn't that what Chevys are for?). It still looks current and I'm not a fan of the grille setup on the new Rangers. I put Michelin tires on it and the wet handling improved by 100%. This truck is going to stay in my fleet for a long time. It's a shame that Ford is dropping it.
Bradford Ritchie 2025-05-03
Vehicle year: 1997
I took my 1997 Ford Ranger XLT 4x4 back to the dealer due to several issues. The check engine light was on, the fog lights were not working, the front end wheels were loose, the horn was not working properly, the air conditioning was not functioning, and the blinker control lever was faulty. Despite my concerns, the service writer initially dismissed my complaints, stating that my truck was new. After three years of bringing my truck back and forth, and still dealing with problems, I now have 35,995 miles on it. Unfortunately, even after they checked the computer, I am still experiencing issues, including a 36% loss in MPG. I followed the instructions in the owner's manual and sent all the paperwork to Ford Motor Company, but nothing ever worked out. I had to pay thousands of dollars out of pocket to fix the issues, and I am still experiencing problems with my truck to this day.
Dayton Vandervort 2025-04-29
Vehicle year: 2020
The 2020 STX 4x4 XL supercab is a great truck! It comes with vinyl floors, alloy wheels and no chrome. Although it doesn't have a 5-star rating, it still has a lot of great features. The engine is powerful and runs on regular gas, and you can get 24 mpg at 70 mph. The transmission has three shift calibrations that cover every driving style you want. The brakes are strong and the pedal feel is linear, which is much better than the vagueness of F150's. The interior is actually quite good, with lots of storage for bottles, a good stereo, Bluetooth, and easy phone pairing. The seats have lots of adjustments, much more than on my base model 2016 F150. Although the shocks are too soft and the seat bottom is too short for my 5' 11