2021 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.
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Common 2021 Ford Ranger problems
The 2021 Ford Ranger has been reported to have several common problems, primarily related to the transmission, drive system, and electrical system.
Transmission Issues:
One of the most prevalent issues with the 2021 Ford Ranger is the transmission failing to shift in a timely manner, which has caused dangerous situations when merging with traffic and failing to deliver power to the wheels. This issue can be triggered by tapping the gas, revving the engine a bit, and then letting go, followed by giving it gas. The transmission will take seconds to recover and then slam, causing an infuriating driving experience. This problem has led some owners to vow never to purchase a Ford again due to its unacceptability.
Drive System Problems:
The drive system of the 2021 Ford Ranger has also been reported to have issues, particularly with the driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, and electronic stability control. These problems can manifest as over-shifting, where the truck behaves as if it is trying to take off in a stick shift in 2nd gear, even at low speeds. This issue can cause the engine to shift up when decreasing speed, leading to a sensitive driving experience at high speeds and vibration in the wheel, which can be loose.
Electrical System Issues:
The electrical system of the 2021 Ford Ranger has also been reported to have issues, including the radio cutting out, the sync system not working, and the display going black for extended periods. These issues can make it difficult to use the truck's features, such as the phone system, and can be frustrating for drivers.
In summary, the 2021 Ford Ranger has several common problems related to the transmission, drive system, and electrical system. These issues can make the driving experience uncomfortable, frustrating, and potentially dangerous. Owners have reported experiencing transmission failures, driveline vibration, electrical failures, and sync system issues. These problems have led some owners to vow never to purchase a Ford again due to their unacceptability.
Does the 2021 Ford Ranger have transmission problems?
If you don't routinely and consistently change your fluids at least every 30,000 miles or so, you may find that your 2021 Ford Ranger transmission will rapidly slip.
How reliable is the 2021 Ford Ranger?
The 2021 Ford Ranger has a predicted reliability score of 85 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.
Is there a recall on the 2021 Ford Ranger?
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Ranger Super Cab vehicles equipped with rear seats containing fixed head restraints. The fixed head restraints may interfere with proper installation of certain types of child seats.
What is the common problem with Ford Rangers?
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.
Does the 2021 Ford Ranger have transmission problems?
If you don't routinely and consistently change your fluids at least every 30,000 miles or so, you may find that your 2021 Ford Ranger transmission will rapidly slip.
How reliable is the 2021 Ford Ranger?
The 2021 Ford Ranger has a predicted reliability score of 85 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.
What is the common problem with Ford Rangers?
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.
Does the new Ford Ranger have any problems?
2 The 2023 Ford Ranger Has Electrical Issues
“Of the 25,587 next-generation Ford Rangers that have been sold since launch (July 2022), we have replaced nine vehicles where cases have not been able to be resolved, or where there have been unreasonable delays in carrying out repairs,” Ford announced in a statement.
2021 Ford Ranger complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2021 Ford Ranger.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
2021 Ford Ranger recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 2021 Ford Ranger.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: RADAR
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Ranger and Bronco vehicles. The cruise control radar module was misaligned during production.
- Consequence: A misaligned radar module may prevent the vehicle from maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles when adaptive cruise control is active. In addition, the automatic emergency braking (AEB) system may react slowly, or not react at all, during a pre-collision assist braking event. Any of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will adjust the angle of the cruise control radar module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 21, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S52.
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Ford Ranger Super Cab vehicles. The front passenger outboard seat belt may not have been assembled properly, allowing the seat belt to be misrouted. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 208, "Occupant Crash Protection" and 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."
- Consequence: A misrouted seat belt may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Ford will provide owners with instructions to perform a preliminary inspection of their front seat belts. Owners that detect an issue with the driver's seat belt, are unsure of the results, or do not want to perform an inspection, should not drive their vehicles and contact a Ford dealership. Dealers will inspect the front row outboard seat belts and replace them, if necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on November 5, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed December 22, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C25.
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Ranger Super Cab vehicles equipped with rear seats containing fixed head restraints. The fixed head restraints may interfere with proper installation of certain types of child seats. Additionally, the child seat may not attach properly to the lower-rear anchors. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage System."
- Consequence: An improperly attached child seat can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear-lower child restraint anchorages for correct alignment and adjust as necessary. Separately, dealers will replace the non-removable head restraints with removable head restraints, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on November 5, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 17, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C24.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2021 Ford Ranger problems:
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