2008
New 2020
Used 2019 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Ford Ranger Change Vehicle

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The Ford Ranger falls far short of modern pickup-truck standards. It's ungainly and stiff-riding; has a rough and noisy, inefficient engine; and a cramped, uncomfortable cabin. The interior is crudely finished. Compact dimensions and a usefully sized bed are the Ranger's only pluses. Even if you took thousands off its list price, the Ranger still would not be a bargain.
Alerts
There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
2008
New 2020
Used 2019 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Ford Ranger

Reliability

Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how used vehicles are holding up in 17 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical system.

Overall Reliability
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot
See all 2008 Potential Trouble Spots
The 2008 Ford Ranger has been recalled 3 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
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Overall Reliability Verdict
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System
Electric System
Climate System
Suspension
Brakes
Exhaust
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
Body Hardware
Power Equipment
In-car Electronics
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Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 420,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2019 vehicles are holding up in 17 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical system. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.

Learn more about car Reliability.

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2008 Ford Ranger owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Climate System

Blower (fan) motor, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate control, refrigerant leakage, electrical failure.

What Owners Say

"I picked this one because it's hot outside - but if I was in front of this piece of junk I'd pick the rust - but if I was going over a bumpy road I'd pick suspension which also feels unsafe - they dont make it anymore not the Sport Track another piec"

Frank C., NY (2008 Ford Ranger None 3.0-L V6)
Heater system

"Found no heat for the windshield in the summer. We paid for heater repair and new thermostat,but still have only tepid heat"

Anonymous, OK (2008 Ford Ranger None 3.0-L V6)

"control"

Bob G., FL (2008 Ford Ranger None 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"a valve that open the heater vent stopped working. AC worked fine. heater would blow but no heat"

L L., TX (2008 Ford Ranger None 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Temperature control door replaced"

Anonymous, WV (2008 Ford Ranger None 4.0-L V6)

"unable to adjust temp"

Warren S., HI (2008 Ford Ranger None 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"temperature control motor assy"

Richard D., QC (2008 Ford Ranger None 4.0-L V6)

"Heater was not providing hot air"

Anonymous, AZ (2008 Ford Ranger None 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Heater doesn't work"

Anonymous, TX (2008 Ford Ranger None)
Refrigerant leaks

"I have to replenish the coolant about every second year in the Ranger"

Dianne S., NC (2008 Ford Ranger None 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Not sure ax does not cool down"

Ronald R., PA (2008 Ford Ranger None 4.0-L V6)

"rusted suction line"

Anonymous, VA (2008 Ford Ranger None 4.0-L V6)
Blower (fan) motor

"Would not blow warm air"

Anonymous, AZ (2008 Ford Ranger None 4.0-L V6)

"Blend door actuator broke"

Anonymous, NJ (2008 Ford Ranger None 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Ignition switch had to be replaced $ 300"

Thomas H., NY (2008 Ford Ranger None 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Evaporator

"Evaporator sensor failed. Fuel tank had to be dropped Total bill $ 400"

Thomas H., NY (2008 Ford Ranger None 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
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Body Integrity

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, loose or cracked seals and/or weather-stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

"the door seal rubber moldings accumulate water after it rains. When you open the door, water will drip onto the seat"

Stephen P., NC (2008 Ford Ranger)
Seals and/or weather-stripping

"oil pan and transmission pan leaks"

Anonymous, AZ (2008 Ford Ranger None 4.0-L V6)

"Air leaks around passenger door seals above 40 mph"

James G., IL (2008 Ford Ranger None 3.0-L V6)
Squeaks or rattles

"To many rattles and squeaks to list"

Anonymous, BC (2008 Ford Ranger None 3.0-L V6)

"rattle turned out to be wheel bearings that were used on the front driver side wheel"

Anonymous, ON (2008 Ford Ranger None 3.0-L V6)

"Just a noisy vehicle to drive"

Anonymous, BC (2008 Ford Ranger None 3.0-L V6)

"wind noise (as well as road noise) has increased over time"

Stephen P., NC (2008 Ford Ranger)
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Brakes

Antilock system (ABS), parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pulsation or vibration, squeaking, brake failure or wear.

What Owners Say

Antilock system (ABS)

"ABS sensor failure in front wheel"

Anonymous, VA (2008 Ford Ranger None 4.0-L V6)

"brake sensor failed"

Gerrard B., NY (2008 Ford Ranger None 3.0-L V6)
Calipers

"Had a frozen caliper in right front wheel that caused some damage to rotor, and required complete front right brake system (rotor, shoe, caliper) replacement"

Anonymous, VA (2008 Ford Ranger None 4.0-L V6)

"caliper stuck on rotor and warped it"

Gerrard B., NY (2008 Ford Ranger None 3.0-L V6)
Premature brake wear

"Front pad wore into rotor. I do a lot of towing a camper with this truck. May be why failed premature"

Chris Q., CA (2008 Ford Ranger None 4.0-L V6)

"brake pads had to be replaced"

Anonymous, ON (2008 Ford Ranger None 3.0-L V6)

"cracked had to replace"

Gerrard B., NY (2008 Ford Ranger None 3.0-L V6)
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Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling), loose interior and exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

"paint sealer pealing"

Anonymous, FL (2008 Ford Ranger None 3.0-L V6)

"in connection with body rust"

Jamie C., PA (2008 Ford Ranger None 4.0-L V6)

"This truck is hardly used - it is at a country home in upstate NY and we live in Manhattan - rust all over the back bumper and doorways - kept in a barn - washed each weekend - just crazy"

Frank C., NY (2008 Ford Ranger None 3.0-L V6)

"The truck has an unusually large amount of rust under the doors, the running boards, and the undercarriage of the truck. Additionally, the aluminum wheels were horribly corroded - to the point that I invested in some after-market replacement wheels"

Anonymous, WI (2008 Ford Ranger None 4.0-L V6)

"box and frame premature rusting"

Jamie C., PA (2008 Ford Ranger None 4.0-L V6)

"I wash my car on a regular basis. One a year I wax my vehicles. The rust on the door panels and under side molding is just falling apart. Very disappointed in Ford"

Anonymous, NY (2008 Ford Ranger None 3.0-L V6)
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Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, clutch replacement.

What Owners Say

"Master and slave needed to be replaced"

Anonymous, AB (2008 Ford Ranger None 4.0-L V6)

"I had transmission rebuilt at Aamco . Worst experience of my life"

Robert W., CA (2008 Ford Ranger None 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"After 280000 miles it finally had to be replaced"

John T., CO (2008 Ford Ranger None 4.0-L V6)

Suspension

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Steering linkage (includes rack and pinion)

"10 DEGREE SLACK DEVELOPED IN STEERING WHEEL. TOOK TO INDEPENDENT MECHANIC I TRUST & HE TIGHTENED LOOSE U-JOINT & CHARGED ME $ 25.00. FORD DEALER PROBABLY WOULD HAVE BEEN $200.00!"

Marjie H., KS (2008 Ford Ranger None 3.0-L V6)
Wheel bearings

"Both front wheel bearings went out about the same time. This issue, along with other issues I've had give me the impression that Ford is using substandard parts, so I don't plan to purchase another Ford. That's why I recently bought a Subaru"

Anonymous, WI (2008 Ford Ranger None 4.0-L V6)

"Had a unusual noise from front . Turned out to be worn front wheel bering"

Anonymous, BC (2008 Ford Ranger None 4.0-L V6)

Transmission Minor

Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.

What Owners Say

Transmission leaks

"tranmission cooler hose leaked"

Gerrard B., NY (2008 Ford Ranger None 3.0-L V6)
Transmission sensor or solenoid

"Transmission slipping had it rebuilt still having problems"

Robert W., CA (2008 Ford Ranger None 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Hydraulics (clutch master or slave cylinder)

"I don't think the cylinder should have failed this soon"

Anonymous, UT (2008 Ford Ranger None 4.0-L V6)

Body Hardware

Power or manual windows, locks and latches, tailgate, hatch or trunk, doors or sliding doors, mirrors, seat controls, safety belts, sunroof, convertible top.

What Owners Say

Locks and latches

"driver's exterior door handle broke"

Anonymous, BC (2008 Ford Ranger None 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"passenger door has never latched as firmly as it should"

Anonymous, BC (2008 Ford Ranger None 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"In the winter time I can not lock my car doors. Or even try to unlock them. Cheaply made"

Anonymous, NY (2008 Ford Ranger None 3.0-L V6)

Electric System

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery and related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, distributor or rotor failure, spark plugs and wires failure.

What Owners Say

Interior lights

"Interior light comes on when the truck passes over a sharp bump"

Anonymous, TX (2008 Ford Ranger None 3.0-L V6)
Keyless entry

"After I had the truck about 9 months the remote lock quit working. Battery replacement had no effect. I bought an aftermarket replacement that didn't work either. i have not pursued repairs since"

Peter S., WA (2008 Ford Ranger None 4.0-L V6)

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.

What Owners Say

Oil leaks

"Had oil pan and transmission pan seal leaks"

Anonymous, AZ (2008 Ford Ranger None 4.0-L V6)
Engine knock or ping

"engine knocking, "cylinder #5" - changed cables, plugs etc"

Anonymous, ON (2008 Ford Ranger None 3.0-L V6)

Fuel System

Check engine light, sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor), emission control devices (includes EGR), engine computer, engine computer, fuel cap, fuel gauge/sender, fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel leaks, stalling or hesitation.

What Owners Say

"HAD ALL INJECTORS REPLACED"

Robert P., MB (2008 Ford Ranger None 3.0-L V6)

"broken bracket on air sensor"

Guy P., ME (2008 Ford Ranger None 3.0-L V6)

Power Equipment

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, remote engine start, alarm or security system

What Owners Say

Alternator

"stopped charging, changed for rebuilt"

Anonymous, ON (2008 Ford Ranger None 3.0-L V6)

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.

What Owners Say

Driveshaft or axle

"Had a wheel bearing go bad"

Anonymous, NH (2008 Ford Ranger None 4.0-L V6)

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, leaks.

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.

In-car Electronics

CD or DVD players, radio, speakers, GPS, communication system (e.g., OnStar), display screen freezes or goes blank, phone pairing (e.g. Bluetooth), voice control commands, steering wheel controls, portable music device interface (e.g., iPod/MP3 player), backup or other camera/sensors.

Compare 2008 Models

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This score shows whether the model had more or fewer problems overall than the average model of that year, calculated from the total number of problems reported by subscribers in all 17 trouble spots.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
AIR BAGS:PASSENGER SIDE FRONTAL
Jan 10 2017
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012 Ford Fusion and Mustang and Lincoln Zephyr and MKZ vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Ford is recalling certain 2009 Ford Ranger, Edge, Fusion and Mustang, Lincoln MKX, MKZ and Zephyr and Mercury Milan vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Ford is recalling certain 2007-2008 Ford Ranger, Edge and Lincoln MKX, 2006-2008 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, Lincoln Zephyr and MKZ, 2005-2008 Ford Mustang and 2005-2006 Ford GT vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
What should you do:
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners of the recall and that parts are not yet available began mailing March 1, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S01.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 17V024000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 654695
Hide Recall Details
AIR BAGS:PASSENGER SIDE FRONTAL
May 31 2016
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Ford Ranger vehicles, 2006-2011 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ vehicles, 2007-2010 Ford Edge, Lincoln MKX vehicles, 2005-2006 Ford GT vehicles, and 2005-2011 Ford Mustang vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Ford is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 Ford Ranger, Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles, 2006-2008 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ vehicles, 2005-2006 Ford GT vehicles and 2005-2008 Ford Mustang vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Any vehicle not included in "Zone A", or "Zone B" is not included in the safety recall. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
What should you do:
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. Ford mailed interim letters informing owners that parts are not yet available on July 15, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S01.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 16V384000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 1892343
Hide Recall Details
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
Jul 13 2011
NON-FUNCTIONING LIGHTS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 RANGER TRUCKS BUILT FROM JANUARY 25, 2011, THROUGH APRIL 25, 2011 AT THE TWIN CITIES ASSEMBLY PLANT, AND SERVICE PARTS DISTRIBUTED TO DEALERS FOR CERTAIN 2004 THROUGH 2011 MODEL YEAR RANGER TRUCKS, 2002 THROUGH 2005 MODEL YEAR EXCURSION VEHICLES, AND 2002 THROUGH 2007 MODEL YEAR F-250, F-350, F-450, AND F-550 TRUCKS FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WAS SHIPPED WITH A SUBCOMPONENT (SLIDER) THAT MAY EXPERIENCE DEFORMATION. A MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WITH A DEFORMED SLIDER MAY MALFUNCTION CAUSING THE TURN SIGNAL, TAIL LIGHTS, HAZARD WARNING SIGNAL FLASHERS AND/OR BRAKE LIGHTS NOT TO ACTIVATE.
What should you do:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SWITCHES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 15, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.
For more information:
FORD'S SAFETY RECALL NO. 11C18.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V352000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 26715
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