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

Ford Ranger Change Vehicle

The Ford Ranger falls far short of modern pickup-truck standards. It's ungainly and stiff-riding; has a rough, noisy and inefficient engine; plus a cramped and uncomfortable cabin. The interior is crudely finished too. Compact dimensions and a usefully sized bed are the Ranger's only pluses.
Alerts
There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
2009
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 2009 Potential Trouble Spots
The 2009 Ford Ranger has been recalled 5 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 2009 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

Heater system

"Had no heat. Mixer door motor screwed"

Anonymous, ON (2009 Ford Ranger None 4.0-L V6)

"The dash controls going from heater to ac failed at about 35000 miles but warranty had expired. $300 to replace failed switch"

David B., NC (2009 Ford Ranger None 2.3-L 4 Cyl)

"one of the control motors failed"

Anonymous, WA (2009 Ford Ranger None 4.0-L V6)

"No heat"

Anonymous, MI (2009 Ford Ranger None 2.3-L 4 Cyl)
Electrical failure

"temperature control switch stopped working. could not adjust temp"

Anonymous, GA (2009 Ford Ranger None 4.0-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)

"Last year the hood just faded. I have had continued paint pitting and surface rust on front end along with rear bumper including running boards"

Ken K., AB (2009 Ford Ranger None 4.0-L V6)

"The paint is peeling in various spots one the body"

E S., ON (2009 Ford Ranger None 4.0-L V6)

"A spot of rust started at the center of leading edge of the roof, right above the windshield rubber trim. The rust did not originate from under the windshield trim, nor the windshield itself. That area of the roof had been covered by 3M paint prote"

Anonymous, ON (2009 Ford Ranger None 4.0-L V6)
Loose exterior trim or moldings

"The molding on the sides curled up and detached from the side"

Anonymous, TX (2009 Ford Ranger None 4.0-L V6)
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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

Wind noise

"driving at highway speeds creates wind noise in both doors where the windows meet the rubber mouldings in the door"

Gary H., NL (2009 Ford Ranger None 2.3-L 4 Cyl)

"the wind noise is from both doors ,and it appears to me that the weatherstripping is at fault, also the noise from the engine is very loud in the cab"

Gary H., NL (2009 Ford Ranger None 2.3-L 4 Cyl)
Squeaks or rattles

"Left doors squeak. Can't find source"

Anonymous, HI (2009 Ford Ranger None 4.0-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

Horn

"The horn honks on its own when the weather is warm out never in winter but honks all the time in summer sometimes so often we have to unhook horn"

Anonymous, BC (2009 Ford Ranger None 4.0-L V6)
Interior lights

"No dash lights. Had to replace the switch that controls brightness of the dash/instrument lights and on/off the interior light"

Michael R., TX (2009 Ford Ranger None 4.0-L V6)
Warning lights

"Engine light kept coming on sporatically"

Anonymous, ON (2009 Ford Ranger None 2.3-L 4 Cyl)

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

"Car would not advance when in gear"

Anonymous, MI (2009 Ford Ranger None Unsure)
4WD/AWD components

"The four wheel drive jumps out while under load going up hill"

Anonymous, BC (2009 Ford Ranger None 4.0-L V6)

Brakes

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

What Owners Say

Premature brake wear

"According to recent service at dealer, I was informed that front brake pads and rotors would need replacement at next service at only 47000 miles. I am very easy on brakes. As a former Ford parts & service director, I would think Ford is now using Motorcraft pads & rotors instead of premium Ford items"

David B., NC (2009 Ford Ranger None 2.3-L 4 Cyl)
Rotors

"Replaced most likely due to wear and age"

Anonymous, GA (2009 Ford Ranger None Unsure)

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

Bushings

"Failure fr. Stabiles rods"

Anonymous, ME (2009 Ford Ranger None 2.3-L 4 Cyl)

"worn out seized on spindle"

Anonymous, MI (2009 Ford Ranger None 2.3-L 4 Cyl)

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

Tailgate, hatch or trunk

"Tailgate handle brook, repairs $60"

Thomas M., FL (2009 Ford Ranger None 4.0-L V6)

"The latches are made of plastic, which deteriorated and broke after very little use. Replacement parts, which are made of the same plastic, quickly deteriorate and break once again"

Anonymous, TX (2009 Ford Ranger None 4.0-L V6)

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, clutch replacement.

What Owners Say

Transmission rebuild or replacement

"Tranny slow to engage, clunk and slipping"

Ken K., AB (2009 Ford Ranger None 4.0-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

Sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor)

"mass air flow sensor failure - sudden onset, expensive, part and labor approx $500"

Anonymous, TX (2009 Ford Ranger None 2.3-L 4 Cyl)

Engine Cooling

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

What Owners Say

Thermostat

"Thermostat failed. Technician charged $140 for NOT diagnosing the problem. Second inspection revealed faulty thermostat. Tech recommended replacing thermostat and housing (because the housing breaks???). Cost over $500. Total cost over $640 for a repair I used to do for less than $10 myself"

Peter O., SK (2009 Ford Ranger None 4.0-L V6)

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.

What Owners Say

CD player

"CD ejection error"

Anonymous, NH (2009 Ford Ranger None 2.3-L 4 Cyl)

Engine Minor

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

Transmission Minor

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

Exhaust

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

Engine Major

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

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

Compare 2009 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 11 2018
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013 Ford Mustang vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of 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, Ford is recalling certain 2010 Ford Edge, Fusion, Mustang and Ranger, Lincoln MKX and Zephyr/MKZ, and Mercury Milan vehicles ever registered in the states of 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." Ford is also recalling certain 2009 Ford Edge, Fusion, Mustang and Ranger, Lincoln MKX and Zephyr/MKZ, and Mercury Milan vehicles 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 or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
What should you do:
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. 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: 18V046000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 327796
Hide Recall Details
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
Hide Recall Details
SUSPENSION:MULTIPLE AXLE
Feb 03 2009
IF A SPINDLE FRACTURES, THE WHEEL MAY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
FORD IS RECALLING 11,134 MY 2009 4X2 RANGER VEHICLES. SOME FRONT WHEEL SPINDLES WERE IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED CREATING THE RISK THAT A SPINDLE MAY FRACTURE DURING THE NORMAL USEFUL LIFE OF THE TRUCK.
What should you do:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SPINDLE IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
For more information:
FORD RECALL NO. 09S07.CUSTOMERS 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: 09V040000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 11134
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