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    Ford Ranger

    EPA MPG: 22 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 6 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    The 2021 Ranger has about average reliability compared to other cars from the same model year.

    The 2021 Ford Ranger has been recalled 6 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2021 Ford Ranger owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    Transmission Minor

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

    What Owners Say

    Other minor transmission & clutch problem

    "Transmission shutters as if it were starting in 3rd or 4th gear"

    Anonymous A., NC (2021 Ford Ranger XLT 2.3-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Rough shifting

    "This was already described as part of the transmission slipping problem."

    Anonymous, MB (2021 Ford Ranger Lariat 2.3-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    ""Problems with the 10R80 transmission begin with noticeably harsh, abrupt up and down shifting. At its worst the transmission lurches from gear to gear, particularly in a situation like stop and go traffic where the transmission has to shift a lot.""

    Anonymous A., CO (2021 Ford Ranger XLT 2.3-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Slipping transmission

    ""After a cold start, the vehicle would accelerate for a few seconds but would suddenly hesitate momentarily, but with the engine still revving, then the transmission would kick back in, usually with a fairly solid jerk.""

    Anonymous, MB (2021 Ford Ranger Lariat 2.3-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    What Owners Say

    Display screen goes blank

    ""happened several times past years freezes up turn key off and on to reset. 2 weeks ago fob would not open doors, key opened would not turn on dead for 10 minutes then all came back on normal""

    Anonymous, VA (2021 Ford Ranger XLT 2.3-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

    ""sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. When it doesn't, I usually have to reload phone and start all over. Very annoying!""

    Anonymous A., TX (2021 Ford Ranger XL 2.3-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    What Owners Say

    Transmission rebuild or replacement

    ""Ford's 10R80 transmission has known serious design flaws which inevitably result in failure. Ford should be recalling this transmission and providing factory rebuilt transmissions, instead the Technical Service Bulletin requires the dealer to go through multiple repair steps, only preceding to the next step after each step fails to correct the problem. Given the severity of the design flaws, the multiple trips to the dealer inevitably result in a replacement transmission. Sadly the problem does not end there because the factory rebuilt transmissions have none of the design improvements now employed by the major third party transmission rebuilders, so the transmission problems never go away. I have filed a complaint with the NHSTB. I am investigating the cost benefits of paying for the installation of a reputable third party rebuilt transmission against selling my vehicle for a loss.""

    Anonymous A., CO (2021 Ford Ranger XLT 2.3-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    ""the previous owner must've done something weird with it. only 20,000 miles or so on it. the dealer replaced the transmission for free.""

    Anonymous, MD (2021 Ford Ranger XLT 2.3-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Suspension/Steering

    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

    Shocks or struts

    "I need to take it to the dealership for a more detailed inspection still but I found out recently my rear shocks are not bolted in properly. Ive had a lot of extra noise coming from my rear suspension more so than any other live axel vehicle Ive ever driven. I was looking at it with my master mechanic uncle and we found for sure both rear shock bolts are loose from factory since those are parts I havent dealt with. Im hoping thats my only issue but I want the dealer to check initially since its a manufactured issue and then Ill inspect further again with my master mechanic uncle."

    Anonymous, OH (2021 Ford Ranger XLT 2.3-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Springs or torsion bars

    ""one leaf broke, ford replaced it""

    Anonymous, PA (2021 Ford Ranger XLT 2.3-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Exhaust

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

    What Owners Say

    Other/unsure

    "Gas fill tube became wrenched and delayed the process of filling up tank."

    Anonymous, CO (2021 Ford Ranger XLT 2.3-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Paint/Trim

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

    What Owners Say

    Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

    "Im was an automotive detailer for years and always maintain my vehicles paint. Over winter the paint on the rain gutter channel lost a huge chunk of paint to where I will have to replace the whole piece for $300 or repaint the whole piece myself."

    Anonymous, OH (2021 Ford Ranger XLT 2.3-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    Electrical Accessories

    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, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    Engine Major

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

    Engine Minor

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

    Engine Cooling

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

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    Noises/Leaks

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

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    2021 Pickup Trucks Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Ford vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
    * Redesign year
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    Overall Reliability Verdict

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Cooling
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Electrical
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Drive System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Suspension/Steering
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    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 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    EQUIPMENT
    Oct 10, 2025
    An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
    Summary:
    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
    What should you do:
    Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, are expected to be mailed October 24, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated February 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.
    For more information:
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 25V685000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 59006
    BACK OVER PREVENTION
    Jun 27, 2025
    A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
    What should you do:
    Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
    For more information:
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 25V442000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 200186
    EQUIPMENT
    May 26, 2023
    An overloaded vehicle increases the risk of a crash.
    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."
    What should you do:
    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.
    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.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 23V379000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 29607
    FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
    Dec 16, 2021
    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.
    Summary:
    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Ranger and Bronco vehicles. The cruise control radar module was misaligned during production.
    What should you do:
    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.
    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.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 21V982000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 839
    SEAT BELTS
    Oct 15, 2021
    A misrouted seat belt may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
    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."
    What should you do:
    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.
    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.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 21V811000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 47683
    CHILD SEAT, SEATS
    Sep 30, 2021
    An improperly attached child seat can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
    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."
    What should you do:
    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.
    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.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 21V765000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 37625
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