Ford Ranger 3rd generation (2011–2022)
Generation-specific owner insights from 201+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
Should I buy a 2011–2022 Ranger?
934
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2011–2022
35
recall campaigns
power train
most-complained area
What owners say about this generation
Our take, from owner reports
Owner sentiment for this generation is split sharply by model year, because the 2011 trucks and the 2019-2022 trucks are different vehicles sharing a nameplate.
9 problems reported (1 very frequent, 3 recurrent, 5 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequent10-speed automatic transmission harsh
Delayed, or jerky shifting, with valve body and CDF drum failures leading to rebuilds or replacement.
- RecurrentUSB port connectivity problems in the front ports
Often resolved by cleaning, shorter data-capable cables, or replacement.
- Recurrent4.0L V6 timing chain tensioner failure leading to engine damage and clogged catalytic converters on 2011 trucks
+ 6 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentCatalytic converter and heat shield rattle on 2011 trucks
- IsolatedElectrical and sensor faults including bad sensors causing engine surges, wiring harness failure, and alternator or battery issues
- IsolatedProximity and reverse sensors triggering falsely in cold or icy conditions
- IsolatedCoolant leaking into the transmission on 2011 trucks
- IsolatedAntifreeze leaking into the engine with intake manifold damage and cylinder issues
- IsolatedPark assist confusion
With owners noting the truck does not have park assist and only has a reverse sensing system.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus. Partial signal: owners speak positively of the 2.3L EcoBoost as the standard and well-regarded powertrain for the 2019-2022 trucks, and several owners describe the Tremor and FX4 packages favorably for light-to-medium off-road use. One owner specifically praises the 2.3L as having had its early issues fixed before the Ranger received it. No consensus emerges on a single best model year or trim.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Toyota Tacoma, Ford F-150, Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon and Honda Ridgeline.
Is a 2011–2022 Ranger right for you?
Get an answer for your year, mileage and budget.
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Overall sentiment
Owner sentiment for this generation is split sharply by model year, because the 2011 trucks and the 2019-2022 trucks are different vehicles sharing a nameplate. Owners of the 2019-2022 trucks praise the 2.3L EcoBoost powertrain as strong and fun, the truck's smaller size and turning radius for parking and daily use, the Sync 3 infotainment, and the overall comfort and quietness relative to expectations. The most consistent criticism across the later trucks is the 10-speed automatic transmission, which owners describe as harsh, delayed, or jerky when shifting, with several reporting valve body failures and full transmission replacements. Early 2011 owners describe a simple, durable truck, but the 4.0L V6 timing chain tensioner and catalytic converter problems dominate those discussions. Several owners note that 2019 was the first year of US production and had first-year issues, while 2020 and later trucks are viewed as more settled.
Positioning vs competitors
Owners position this generation as smaller and easier to park and maneuver than a full-size F-150, with better fuel economy, while acknowledging the F-150 offers more rear legroom and a more truck-like feel. Against the Tacoma, owners describe the Ranger as more comfortable and better riding, while conceding the Tacoma's reliability reputation; one owner notes the Tacoma was rated poorly by Consumer Reports. Against the Colorado and Canyon, owners treat the Ranger as a direct size competitor, and some suggest a Colorado or Canyon as an alternative when Ranger prices are inflated. The Ridgeline and Frontier are mentioned as being in the same size class.
Recommended configurations
Owners advise keeping up on oil changes on the turbocharged 2.3L, noting the inner fender well must come off for service. Owners recommend avoiding fuel with more than 10 percent ethanol. For off-road use, owners say the FX4 package adds beefier tires, skid plates, a locking rear diff, and suspension upgrades, but several note the standard 4x4 handles rough dirt and gravel roads fine and that the FX4 suspension is often replaced by serious off-roaders anyway. Owners considering the 2011 trucks are advised to have a mechanic inspect for timing chain and catalytic converter noise before purchase.
General recommendations
Owners considering this generation should decide first whether they want the 2011 truck or the 2019-2022 truck, as the two share little. For the 2019-2022 trucks, owners recommend treating the 10-speed transmission as the key risk and checking for harsh or delayed shifting on a test drive, verifying open recalls and TSBs by VIN, and confirming warranty coverage. Owners suggest 2020 and later trucks over 2019 due to first-year production issues. For the 2011 trucks, owners advise a pre-purchase inspection, checking for oil leaks, and confirming transmission fluid condition, and they warn strongly against paying inflated prices for low-mileage examples, with several saying a 2011 Ranger is not worth anywhere near 20,000 dollars.
Remarks
A recurring theme is that this generation spans two very different trucks, and owners repeatedly clarify that the US market had no Ranger between 2011 and 2019. Owners describe the 2019-2022 truck as Australian-developed and American-built, and note it is only slightly larger than the old compact Ranger despite looking bigger. Several owners cross-shop it against the F-150 and choose the Ranger for size, fuel economy, and garage fit. Analysis based on approximately 201 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
Complaints and recalls by model year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 74 | 5 | power train |
| 2021 | 228 | 6 | power train |
| 2020 | 127 | 7 | power train |
| 2019 | 267 | 11 | power train |
| 2017 | 1 | 0 | air bags |
| 2016 | 1 | 0 | air bags |
| 2014 | 1 | 0 | air bags |
| 2011 | 235 | 6 | air bags |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices for this generation
2022 · visibility:windshieldcampaign 22V451000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 Bronco and Ranger vehicles. The windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, which could allow it to detach during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 212, "Windshield Mounting."
2022 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittingscampaign 22V685000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 Explorer and Ranger vehicles equipped with 2.3L engines. The fuel line may be loose due to improper tightening of the fuel line connection.
2022 · equipment:other:labelscampaign 23V379000
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."
2022 · back over prevention:softwarecampaign 25V442000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, 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.
2022 · equipment:electrical:engine block heatercampaign 25V685000
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.
2021 · seats:mid/rear assemblycampaign 21V765000
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."
2021 · forward collision avoidance: sensing system: radarcampaign 21V982000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Ranger and Bronco vehicles. The cruise control radar module was misaligned during production.
2021 · seat belts:front:webbingcampaign 21V811000
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."
2021 · equipment:other:labelscampaign 23V379000
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."
2021 · back over prevention:softwarecampaign 25V442000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, 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.
2021 · equipment:electrical:engine block heatercampaign 25V685000
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.
2020 · seats:mid/rear assemblycampaign 21V765000
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."
15 more recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Owner insights summarize real ownership discussions for this generation only. Complaint and recall data is public NHTSA (US) information. Always verify recalls against your VIN at nhtsa.gov.