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2020 Ford Ranger: common problems and reliability
· 3rd generationAn average Ranger year.
127 owner complaints, most about power train. 7 recalls.
Should I buy a 2020 Ranger?The 2020 Ford Ranger has 127 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 7 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and engine. Owners most often flag 10-speed automatic transmission harsh: delayed, or jerky shifting, with valve body and cdf drum failures leading to rebuilds or replacement.
Safety record for the 2020 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2020 Ford Ranger vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Ranger years only. How we score it
Is 2020 a good year for the Ranger?
Across the 25 Ranger model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2017) to 818 (1999). With 127 complaints, the 2020 Ranger sits below the model's median of 243.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2020 Ranger
seats:mid/rear assembly
Campaign 21V765000Ford 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."
seat belts:front:webbing
Campaign 21V811000Ford 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."
back over prevention: sensing system: camera
Campaign 20V575000Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, Explorer, Mustang, Transit, Expedition, Escape, Ranger and Edge, and Lincoln Nautilus and Corsair vehicles. Due to a poor electrical connection, the rearview camera may intermittently display a blank or distorted image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
power train:automatic transmission:gear position indication (prndl)
Campaign 20V197000Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ranger and F-150 vehicles equipped with 10-speed automatic transmissions and certain 2020 Expedition vehicles equipped with a "police" package. The transmission shift cable lock clip may not be fully seated, allowing the transmission to actually be in a different gear than the gear shift position selected by the driver.
Show 3 more recalls
equipment:other:labels
Campaign 23V379000Ford 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."
back over prevention:software
Campaign 25V442000Ford 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.
equipment:electrical:engine block heater
Campaign 25V685000Ford 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 owners report on the 3rd generation Ranger
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.
- 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
- 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
Owner insights for the 3rd generation Ranger. Read the full 3rd generation owner report.
Typical used price
Used Ranger listings typically run $18,998–$27,490.
Other Ranger model years
Compare every Ranger year side by side to see how 2020 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Ranger against its rivals
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