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2021 Ford Ranger: common problems and reliability
· 4th generationOne of the weaker Ranger years.
228 owner complaints, most about power train. 6 recalls.
Should I buy a 2021 Ranger?The 2021 Ford Ranger has 228 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and service brakes. Owners most often flag 10-speed automatic transmission harsh or delayed shifting, valve body failure, and cdf drum seal failure: multiple owners report hard shifting, valve body replacement, and full transmission overhauls, with one owner citing a class action lawsuit and another reporting a $5,000 out-of-warranty replacement.
Safety record for the 2021 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2021 Ford Ranger vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Ranger years only. How we score it
Is 2021 a good year for the Ranger?
Across the 25 Ranger model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2017) to 818 (1999). With 228 complaints, the 2021 Ranger sits about the same as 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 2021 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."
forward collision avoidance: sensing system: radar
Campaign 21V982000Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Ranger and Bronco vehicles. The cruise control radar module was misaligned during production.
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."
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."
Show 2 more recalls
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 4th generation Ranger
Owners of the 2019-2026 Ranger generally praise it as a fun-to-drive, well-sized midsize truck with strong low-end power from the 2.3L EcoBoost, a smooth ride on highways, and a size that fits garages and tight parking spots where a full-size truck would not.
- Very frequent10-speed automatic transmission harsh or delayed shifting, valve body failure, and CDF drum seal failure
Multiple owners report hard shifting, valve body replacement, and full transmission overhauls, with one owner citing a class action lawsuit and another reporting a $5,000 out-of-warranty replacement.
- IsolatedFront USB port failure or obstruction
Owners report gunk buildup and connection issues, resolved by cleaning, replacing the port, or using a shorter data-capable cable.
- IsolatedPark assist or reverse sensing system confusion and malfunction
Owners report uncertainty about whether the feature exists and describe it as a service issue.
- IsolatedEngine failure involving coolant leak into cylinders, intake manifold hole, and long block replacement
One owner reported all three failures occurring together, covered under extended warranty.
- IsolatedWiring harness failure and sensor issues causing engine surges
One owner reported a wiring harness needing full replacement and bad sensors causing surges.
Owner insights for the 4th generation Ranger. Read the full 4th 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 2021 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Ranger against its rivals
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