NHTSA Complaint #11668851 — 2019 FORD RANGER

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle decelerated to 35 MPH. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission was skipping gear, slipping, and shifting hard. The check engine warning light was briefly illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the head gasket was failing. The dealer stated that coolant was intruding into the engine, and there was engine oil was entering into the spark plugs, causing engine failure. The dealer also diagnosed the vehicle with transmission failure. The head gasket and the transmission were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle needed to be drive more often for the vehicle to run properly. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, Mountain Grove Ford (11311 Bus Dr #60, Mountain Grove, MO 65711); and the vehicle was diagnosed with a transmission fluid leak and fractured head gasket. The head gasket was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The transmission jerked abnormally when the vehicle was shifted into park on an incline. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The manufacturer opened a case regarding the failures and extended the warranty for the transmission. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.