2021 FORD RANGER — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
N/A
Safety Rating
132
Owner Complaints
6
Recalls
18
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2021 FORD RANGER
The 2021 FORD RANGER has received a total of 132 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 21 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE, EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS, CHILD SEAT:VEHICLE LATCH ANCHOR. 18 technical service bulletins have been issued by Ford Motor Company for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Power Train (39 complaints), Service Brakes (13 complaints), and Engine (12 complaints).
Recalls for the 2021 FORD RANGER
NHTSA has recorded 21 recalls for the 2021 FORD RANGER, potentially affecting up to 923,967 vehicles.
Recall 25V442000 — BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
| 200,237 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
View full details →Recall 23V379000 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
| 29,607 vehicles affected
Defect: 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."
Consequence: An overloaded vehicle increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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...
View full details →Recall 21V765000 — CHILD SEAT:VEHICLE LATCH ANCHOR
| 37,625 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: An improperly attached child seat can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: 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....
View full details →Recall 21V765000 — CHILD SEAT:VEHICLE LATCH ANCHOR
| 37,625 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: An improperly attached child seat can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: 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....
View full details →Recall 21V765000 — CHILD SEAT:VEHICLE LATCH ANCHOR
| 37,625 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: An improperly attached child seat can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: 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....
View full details →Recall 21V765000 — CHILD SEAT:VEHICLE LATCH ANCHOR
| 37,625 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: An improperly attached child seat can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: 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....
View full details →Recall 21V765000 — CHILD SEAT:VEHICLE LATCH ANCHOR
| 37,625 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: An improperly attached child seat can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: 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....
View full details →Recall 21V765000 — CHILD SEAT:VEHICLE LATCH ANCHOR
| 37,625 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: An improperly attached child seat can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: 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....
View full details →Recall 21V765000 — CHILD SEAT:VEHICLE LATCH ANCHOR
| 37,625 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: An improperly attached child seat can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: 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....
View full details →Recall 21V765000 — SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY
| 37,625 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: An improperly attached child seat can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: 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....
View full details →Recall 21V765000 — SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY
| 37,625 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: An improperly attached child seat can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: 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....
View full details →Recall 21V765000 — SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY
| 37,625 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: An improperly attached child seat can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: 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....
View full details →Recall 21V765000 — SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY
| 37,625 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: An improperly attached child seat can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: 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....
View full details →Recall 21V765000 — SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY
| 37,625 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: An improperly attached child seat can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: 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....
View full details →Recall 21V765000 — SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY
| 37,625 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: An improperly attached child seat can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: 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....
View full details →Recall 21V765000 — SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY
| 37,625 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: An improperly attached child seat can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: 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....
View full details →Recall 21V982000 — FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: RADAR
| 839 vehicles affected
Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Ranger and Bronco vehicles. The cruise control radar module was misaligned during production.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
View full details →Recall 21V982000 — FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
| 839 vehicles affected
Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Ranger and Bronco vehicles. The cruise control radar module was misaligned during production.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
View full details →Recall 21V811000 — SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING
| 47,683 vehicles affected
Defect: 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."
Consequence: A misrouted seat belt may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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...
View full details →Recall 25V685000 — EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER
| 59,006 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: 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, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will...
View full details →Recall 25V685000 — EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER
| 59,006 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: 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, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will...
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2021 FORD RANGER
132 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2021 FORD RANGER. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
Most Recent Complaints
My truck loses power at a stop, starting to accelerate is stalls in the middle of the road. It seems to be stuck in gear or not going in gear. It will finally start going and the hesitation starts a the rpm gage goes up to about 3000 rpm’s and then goes back down to 1500. This is extremely dangerous to lose power in the middle of the road. This needs to be addressed.
My truck loses power at a stop, starting to accelerate is stalls in the middle of the road. It seems to be stuck in gear or not going in gear. It will finally start going and the hesitation starts a the rpm gage goes up to about 3000 rpm’s and then goes back down to 1500. This is extremely dangerous to lose power in the middle of the road. This needs to be addressed.
My truck loses power at a stop, starting to accelerate is stalls in the middle of the road. It seems to be stuck in gear or not going in gear. It will finally start going and the hesitation starts a the rpm gage goes up to about 3000 rpm’s and then goes back down to 1500. This is extremely dangerous to lose power in the middle of the road. This needs to be addressed.
Transmission drops out of gear when entering freeway. This happened after battery was replaced. warning light came on so its at the dealership. No previous issues before battery was replaced.
10R80 TRANSMISSION ISSUES. WILL JERK & LAG WHEN DRIVING. HAD TO PURCHASE NEW TRANSMISSION FOR TRUCK
Safety Rating for the 2021 FORD RANGER
NHTSA has not yet tested the 2021 FORD RANGER in its New Car Assessment Program.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2021 FORD RANGER
Ford Motor Company has issued 18 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2021 FORD RANGER. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
SSM 52548 — POWER TRAIN
Various vehicles equiped with 10R80/10R80 MHT/10R100/10R140 transmissions may require replacement of the seal kits (7153) when internal repairs are being performed. These kits come with 4 wheel drive (4WD) seals and will no longer include the 2WD seals. When working on a 2WD vehicle, any 2WD seals must be ordered...
TSB 23-2251 — POWER TRAIN
Some 2019-2023 Ranger (non-Tremor) vehicles may exhibit a shudder/vibration when accelerating. This may be due to an excessive rear axle pinion angle (rear wheel drive (RWD) vehicles) or the pinion and driveshaft assemblies (four-wheel drive (4WD) non-Tremor vehicles). To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to adjust the...
SSM 51239 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Some 2019-2022 Ranger vehicles not equipped with an engine appearance cover may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304 and/or P0316 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to water build up in the spark plug...
TSB 22-2339 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Some 2018-2021 Expedition/Navigator, 2018-2020 F-150/Mustang and 2019-2021 Ranger vehicles equipped with a 10R80 automatic transmission may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P163E stored in the powertrain control module (PCM) or transmission control module (TCM) after replacing the main control valve body. This may...
SSM 50793 — STRUCTURE
The 2021 Ranger front fender material migrated on 22-Apr-2021 from aluminum to steel. Additionally, service replacement fenders for 2019-2022 made of aluminum are no longer available. When replacing a front fender on Rangers built on or after 22-Apr-2021, no special instructions are needed as the service replacement steel front fenders...
SSM 50736 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
2019-2021 Ranger and 2020-2021 Explorer with 2.3L EcoBoost engines and customer concern of increased engine oil level and/or fuel smell in oil. This may occur when operating conditions do not regularly allow the oil to reach full operating temperature such as: frequent short trips, long periods of idling or driving...
SSM 50670 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Some 2021-2022 Ranger/Bronco vehicles equipped with a 2.3L EcoBoost engine built on or after 14-Dec-2021 and 2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L EcoBoost engine and built on or after 14-Dec-2021, may exhibit a lack of power with an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P25B4...
SSM 50670 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Some 2021-2022 Ranger/Bronco vehicles equipped with a 2.3L EcoBoost engine built on or after 14-Dec-2021 and 2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L EcoBoost engine and built on or after 14-Dec-2021, may exhibit a lack of power with an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P25B4...
TSB 22-2025 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
Some 2019-2022 Ranger vehicles may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304 and/or P0316 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to water build up in the spark plug well(s) which can lead to signs of...
TSB 22-2025 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Some 2019-2022 Ranger vehicles may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304 and/or P0316 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to water build up in the spark plug well(s) which can lead to signs of...
Showing 10 of 18 technical service bulletins.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2021 FORD RANGER
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the FORD RANGER
- 2016 FORD RANGER — 1 complaint
- 2017 FORD RANGER — 1 complaint
- 2019 FORD RANGER — 313 complaints
- 2020 FORD RANGER — 136 complaints
- 2021 FORD RANGER (current)
- 2022 FORD RANGER — 49 complaints
- 2023 FORD RANGER — 19 complaints
- 2024 FORD RANGER — 67 complaints
- 2025 FORD RANGER — 20 complaints
- 2026 FORD RANGER — 0 complaints
Other FORD Models
- FORD F-150 — 45,660 total complaints
- FORD EXPLORER — 42,140 total complaints
- FORD ESCAPE — 34,654 total complaints
- FORD FOCUS — 29,539 total complaints
- FORD FUSION — 28,243 total complaints
- FORD TAURUS — 23,867 total complaints
- FORD WINDSTAR — 19,456 total complaints
- FORD EDGE — 17,247 total complaints