Ranger (4th)
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Reliability Overview
The 2019-2023 Ranger's reliability story starts and ends with its transmission. Of 504 complaints across the generation, 180 name the ten-speed automatic, more than a third of everything owners reported, and Ford recalled the powertrain three separate times over the same span. This is the fourth-generation Ranger's defining weakness, and it sits in the one component a truck buyer most needs to trust.
The ten-speed unit, shared with the F-150, draws complaints for harsh and unpredictable shifts, and the recall record backs the pattern up. A 2019 campaign covered trucks whose ten-speed could behave unexpectedly, a second addressed shifter-cable-bracket fasteners, and a 2020 action reached both Ranger and F-150 with the same transmission family. When owner complaints and a manufacturer's own recalls point at the same component three times over, the signal is hard to argue with. The lone 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, the only engine offered this generation, is not itself the trouble spot. It draws 57 engine complaints, well behind the gearbox it feeds, and returns the fuel economy and low-end torque that made it a sensible match for a midsize truck.
Below the transmission, the complaint spread thins out. Electrical issues account for 67 reports, brakes for 48, and the driver-assistance systems for 41, the ordinary background for a modern pickup. The wider recall list is busy at seventeen campaigns and touches rearview cameras three times, forward visibility three times, and seat belts twice. Seven fire reports and 116 injuries appear across the generation, the injury figure high enough to note even though no death is recorded against these trucks.
The 2019 launch year, marking the Ranger's return to the American market after nearly a decade away, carries the heaviest recall load, including two of the three transmission campaigns. That early-build concentration is a familiar pattern for a freshly reintroduced model, and the 2021 through 2023 trucks benefit from Ford's running changes, though the ten-speed's fundamental behavior spans the whole generation. A used shopper is better served hunting a later build with a documented service history than chasing the lowest-mileage 2019 on the lot.
The Ranger earns its avoid rating on the lone engine mostly because that engine is chained to a transmission owners complain about more than anything else on the truck. A buyer who finds a well-sorted example, one whose ten-speed shifts cleanly and whose powertrain recalls are closed, gets a capable midsize pickup. One who does not is buying straight into the generation's central grievance.
Engine Reliability Ratings
Ford Ranger Unidentified Engine
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Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
TIVCT
2.3L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Ford Ranger regardless of engine variant.
Buyer's Guide
There is one engine and one transmission across the 2019-2023 run, so the shopping decision comes down to individual truck condition and completed recalls, not powertrain choice. Be wary of unaddressed 2019 trucks in particular, since the launch year carries the bulk of the powertrain recalls. Confirm all three transmission-related campaigns were performed on any candidate.
Put every prospect through a thorough transmission test. Drive it long enough to reach highway speed and back several times, and feel for the harsh, hunting, or delayed shifts that dominate the complaint file on the ten-speed automatic. Confirm the rearview camera works after its recall fixes, check the seat-belt campaigns were closed, and watch for electrical faults during the drive. An inspection before buying that includes a transmission-fluid condition check is worth the money here.
The fourth-gen Ranger is a capable midsize pickup undercut by one weak system. A truck with a clean-shifting transmission and a closed recall record is a sound used buy; one with a slipping or clunking ten-speed is a repair bill waiting to land. Buy on the gearbox, and let the rest of the truck follow.
Recalls (17)
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.
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.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Lincoln MKC, Mustang, F-350 SD, F-250 SD, F-450 SD, 2015-2017 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, 2015-2018 Edge, Transit Connect, 2016-2019 F-550 SD, Transit, 2017-2019 Econoline, and 2019 Ranger vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, inverted, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.
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."
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."
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.
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."
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Ranger and Bronco vehicles. The cruise control radar module was misaligned during production.
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."
Ford 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."
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Ranger vehicles previously repaired under recall 19V-726. The service replacement Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) blower motor that was installed may have an improper clearance between an electrical terminal and the conductive base plate that may result in an resistive electrical short.
Ford 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.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Ranger trucks. The inline electrical connector terminals for the rear lights may be misaligned or not properly seated, potentially causing the rear lights to function intermittently or not at all.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Ranger vehicles. The fasteners that attach the transmission shifter cable bracket to the transmission may loosen allowing the transmission to be in a different gear than indicated by the gear shift lever position.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Ranger vehicles. The Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) blower motor may electrically short.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Ford Ranger vehicles with a SuperCab body style. The front passenger seat belt may have been improperly assembled.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Ranger vehicles equipped with 10-speed automatic transmissions. In some of these vehicles, the transmission shift lever can be moved from the "Park" position without the key in the starting system and without depressing the brake pedal. As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection."
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2019-2023 Ford Ranger problems?
The 2019-2023 Ford Ranger has accumulated 504 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Transmission, Electrical System, Engine. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Ford Ranger engine is most reliable?
The 2019-2023 Ford Ranger was offered with 2 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2.3L 4-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2019-2023 Ford Ranger a good used car?
The 2019-2023 Ford Ranger can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 504 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2019-2023 Ford Ranger have?
The 2019-2023 Ford Ranger has 504 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2019-2023 Ford Ranger?
There are 17 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2019-2023 Ford Ranger vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Ford Ranger?
Before buying a used Ford Ranger, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Transmission, Electrical System, Engine, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Ranger?
The 2023 Ford Ranger received an overall 4-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 4 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 3 stars (25.6% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Standard & Optional. Lane Departure Warning: Optional. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 504 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-07-14.