Ranger (5th)
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Reliability Overview
The all-new fifth-generation Ranger, on sale since 2024 on Ford's global T6.2 platform, has too little field history to judge with confidence. Sixty-two complaints across its first model years is a thin record, and the truck carries no recalls yet. What data exists spreads across three engines rather than one: the carryover 2.3-liter turbocharged four, a 2.7-liter turbocharged V6 new to the Ranger, and the 3.0-liter V6 in the Raptor. The two V6 options each draw only a handful of complaints so far.
Early signs read calmer than the outgoing generation, whose ten-speed transmission dominated its complaint file, but calmer partly because these trucks are new and lightly driven. The 2.3-liter four again anchors the volume side of the lineup and again collects the most complaints of the three engines, a thread worth watching as the platform accumulates miles. Nothing in the early data points to a systemic defect, though the sample is small enough that one recall campaign could reshape the picture.
Anyone shopping a used fifth-generation Ranger is buying on a limited track record. The sensible move is to lean on the truck's warranty coverage, inspect for the ordinary signs of a hard-working pickup, and treat the reliability verdict as provisional until the complaint and recall data fill in.
Engine Reliability Ratings
2.7-V6-Gas
2.7L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
3.0-V6-Gas
3.0L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
2.3-I4-Gas
2.3L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Show 2 additional engine variants with limited data
Ford Ranger Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
EcoBoost
2.7L 6-cyl TurboView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Ford Ranger regardless of engine variant.
Buyer's Guide
With only a couple of model years on the road and no recalls yet, the fifth-gen Ranger is a buy-on-condition proposition more than a buy-on-data one. For the longest track record within the generation, the earliest 2024 trucks have accumulated the most miles and complaints, which cuts both ways: more exposure, but also more of the early bugs already surfaced.
Favor a truck still inside its powertrain warranty, since the field data is too thin to rule out surprises. On the V6 models, confirm the engine option through the window sticker or VIN rather than trusting the badge. Inspect as you would any hard-used pickup, with attention to the bed, frame, and any signs of off-road abuse on Raptor and Tremor trims. Treat the reliability picture as provisional and let the warranty carry the early-ownership risk.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2024-2026 Ford Ranger problems?
The 2024-2026 Ford Ranger has accumulated 62 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Transmission, Electrical System, Safety Systems. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Ford Ranger engine is most reliable?
The 2024-2026 Ford Ranger was offered with 5 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2.7L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2024-2026 Ford Ranger a good used car?
The 2024-2026 Ford Ranger can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 62 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 2024-2026 Ford Ranger have?
The 2024-2026 Ford Ranger has 62 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 2024-2026 Ford Ranger?
There are 0 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2024-2026 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, Safety Systems, 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 2026 Ford Ranger received an overall 4-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 5 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 3 stars (22.8% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 62 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: moderate. Last updated: 2026-07-14.