Ranger (5th)
Verdict Favor a truck still inside its powertrain warranty, since the field data is too thin to rule out surprises. Confirm the transmission valve body, brake booster and engine recalls are closed on any 2.3L, 2.7L or 3.0L truck.
Data covers 2 NHTSA model names
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
2.3-I4-Gas
2.3L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
3.0-V6-Gas
3.0L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
2.7-V6-Gas
2.7L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 2 additional engine variants with limited data
EcoBoost
2.7L 6-cyl TurboView details
Complaint Breakdown
Ford Ranger Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
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; the recall file already holds 24 campaigns. 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. The campaigns that matter most to a used buyer cover the powertrain and brakes: a mis-machined transmission valve body that can cost reverse gear (25V164), two electronic brake booster campaigns (25V488 and 25V823), and two 2026 engine campaigns for failures that can cut drive power, one traced to incorrectly manufactured piston domes (26V548).
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 data fills in.
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Ford Ranger, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
Buyer's Guide
With only a couple of model years on the road, the fifth-gen Ranger is a buy-on-condition proposition more than a buy-on-data one. Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the transmission valve body, brake booster and engine campaigns are closed. 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.
What to check on a used 2024-2026 Ford Ranger
On a used 2024-2026 Ford Ranger, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the transmission and drivetrain (53), the electrical system (36) and the engine (22). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 53 owner complaints on the 2024-2026 Ford Ranger about the transmission and drivetrain, all engines combined.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 36 owner complaints on the 2024-2026 Ford Ranger about the electrical system.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 22 owner complaints on the 2024-2026 Ford Ranger about the engine, all engines combined.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 14 owner complaints on the 2024-2026 Ford Ranger about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
- On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 14 owner complaints on the 2024-2026 Ford Ranger about the brakes.
Recalls (24)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Ranger vehicles equipped with a 10.1-inch center stack screen. The screen may lose power and fail to display the rearview camera image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer, Bronco, Bronco Sport, Mustang, and Ranger vehicles. The engine piston domes may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in piston dome failure and lead to a loss of drive power.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Explorer, Ranger, and Bronco vehicles. The engine may fail, which can result in a loss of drive power.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Ranger and Bronco vehicles. The vehicle specifications listed on the tire placard and safety certification labels may be incorrect, including the VIN, capacity weight, seating capacity, front and rear gross axle weight rating (GAWR), tire and rim dimensions, and recommended cold tire pressure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims" and 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Ranger and Bronco vehicles. The front seats may have a loose or dislodged seat frame height-adjust pivot bolt.
Show 19 older recalls
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Ranger vehicles. The sun visor or headliner wiring harnesses may be improperly positioned or have excessive tape thickness, which can result in damaged wires.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Ranger, Lincoln Nautilus, Mustang, Maverick, Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Corsair, Bronco Sport, and Bronco vehicles. The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve may fail, resulting in an unexpected loss of drive power.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 F-150, 2022-2026 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, Maverick, 2024-2026 Ranger, 2023-2026 F-600 SD, 2022-2027 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, and 2026 E-Transit vehicles. When towing a trailer, the integrated trailer module (ITRM) may lose communication with the vehicle, possibly causing a loss of brake and turn signal lights, or a loss of brake function. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Lincoln Navigator, F-150, Expedition, Bronco, and Ranger vehicles. The Electronic Brake Booster (EBB) module may malfunction while driving or when the driver is utilizing an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) feature, resulting in a loss of power brake assist.
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 2025 Bronco and Ranger vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 212, "Windshield Mounting."
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Ranger vehicles. The instrument panel top cover may prevent the passenger air bag from deploying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Bronco and Ranger vehicles. The bolts securing the high pressure fuel pump may not be tightened properly, which can result in a fuel leak.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Ranger vehicles. The side curtain air bags may contact the B-Pillar inner reinforcements and tear during deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 226, "Ejection Mitigation."
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Lincoln Navigator, F-150, Expedition, Bronco, and Ranger vehicles. The Electronic Brake Booster (EBB) module may malfunction while driving or when the driver is utilizing an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) feature, resulting in a loss of power brake assist.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Ranger trucks. The instrument panel was not properly configured, preventing many of the the warning lights or gauges from properly displaying. This includes forward collision warnings, auto emergency braking, traction control, roll stability, and other gauges. The fuel gauge, distance to empty, and fuel economy may also not show accurately. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 101, "Control and Displays" and 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Bronco and Ranger vehicles. The front upper control arm ball joint fastener may be missing or tightened improperly, allowing the front upper control arm to detach from the knuckle assembly.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco, F-150, 2021-2024 Edge, 2022-2025 Escape, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600, 2022-2024 Expedition, 2022-2025 Transit, 2021-2023 Mach-E, 2024 Ranger, Mustang, 2021-2023 Lincoln Nautilus, 2022-2024 Navigator, and 2023-2024 Corsair vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera image to delay, freeze, or not display when the vehicle is in reverse.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Ranger and Bronco vehicles. The bolts that secure the driver's seat frame to the body may be loose or missing. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 207, "Seating Systems."
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Ranger and 2024 Lincoln Nautilus vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 24V-597. When closing the windows with the global closing feature, the windows may not automatically reverse after detecting an object. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, Bronco, 2024 Ranger, 2025 Mustang, Explorer, and Aviator vehicles. The transmission valve body may have been machined incorrectly, which can cause reverse gear failure, or unexpected forward movement in reverse or neutral gear.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Ranger vehicles. The fuel vapor line bracket may have insufficient clearance to the fuel vapor line, which can result in fuel vapor line damage that can lead to a fuel vapor leak.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Ranger, and 2024-2025 Bronco vehicles. The front upper control arm ball joint nut may not have been installed or tightened properly, allowing the front upper control arm to detach from the knuckle assembly.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Ranger and 2024 Lincoln Nautilus vehicles. When closing the windows with the global closing feature, the windows may not automatically reverse after detecting an object. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2024-2026 Ford Ranger complaints?
Owners have filed 136 complaints with NHTSA about the 2024-2026 Ford Ranger. The systems they name most often are the transmission, the electrical system and the engine.
Is the 2024-2026 Ford Ranger a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 136 complaints with NHTSA about the 2024-2026 Ford Ranger. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2024-2026 Ford Ranger have?
NHTSA has 136 owner complaints on file for the 2024-2026 Ford Ranger as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2024-2026 Ford Ranger?
NHTSA lists 24 recalls covering some 2024-2026 Ford Ranger vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Ford Ranger?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the transmission, the electrical system and the engine, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and 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. 136 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.