Most common 2010 Ford Ranger problems
Share of the 156 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Ford Ranger complaints by model year
Best Ranger years: 2023, 2022, 2020. Years to avoid: 2019, 1999, 2000, 1998, 1996. Compare all years →
2010 Ford Ranger recalls (8)
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2007-2011 Ranger, 2006-2012 Fusion, Lincoln Zephyr, Lincoln MKZ, 2006-2011 Mercury Milan, 2007-2010 Ford Edge, and Lincoln MKX vehicles.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver-side airbag inflator or module with an alternate one, free of charge.
Air bags › Frontal
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2005-2014 Mustang, 2004-2011 Ranger, 2009-2011 Mercury Milan, 2006 Ford GT, 2008-2012 Fusion, 2007-2010 Edge and Lincoln MKX, and 2009-2010 Lincoln MKZ vehicles.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver and passenger air bag module, and replace either the module or the inflator, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 17, 2021.
Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 Ford Mustang vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge.
Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013 Ford Mustang vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge.
Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Ford Ranger vehicles, 2006-2011 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ vehicles, 2007-2010 Ford Edge, Lincoln MKX vehicles, 2005-2006 Ford GT vehicles, and 2005-2011 Ford Mustang vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California,…
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge.
Exterior lighting › Brake lights
Ford is recalling certain model year 2011 ranger trucks built from January 25, 2011, through April 25, 2011 at the twin cities assembly plant, and service parts distributed to dealers for certain 2004 through 2011 model year ranger trucks, 2002 through 2005 model year excursion vehicles, and 2002 through 2007 model year f-250,…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the switches free of charge. The safety recall began on August 15, 2011. Owners May contact Ford motor company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.
Show 2 more recalls
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Ford is recalling certain model year 2010 Ford ranger trucks manufactured from October 15, 2009, through may19, 2010. The engine fuel line in the area of the throttle body shield May not have a protective convolute (cover) properly installed.
Remedy: Dealers will trim the throttle body shield away from the fuel line and inspect the fuel line for wear, and replace the line if necessary free of charge. The safety recall began on March 4, 2011.
Parking brake › Driveline › Hydraulic › Actuator
Ford is recalling certain model year 2010 ranger vehicles manufactured from June 8, 2009 through February 2, 2010 equipped with manual transmission. It is possible for the parking brake cable to become disconnected from the right rear actuator during cold weather.
Remedy: Dealers will install a revised right rear parking brake actuator to prevent cable disconnection free of charge. The safety recall began on May 21, 2010. Owners May contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.
What 2010 Ford Ranger owners say
Air bags all 128 →
The contact owned a 2010 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while the son was driving uphill at approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle crashed into the rear passenger side of a boat trailer, causing the vehicle to roll over and slide approximately 20 ft. During the crash, the front of the vehicle was severely damaged, but no air bags deployed. Additionally, the contact stated that a 100-pound dog was occupying the front passenger's seat during the crash. The driver sustained a mild concussion and was examined by a nurse, who was a neighbor. A police report was filed at the scene, and the vehicle was towed to the local storage lot and deemed destroyed. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not contacted. …
Ford has known for several years that Ford Rangers (2010) have defective air bags. Two years ago Koons Ford in Annapolis replaced my driver's side air bag. Now my driver's side air bag needs to be replaced (now), yet Ford won't give me a date when work can be completed. Koons Ford in Annapolis says Ford told them they are not providing replacement airbags for Ford Rangers now or in the near future. Ford also told me directly "they have no idea" when Ford Ranger air bags will be replaced. This safety driving health hazard has gone on long enough. I shouldn't have to drive a car with a defective air bag year after year, after year, since ownership. Please email me back letting me know you contacted Ford and a "DATE" they will do "Legally Required Repair Work", Thank you
Body & structure
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that the undercarriage was rusted. The contact stated that the fuel tank brackets had detached from the subframe. The vehicle was leaking fuel. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The mechanic suggested that the subframe be rebuilt. The contact called the local dealer but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
Due to a recent road hazard a tire went flat, when attempting to retrieve the spare, it could not be removed because the cable holding it up rusted solid. Additionally, the bed is also rusting to the extent where holes go through to the road(see pic). The dealer took pictures and sent them to Ford who in turn said they will take no action because the vehicle is six years old. My vehicle was purchased new, it has 44,000 miles on it and is well taken care of(see pic). I do not understand why it is rusting to the point where some parts (spare tire retracter) have become usless. I will think long and hard before purchasing another Ford. Ford - fix or repair daily
Engine & cooling
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that the check engine indicator illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16V384000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the cylinder head module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer (ronnie watkins Ford inc, 101 george wallace dr, gadsden, al 35903) and was informed that the part was not available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 38,790. Parts distribution disconnect.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the contact noticed the engine was covered with fuel. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehcile was taken to mcfarland Ford sales inc (151 portsmouth ave, exeter, nh 03833, [phone]) but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated the failure was similar to NHTSA campaign number: 11V126000 (fuel system, gasoline). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mielage was 158,000.
2010 Ford Ranger engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 22 / 27 / 24 |
| 2.3L 4-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 19 / 24 / 21 |
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 21 / 18 |
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 15 / 21 / 17 |
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD | 15 / 19 / 17 |
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD | 14 / 18 / 15 |
EPA ratings. Class: Small pickup.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2010 Ford Ranger a good car?
Based on 156 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2010 Ranger rates better than average: 40% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Ranger at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2010 Ford Ranger?
The air bags — 128 complaints, 82% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the body & structure (6) and engine & cooling (5).
How many recalls does the 2010 Ford Ranger have?
There are 8 recalls for the 2010 Ford Ranger, the most recent from March 10, 2021 (inflator module). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Ford Ranger?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2023, 2022 and 2020. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2019, 1999, 2000, 1998 and 1996. See the full Ford Ranger years comparison.
At what mileage do 2010 Ford Ranger problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 52,000 miles; 43% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.