2021 Ford Ranger Problems & Complaints

Most common 2021 Ford Ranger problems

• Transmission & drivetrain~79,000 miles
  6051%
• Engine & cooling~13,000 miles
  1614%
• Brakes~19,000 miles
  1513%
• Driver assistance~19,000 miles
  1311%
• Other / not specified
  1311%
• Electrical system~36,000 miles
  87%
• Speed control & acceleration~5,000 miles
  87%
• Fuel & propulsion system
  87%
• Body & structure~114,000 miles
  65%
• Wheels & tires~0 miles
  33%
• Steering
  22%
• Seats
  22%
• Air bags~19,000 miles
  22%
• Suspension
  22%
• Lights
  11%

Share of the 118 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 →

2021 Ford Ranger recalls (6)

What 2021 Ford Ranger owners say

Transmission & drivetrain all 60 →

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that the vehicle had previously been involved in a crash due to unintended acceleration, which caused the contact to rear-end another vehicle. The vehicle had body and paint repairs performed; however, the vehicle later experienced jerking, and the transmission was seized while driving. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.

The contact leased a 2021 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he noticed a cloud of white smoke coming from the exhaust. The contact then stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to shift into the intended gear. Additionally, the contact stated that while shifted into drive(D) or reverse(R), he heard a clunking sound and while shifted into park(P), the vehicle rolled several inches further than normal. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed; however, the contact was not informed of what needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he noticed a cloud of white smoke coming from the exhaust. No warning lights illuminated. …

Engine & cooling

The contact owns the 2021 Ford Ranger. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, he started to smell smoke inside the vehicle. While stopped at a traffic light, the contact noticed smoke coming from under the hood, and then flames started rising from underneath the hood. Another driver also had pulled up to notify him that his vehicle was on fire. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to safely pull off the roadway and he and his passenger exited the vehicle. The fire department arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire. The contact's girlfriend experienced smoke inhalation however, no medical treatment was needed. There were no physical injuries to either the driver or passenger. A fire report was filed. The contact stated that the fire originated on the opposite side of the battery and most likely was not caused by an electrical failure. …

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, there was a misfire coming from the engine, and the vehicle shuddered violently. The contact stated that the failure increased while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The service manager at the dealer was contacted and informed the contact that he had remote access to the DTC that was displayed after the failure had occurred. The contact verbally provided the DTC, but the information was not available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that upon researching the failure online, information related to water leaking into the engine compartment while the vehicle was parked on an incline with the front end facing down, due to the design of the vehicle. …

Brakes

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Ranger. The contact stated while driving in the morning at an undisclosed speed and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal would depress below the gas pedal. The contact stated that the brake pedal was soft while attempting to slow down and stop the vehicle. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving to his destination. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, but the mechanic found the brakes tested within Ford recommended specifications(Mechanics can only test per Ford prescribed method). The contact continued to experience failure. The contact took the vehicle to another local dealer: Varsity Ford (3480 Jackson Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48103: [phone]) but the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact continued to experience a failure. …

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, causing the accelerator pedal to depress simultaneously, due to the brake pedal being positioned very close to the accelerator pedal. While both the brake and accelerator pedals were depressed, it caused the rear tires to squeal and create smoke. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer informed the contact that there was no failure and that the vehicle was up to specification. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 4,500.

2021 Ford Ranger engines & fuel economy

EPA ratings. Class: Full-size pickup.