AC & Heater complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (air conditioning, heater, defroster, HVAC controls).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
There is a known issue with 2019 and some 2020 model year Ford Rangers. The Ford SSM is #50629. I have been waiting for a Ford service center to fix this issue for 3 months. This issue does not allow for the heater to work properly. Because of that, the defroster and defog doesn't work. This allows for limited or zero visibility through the windshield and side windows in winter conditions that require defrost or defog. I have to had to pull over and scrape ice off my windshield on short trips. Also, this winter has had some of the coldest days on record. Reaching in the -20F range. Having no heat at a time like this could possibly result in frostbite or hypothermia. I use my vehicle as sparingly as possible this winter, but there are times I absolutely need to drive around.
At one point, the heat/ac would blow air but would not heat or cool. This was about a month and a half ago., There was an electrical burning smell, and at that point the system would not heat or cool. The burning smell has since subsided. I took the truck to Santa Maria Ford to have it looked at and have my oil changed. I was told that it would cost 3500.00 to repair the issue. I looked the issue up and I found that the 2019 Ford Ranger had been recalled for this exacted issue. I felt that it was just a matter of time before the 2020 Ford Ranger would be recalled for this item. I decided to I should submit this form to be on the safe side.
Climate control temperature system failed and would not adjust. A clicking/snapping noise was present under the dash when attempting to control climate and defrost. Ford verified the failure of the climate control system and stated that I the original owner, [redacted], must personally pay for labor and parts to replace the climate control housing assembly to resolve the failed climate control system and achieve functional defrost. The vehicle went in for inspection at Jim Click Ford (6244 E 22nd St; Tucson AZ 85711; [phone]) on the March 29th, 2023 and the repair was completed on April 4th, 2023 (Ford Part Number 18478). The vehicle had 29,634 miles on it at the time of repair. The issue is identical to that described in "SSM 49264: 2019-2020 - Climate Control Temperature Will Not Adjust With Clicking/Snapping Noise From The Dash - Built On Or Before 30-Jul-2020".
As I was driving down the road I began I started to smell something unusual - in a way it smelled like burning plastic and/or anti-freeze. I then began to feel quite a bit more heat than usual on my lower back, so much I knew something was wrong. I pulled my truck over, got out and as soon as I got out my heated seat started producing smoke where I believe the main heated seat coil is. Within seconds a flame burst out from the seat. I luckily had a drink in my cup holder that I reached over to grab & pour out on the flame. It kept smoking after I dumped the liquid on it. I then grabbed a water bottle from my back seat & was able to put the fire out completely. In conclusion, my 2019 Ford Ranger Lariat Crew Cab heated seat caught fire while it was turned on, on 9/15/2022 at approx. 9:00a.
Vehicle experiencing loss of power whenever air conditioner is being used. Vehicle been in dealer shop on three occasions, and problem still reoccurring. Also throttle positioning sensor was replaced, also tachometer is acting erractically transmission not shifting properly. Vehicle lost power while coming to a complete stop for a traffic light, consumer hit the vehicle in front of him due to brakes also failing, there was no damage to either vehicle, clutch pedal goes soft, consumer has had to pull pedal up at times, dealer can not find any problems.
During normal operation of vehicle while traveling at any speed, and turning defogger on windshield, it will fog up, reducing visibility. Dealership informed consumer that this was normal. Please provide any additional information / attachments.
Engine is leaking oil, reoccurrences have caused consumer to take vehicle to dealer 7 times for the same problem, last repair was 1 year ago, vehicle is acting sluggish, the oil pan and rear mail oil seal was the cause of the oil leak. Consumer also stated the the air conditioner was blowing out hot air, the dealer discovered that the compressor was leaking.
Two weeks after I bought the truck the airconditioner broke twice, then the ABS light came on for no reason, the seatbelts were recalled and now the transmission is going out. I would like something done about this I.e. Them give me a new truck or my money back. Its getting ridiculous.
Related recalls (3)
Equipment › Electrical › Engine block heater
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.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge.
Visibility › Defroster/defogger/HVAC system › Fan/motor
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…
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the HVAC blower motor, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 6, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Visibility › Defroster/defogger/HVAC system › Fan/motor
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Ranger vehicles. The Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) blower motor may electrically short.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the HVAC blower motor production date, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 4, 2019.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Ranger years have ac & heater problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2019 (14), 1996 (13), 1997 (12), 1995 (7) and 1999 (5) model years. AC & Heater complaints make up 5% of all complaints for the 2019.
Is there a recall for Ford Ranger ac & heater problems?
Yes — 3 recalls, including 25V-685 (engine block heater, Oct 10, 2025); 20V-137 (fan/motor, Mar 9, 2020); 19V-726 (fan/motor, Oct 10, 2019). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Ford Ranger ac & heater problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 miles; 56% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the appliance › air conditioner (33 mentions), followed by the defroster/defogger/hvac system (19).
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.