Body complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 10 | 11% | 10,000 miles |
| 2021 | 6 | 5% | 114,000 miles |
| 2020 | 5 | 4% | 0 miles |
| 2019 | 3 | 1% | — |
| 2011 | 8 | 3% | 78,000 miles |
| 2010 | 6 | 4% | 44,000 miles |
| 2009 | 3 | 2% | 91,000 miles |
| 2008 | 10 | 3% | 78,000 miles |
| 2007 | 13 | 5% | 84,000 miles |
| 2006 | 26 | 10% | 70,000 miles |
| 2005 | 34 | 12% | 65,000 miles |
| 2004 | 46 | 11% | 85,000 miles |
| 2003 | 43 | 18% | 86,000 miles |
| 2002 | 49 | 14% | 100,000 miles |
| 2001 | 112 | 22% | 100,000 miles |
| 2000 | 105 | 16% | 108,000 miles |
| 1999 | 89 | 12% | 111,000 miles |
| 1998 | 45 | 8% | 126,000 miles |
| 1997 | 25 | 6% | 123,000 miles |
| 1996 | 10 | 2% | 129,000 miles |
| 1995 | 21 | 7% | 150,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2024 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 15 MPH and making a U-turn, the vehicle experienced a total loss of motive power. The Service Emergency Brake and Trailer Brake Assist warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed; however, the diagnosis details were unavailable. Additionally, during rainy weather, water intruded into the cabin and accumulated, leaving the seats wet and causing mold growth. The local dealer was contacted on several occasions regarding the water intrusion. Upon further investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V238000 (Structure, Electrical System) and NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V541000 (Air Bags), suspecting that improper completion of a prior recall repair contributed to the failure. …
The contact owns a 2024 Ford Ranger. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V238000 (Structure, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that there was an abnormal burning odor inside the vehicle, and the instrument cluster flickered while driving. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that a second letter would be sent once the remedy was available, and parts were anticipated by the end of August 2026. The failure mileage was approximately 323.
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. …
As I was pulling out of Zip's Car into a parking spot to vacuum truck. I was barely moving when the truck accelerated at a high rate of speed and hit the wall in front of me. It was like the truck had a mind of its own. I just knew I wasn't doing it. If someone had been walking in front of me it would have killed them. My air bag did not come out. My chest hit the steering wheel very hard. The police showed up and did a report. I did not get a ticket. The truck was towed and looked over. There was so much damage to the truck it was totaled. I can't believe this happened to me. I wouldn't want this to happen to anyone. It was a very scary experience.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal squeaking sound was coming from the rear passenger's side of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and the contact was given a case number. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000. The contact stated that the vehicle was totaled and there is no need to proceed with this complaint.
Presently, my mileage is approximately 42770. It has started to exhibit vibration throughout the cab. It wasn't as prevalent during the cold and would only last about 30 seconds, after warm up, and around 70 mph. Now that it has gotten warmer, it is happening after warm up at all speeds. I haven't take it to the dealership yet, but have read reports of the problem with the same model year.
Hood/cowling along the windshield allows water to leak under the hood of the vehicle and wets the coils and plugs causing the engine to mis fire and shutter violently. This engine mis fire and sudden lack of power can cause the vehicle to obstruct the flow of traffic resulting in an accident. Problem was reproduced by the dealer and they replace coils, plugs, and installed an accessory engine cover to prevent the issue in the future. All at my cost. The problem remains that there are many Ford Rangers on the road unaware of this problem. This problem is documented in a Ford TSB but a more aggressive approaching is needed to resolve this issue.
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that on two separate occasions, the front bumper detached from the vehicle without incident. The first time the failure occurred, the contact noticed the failure before entering the vehicle. The contact placed the bumper into the bed of his truck and drove to the dealer where he had the bumper re-attached. Despite the repair, the failure occurred again and also discovered that the bumper was only repaired with duct tape. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 77,983.
Related recalls (4)
Structure › Interior panels › Sun visor
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.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the wiring for damage and update the body control module software. Damaged wiring harnesses will be replaced as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge.
Structure › Interior panels › Dashboard
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."
Remedy: Dealers will replace the instrument panel assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 26, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields
On certain pickup trucks, the frame May have a center rail section flange that was not formed properly.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the frame to determine whether the frame was incorrectly manufactured. If there is a problem, the vehicle will not be repaired. Ford and the dealer will replace the vehicle.
Structure › Body › Hood › Hinge and attachments
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles with steel hoods and certain pickup trucks equipped with sheet molding compound hoods. A wire formed hood striker could be susceptible to fatigue fractures. If the hood striker fractures, the hood could fly open while the vehicle is being driven.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the hood striker.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Ranger years have body problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2001 (112), 2000 (105), 1999 (89), 2002 (49) and 2004 (46) model years. Body complaints make up 22% of all complaints for the 2001.
Is there a recall for Ford Ranger body problems?
Yes — 4 recalls, including 26V-238 (sun visor, Apr 14, 2026); 25V-678 (dashboard, Oct 9, 2025); 04V-331 (underbody shields, Jul 14, 2004). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Ford Ranger body problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 98,000 miles; 13% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the body (341 mentions), followed by the frame and members (111).
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.