Engine complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 14% | — |
| 2025 | 12 | 27% | — |
| 2024 | 10 | 11% | — |
| 2023 | 3 | 17% | — |
| 2022 | 6 | 16% | 0 miles |
| 2021 | 16 | 14% | 13,000 miles |
| 2020 | 17 | 13% | 25,000 miles |
| 2019 | 31 | 11% | 28,000 miles |
| 2011 | 4 | 2% | 80,000 miles |
| 2010 | 5 | 3% | 39,000 miles |
| 2009 | 6 | 4% | 2,000 miles |
| 2008 | 6 | 2% | 45,000 miles |
| 2007 | 4 | 1% | 34,000 miles |
| 2006 | 19 | 7% | 70,000 miles |
| 2005 | 17 | 6% | 62,000 miles |
| 2004 | 24 | 6% | 77,000 miles |
| 2003 | 27 | 11% | 21,000 miles |
| 2002 | 45 | 13% | 45,000 miles |
| 2001 | 35 | 7% | 108,000 miles |
| 2000 | 43 | 6% | 70,000 miles |
| 1999 | 50 | 7% | 95,000 miles |
| 1998 | 54 | 9% | 85,000 miles |
| 1997 | 18 | 4% | 70,000 miles |
| 1996 | 33 | 8% | 300,000 miles |
| 1995 | 15 | 5% | 230,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
My 2025 Ford Ranger Lariat FX4 has experienced sudden and complete loss of accelerator pedal response while driving at low speed on at least 4 to 6 separate occasions. The engine continues to run normally, but pressing the accelerator produces no power and no vehicle response. The condition has consistently occurred while pulling into my subdivision, which has an inclined entrance. The truck also feels noticeably sluggish nearly every time I make this turn, even when full dropout does not occur. No warning lights, check engine light, or messages in the instrument cluster illuminate during these events. No diagnostic trouble codes have been stored that I am aware of. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. …
On 6-7 separate occasions, my 2025 Ranger had a sudden and complete loss of accelerator response while slowing down to make a left turn. This also happens on occasion at traffic lights when the light turns and I attempt to turn left. The duration of loss of power has increased with each incident and is very frightening when it occurs. When attempting to accelerate across the road, there was no response or power from the engine to get me through traffic. On each occasions, the safety of everyone in my vehicle as well members of the public were at great risk. It is only by good luck that these engine failure incidents did not cause a serious crash. The local Ford dealer has been unable to identify the problem. Until and unless the Ford Dealer can replicate the problem, I am unable to get the problem resolved. In the meantime, I feel that I my life is at risk every time I drive my truck. …
My 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor has been suddenly losing power or stumbling upon initial acceleration. This has been occurring intermittently since it was nearly new. My truck now has approximately 10,500 miles. The problem has become increasingly frequent. It seems to occur most often when accelerating from a complete stop. The loss of power can last for several seconds, then afterwards, normal power is regained. It poses a safety risk since it has nearly caused collisions. Several times, the truck has lost power while making a left turn in front of oncoming traffic. It simply will not accelerate, and I find that I am stuck, unable to complete my turn and clear the oncoming traffic. Once when accelerating away from a stoplight, the truck lost power, and I was nearly struck by following vehicle. …
My 2024 Ford Ranger XLT 2W has been suddenly losing power or stumbling upon initial acceleration. This has been occurring intermittently. My truck now has approximately 20,000 miles. The problem has become increasingly frequent. It seems to occur most often when accelerating from a complete stop. The loss of power can last for several seconds, then normal power is regained. Several times, the truck has lost power while making a left turn. It simply will not accelerate, and I find that I am stuck, unable to complete my turn and clear the oncoming traffic. I have taken my truck to a local dealer who attempted to diagnose the problem and they didn't offer a solution since they were unable to reproduce the problem during their road test. …
Appx 73000 Miles truck developed shudder (felt like transmission jumping gears) under moderate acceleration. Gently Drove home, no other shudder. Called dealer who said to drive it in. Noted a missfire warning on phone app, also stated to gently drive to dealer. On way dealer up hill at ~60 mph (on 70mph freeway) shudder returned, slowed to 55mph, heard spark plug(s) eject and much louder noises. Stopped and had towed to dealer (tow truck drove onto roll back.. very noisy, dealer stated sounded terrible when drove into shop. Engine repair quoted at ~10k (disassembly,machine, sleeve cyinders, new parts) Ford extended warranty refused claim.
It is automatic shut down. No power. No light. No door lock......I let it sit after few hours it starts working back. No idea what happen. There is very dangerous when traveling for long way in hot or cold weather.
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Ranger. The contact stated while driving on several occasions, the infotainment system screen turned black intermittently. Additionally, the contact stated that upon starting the vehicle and accelerating, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer on several occasions, but the failure could not be replicated. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where it was diagnosed that an unknown O2 sensor located behind the glove box, and the sensors connected to the catalytic converter had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 300.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Inspection available if needed. The ignition coils and spark plugs failed due to Ford's negligence to provide an engine cover. Water has gotten in to the engine and caused these systems to fail How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The engine violently shakes and causes you to lose speed. I was going 20 under the limit on the highway due to this and could have caused an accident. The vehicle felt as if it was shutting off and I got off at the next available exit. It placed my family at risk and others as it could have caused a bad accident if someone would have rear ended me due to the slow speed. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? …
Related recalls (4)
Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Hard parts internal/mechanical
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.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the engine pistons and replace the engine long block, if necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 3, 2026.
Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Hard parts internal/mechanical
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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine long block, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed June 5, 2026.
Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Gas recirculation valve (EGR valve)
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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the EGR valves, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 31, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S10.
Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
Vehicle description: pickup trucks equipped with 2.5l ohc engines. Engine coolant circulation through the heater circuit is prevented because of a plugged heater return tube (water pump inlet tube) at the water pump. These vehicles do not comply with the intent of FMVSS no. 103, "windshield defrosting and defogging systems."
Remedy: Dealers will replace the plugged heater water return tubes.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Ranger years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1998 (54), 1999 (50), 2002 (45), 2000 (43) and 2001 (35) model years. Engine complaints make up 9% of all complaints for the 1998.
Is there a recall for Ford Ranger engine problems?
Yes — 4 recalls, including 26V-548 (hard parts internal/mechanical, Aug 25, 2026); 26V-343 (hard parts internal/mechanical, May 27, 2026); 26V-122 (gas recirculation valve (egr valve), Mar 3, 2026). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Ford Ranger engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 63,000 miles; 44% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine › gasoline (113 mentions), followed by the engine (81).
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.