2005 Ford Ranger Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 3%of 289 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 62,170miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2005 Ford Ranger, 3% of the 289 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 62,170 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have learned the hard way that the shifter on the 2005 Ford Ranger extended cab will jump out of park to reverse. This happen to me (just recently) and caused me to tear up my door and fender on the vehicle (which will be costly)...”
NHTSA complaint #11323211, filed 2020-05, 118,000 miles“3 times going down the road the truck died and had to be towed. All 3 times was the inertia switch. The other time they replaced part of the transmission. All this on a new truck I've had for 6 weeks. The truck isn't safe. Go out into heavy interstate traffic going 65 and shut your vehicle off. It isn't good. They want me to try it again. I can't put my family or myself in that position again.”
NHTSA complaint #10127141, filed 2005-06, 600 miles“At startup my check engine light came on and as I went to drive away the entire truck started shaking and the check engine light started to flash.I tried to fix the vehicle with a scan tool and started replacing the less expensive parts and when it was all said and done it turned out to be the driver side cylinder head number four and six cylinder they both had recessed valves.before the truck got real bad I was on the interstate going to be a slight incline and the truck was doing 75 miles an hour and then suddenly dropped to maybe 15 20 miles an hour almost causing an accident on…”
NHTSA complaint #10676844, filed 2015-01, 50,000 miles“2005 Ford Ranger - leaking transmission fluid from lines rubbing on the truck frame. Start after 45k service at dealer. Replace front brake pads with machining light duty($468.43). Not under 10 year war. Parts and labor $350.00. For transmission lines replacement oct. 29, 2008 Ford town albany shop.”
NHTSA complaint #10247178, filed 2008-10, 48,109 miles“While driving at approximately 35 MPH, with approximately 600 pounds of weight in the back or bed, on a road that really wasn't real slick so I didn't have it in 4wd, and suddenly the pickup veered to the left and hit a concrete jersey barrier. It bounced off and went toward the right and hit a guard rail and then rolled over on to its top. The sheriff deputy noticed that the left rear wheel was missing and thought it was strange that the axle broke at that low speed and situation. …”
NHTSA complaint #10445536, filed 2012-01, 62,170 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10019947Jan 1, 2006Neutral tow capability - service kit requirements.
- 10017936Jun 7, 2005Limited slip axle chatter, shudder, binding sensation, or vibration during low speed turning maneuvers - vehicles built before 4/1/2005.
- 10013306May 27, 2005Improperly formulated transmission fluid that, over time, may cause delayed/harsh reverse engagements. Customer satisfaction program 04b22. 5r55s/e & 5r44e transmission fluid…
- 10017899Apr 1, 2005No 3rd gear, dtc p0733 (3rd gear incorrect ratio) and flashing tcil - vehicles built prior to 9/23/2004.
- 10017891Apr 1, 2005Front axle leaks fluid from vent tube - vehicles equipped with 4x4 or awd.
- 10014693Mar 21, 2005High idle between shifts or in neutral - 4.0l engine with manual transmission.
- 10014086Dec 13, 2004General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10013414Nov 29, 2004Driveshaft thump clunk on light acceleration from stop or when braking and coming to a stop.
- 10013369Nov 1, 2004General power train control module (pcm) programming procedures.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 33% |
| 2025 | 18 | 40% |
| 2024 | 39 | 41% |
| 2023 | 5 | 28% |
| 2022 | 17 | 45% |
| 2021 | 60 | 50% |
| 2020 | 49 | 38% |
| 2019 | 92 | 34% |
| 2011 | 5 | 2% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 3 | 2% |
| 2008 | 1 | 0% |
| 2007 | 2 | 1% |
| 2006 | 4 | 1% |
| 2005 | 8 | 3% |
| 2004 | 27 | 7% |
| 2003 | 16 | 7% |
| 2002 | 61 | 18% |
| 2001 | 51 | 10% |
| 2000 | 69 | 10% |
| 1999 | 67 | 9% |
| 1998 | 60 | 10% |
| 1997 | 42 | 10% |
| 1996 | 28 | 7% |
| 1995 | 22 | 7% |
| 1994 | 49 | 11% |
| 1993 | 19 | 8% |
| 1992 | 13 | 7% |
| 1991 | 12 | 9% |
| 1990 | 10 | 10% |
| 1989 | 5 | 7% |
| 1988 | 9 | 10% |
| 1987 | 1 | 2% |
| 1986 | 2 | 6% |
| 1985 | 5 | 19% |
| 1983 | 1 | 9% |
Other parts of the 2005 Ford Ranger
132 complaintsFuel system
50 complaintsBody and structure
34 complaintsSuspension
26 complaintsOther or unknown
22 complaintsElectrical system
21 complaintsBrakes
10 complaintsEngine cooling
10 complaintsTires
8 complaintsEngine
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsSteering
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 Ford Ranger
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology