2021 Ford Ranger Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 13%of 119 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 11,954miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the brakes of the 2021 Ford Ranger, 13% of the 119 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 11,954 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“It is quite easy to depress the brake pedal in such a way that one's foot also engages the accelerator pedal. This has happened to me several times, causing the truck to lurch forward rather than stopping dead as is my intention. Looking online, I see this has also happened to many others on Ford trucks. I have been driving for over 50 years and this has never happened on any other vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11548671, filed 2023-10“The two rear brake rotors were 75% rusted through, this truck only had 5,642 miles on it at the time. Brake pedal was soft, went to the floor to stop. Asked local ford dealer to look at and they wanted to charge me for two rear rotors and brake shoes. I informed them that I thought this would be a factory defect, they determined it wasn’t. This was unexceptable to me. So I took it to dealership where I purchased truck and they agreed that this was a factory defect and replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #11607295, filed 2024-08“I nearly hit the back another vehicle stopped for a red light when my foot caught the edge of the gas pedal. The brake pedal depresses passed the height of the gas pedal. I understand this is a commonly reported Ford ranger issue . I understand a brake bleed software procedure will fix the problem . There apparently is a Ford TSB regarding soft brake pedal issue. I bought the truck new in 2021 and have less than 6000 miles on it. I thought the braking was normal . The bumper to bumper warranty I'll not cover brake issue due to the 36000 3 year coverage.”
NHTSA complaint #11667128, filed 2025-06“On multiple occasions the transmission has slipped when changing gears .This has happened when trying to merge into traffic . One time almost causing someone to rear-end me . It also fails to downshift some times when stopping , causing me to brake much harder than normal . I will be taking it to the dealer soon , to see if this can be fixed . These issues can be a little scary at times . There have been no warning lights or messages . This has happened at least a dozen times now . The first incident with the transmission I think started in 10/2022 . …”
NHTSA complaint #11499822, filed 2023-01“Brakes pedal is soft and keeps going down as you push on it. The peddle does not pump up. Ford dealer says that that’s the way Ford Ranger brakes feel. There are no warning lights and no noise coming from the brake system. Engine idle, the engine idles at 900+ rpm’s, if you don’t keep the break pedal firmly pressed the truck moves forward. I found myself in the middle of an intersection at a stop light this morning. Ford dealer says that is what Ford specifically requires that the idle be set at. I have found numerous similar complaints on the internet from Ford Ranger owners.”
NHTSA complaint #11553431, filed 2023-11Related service bulletins
- 10204036Nov 17, 2021Some 2021 Ranger and Bronco vehicles built on 15-Jun-2021 and through 15-Aug-2021 may exhibit an illuminated anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning indicator lamp with diagnostic…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 22% |
| 2025 | 7 | 16% |
| 2024 | 7 | 7% |
| 2023 | 3 | 17% |
| 2022 | 3 | 8% |
| 2021 | 15 | 13% |
| 2020 | 9 | 7% |
| 2019 | 20 | 7% |
| 2011 | 8 | 3% |
| 2010 | 4 | 3% |
| 2009 | 6 | 4% |
| 2008 | 2 | 1% |
| 2007 | 2 | 1% |
| 2006 | 5 | 2% |
| 2005 | 10 | 3% |
| 2004 | 23 | 6% |
| 2003 | 35 | 14% |
| 2002 | 23 | 7% |
| 2001 | 55 | 11% |
| 2000 | 78 | 12% |
| 1999 | 88 | 12% |
| 1998 | 60 | 10% |
| 1997 | 44 | 11% |
| 1996 | 69 | 17% |
| 1995 | 60 | 19% |
| 1994 | 116 | 26% |
| 1993 | 60 | 26% |
| 1992 | 17 | 9% |
| 1991 | 12 | 9% |
| 1990 | 6 | 6% |
| 1989 | 7 | 10% |
| 1988 | 9 | 10% |
| 1987 | 1 | 2% |
| 1986 | 3 | 9% |
| 1984 | 2 | 17% |
| 1983 | 1 | 9% |
Other parts of the 2021 Ford Ranger
60 complaintsEngine
13 complaintsOther or unknown
13 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaintsForward collision avoidance
7 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
5 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsLane departure
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 Ford Ranger
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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