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Electrical systemPart report

2021 Ford Ranger Electrical system Problems

Complaints
8about this part
Share
7%of 119 total for the year
Median mileage
25,225miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the electrical system of the 2021 Ford Ranger, 7% of the 119 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 25,225 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

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.

“Driver side rear door constantly shows as ajar and triggers alarm, even when firmly closed. Unsure if cause is improperly fit body work or electrical components but nothing fixes it and dealer doesn't have time to look at it. I am unable to lock the truck or the alarm WILL sound and drain my battery because of the left passenger door.”

NHTSA complaint #11419157, filed 2021-06

“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. …”

NHTSA complaint #11471269, filed 2022-06

“On Monday 15th of May the ford ranger was involved in a front end collision. The air bags did not deploy and the engine compartment caught fire. I was un able to open door and other doors would not unlock from inside switch. Finally able to kick door open will the truck filled with smoke and people put out fire.”

NHTSA complaint #11522330, filed 2023-05

“The backup camera on my truck washes out at night when the lights are turned on and backing up, rendering it useless. The washout is not as severe with just putting in reverse without lights, but still dangerous. The local Ford dealer states this is inherent in all Rangers, Broncos and other vehicles.”

NHTSA complaint #11524954, filed 2023-06

“The contact owns a 2021 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while in the reverse gear, the rear cross-traffic warning did not alert the contact that the vehicle was close to an object. As a result, the contact crashed into a pole. No injuries were sustained. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the bumper and the harness for the rear cross-traffic warning system were replaced. The manufacturer was aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 14,850.”

NHTSA complaint #11582546, filed 2024-04, 14,850 miles

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2026225%
20251023%
20242931%
2023211%
2022924%
202187%
2020118%
20194115%
201152%
201021%
200921%
200872%
200752%
2006114%
2005217%
2004174%
2003177%
2002175%
2001224%
2000386%
1999395%
1998295%
1997287%
1996389%
1995299%
1994256%
1993188%
19924122%
19912015%
19902019%
19891521%
19883236%
19871428%
19861337%
19851244%
1984217%
1983327%

Other parts of the 2021 Ford Ranger

Transmission and drivetrain
60 complaints
Brakes
15 complaints
Engine
13 complaints
Other or unknown
13 complaints
Fuel system
8 complaints
Vehicle speed control
8 complaints
Forward collision avoidance
7 complaints
Body and structure
7 complaints
Back-over prevention (rear camera)
5 complaints
Engine cooling
3 complaints
Air bags
2 complaints
Lane 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 27, 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