2023 Ford Ranger Problems
- Complaints
- 18filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 1,850miles, 8 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 41 do-not-drive
- Trend
- Too newThis model year is less than 4 years old, so a trend is not meaningful yet.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 4 / 5stars overall, 4 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 23 mpgcombined, 2.3L 4-cyl RWD · 21 city / 26 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2023 Ford Ranger (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 18 consumer complaints for the 2023 Ford Ranger. The part named most often is transmission and drivetrain, with 5 complaints (28% of the total), followed by brakes (3) and engine (3). 8 of the complaints include a mileage, and 100% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 1,850 miles. Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns (1 marked do-not-drive) and 65 technical service bulletins for this model year. Transmission and drivetrain complaints overlap with 22 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Brakes complaints overlap with 1 technical service bulletin filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Brakes3 17%
- Engine3 17%
- Air bags2 11%
- Electrical system2 11%
- Fuel system1 5.6%
- Lane departure1 5.6%
- Suspension1 5.6%
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “in normal drive mode the transmission downs shifts thru the gears and skips from 3 to 1. becuase of that skip it feels like you got rear ended by another car. if your not prepared for it you could let off the brakes which could cuase you to hit the person in front. in sport mode it downshifts thru all the 10 gears properly.”
NHTSA complaint #11638904, filed 2025-01Brakes: “there is an air vent just above the brake pedal .when stepping on the brake my foot presses on that vent, it feels like the brake, until you realize the car is not stopping. took it to the dealer they cant do anything for it. I feel it could be a big issue for someone until the driver figures it out..thank you”
NHTSA complaint #11541584, filed 2023-08Engine: “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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11755726, filed 2026-08Air bags: “The contact owned a 2023 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, another vehicle cut them off, and caused the contact to swerve in order to avoid the vehicle this caused the contact to crash into an electric pole. The air bags did not deploy. The contact had a bruise on his legs and between neck and shoulder. No medical treatment was needed. The vehicle was towed from the scene. Police report had been filled. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. …”
NHTSA complaint #11541295, filed 2023-08, 2,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
100% of the 8 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 1,640 and 10,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
This model year is less than 4 years old, so a trend is not meaningful yet.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2023 Ford Ranger. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ranger (super Cab) · extended cab 4WD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 3 · 25.6% risk |
| Ranger (super Cab) · extended cab RWD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 3 · 29.2% risk |
| Ranger (super Crew) · crew cab 4WD | ★★★★☆ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 · 25.6% risk |
| Ranger (super Crew) · crew cab RWD | ★★★★☆ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 · 29.2% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2023 model year: forward collision warning standard on some versions, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking standard on some versions.
Neighbouring years: 2022: same overall rating; 2024: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2023 Ford Ranger version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ranger 2WD | 2.3L 4-cyl | 10-speed automatic | 21 | 26 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Ranger 2WD | 2.3L 4-cyl | 10-speed automatic | 20 | 26 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Ranger 4WD | 2.3L 4-cyl | 10-speed automatic | 20 | 24 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Ranger 4WD | 2.3L 4-cyl | 10-speed automatic | 19 | 24 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Ranger Tremor 4WD | 2.3L 4-cyl | 10-speed automatic | 19 | 19 | 19 | $3,550 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- Wheels › Lugs/nuts/bolts/studsCovers: Ford Ranger 2023, Bronco 2023
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Bronco and Ranger vehicles. The lug nuts on the driver's side wheels may have been improperly tightened.
- 25V685000Oct 10, 2025Equipment › Electrical › Engine block heaterCovers: Ford Ranger 2019–2024, Explorer 2016–2018, 2020–2023, Lincoln MKC 2016–2019 +6 more
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may…
- 25V442000Jun 27, 2025Back over prevention › SoftwareCovers: Ford Ranger 2019–2023, Transit Connect 2018–2022, Mustang 2019–2023 +18 more
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023…
- 23V379000May 26, 2023Equipment › Other › LabelsCovers: Ford Ranger 2019–2023, Bronco 2022–2023, F-250 SD 2023
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Bronco, 2023 Super Duty F-250, and 2019-2023 Ranger vehicles. The Tire and Loading Information (TREAD) label states the incorrect load carrying capacity, which can result in an overloaded vehicle. As…
Recall details for the 2023 Ford Ranger → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 65 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11038672Oct 22, 2026Transmission and drivetrain, Other or unknown. This bulletin supersedes 26-2309. Reason for update: update the Model section to remove Aviator 10R80, update theParts list to add 3.3L to W520514-S440, and add L1MZ-7Z490-G valve body separator…
- 11037559Sep 22, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. This bulletin supersedes 26-2309. Reason For Update: update the Model section to remove Aviator 10R80, update the Parts list to add 3.3L to W520514-S440, and add L1MZ-7Z490-G valve body separator…
- 11037290Sep 9, 2026Electrical system, Other or unknown. Quality improvements include: -ePrivacy enhancements
- 11035465Jul 9, 2026Other or unknown, Electrical system. NEW VEHICLE DELIVERY HOLD - Emissions Recall 26E04 Certain 2021-2025 Model Year F-150, Maverick, Mustang, Ranger, Expedition, Bronco Sport, Explorer, Bronco, Navigator, and Aviator Vehicles…
- 11034224Jul 2, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. This bulletin supersedes 26-2241. Reason For Update: update the parts list to correct the claim quantity of the part number JB3Z-4B496-B from 3 to 6. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model…
- 11032750May 18, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. This bulletin supersedes 25-2587. Reason For Update: update the Parts list to add the F-clutch friction plates HL3Z-7B164-D and the F-clutch steel plates PR3Z-7B164-A for the proper vehicle lines…
- 11033577May 9, 2026Engine. Certain 2021-2024 Model Year Bronco, 2021-2024 Model Year Bronco Sport, 2020-2022 Model Year Corsair and Escape, 2016-2024 Model Year Explorer, 2019-2020 Model Year Fusion, 2016-2018 Model Year…
- 11031263Apr 2, 2026Electrical system, Lane departure. Various 2020-2026 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with blind spot information system (BLIS) may experience an inoperative blind spot monitoring with a "Blind Spot System Fault" message displayed…
- 11031262Apr 2, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. For 20212026 vehicles equipped with the 10R80 transmission, a new Transmission Clutch Circuit Leak Test has been introduced in the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS). This test utilizes the…
- 11030282Mar 25, 2026Back-over prevention (rear camera), Lane departure, Other…. Advance Notice – Customer Satisfaction Program 25N17 Certain 2015-2025 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines Rear View Camera Replacement If Required After Dealer Evaluation
Other model years of the Ford Ranger
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 9 | 32 | 8 | 4 | 23 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 44 | 1,050 | 13 | 4 | 23 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 96 | 4,200 | 13 | 4 | 22 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 18 | 1,850 | 4 | 4 | 23 | — | Too new |
| 2022 | 38 | 15,500 | 5 | 4 | 23 | 26 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2021 | 119 | 32,800 | 6 | 4 | 23 | 67 · More | Rising |
| 2020 | 130 | 20,000 | 7 | 4 | 23 | 71 · More | Rising |
| 2019 | 271 | 19,500 | 11 | 4 | 23 | 90 · More | Rising |
| 2011 | 235 | 48,750 | 5 | 2 | 20 | 44 · Typical | Falling |
| 2010 | 156 | 51,000 | 8 | — | 21 | 41 · Typical | Falling |
| 2009 | 169 | 36,250 | 7 | — | 21 | 52 · Typical | Falling |
| 2008 | 326 | 62,500 | 5 | — | 18 | 47 · Typical | Falling |
| 2007 | 270 | 65,000 | 5 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 272 | 69,720 | 12 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 289 | 57,500 | 9 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2004 | 405 | 66,803 | 10 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 243 | 56,000 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 346 | 55,700 | 3 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 515 | 82,000 | 4 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 670 | 82,000 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 755 | 89,000 | 4 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 576 | 100,000 | 5 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 411 | 100,000 | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 413 | 116,500 | 2 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1995 | 321 | 139,026 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1994 | 438 | 115,915 | 4 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 232 | 93,904 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 189 | 93,324 | 2 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 132 | 82,500 | 2 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 105 | 145,500 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 73 | 82,000 | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 89 | 89,000 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 50 | 109,117 | 4 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1986 | 35 | 109,368 | 4 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1985 | 27 | 27,000 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1984 | 12 | 135,000 | 6 | — | 19 | — | Not enough data |
| 1983 | 11 | — | 5 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Ford Ranger model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2023 Ford Ranger have?
NHTSA recorded 18 consumer complaints for the 2023 Ford Ranger as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2023 Ford Ranger is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 5 complaints (28% of the total), followed by brakes with 3.
Has the 2023 Ford Ranger been recalled?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year, 1 of them with a do-not-drive advisory. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2023 Ford Ranger do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2023 Ford Ranger 4 out of 5 stars overall, across 4 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2023 Ford Ranger get?
The EPA rates the 2023 Ford Ranger (Ranger 2WD, 2.3L 4-cyl) at 23 mpg combined, 21 city and 26 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,900 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2023 Ford Ranger reported?
Among the 8 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 1,850 miles and the middle half falls between 1,640 and 10,000 miles; 100% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.