2026 Ford Ranger Problems
Compared with other Ford Ranger years
Too new to compare
- Model years are compared once their first three years of complaints are in; the 2026 can be compared from 2029.
- Most reported part: Transmission and drivetrain (3 complaints).
- 8 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 9filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 32miles, 1 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 8campaigns on record
- Trend
- Too newThis model year is less than 4 years old, so a trend is not meaningful yet.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 4 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 23 mpgcombined, 2.3L 4-cyl RWD · 21 city / 25 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2026 Ford Ranger (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 9 consumer complaints for the 2026 Ford Ranger. The part named most often is transmission and drivetrain, with 3 complaints (33% of the total), followed by brakes (2) and electrical system (2). 1 of the complaints include a mileage, and 100% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 32 miles. Of all complaints, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns and 22 technical service bulletins for this model year. Transmission and drivetrain complaints overlap with 4 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Brakes complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign and 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.
- Brakes2 22%
- Electrical system2 22%
- Other or unknown2 22%
- Seats2 22%
- Engine1 11%
- Exterior lighting1 11%
- Wheels1 11%
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “While making a right turn, vehicle suddenly lost all power and shut down for several seconds. This is a safety issue, stalling out in front of oncoming traffic, etc. No warnings lamps, messages appeared. No dealer inspection yet. Numerous other owners on message boards have reported the same issue occurring with their vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11749667, filed 2026-07Brakes: “After arriving in Carson City from Reno, NV and running errands on local city side streets the vehicle began making a loud ticking noise which transitioned to a whomp/whomp/whomp noise. I pulled over at the nearest opportunity into a business parking lot and the vehicle brakes immediately locked up. …”
NHTSA complaint #11773016, filed 2026-10Electrical system: “When setting up my vehicle for neutral towing behind my motorhome and having parts installed for the proper operation of my turn signal and brake lights when vehicle is flat towed it was found that for it to happen were the brake lights do not override the turn signal when both activated at the same time you have to let the vehicle enter into a sleep mode for 10 minutes with the key FOB completely isolated from the vehicle for 10 minutes. …”
NHTSA complaint #11763888, filed 2026-09Mileage when problems were reported
100% of the 1 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 32 and 32 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 2026 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 Crew) · crew cab 4WD | ★★★★☆ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 3 · 22.8% risk |
| Ranger (super Crew) · crew cab RWD | ★★★★☆ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 3 · 27.9% risk |
Neighbouring years: 2025: 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 2026 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 | 25 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Ranger 4WD | 2.3L 4-cyl | 10-speed automatic | 19 | 24 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Ranger 4WD | 2.7L 6-cyl | 10-speed automatic | 18 | 23 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Ranger RAPTOR 4WD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 10-speed automatic | 16 | 18 | 17 | $3,950 |
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
- 26V605000Sep 22, 2026Back over prevention › Display functionCovers: Ford Ranger 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Ranger vehicles equipped with a 10.1-inch center stack screen. The screen may lose power and fail to display the rearview camera image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of…
- 26V548000Aug 25, 2026Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Hard parts internal/mechanicalCovers: Ford Ranger 2026, Explorer 2026, Bronco 2026 +2 more
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.
- 26V343000May 27, 2026Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Hard parts internal/mechanicalCovers: Ford Ranger 2025–2026, Explorer 2025–2026, Bronco 2025–2026
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.
- 26V335000May 26, 2026Equipment › Other › LabelsCovers: Ford Ranger 2026, Bronco 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Ranger and Bronco vehicles. The vehicle specifications listed on the tire placard and safety certification labels may be incorrect, including the VIN, capacity weight, seating capacity, front and rear gross…
- 26V268000Apr 28, 2026Seats › Critical fastenersCovers: Ford Ranger 2024–2026, Bronco 2024–2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Ranger and Bronco vehicles. The front seats may have a loose or dislodged seat frame height-adjust pivot bolt.
- 26V238000Apr 14, 2026Structure › Interior panels › Sun visorCovers: Ford Ranger 2024–2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Ranger vehicles. The sun visor or headliner wiring harnesses may be improperly positioned or have excessive tape thickness, which can result in damaged wires.
See all 8 recalls for the 2026 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. 22 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11038440Oct 8, 2026Other or unknown, Engine. Some 2020-2026 Aviator/Explorer/F-150/Bronco/Ranger vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or 3.0L (non-diesel) engine may need the front engine cover removed and reinstalled for various reasons.
- 11037419Sep 16, 2026Electrical system, Other or unknown. Quality improvements include: -Addresses a bug that may cause updates to fail
- 11037290Sep 9, 2026Electrical system, Other or unknown. Quality improvements include: -ePrivacy enhancements
- 11036529Aug 25, 2026Body and structure, Electrical system, Other or unknown. Some of the following vehicles: * 2023-2025 F-Super Duty built on or before 02-Feb-2025 * 2024-2026 Ranger/Bronco/Mustang * 2024-2025 F-150 built on or before 15-Jul-2025 * 2024-2025 Nautilus built…
- 11036530Aug 22, 2026Other or unknown, Seats. For Various Ford and Lincoln vehicles, if diagnostics lead to the replacement of the front seat cushion cover J-clips, lower-level service parts are now available. Use service part W709919-S901 if…
- 11036309Aug 13, 2026Electrical system, Other or unknown, Engine. This bulletin supersedes 26-2301. Reason for update: to update the Pinpoint Tests referenced in Step 1. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may require the replacement of the…
- 11035232Jul 27, 2026Transmission and drivetrain, Electrical system. Some 2025-2026 Bronco/Ranger vehicles may exhibit an illuminated powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P2122, P2123, P2127, P2128, and/or P2138 stored in the…
- 11035269Jul 23, 2026Electrical system, Fuel system, Other or unknown. Some 2021-2026 Ford/Lincoln vehicles may exhibit various symptoms including but not limited to the auto start/stop system not operating as intended with a "Check Charging System" message in the…
- 11035106Jul 20, 2026Other or unknown, Electrical system. Some 2025-2026 Bronco/Bronco Sport/Corsair/F-150/F-Super Duty/Maverick/Mustang/Mustang Mach-E/Ranger vehicles may exhibit a no audio/sound condition. This may be due to the software in the audio…
- 11034223Jun 30, 2026Transmission and drivetrain, Electrical system. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may require the replacement of the ambient air temperature sensor for various concerns. DTCs P0071, P0072, and/or P0073 may be present in the…
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 2026 Ford Ranger have?
NHTSA recorded 9 consumer complaints for the 2026 Ford Ranger as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2026 Ford Ranger is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 3 complaints (33% of the total), followed by brakes with 2.
Has the 2026 Ford Ranger been recalled?
NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2026 Ford Ranger do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2026 Ford Ranger 4 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 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 2026 Ford Ranger get?
The EPA rates the 2026 Ford Ranger (Ranger 2WD, 2.3L 4-cyl) at 23 mpg combined, 21 city and 25 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 2026 Ford Ranger reported?
Among the 1 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 32 miles and the middle half falls between 32 and 32 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 29, 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.