Common Problems with the Ford Ranger

Charlotte Phillips, 7 days ago

3 min read

  • Ford
  • Common problems
Ford ranger

FixMyCar discusses common problems with the Ford Ranger and average repair costs.

First introduced in 1982 to the United States and Canada, the Ford Ranger debuted as a compact pickup. Since then, the popular model from the American auto manufacturer has undergone three generations and several facelifts in appearance, with the model being redeveloped in 2019 as a mid-size pickup with great success.

Despite being a highly-selling model over the years, some drivers have experienced some issues with the model. Some of the common problems with the Ford Ranger include:

Some of these issues have led to Ford announcing recalls on the affected Ranger models, which you can find in the table below.

Ford Ranger recent recalls

Ford Ranger transmission problems

Ford Ranger engine problems

Ford Ranger fuel injector problems

Ford Ranger reliability


Ford Ranger recent recalls

Affected model datesIssue
02/06/2020 - 23/07/20Front right wheel axle may crack, which could affect the stability of the compononent and may damage steering
01/09/18 - 31/05/19Heavy loading could cause the rear differential to fail
01/12/16 - 28/02/19Rear silencer may detach from the exhaust pipe creating an accident risk
01/01/04-31/12/06Gas generator on front airbag may be defective which could cause uncontrolled inflation

Ford Ranger transmission problems

The most widely reported problem with the Ford Ranger is with the model's transmission system. Many drivers of the Ford Ranger have noted issues with the automatic transmission, with problems being so prevalent that a number of recalls on the model have been announced on both older and newer models. Some of the symptoms of this problem include transmission fluid leaks, problems in changing gears, a slipping or dragging clutch, and a burning smell in your car.

If you’ve noticed any of these symptoms, it’s likely that you’re having problems with your Ford Ranger’s transmission. With the help of a trained mechanic, they will be able to diagnose the exact fault with your transmission system and repair it for you.

The average quote for an automatic transmission diagnostic on the Ford Ranger is £127.79 when booked through FixMyCar.


Ford Ranger engine problems

Some drivers have also experienced problems with the engine on their Ford Ranger. It can be difficult to diagnose the exact problem with your car's engine by yourself, as many of the symptoms of different engine problems can be very similar. These symptoms commonly include the check engine light illuminating, a smoking exhaust, frequent overheating, and decreased fuel economy just to name a few. That’s why it’s crucial that you get the fault checked out by a specialist as soon as possible.

The average quote for an engine repair on the Ford Ranger is £347.08 when booked through FixMyCar.


Ford Ranger fuel injector problems

Another commonly reported problem drivers have experienced with the Ford Ranger is with the model’s fuel injector. The most common symptoms of a faulty fuel injector are a misfiring engine, the check engine light illuminating, and rough idling.

These problems are most commonly caused by your fuel injector becoming clogged or dirty, and the symptoms can feel very similar to those of a faulty fuel pump or fuel filter. That’s why it’s so important that a trained specialist checks out your car for you to diagnose the problem correctly.

Luckily if you do have this problem, a fuel injector replacement is relatively inexpensive.

The average quote for a fuel injector replacement on the Ford Ranger is £244.69 when booked with FixMyCar.

Ford Ranger

Is the Ford Ranger reliable?

The Ford Ranger was designed to be an extremely tough and sturdy vehicle, with the model securing five out of five stars in the Euro NCAP 2012 crash test, being the first pickup to achieve this top score with the model’s previous 2008 review achieving just two out of five stars.

Despite this however, Ford placed a disappointing 25th out of 29 places in Car Buyer’s 2021 Driver Power survey for car brands. This might suggest that the automaker still has large room for improvement with drivers.


Having problems with your Ford Ranger? Here at FixMyCar, we can help you find a trusted garage for the best price

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