Worst 2021 Ford Ranger Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Brakes
Engine Problems
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2021 Ford Ranger.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 42 | 2 | 1 | 72,750 mi | |
| Brakes | 13 | — | — | 16,486 mi | |
| Engine Problems | 12 | — | — | 11,476 mi | |
| Fuel System | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 6 | 2 | 1 | 35,600 mi | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 6 | 2 | — | 41,000 mi | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Body Structure | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbags | 2 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Backup Camera | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Engine & Cooling | 2 | — | 1 | — | |
| Forward-Collision Avoidance Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure: Warning | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Structure:Body:Door | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Defects | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention: Warnings | 1 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Electrical System:Adas:Autonomous/Self Driving | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control:Crankcase (Pcv) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | 1 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings | 1 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance:Software:Pedestrian/Cyclist/Object/Obstacle/ Recognition | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Pedals And Linkages | 1 | — | — | — |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Ford Ranger. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2021 Ford Ranger
6 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~374,997 vehicles.
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 crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
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 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
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 such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Ranger and Bronco vehicles. The cruise control radar module was misaligned during production.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Ford Ranger Super Cab vehicles. The front passenger outboard seat belt may not have been assembled properly, allowing the seat belt to be misrouted. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 208, "Occupant Crash Protection" and 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Ranger Super Cab vehicles equipped with rear seats containing fixed head restraints. The fixed head restraints may interfere with proper installation of certain types of child seats. Additionally, the child seat may not attach properly to the lower-rear anchors. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage System."
Other Ford Ranger Years
2021 Ford Ranger — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2021 Ford Ranger reliable?
What are common problems with the 2021 Ford Ranger?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Ford Ranger?
How safe is the 2021 Ford Ranger?
Does the 2021 Ford Ranger have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2021 Ford Ranger?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full Ford Ranger reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2021 Ford Ranger
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
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