NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls and 119 owner complaints for the 2021 Ford Ranger. Most complaints involve power train (60) and service brakes (14). The EPA rates it 18–23 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
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."
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Ranger model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 430 |
| 1997 | 427 |
| 1998 | 597 |
| 1999 | 785 |
| 2000 | 729 |
| 2001 | 558 |
| 2002 | 389 |
| 2003 | 243 |
| 2004 | 405 |
| 2005 | 289 |
| 2006 | 272 |
| 2007 | 270 |
| 2008 | 326 |
| 2009 | 169 |
| 2010 | 164 |
| 2011 | 235 |
| 2019 | 272 |
| 2020 | 130 |
| 2021 | 119 |
| 2022 | 38 |
| 2023 | 19 |
| 2024 | 97 |
| 2025 | 45 |
| 2026 | 0 |
“I am reporting a potential drivetrain safety defect involving the rear driveshaft bearing on my 2021 Ford Ranger FX4 Lariat. On September 3, 2025, I brought my truck to Larry H. Miller Ford Lakewood after experiencing an intermittent abnormal whistling/mechanical noise while driving. The vehicle had 38,275 miles and was still under warranty. Ford retained it until September 6 but could not reproduce or diagnose the noise. This is documented on service invoice #415969. The noise continued and progressively worsened, eventually accompanied by increased vibration. In early July 2026, an independent repair shop identified a rear driveshaft problem and recommended replacement. I returned to Ford on July 15, 2026, where the rear driveshaft bearing issue was subsequently confirmed. Dealership personnel, including the service technician and service department director, advised that the vehicle was unsafe for my intended highway use. I am concerned that continued operation, particularly at highway speeds, could result in further drivetrain deterioration, loss of propulsion, or other dangerous consequences affecting myself and other motorists. Despite the original…”
“During low speed driving, mainly stop and go traffic the truck will randomly lunge forward when the brake pedal is engaged. It happens when accelerating and the truck will shift in to second gear, then if you apply the brake the truck will act like it is going to stall, the engine rpm will spike and the truck will launch forward. If you dont force the brake pedal to the floor, the truck will continue to accelerate, potentially slamming into another vehicle. This has happened multiple times, the dealer has rebuilt the transmission and that fixed the issue for the last 6-8k miles. the issue has returned and the truck is back at the dealership for diagnostics. This is becoming a serious safety concern and the potential that someone gets hurt grows every day. I have seen other complaints on the internet about this same issue in trucks with the same transmission.”
“Vehicle is just out of warranty and has less than 45,000 miles yet I'm being told I need a full transmission replacement. I know of 4 other rangers that as soon as they hit 40,000 or there about, began having jerky transmission issues. I reached out to ford for a goodwill request and am being told that I have to pay to have the transmission disassembled just to see IF they will pay for anything to be fixed. Is this not planned obsolesence?”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ranger 2WD Auto (S10), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 | 26 | 23 | $2,800 | 387 |
| Ranger 4WD Auto (S10), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 20 | 24 | 22 | $2,900 | 404 |
| Ranger Tremor 4WD Auto (S10), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 19 | 19 | 19 | $3,400 | 462 |
| Ranger 2WD Incomplete Auto (S10), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 18 | 18 | $3,550 | 486 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
6 safety recalls as of Nov 6, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 119 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (60), service brakes (14), engine (13). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2021 Ford Ranger at 18–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2021 Ford Ranger 4 out of 5 stars overall.