Problems · NHTSA complaints

2022 Ford Ranger problems

Owners filed 38 complaints about the 2022 Ford Ranger with NHTSA between Feb 2022 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is power train (17).

Complaints
38
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
99
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Power train17
  2. Electrical system9
  3. Engine6
  4. Vehicle speed control3
  5. Seats2
  6. Visibility/wiper2
  7. Exterior lighting2
  8. Service brakes2
  9. Forward collision avoidance1
  10. Engine and engine cooling1
  11. Steering1
  12. Tires1
  13. Visibility1
  14. Fuel/propulsion system1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 5, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20225
202310
20248
20256
20269

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Power train

17 reports
“Vehicle was placed into Ford’s Neutral Tow mode according to the owner’s manual before being recreationally towed behind a motorhome. The instrument cluster displayed Ford’s confirmation that Neutral Tow was enabled and the vehicle was ready for four-wheel-down towing. The transmission failure occurred during the second day of towing. After highway travel, the transmission severely overheated, expelled transmission fluid and lost all ability to move in forward or reverse. Diagnostic code P0218, transmission over-temperature, was present. Neutral Tow was no longer enabled when the vehicle was subsequently checked. The Ford dealer states that the vehicle does not retain logs confirming whether Neutral Tow was enabled or remained enabled. Ford’s GSB 22-7086 directs the dealer to inspect for transmission damage associated with the drivetrain being rotated during recreational towing. However, the resulting damage cannot establish whether the owner failed to activate Neutral Tow or whether Ford’s electronically controlled Neutral Tow system confirmed activation and later failed to maintain the required mechanical state. The fact that the vehicle was successfully…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 29, 2026Power trainODI 11753520

Electrical system

9 reports
“A recall for a block heater was active. They removed the part and they never call back to install the new part. As of now my truck does not have an engine block heater. I emailed and called them and no answers from them. The Sheehy ford at Gaithersburg.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 22, 2026Electrical system, EngineODI 11773050

Engine

6 reports
“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Inspection available if needed. The ignition coils and spark plugs failed due to Ford’s negligence to provide an engine cover. Water has gotten in to the engine and caused these systems to fail How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The engine violently shakes and causes you to lose speed. I was going 20 under the limit on the highway due to this and could have caused an accident. The vehicle felt as if it was shutting off and I got off at the next available exit. It placed my family at risk and others as it could have caused a bad accident if someone would have rear ended me due to the slow speed. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, this is a known issue and Ford refuses to repair the vehicle and advises it is out of pocket. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The vehicle has been inspected by a repair facility. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 2, 2026Electrical system, EngineODI 11715118

Vehicle speed control

3 reports
“While driving my 2022 Ford Ranger, the transmission failed to engage Drive. I started my morning as usual, letting the vehicle warm up and the RPMs settle before leaving my neighborhood. As I pulled onto the main road, the truck began acting strangely—I noticed it wasn’t accelerating normally and felt constant gear shifting without gaining speed. To avoid blocking traffic, I pulled over at a local store and shifted into Park. When I tried to shift back into Drive, the transmission would not engage. Pressing the gas felt like the truck was in Neutral. I turned the vehicle off for about a minute and restarted it, but the same issue occurred. I then called my local dealer, who suggested using Sport mode and manually selecting gear 2. This worked, and I was able to drive home safely since I was only about a minute away. After that, I contacted the warranty company and arranged for a tow. Component/System: Transmission Safety Risk: Loss of acceleration on a main road created a risk of collision with other vehicles. Reproduced/Confirmed: UNKNOWN until December 15th if the issue has been reproduced or confirmed by the dealer. Inspection: Dealer is scheduled to inspect…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 4, 2025Power train, Vehicle speed controlODI 11702974

Seats

2 reports
“I have developed severe chronic neck and back pain due to the shape and position of the headrests in this vehicle (as well as my wife’s 2024 Hyundai Kona). There is no position that does no cause pain, and I am forced to remove them entirely, or lean forward and not use them, causing a lack of support and different muscle tension. This has been confirmed by my physical therapist. Due to NHTSA requirements, I cannot buy a newer vehicle that does not cause this condition, nor even purchase aftermarket replacements. Being forced to drive without a headrest at all is much more dangerous than having a comfortable option. I have to drive a lot to work and shop because I live in the mountains. Please help. I’m one of millions with this problem.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 10, 2026SeatsODI 11710143

Visibility/wiper

2 reports
“Wiper arm stops working or stays in up position. Intermittent issue.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 6, 2026Electrical system, Visibility/wiperODI 11709077
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 5, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.