Wheels: lugs
Park It: do not driveFree remedy
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Bronco and Ranger vehicles. The lug nuts on the driver's side wheels may have been improperly tightened.
Research · Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD · 3 NHTSA variants
2023 Ford RangerRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 19 owner complaints for the 2023 Ford Ranger. Most complaints involve power train (5) and engine (3). The EPA rates it 19–23 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
Combined MPG
19–23mpg
EPA · 5 versions
NHTSA overall
4of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
4campaigns
Latest Oct 2025
Owner complaints
19
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$2,800est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
4 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN
Equipment: engine block heater
Remedy pending
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.
Back over prevention: software
Free remedy
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.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 5, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
19 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jul 2023 – Nov 2026
- Power train5
- Engine3
- Electrical system2
- Vehicle speed control2
- Service brakes2
- Air bags2
- Fuel system, gasoline1
- Lane departure1
- Suspension1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
By model year
Complaints for each Ranger model year we’ve synced.
View as table
| 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 |
- Crashes reported
- 2
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Deaths reported
- 0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 5, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Power train
5 reports1 fire
“The contact owns a 2023 Ford Ranger. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated to 40 MPH, and the vehicle then shifted into 4WD-Low independently. As a result of the failure, the vehicle dramatically decelerated and skidded to a complete stop. The 4WD warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who observed water damage to the fuse box which caused electrical failures. The contact was informed that the fuse box needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 10,000.”
Engine
3 reports
“Appx 73000 Miles truck developed shudder (felt like transmission jumping gears) under moderate acceleration. Gently Drove home, no other shudder. Called dealer who said to drive it in. Noted a missfire warning on phone app, also stated to gently drive to dealer. On way dealer up hill at ~60 mph (on 70mph freeway) shudder returned, slowed to 55mph, heard spark plug(s) eject and much louder noises. Stopped and had towed to dealer (tow truck drove onto roll back.. very noisy, dealer stated sounded terrible when drove into shop. Engine repair quoted at ~10k (disassembly,machine, sleeve cyinders, new parts) Ford extended warranty refused claim.”
Electrical system
2 reports
“Received safety recall 25S72 sync software and had repaired in Feb. 2026. Same issue has already resurfaced. Many issues are related to this. Sync software affects B/U camera, Ford pass will not work, phones will not sync, internal components will not work properly. IE: Radio, etc. Was repaired during warranty period but now a few weeks out of warranty and dealer will not repair again without a healthy charge. I just wanted to report since initial repair failed again so quickly. Thanks”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 5, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
5 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD, Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD
- Engines
- 2.3L 4-cyl turbo
- Transmissions
- Automatic (S10)
- Drive
- Rear-Wheel Drive · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 5, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ranger 2WD Auto (S10), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo, SIDI & PFI; with Stop-start · Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 | 26 | 23 | $2,800 | 387 |
| Ranger 2WD Auto (S10), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo, SIDI & PFI · Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 26 | 22 | $2,900 | 397 |
| Ranger 4WD Auto (S10), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo, SIDI & PFI; with Stop-start · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 20 | 24 | 22 | $2,900 | 410 |
| Ranger 4WD Auto (S10), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo, SIDI & PFI · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 19 | 24 | 21 | $3,050 | 420 |
| Ranger Tremor 4WD Auto (S10), 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 19 | 19 | 19 | $3,400 | 471 |
- 23mpg comb.
- 22mpg comb.
- 22mpg comb.
- 21mpg comb.
- 19mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 5, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
4 tested variants
Overall rating
4/ 5
4 of 5Ford Ranger (Super Cab) PU/EC 4WD
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 3 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 25.6%
Overall
4 / 5
Ford Ranger (Super Cab) PU/EC RWD
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 3 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 29.2%
Overall
4 / 5
Ford Ranger (Super Crew) PU/CC 4WD
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 3 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 25.6%
Overall
4 / 5
Ford Ranger (Super Crew) PU/CC RWD
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 3 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 29.2%
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| 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 |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2023 Ranger questions
How many recalls does the 2023 Ford Ranger have?
4 safety recalls as of Nov 5, 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.
What are the most common 2023 Ford Ranger problems?
Owners filed 19 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (5), engine (3), electrical system (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2023 Ford Ranger get?
The EPA rates the 2023 Ford Ranger at 19–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (5 versions rated).
How safe is the 2023 Ford Ranger?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2023 Ford Ranger 4 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 5, 2026