Problems · by component

2024 Ford Ranger power train problems

40 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2024 Ford Ranger cite power train, 41% of all 97 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 1 recall on this component.

Complaints
40
41% of all complaints
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the power train

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“When turning right around a corner with speed the throttle cuts out and there is no response from throttle input. This is very unsafe when you can not control the power input if you need to avoid something in the road. It is an intermittent problem with no dash warning lights, so I have not brought it to the dealer yet. This seem like it is a problem with the Ranger but nod tsb's found.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 2, 2026Power trainODI 11775046
“While driving a 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor at approximately 40 mph under normal road conditions, the vehicle experienced a sudden and uncommanded drive-mode failure. Without any driver interaction with the center console GOAT mode dial, the truck spontaneously began cycling through drive modes and attempted to engage the 4-wheel drive system. The driver's instrument cluster displayed a warning message stating "Stop to go to 4L," indicating that the vehicle's computer module was actively trying to shift the transfer case into 4-Wheel Drive Low while traveling at highway speeds. While the vehicle's digital electronic guardrails successfully blocked the physical shift into 4-Low due to the vehicle's current velocity, the uncommanded shift command represents a severe safety hazard. If the software safety parameters fail to block an unprompted 4-Low shift at these speeds, it could cause catastrophic mechanical failure, instantaneous drivetrain lockup, or an immediate loss of vehicle control. This is a known issue within the owner community that requires an official investigation to determine if a manufacturing defect exists in the All-Terrain Control Module (ATCM) or…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 26, 2026Power train, Electrical systemODI 11773608
“The contact owns a 2024 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the transmission independently shifted. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road, and the vehicle was turned off. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle started. The contact stated that while driving, the transmission independently reset. The vehicle was driven to the residence. In addition, the contact stated that the failure occurred while the contact was on vacation in Nova Scotia. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with ABS failure. The contact was informed that the ABS needed replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the failure was a known failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 21, 2026Power trainODI 11772768
“The contact owns a 2024 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and turning in either direction, an abnormal sound was heard coming from under the rear of the vehicle, and the vehicle shuddered. The contact expressed safety concerns that the failure could leave the vehicle stranded in an intersection. An appointment was scheduled with the dealer to inspect the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,500.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 13, 2026Power trainODI 11770746
“The vehicle intermittently changes its drive mode on its own, with no input from the driver. This has happened approximately 6 to 12 times. It occurs in two situations. While stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle has switched itself into Rock Crawl mode, and on other occasions into Baja mode. During at least one Rock Crawl event I believe the rear differential locker engaged, though I did not photograph the cluster to confirm it. The vehicle has also attempted to change drive modes while driving on the highway at speed. When it happens, the drive mode change animation appears in the instrument cluster. If I notice it immediately I can manually reselect Normal mode before the new mode fully engages. If I do not catch it in time, the mode engages. Safety risk: an unrequested change into Rock Crawl or Baja alters throttle mapping, transmission shift scheduling, traction and stability control calibration, and driveline configuration, and in Rock Crawl potentially the differential lockers. A mode engaging while stopped and then pulling into traffic, or the system attempting a mode change at highway speed, produces a loss of expected vehicle handling and response.…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 12, 2026Power train, Electrical systemODI 11770521
“On 10/05/2026 at about 35 mph, driving on a normal street in good weather, for no apparent reason... my 2024 Ranger Raptor decided to auto change to all other driving modes, one after another (i.e. 2High then All wheel drive then 4High and then tried 4Low, all on its own. Thankfully the computer wouldn't allow it to drop into 4L without first stopping, else may have been an accident or truck damage! Also, now that this glitch has stopped (at least for the time being), at any speed below 20mph, the 4 wheel drive icon on the instrument cluster turns yellow and any speed over 30, it goes back off to normal gray. And I believe it's actually engaging 4 wheel drive, even though it still indicates 2H. Definitely taking it to the dealer ASAP.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 6, 2026Power train, EngineODI 11769306

Showing 6 of 40 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 5, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

1 recall on this component

Power train: fluid

Free remedy

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, Bronco, 2024 Ranger, 2025 Mustang, Explorer, and Aviator vehicles. The transmission valve body may have been machined incorrectly, which can cause reverse gear failure, or unexpected forward movement in reverse or neutral gear.

Power trainReported Mar 14, 2025NHTSA 25V164000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 5, 2026

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

Other 2024 Ranger problem areas