Summary
The Ford Ranger has 102 recalls spanning 1983 through the 2026 model year, with the most serious recent issue being a 2024–2026 wiring defect in the sun visor and headliner area where damaged wires can cause a fire in the A-pillar, and a separate 2024–2025 front upper control arm ball joint that can detach from the steering knuckle and cause sudden loss of steering control.
The current generation (2024–2026) carries a heavy recall load. On the fuel side, 2024 models have two separate issues: a fuel vapor line bracket that can wear through the vapor line and leak fuel, and improperly torqued high-pressure fuel pump bolts that can also produce a fuel leak, both with fire potential near an ignition source. The 2024–2026 seat frames may have a loose or missing height-adjust pivot bolt that prevents the seat from properly restraining an occupant in a crash, and 2024–2026 side curtain airbags can tear against the B-pillar reinforcement during deployment, reducing ejection protection. On 2025 models, the instrument panel top cover can block the passenger airbag from deploying correctly, and the driver's seat mounting bolts may be missing or loose, allowing the seat to shift or detach in a crash. There is also a 2025 electronic brake booster that can drop into failsafe mode and sharply increase the pedal force required to stop, extending stopping distances. A separate 2025 software issue left instrument cluster warning lights and gauges — including forward collision, traction control, and fuel level — non-functional. The 2024 power window global-close feature can fail to reverse when it detects an obstruction, pinching an occupant.
Going back to the 2022 model year, improperly bonded windshields can separate from the body in a crash, and loose fuel line connections on 2.3L engines can leak fuel. The 2023 model year has a wheel lug nut tightening issue on the driver's side that can lead to wheel detachment while driving.
The 2019–2021 generation has its own cluster of issues. The HVAC blower motor on 2019 models can short circuit and cause a fire, and a replacement motor installed under an earlier repair had the same flaw, requiring a second fix. The 2019 transmission shifter cable bracket can loosen and leave the truck in a different gear than indicated, creating rollaway risk if the driver exits without applying the parking brake; a related issue on the same year allows the shifter to be moved out of Park without the key or brake pedal. The 2019–2021 Super Cab front passenger seat belt can be misrouted and fail to restrain an occupant properly. The 2021 model year has a misaligned adaptive cruise control radar module that can cause the truck to follow too closely and delay automatic emergency braking. The 2020 model year has rear child seat lower anchors that may not be correctly positioned, and the fixed head restraints can interfere with taller child seats.
The 2004–2006 model years are dominated by Takata airbag inflator recalls. Both the driver and passenger frontal inflators on these trucks can rupture under excessive pressure during deployment, sending metal fragments into the cabin. Multiple repair attempts were made over the years, and some replacement inflators were installed incorrectly, requiring further correction. The 2009 model year (4x2 only) has front wheel spindles that can fatigue and fracture, allowing
