NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's side air bag inflator may explode. This can happen when the propellant degrades after prolonged exposure to high heat, humidity, and temperature changes.
This page covers 5 recalls, 234 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2011 Ford Ranger.
16–17 mpg combined
13.8–14.7 L/100km
Small Pickup Trucks 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
The 2011 Ford Ranger, a US-market vehicle, received the following NHTSA New Car Assessment Program ratings. Overall crashworthiness was rated 2 of 5 stars. In frontal crash testing, the Ranger earned 2 of 5 stars. Side crash protection was rated 3 of 5 stars, while rollover resistance received 3 of 5 stars. Side pole crash testing resulted in 1 of 5 stars. These NHTSA ratings apply to the 2011 model year until a redesign occurs.
2/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Airbag complaints dominate the 2011 Ford Ranger's complaint record by a wide margin, making up the vast majority of what owners report. The most common thread is the airbag warning light illuminating unexpectedly, sometimes with dealers diagnosing a need for airbag replacement and the problem recurring after the repair. A number of owners also report receiving notification about an airbag remedy but encountering difficulty getting the work completed. A smaller cluster of complaints involves exterior lighting, where owners describe the high-beam and multifunction switch assembly overheating and failing, resulting in loss of headlights and wipers simultaneously. Structural complaints are few and don't form a clear pattern. The recurring airbag warning light, sometimes returning even after a dealer visit, is the most consistent symptom owners describe across this model year.
234
Total Complaints
9
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
5
With Injuries
By System
The 2011 Ford Ranger has 5 recalls, all centered on the same critical issue: Takata airbag inflators on both the driver and passenger sides that can explode and send metal fragments into the cabin, causing serious injury or death.
These recalls cover the same underlying defect across multiple filings. The airbag inflators, particularly those exposed to prolonged heat and humidity over time, can rupture violently when the airbag deploys in a crash. Rather than cushioning occupants, the inflator itself becomes the hazard, fragmenting and projecting metal shrapnel at the driver and front passenger at high speed. Some filings specifically flag vehicles registered or sold in high-heat, high-humidity states and territories, where the inflator propellant degrades faster. There is also a related filing covering replacement inflator parts that may have been installed during prior collision repairs, meaning a vehicle that was previously in a crash and had its airbag serviced could be carrying a defective replacement unit rather than a safe one. Both front seating positions are affected across the various filings, so neither the driver nor the front passenger is excluded from risk.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's side air bag inflator may explode. This can happen when the propellant degrades after prolonged exposure to high heat, humidity, and temperature changes.
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 3 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver-side airbag inflator or module with a new one at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver or passenger front air bag inflator may explode due to propellant breakdown after prolonged exposure to high humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the air bag module and replace the module or inflator if needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Certain replacement air bag inflators and modules may explode. Propellant inside can degrade after prolonged exposure to high humidity, temperature, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Ford dealers will replace affected parts free of charge. Contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332 for service.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode due to propellant breaking down after prolonged exposure to humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may rupture during a crash due to propellant breakdown from long-term exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator at no cost once parts become available.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.