NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
The engine block heater can crack and leak coolant. When plugged in, the leaked coolant may cause an electrical short circuit.
What the fix does
This page covers 8 recalls, 97 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2021 Ford Ranger.
22 mpg combined
10.7 L/100km
Standard 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.
Powertrain complaints dominate the 2021 Ranger, with transmission behavior driving the bulk of reports. Owners frequently describe harsh or delayed gear engagement, particularly when accelerating from a stop, where the truck can hesitate between first and second gear before lurching into the next ratio. More serious reports involve sudden, unintended downshifts at highway speeds, owners describe the transmission dropping several gears at once while cruising, accompanied by transmission fault codes. Several owners report complete transmission failure requiring a full overhaul or replacement. Brake complaints are the second most-reported system, though the narratives in this set are limited. A smaller cluster of engine complaints describes a whining or humming noise during acceleration in lower gears that fades when the driver lifts off the throttle, with no accompanying power loss or abnormal shifting.
97
Total Complaints
6
Crash-Related
3
Fire-Related
4
With Injuries
By System
The 2021 Ford Ranger has 8 recalls, the most serious being a cracked engine block heater that can leak coolant and short-circuit when plugged in, raising the risk of a fire.
Two recalls address the adaptive cruise control radar, which can be misaligned or otherwise faulty, causing the vehicle to follow other cars too closely and potentially delaying automatic emergency braking in a crash situation. On the restraint side, certain Super Cab models have a front passenger seatbelt that may have been misrouted during assembly and could fail to properly restrain an occupant in a crash. Also on Super Cab models with fixed rear head restraints, certain child seats may not install correctly or attach properly to the lower anchors, reducing protection in a crash. The rearview camera on some vehicles can display a blank image when reversing, cutting off the driver's view behind the vehicle. Two recalls cover the tire and loading information label, which lists incorrect weight limits and could lead owners to unknowingly overload the vehicle.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine block heater can crack and leak coolant. When plugged in, the leaked coolant may cause an electrical short circuit.
What the fix does
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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 →
The dealer will replace the block heater at no cost, or install a blanking plug and remove the heater cord.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image or fail to clear the image after backing up.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the rearview camera software at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The tire and loading information label shows incorrect maximum weight limits for occupants and cargo due to calculation or data entry errors, risking vehicle overloading.
What the fix does
Ford will mail a corrected tire and loading information label. Ford dealers can install it free if requested.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The Tire and Loading Information label on your vehicle shows an incorrect weight limit, which could lead to overloading the vehicle.
What the fix does
Ford will mail you a replacement label to cover the old one, or you can visit a Ford or Lincoln dealer to have it installed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front radar module for adaptive cruise control may be misaligned, causing the vehicle to follow other vehicles too closely and potentially delaying or preventing the pre-collision assist and automatic emergency braking systems from detecting and responding to crashes.
What the fix does
A dealer will adjust the angle of the cruise control radar module to restore proper function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The cruise control radar module is misaligned from the factory, which can affect how the cruise control system works.
What the fix does
Dealers will adjust the radar module angle at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger seat belt may not be properly assembled, causing it to be routed incorrectly and potentially fail to protect occupants in a crash.
What the fix does
Ford will send inspection instructions. Dealers will inspect and replace front seat belts as needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Fixed head restraints may block proper child seat installation, and the lower rear anchors may not align correctly, preventing secure attachment of certain child seats.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and adjust the rear lower anchors for correct alignment, then replace the fixed head restraints with removable ones at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
