2025 Ford Ranger problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Power Train (14) · Vehicle Speed Control (5) · Service Brakes (5)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Ford Ranger model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
Safety recalls (13)
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:hard Parts Internal/Mechanical 2026-05-27 · campaign 26V343000 · 1,536 vehicles
Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Explorer, Ranger, and Bronco vehicles. The engine may fail, which can result in a loss of drive power.
Risk: A sudden loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the engine long block, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 23, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S35. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 28, 2026.
Seats:critical Fasteners 2026-04-28 · campaign 26V268000 · 179,698 vehicles
Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Ranger and Bronco vehicles. The front seats may have a loose or dislodged seat frame height-adjust pivot bolt.
Risk: A seat with a dislodged bolt may not properly restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the pivot links and bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 26S30. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning April 30, 2026.
Structure:interior Panels:sun Visor 2026-04-14 · campaign 26V238000 · 140,201 vehicles
Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Ranger vehicles. The sun visor or headliner wiring harnesses may be improperly positioned or have excessive tape thickness, which can result in damaged wires.
Risk: Damaged wires can create an electrical short and cause a fire in the A-pillar area, increasing the risk of injury or a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the wiring for damage and update the body control module software. Damaged wiring harnesses will be replaced as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. This will be a Phased campaign. Phase 1 will include 2025 model year vehicles. Owners will be notified by mail the week of 5/31/2026. Phase 2 will include 2026 model year vehicles and Phase 3 will include 2024 model year vehicles. Owners will be notified by mail the week of 6/29/2026 for Phase 2 and the week
Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:gas Recirculation Valve (Egr Valve) 2026-03-03 · campaign 26V122000 · 47,804 vehicles
Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Ranger, Lincoln Nautilus, Mustang, Maverick, Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Corsair, Bronco Sport, and Bronco vehicles. The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve may fail, resulting in an unexpected loss of drive power.
Risk: An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the EGR valves, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 31, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S10. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 4, 2026.
Electrical System: Integrated Trailer Brake Control 2026-02-20 · campaign 26V104000 · 4,381,878 vehicles
Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 F-150, 2022-2026 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, Maverick, 2024-2026 Ranger, 2023-2026 F-600 SD, 2022-2027 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, and 2026 E-Transit vehicles. When towing a trailer, the integrated trailer module (ITRM) may lose communication with the vehicle, possibly causing a loss of brake and turn signal lights, or a loss of brake function. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Veh
Risk: Trailer lights or brakes that do not function can reduce the driver’s ability to control the trailer and decrease the trailers visibility to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: The integrated trailer module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 25, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C10. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning March 17, 2026.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:electric:control Module 2025-12-01 · campaign 25V823000 · 679 vehicles
Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Lincoln Navigator, F-150, Expedition, Bronco, and Ranger vehicles. The Electronic Brake Booster (EBB) module may malfunction while driving or when the driver is utilizing an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) feature, resulting in a loss of power brake assist.
Risk: An unexpected loss of power brake assist while driving can extend stopping distance and increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, a loss of power brake assist while ADAS features are engaged can result in the vehicle not braking as expected, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the electronic brake booster, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 26, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SD4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 3, 2025.
Visibility:windshield 2025-10-10 · campaign 25V683000 · 9 vehicles
Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Bronco and Ranger vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 212, "Windshield Mounting."
Risk: In the event of a crash, windshield detachment can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will remove and replace the windshield, free charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 20, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C52. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 14, 2025.
Air Bags:frontal 2025-10-09 · campaign 25V678000 · 405 vehicles
Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Ranger vehicles. The instrument panel top cover may prevent the passenger air bag from deploying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the instrument panel assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 26, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C54. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 14, 2025.
Air Bags:side/Window:curtain 2025-08-22 · campaign 25V541000 · 100,900 vehicles
Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Ranger vehicles. The side curtain air bags may contact the B-Pillar inner reinforcements and tear during deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 226, "Ejection Mitigation."
Risk: Air bags that deploy improperly during a crash increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will install protective shields, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 26, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C41.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:electric:control Module:software 2025-07-25 · campaign 25V488000 · 312,120 vehicles
Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Lincoln Navigator, F-150, Expedition, Bronco, and Ranger vehicles. The Electronic Brake Booster (EBB) module may malfunction while driving or when the driver is utilizing an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) feature, resulting in a loss of power brake assist.
Risk: An unexpected loss of power brake assist while driving can extend stopping distance and increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, a loss of power brake assist while ADAS features are engaged can result in the vehicle not braking as expected, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: The EBB module software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S77.
Electrical System:software 2025-06-13 · campaign 25V399000 · 45 vehicles
Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Ranger trucks. The instrument panel was not properly configured, preventing many of the the warning lights or gauges from properly displaying. This includes forward collision warnings, auto emergency braking, traction control, roll stability, and other gauges. The fuel gauge, distance to empty, and fuel economy may also not show accurately. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard num
Risk: An instrument panel that does not clearly display critical safety information increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the instrument panel software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 29, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Fords number for this recall is 25C23.
Suspension:front:control Arm:upper Ball Joint 2025-05-09 · campaign 25V310000 · 4,497 vehicles
Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Bronco and Ranger vehicles. The front upper control arm ball joint fastener may be missing or tightened improperly, allowing the front upper control arm to detach from the knuckle assembly.
Risk: A detached control arm can cause a loss of vehicle steering and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten, or replace the ball joint fastener as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 23, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S45.
Seats:critical Fasteners 2025-05-09 · campaign 25V311000 · 46 vehicles
Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Ranger and Bronco vehicles. The bolts that secure the driver's seat frame to the body may be loose or missing. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 207, "Seating Systems."
Risk: A seat with loose or missing fasteners may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the seat fasteners and tighten or install new fasteners as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 23, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C16.
Service bulletins (75)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Unknown Or Other 2026-10-14 · TSB 26-2442 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this bulletin supersedes 26-2297. reason for update: add 2022-2025 transit vehicles. some of the vehicles listed in the model statement above equipped with sync4 may experience a blank center display screen or black center display screen after welcome animation. the rear-view camera will still funct
Unknown Or Other 2026-10-08 · SSM 55228 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
some 2020-2026 aviator/explorer/f-150/bronco/ranger vehicles equipped with a 2.7l or 3.0l (non-diesel) engine may need the front engine cover removed and reinstalled for various reasons. the workshop manual (wsm), section 303-01 engine > removal and installation > engine front cover service procedur
Unknown Or Other 2026-09-16 · TCU-26.2.12.2.2 Mach E, F · Over The Air
quality improvements include: -addresses a bug that may cause updates to fail
Unknown Or Other 2026-09-09 · ECG-26.2.12.3 Bronco,Esca · Over The Air
quality improvements include: -eprivacy enhancements
Unknown Or Other 2026-08-25 · SSM 55118 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
some of the following vehicles: * 2023-2025 f-super duty built on or before 02-feb-2025 * 2024-2026 ranger/bronco/mustang * 2024-2025 f-150 built on or before 15-jul-2025 * 2024-2025 nautilus built on or before 16-feb-2025 * 2025 explorer/aviator built on or before 01-feb-2025 may exhibit all of t
Unknown Or Other 2026-08-22 · SSM 55100 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
for various ford and lincoln vehicles, if diagnostics lead to the replacement of the front seat cushion cover j-clips, lower-level service parts are now available. use service part w709919-s901 if the j-clip is completely detached from the seat cover and w715386-s424 if the clip is still partially a
Showing the 6 most recent of 75 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2026-10-29 · Power Train“on xxx pulling out at an intersection to turn left, the vehicle pulled out normally but then went into neutral - coasting through the intersection for about 5 seconds - until it finally selected another gear. it then drove normally. on xxx, i slowed down and made a left turn, the vehicle again went into neutral seeming trying to find a gear - it…”
2026-10-19 · Power Train“2025 ford ranger xlt fx4 4x4, 2.3l ecoboost. when i change the drive mode with the rotary dial and then return it to normal, the drive modes begin cycling on their own with no input from me. a drive mode fault message then appears on the instrument cluster, and i am unable to select a drive mode. i first took the truck to a ford dealer on 07/13/20…”
2026-10-05 · Suspension“i was driving at approximately 25 mph and all of a sudden the truck automatically went into 4 wheel drive low which altered my ability to keep up with traffic and caused me to pull over to figure out why. i had to restart my truck to get it out of 4 wheel drive. this has happened approximately 5 times and fortunately at low speeds. i have not taken…”
2026-09-28 · Power Train“while driving at 45 mph. the dash changed and the truck started shifting into wheel low. i had to stop and put the truck back into 2 wheel drive. this has happened 5 times since new.…”
2026-09-25 · Electrical System“my 2025 ford ranger raptor will shift drive modes by itself. i has tried to shift from normal drive mode to rock crawl mode or baja mode. rock crawl mode goes into 4 wheel drive low which would be very dangerous if it tried to shift into 4 low on the highway. it has happened multiple times. sometime while parked, sometimes while driving. …”
2026-09-18 · Power Train“i have around 26000 miles on my 2025 ford ranger lariat 2.7l v6. my drive mode has changed on its own multiple times without anyone touching the dial. recently i was letting it idle to cool the cabin. i hopped in and heard some thunking and saw my drive mode change all the way to slippery mode. nothing was touching the dial. it has also changed mod…”
2026-09-17 · Unknown Or Other“when i'm driving in standard mode on the highway the truck software will change to different drive modes on it own. i do not touch anything and it will try to change to crawl mode or 4 wheel low mode even going 65mph on the freeway. one time it changed on the freeway going 65mph and switch to 4 wheel low and the tach raced up to 8k even though…”
2026-09-12 · Service Brakes“brake fault warning light stays on. it will not reset and 2 different ford dealers cannot figure out the problem. the dealerships cannot determine if the brakes are malfunctioning. the problem forst occured may 2026.…”
2026-09-11 · Power Train“yes this is my second time filing a complaint regarding my new truck switching drive modes on its own. the first time it tried going into 4 low while i was going over 45 mph, with only 800 miles. the next time it did it was at around 1200 miles it switched drive modes completely and tried switching into 4 wd while at hoghway speeds. this is clearly…”
2026-09-02 · Electrical System“2025 ford ranger xlt experienced an electrical short-circuit causing a persistent speaker hiss with the vehicle turned off, accompanied by an electrical burning smell. the radio and audio became very staticky and a constant hissing sound with the radio and the truck turned off. by the time the dealer looked at the vehicle it was operating normally.…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.