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Ford Ranger: which year to buy? Recalls and complaints by year

Of 23 model years of the Ford Ranger on record, 2020 has the most owner complaints at NHTSA (40, most often about power train). 2006 has the most recall campaigns (12). 2005 has the most complaints mentioning a crash, a fire or an injury (7).

How to read this

Each row counts what official sources have on record for that model year: recall campaigns and owner complaints filed with NHTSA, and how many of those complaints mention a crash, a fire or an injury. We do not rate reliability. Fewer complaints can also mean fewer cars sold or a newer car, so open the year before you decide. 🇺🇸 Local data

Year Recalls Complaints Crash, fire or injury Most reported Combined
2026 0 0 0 — 21 MPG
2025 0 0 0 — 22 MPG
2024 0 0 0 — 22 MPG
2023 0 0 0 — 21 MPG
2022 0 0 0 — 22 MPG
2021 0 0 0 — 22 MPG
2020 7 40 1 POWER TRAIN 22 MPG
2019 11 40 1 POWER TRAIN 22 MPG
2016 0 1 0 AIR BAGS —
2015 0 0 0 — —
2014 0 1 0 AIR BAGS —
2011 6 40 4 AIR BAGS 16 MPG
2010 0 0 0 — 15 MPG
2009 8 40 1 AIR BAGS 15 MPG
2008 6 40 2 AIR BAGS 16 MPG
2007 6 40 0 AIR BAGS 16 MPG
2006 12 40 5 AIR BAGS 16 MPG
2005 11 40 7 AIR BAGS 16 MPG
2004 12 40 7 AIR BAGS 17 MPG
2003 5 40 3 STRUCTURE 16 MPG
2002 7 40 6 STRUCTURE 16 MPG
2001 9 40 2 STRUCTURE 15 MPG
2000 8 40 1 STRUCTURE 15 MPG

Recalls: NHTSA campaigns only, so a defect also recalled in Canada is not counted twice. Stars: NHTSA overall rating. Fuel economy: EPA.

All years of the Ford Ranger

Questions

Which Ford Ranger year has the most complaints?
Of 23 model years of the Ford Ranger on record, 2020 has the most owner complaints at NHTSA (40, most often about power train).
Which Ford Ranger year has the most recalls?
2006 has the most recall campaigns (12).
Which Ford Ranger years have no complaints or recalls on record?
2026, 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2015, 2010. That can also mean fewer cars sold or a newer car, not only a better one.
How is this comparison made?
We count, for each model year, the recall campaigns and owner complaints filed with NHTSA, and how many complaints mention a crash, a fire or an injury. We do not rate reliability: raw counts also depend on how many cars were sold and how old they are.