Last updated: 2026-03-04
Ford Ranger Reliability by Year
The Ford Ranger averages 72/100 across 7 model years, rated good.
Ford Ranger Reliability Overview
The Ford Ranger, spanning model years 2019 to 2026, holds an average reliability score of 78/100, categorized as "Good" by the Auto Reliability Index. Data indicates persistent issues with the power train, particularly the 10R80 transmission, across multiple years, alongside electrical system concerns, with a notable improvement in complaint rates from 28.4 per 10,000 sold in 2019 to 1.6 in 2025. With an estimated annual repair cost of $615, slightly above the midsize truck average, the Ranger is best suited for buyers who prioritize mid-range reliability and are attentive to potential maintenance needs.
Current generation: 4th gen (2019–2023).
Best & Worst Ford Ranger Years
Best Ford Ranger Years to Buy
The best Ford Ranger year is 2022 with a reliability score of 75/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2025 (74/100) and 2023 (73/100).
Ford Ranger Years to Avoid
The worst Ford Ranger year is 2019 with a score of 64/100, primarily due to power train (76) issues.
See full Ford Ranger years-to-avoid analysis →Ford Ranger Reliability Score Trend
Ford Ranger reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 72/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 64/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 72/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 75/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 73/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 72/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 74/100 | Good |
Year-by-Year Reliability
2026 Ford Ranger
1 recalls · 0 complaints
The 2026 Ford Ranger has excellent reliability. There are 1 recall and 0 owner complaints on file for the 2026 Ford Ranger.
2025 Ford Ranger
8 recalls · 11 complaints
The 2025 Ford Ranger has good reliability. There are 8 recalls and 11 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Ford Ranger. Severity signals include 2 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (2), Service Brakes (2), Service Brakes, Hydraulic (2).
2024 Ford Ranger
10 recalls · 44 complaints
The 2024 Ford Ranger has good reliability. There are 10 recalls and 44 owner complaints on file for the 2024 Ford Ranger. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (11), Service Brakes (5), Structure (5).
2023 Ford Ranger
4 recalls · 16 complaints
The 2023 Ford Ranger has good reliability. There are 4 recalls and 16 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Ford Ranger. Severity signals include 2 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (5), Vehicle Speed Control (2), Service Brakes (2).
2022 Ford Ranger
5 recalls · 34 complaints
The 2022 Ford Ranger has good reliability. There are 5 recalls and 34 owner complaints on file for the 2022 Ford Ranger. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (14), Electrical System (7), Engine (2).
2021 Ford Ranger
6 recalls · 88 complaints
The 2021 Ford Ranger has good reliability. There are 6 recalls and 88 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Ford Ranger. Severity signals include 6 crash-related complaints and 3 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (36), Service Brakes (9), Electrical System (7).
2020 Ford Ranger
7 recalls · 109 complaints
The 2020 Ford Ranger has good reliability. There are 7 recalls and 109 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Ford Ranger. Severity signals include 6 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (37), Electrical System (9), Unknown Or Other (8).
2019 Ford Ranger
11 recalls · 237 complaints
The 2019 Ford Ranger has good reliability. There are 11 recalls and 237 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Ford Ranger. Severity signals include 12 crash-related complaints and 2 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (76), Electrical System (32), Unknown Or Other (21).
Ford Ranger Repair Costs
Reliability Rating
4/5
Annual Repair Cost
$615
Repair Frequency
0.2/yr
Major Repair Risk
12%
$67 above the midsize trucks average of $548/yr.
Ranked #3 of 7 among midsize trucks.
Ford Ranger Years to Avoid
See which model years have the most problems
Most Reliable Ford Models
Compare all Ford models by reliability
Compare Ford Ranger With Similar Trucks
The Ford Ranger competes with other midsize trucks such as Chevrolet Colorado, Toyota Tacoma, and Honda Ridgeline.
Chevrolet Colorado reliability
9 years tracked · 695 complaints
Toyota Tacoma reliability
9 years tracked · 795 complaints
Honda Ridgeline reliability
9 years tracked · 919 complaints
Ford Maverick reliability
5 years tracked · 1050 complaints
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Ford Ranger reliable?
- The Ford Ranger has good reliability with an average score of 72/100. Some model years are stronger than others — check individual years before buying.
- What is the best year for the Ford Ranger?
- The best year for the Ford Ranger is 2022 with a reliability score of 75/100, rated good. It has 5 recalls and 34 owner complaints on record. See full 2022 Ford Ranger analysis →
- What are the Ford Ranger years to avoid?
- The Ford Ranger years to avoid include 2019 (64/100). These model years score significantly below the model average due to higher recall and complaint volumes. See the full years-to-avoid analysis for details. See full years-to-avoid analysis →
- How much does it cost to maintain a Ford Ranger?
- The Ford Ranger has an estimated annual repair cost of $615, which is $67 above the midsize trucks average of $548. This includes both scheduled maintenance and unscheduled repairs based on independent repair data.
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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