2021 Ford Ranger Reliability Score & Common Problems

Owners of the 2021 Ford Ranger frequently report issues with fuel mixing into the engine oil, leading to elevated oil levels and a gasoline odor. This issue is often observed around the 3,000 to 8,000-mile mark, and some owners note that dealers acknowledge the problem without a clear fix. Another reported issue involves water leaking into spark plug wells, causing engine misfires, loss of power, and in some cases, vehicle hesitation while driving. This is typically noticed around 9,952 to 13,000 miles. No crashes or fires are reported, but the described symptoms could impact vehicle drivability. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues, particularly the fuel dilution in oil and water ingress into spark plug wells.

Owners of the 2021 Ford Ranger report issues with the forward collision avoidance system, particularly involving false activations and failures to detect obstacles. Complaints frequently mention the pre-collision warning light illuminating and the vehicle decelerating abruptly at highway speeds without nearby objects or vehicles, sometimes persisting even after dealer interventions, such as ECM and PCM replacements. Some owners also describe the pre-collision assist alarm beeping inappropriately and failing to engage when necessary, such as not recognizing pedestrians. These issues are reported at mileage ranges from approximately 7,200 to 11,000 miles. While no crashes or loss of control are detailed, the described symptoms could potentially impact driving safety and user confidence in the vehicle's automated systems.

Owners report issues with the 2021 Ford Ranger's vehicle speed control, particularly involving unintended acceleration. Complaints frequently mention incidents where the throttle goes wide open after long drives at interstate speeds, especially when transitioning to slower speeds or parking, with some instances occurring after cruise control use. One complaint describes a crash where the vehicle accelerated independently while parking, despite the brake being applied, resulting in a collision with a building. The incidents are noted at low mileages around 3,000 to 6,400 miles. Safety implications include potential crashes and loss of control, with one report indicating that the Forward Collision Avoidance System may not function as expected during these events.

Owners report issues with the 2021 Ford Ranger's interior door handles and door ajar warnings. A notable complaint involves the driver's side interior door handle, where the surface peeling creates a sharp edge that has resulted in at least one reported injury. Additionally, multiple owners describe persistent "door ajar" warnings for both the rear driver's side and front passenger doors, despite the doors being securely closed. These issues are reported at low mileages, with one vehicle having only 754 miles. While no crashes or fires are mentioned, the sharp door handle poses a direct safety risk, and the door ajar warnings could lead to battery drainage if interior lights remain on.

Owners of the 2021 Ford Ranger report issues related to engine misfires and vehicle fires. One complaint describes the engine misfiring and the vehicle shuddering at highway speeds, with the check engine light illuminated, occurring around 114,000 miles. Another owner reports a fire originating under the hood while driving at 35 MPH, with smoke inhalation affecting a passenger, at approximately 5,000 miles. The fire was not attributed to an electrical failure, and no warning lights were mentioned prior to the incident. These complaints suggest potential safety risks, including fire hazards and engine performance issues, that prospective buyers should consider.

Owners of the 2021 Ford Ranger report issues related to steering, specifically mentioning a popping and loose feel in the steering wheel when driving over bumps, stopping, or accelerating from a stop. These symptoms are often linked to an intermediate steering shaft defect or design flaw. Additionally, at around 24,500 miles, one owner experienced multiple warning lights for systems like ABS, Parking Assist, and Traction Control, accompanied by steering difficulty, which was attributed to a corroded electrical connector. While no crashes or loss of control are reported, the described symptoms could potentially affect vehicle handling. Buyers considering a used model should be aware of these issues, especially if the vehicle approaches similar mileage.

Owners of the 2021 Ford Ranger report issues with the suspension system, particularly concerning the leaf springs. One owner describes a broken right rear leaf spring discovered during routine maintenance at approximately 70,000 miles, with repair parts on back order and no safety guidance provided. Another owner reports a knocking noise from the rear driver side suspension, later finding a loose bolt in the driver side leaf spring assembly, risking potential disconnection of the rear axle from the vehicle frame. These complaints suggest potential safety implications, including the risk of loss of control if the vehicle is driven with these issues unresolved. Buyers considering a used model should be aware of these suspension-related concerns, particularly at higher mileage.