Last updated: 2026-03-04

Good

2023 Ford Ranger Reliability Score & Common Problems

Name: 2023 Ford Ranger
Brand: Ford

The 2023 Ford Ranger scores 73/100 ("Good"). With 4 recalls and 16 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

2023 is the last model year of the Fourth generation (2019–present).

Recalls

Complaints

Complaint Rate

4.9

per 10k sold

Below avg

Est. Annual Cost

$615

Above avg

Major Repair Risk

12%

NHTSA Rating

4/5

Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity35%

71/100 (Good)

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs30%

80/100 (Excellent)

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact20%

60/100 (Good)

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity15%

80/100 (Excellent)

Breadth of reported problem categories

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues

POWER TRAIN (5)SERVICE BRAKES (3)VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2)

4 recalls on record

Generation & Refresh (US)

Final Year

2023 is the last model year of the Fourth generation (2019–present).

Final-year models are typically the most refined version of a generation.
4th generation Ranger (US).

What this means for buyers

Final-year models are usually the most polished version of a generation, but resale value may dip as buyers anticipate the next redesign.

Fourth generation (2019–present)

2019redesign

2020

2021

2022

2023selected

Should You Buy the 2023 Ford Ranger?

The 2023 Ford Ranger scores 73/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2023 is the last model year of the Fourth generation (2019–present).

With 16 owner complaints, some reported issues may need attention, but we don't yet see evidence of a single dominant failure mode.

A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to power train (5). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.

Compared to the 2024 Ford Ranger, which scored 1 points lower. See also the 2022 Ford Ranger for an earlier comparison.

Pros

Acceptable reliability score
Infrequent unscheduled repairs
Low major repair risk (12%)
Below-average complaint rate for Truck

Cons

Above-average repair costs for its class
Moderate recall count
POWER TRAIN: Transmission malfunctions (5 complaints)

Compare 2023 Ford Ranger With

Good

2023 Chevrolet Colorado

Score: 73/100

Good

2023 Toyota Tacoma

Score: 68/100

Good

2023 Honda Ridgeline

Score: 78/100

Good

2023 Ford Maverick

Score: 60/100

Common Problem Categories

Safety

4 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

POWER TRAIN (5)
SERVICE BRAKES (3)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2)
AIR BAGS (2)
FUEL SYSTEM (1)
LANE DEPARTURE (1)
ENGINE (1)
SUSPENSION (1)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

recalls on record

Park It

The 2023 Ford Ranger has 4 recalls on record. This is a moderate number. Each recall represents a safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships, regardless of warranty status.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

4.9

per 10k sold

Segment avg: 10.7

LowAvgHigh

Low

Safety Incidents

Crashes

Fires

Injuries

Deaths

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2023 Ford Ranger Recall Details

4 recalls have been issued for the 2023 Ford Ranger. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

23V2830002023-04-20Park It

WHEELS

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Bronco and Ranger vehicles. The lug nuts on the driver's side wheels may have been improperly tightened.

Consequence

Loose lug nuts may result in wheel detachment while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect, and if necessary, retighten the lug nuts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 2, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S17.

25V6850002025-10-10

EQUIPMENT

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.

Consequence

An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated February 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.

25V4420002025-06-27

BACK OVER PREVENTION

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.

Consequence

A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.

2023 Ford Ranger NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 4/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 29.2%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Not Available)Seat Belt Pretensioners (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Seat Belt Load Limiters (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Head Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Torso and/or Pelvis Protection (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Not Available)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Not Available)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Not Available)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Not Available)

View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Ford Ranger Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$615

vs $548 avg for midsize trucks

vs $652 avg for all vehicles

Repair Frequency

0.2

unscheduled repair visits per year

Severe Repair Probability

12%

chance of a major repair

Annual Cost Comparison

Ranger

$615

Category Avg

$548

All Vehicles

$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

When Buying a Used 2023 Ford Ranger

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.

Inspect transmission for hard downshifts and hesitation
Check brake pedal for fading or extending to the floor
Verify airbag system functionality and warning lights
Test for unintended acceleration from a stop
Examine plastic molding near gas pedal for obstruction
Inspect for water damage near fuse box

Check Any 2023 Ford Ranger's History Before You Buy

Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2023 Ranger in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Ford Ranger with a free VIN lookup.

Run a Free VIN Check

2023 Ford Ranger Common Problems by Component

16 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

POWER TRAIN (5)SERVICE BRAKES (3)VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2)AIR BAGS (2)FUEL SYSTEM (1)LANE DEPARTURE (1)ENGINE (1)SUSPENSION (1)

POWER TRAIN

5 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report several issues with the 2023 Ford Ranger's power train, primarily involving transmission malfunctions. Complaints frequently mention unexpected downshifts, with one owner noting a skip from 3rd to 1st gear, causing a jarring motion similar to being rear-ended. Another owner describes hesitation and hard downshifts when accelerating or stopping, although no warning lights are illuminated. A severe case involves a vehicle fire, reportedly starting near the transmission after an oil leak and smoke were observed, leading to a total loss of the vehicle at approximately 1,000 miles. Safety implications include potential loss of control due to sudden deceleration and, in one instance, a fire hazard, which prospective buyers should consider.

5 complaints total1 fire

SERVICE BRAKES

3 complaints

Owners of the 2023 Ford Ranger report several issues related to the service brakes. A common problem involves the brake pedal fading and extending to the floor, with one owner noting this occurred at approximately 1,640 miles and persisted after a dealer attempted to bleed the brake lines. Another issue described is a brake pad detaching while driving, which was attributed to a manufacturer failure. Additionally, some owners mention an air vent positioned above the brake pedal that can be mistakenly pressed, leading to a delay in braking response. These complaints highlight potential safety implications, including difficulty stopping and unexpected brake system failures.

3 complaints total

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2023 Ford Ranger report issues related to vehicle speed control, with one complaint involving unintended acceleration while idling at a stoplight, leading to a minor crash. This incident occurred at approximately 38,000 miles, and the vehicle was reportedly accelerating at about 1 MPH despite the brake pedal being depressed. Another complaint highlights a design concern where plastic molding near the gas pedal can obstruct the driver's foot, potentially delaying the transition from gas to brake. These issues suggest potential safety implications, including the risk of crashes due to unintended acceleration and obstructed foot movement.

2 complaints total1 crash

AIR BAGS (2 complaints)

AIR BAGS

2 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2023 Ford Ranger report issues with the airbag system, specifically involving the front passenger airbag failing to operate and airbag non-deployment during a collision. In one case, an airbag warning light illuminated, and an independent mechanic diagnosed the front passenger airbag as completely inoperable without any prior impacts. Another report describes a crash at approximately 2,000 miles where the airbags did not deploy after the vehicle hit an electric pole, resulting in minor injuries. These complaints highlight potential safety implications, particularly concerning airbag functionality and deployment during accidents.

2 complaints total1 crash1 injury

FUEL SYSTEM (1 complaints)

FUEL SYSTEM

1 complaint

2023-08-11

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while the vehicle was turned off, the fuel pump erroneously activated, sending fuel to the engine. The contact had to restart and turn off the vehicle for the fuel pump to shut off. The failure occurred intermittently, but frequently. The dealer was contacted regarding a possible recall; however, the contact was unable to speak with a representative. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50.

LANE DEPARTURE (1 complaints)

LANE DEPARTURE

1 complaint

2023-12-01

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while the Lane Keep Assist system activated, the system failed to work properly. While the alarm was on, the steering wheel vibrated, and the vehicle remained in the lane. While using the assist option, the vehicle veered into the other lane. While the Lane Keep Assist system was positioned with the alarm and assist, the system was inoperable. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the vehicle was working as designed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 1,700.

ENGINE (1 complaints)

ENGINE

1 complaint

2023-01-02

engine revving up, could have engaged the vehicle to move quickly into traffic. the revving up lasted about 15 seconds.

SUSPENSION (1 complaints)

SUSPENSION

1 complaint

2023-02-20

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Ranger. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front tires were rubbing while turning. The contact also stated that the front windshield was delaminating. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with misaligned front tires and front windshield delamination. The contact was informed that the vehicle needed an alignment and the front windshield needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.

When Do 2023 Ford Ranger Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

1,000–10,000 milesTransmission malfunctions

1,640–1,700 milesBrake pedal issues

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).

Good

2022

5 recalls · 34 complaints

Good

2025

8 recalls · 11 complaints

Good

2023(this page)

4 recalls · 16 complaints

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.

Good

2019

11 recalls · 237 complaints

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.

avg 72

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Ford Ranger reliability scores by year
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

Ford Ranger Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
Year	Score	vs Prior Year	Rating	Recalls	Complaints
2026	73/100 (predicted)	—	Predicted	1	0
2025	74/100	+2	Good	8	11
2024	72/100	-1	Good	10	44
2023(selected)	73/100	-2	Good	4	16
2022	75/100	+3	Good	5	34
2021	72/100	+1	Good	6	88
2020	71/100	+7	Good	7	109
2019	64/100	—	Good	11	237

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2023 Ford Ranger reliable?

The 2023 Ford Ranger has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 73/100. It is reasonably reliable with 4 recalls and 16 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.

What are the most common problems with the 2023 Ford Ranger?

The most commonly reported problems with the 2023 Ford Ranger include: POWER TRAIN (5 complaints), SERVICE BRAKES (3 complaints), VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2 complaints), AIR BAGS (2 complaints), FUEL SYSTEM (1 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.

How many recalls does the 2023 Ford Ranger have?

The 2023 Ford Ranger has 4 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.

Is the 2023 Ford Ranger expensive to maintain?

The 2023 Ford Ranger has estimated annual repair costs of $615/year, which is $67 more than the midsize trucks average of $548. With a reliability score of 73/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

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.