Last updated: 2026-03-04

Ford Ranger

1 Ford Ranger Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Ford Ranger average of 72/100

The Ford Ranger years to avoid are 2019 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2019 with a reliability score of 64/100. The best Ford Ranger year to buy is 2022 75/100.

Verdict

The 2019 Ford Ranger scores significantly below the model average of 72/100. The weakest year is 2019 with a score of 64/100 due to power train (76) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2021 72/100.

See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Ford Ranger Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Ford Ranger average of 72/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1201964/100Good11237Power Train (76)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

64
GoodReliability score: 64 out of 100, rated Good

2019 Ford Ranger

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).

11 recalls237 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Power Train (76), Electrical System (32), Unknown Or Other (21), Service Brakes (12), Exterior Lighting (11), Engine (11)

View full 2019 reliability report →

What Are Common Ford Ranger Problems?

Top reported issues across all Ford Ranger model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

POWER TRAIN

181 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2020, 2021

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

60 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2020, 2021

SERVICE BRAKES

45 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2020, 2021

ENGINE

26 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2020, 2021

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

23 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2024

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

17 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2020, 2021

Best Ford Ranger Year to Buy Instead

72
GoodReliability score: 72 out of 100, rated Good

2021 Ford Ranger

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).

Score: 72/100 (Good)6 recalls88 complaints
View full 2021 reliability report →

All Ford Ranger Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Ford Ranger Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2019–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Ford Ranger years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Ford Ranger years: 2019 (score: 64/100). These model years score significantly below the Ford Ranger average of 72/100.
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 ("Good"). It has 5 recalls and 34 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Ford Ranger have?
Across all years in our database, the Ford Ranger has a total of 52 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Ford Ranger worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2022 model year, which scores 75/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 72/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Ford Ranger problems?
The most common Ford Ranger problems are power train (181 complaints), electrical system (60 complaints), service brakes (45 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Ford Ranger reliable long-term?
The Ford Ranger has an average reliability score of 72/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which Ford Ranger generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Ford Ranger generation is the Fourth generation (2019–present) with an average score of 71/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
How much does it cost to maintain a Ford Ranger?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Ford Ranger is $615 based on independent repair cost databases. This may vary depending on the model year and driving conditions.
Is the 2022 Ford Ranger a good used buy?
Yes, the 2022 Ford Ranger is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 75/100 ("Good"). It has 5 recalls and 34 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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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