Ford Ranger: best & worst years

2024 Ford Ranger Caution

All-new Ranger with a roomier cabin, an available 2.7L V6 and the improved 10R60 automatic (avoids the older 10R80 problems); well reviewed, but a first-year model with isolated teething bugs, so buy with warranty remaining.

2023 Ford Ranger Caution

The most refined version of the reborn Ranger: capable, efficient and strong on resale, though the 10-speed automatic shift quality and a tight interior remain the trade-offs.

• The 10R80 10-speed automatic can shift harshly, clunk, lunge or hesitate between gears, with some units slipping or failing; it is the subject of a class action and Ford TSB 24-2046, and is worst on the 2019-2020 launch trucks.

2022 Ford Ranger Caution

A well-rounded midsize truck with strong resale value; the 10-speed automatic shift behavior is the chief thing to test-drive for.

• The 10R80 10-speed automatic can shift harshly, clunk, lunge or hesitate between gears, with some units slipping or failing; it is the subject of a class action and Ford TSB 24-2046, and is worst on the 2019-2020 launch trucks.

2021 Ford Ranger Caution

More settled than the 2019-2020 launch trucks; capable and efficient, with the 10-speed automatic the main item to check on a test drive.

• The 10R80 10-speed automatic can shift harshly, clunk, lunge or hesitate between gears, with some units slipping or failing; it is the subject of a class action and Ford TSB 24-2046, and is worst on the 2019-2020 launch trucks.

2020 Ford Ranger Caution

Strong 2.3L EcoBoost and good resale, but the 10R80 10-speed automatic harsh-shifting and reliability complaints persist on this early build.

• The 10R80 10-speed automatic can shift harshly, clunk, lunge or hesitate between gears, with some units slipping or failing; it is the subject of a class action and Ford TSB 24-2046, and is worst on the 2019-2020 launch trucks.
• Owners report electrical and infotainment glitches: SYNC screen blackouts, the backup camera activating while driving, and false seat-belt/warning chimes.
• Front suspension complaints (clunks and component wear) appear on the early 2019-2020 trucks.

2019 Ford Ranger Caution

The capable, efficient reborn Ranger, but the launch-year 10R80 10-speed automatic is prone to harsh, erratic shifting (class action + Ford TSB); strong engine and resale otherwise.

• The 10R80 10-speed automatic can shift harshly, clunk, lunge or hesitate between gears, with some units slipping or failing; it is the subject of a class action and Ford TSB 24-2046, and is worst on the 2019-2020 launch trucks.
• Owners report electrical and infotainment glitches: SYNC screen blackouts, the backup camera activating while driving, and false seat-belt/warning chimes.
• Front suspension complaints (clunks and component wear) appear on the early 2019-2020 trucks.

2011 Ford Ranger Caution

Final year of the old compact Ranger and one of the better ones (above-average reliability), with mainly the Takata airbag recall and minor transmission trouble spots to watch.

• Takata ammonium-nitrate airbag inflators can rupture in a crash and hurl metal fragments at occupants; Ford Ranger inflators are among the highest-risk and are linked to multiple US deaths, and certain 2006 trucks are under a "do not drive" order until repaired. Confirm the airbag recall has been completed.
• The 4.0L SOHC V6 is prone to timing-chain guide and cassette wear; a rattle at cold start is the warning sign and the repair is an engine-out job. The 2.3L four-cylinder is not affected.

2010 Ford Ranger Caution

Durable late-generation compact truck with few mechanical surprises; the Takata airbag recall applies, so confirm it was completed before buying.

• Takata ammonium-nitrate airbag inflators can rupture in a crash and hurl metal fragments at occupants; Ford Ranger inflators are among the highest-risk and are linked to multiple US deaths, and certain 2006 trucks are under a "do not drive" order until repaired. Confirm the airbag recall has been completed.
• The 4.0L SOHC V6 is prone to timing-chain guide and cassette wear; a rattle at cold start is the warning sign and the repair is an engine-out job. The 2.3L four-cylinder is not affected.

2009 Ford Ranger Caution

Above-average reliability with a simple, proven drivetrain; the main asterisk is the Takata airbag recall, which must be verified complete.

• Takata ammonium-nitrate airbag inflators can rupture in a crash and hurl metal fragments at occupants; Ford Ranger inflators are among the highest-risk and are linked to multiple US deaths, and certain 2006 trucks are under a "do not drive" order until repaired. Confirm the airbag recall has been completed.
• The 4.0L SOHC V6 is prone to timing-chain guide and cassette wear; a rattle at cold start is the warning sign and the repair is an engine-out job. The 2.3L four-cylinder is not affected.
• Engine misfire at highway speed is one of the most frequently reported Ranger complaints, usually traced to worn ignition coils or spark plugs.

2008 Ford Ranger Caution

Durable mechanically but carries the heaviest Takata airbag-complaint volume of any Ranger year; safe to own once the airbag recall is completed.

• Takata ammonium-nitrate airbag inflators can rupture in a crash and hurl metal fragments at occupants; Ford Ranger inflators are among the highest-risk and are linked to multiple US deaths, and certain 2006 trucks are under a "do not drive" order until repaired. Confirm the airbag recall has been completed.
• The 4.0L SOHC V6 is prone to timing-chain guide and cassette wear; a rattle at cold start is the warning sign and the repair is an engine-out job. The 2.3L four-cylinder is not affected.
• Engine misfire at highway speed is one of the most frequently reported Ranger complaints, usually traced to worn ignition coils or spark plugs.

2007 Ford Ranger Caution

Mechanically solid and rated above-average for reliability; the chief concern is the Takata driver-airbag recall, so confirm it was performed.

• Takata ammonium-nitrate airbag inflators can rupture in a crash and hurl metal fragments at occupants; Ford Ranger inflators are among the highest-risk and are linked to multiple US deaths, and certain 2006 trucks are under a "do not drive" order until repaired. Confirm the airbag recall has been completed.
• The 4.0L SOHC V6 is prone to timing-chain guide and cassette wear; a rattle at cold start is the warning sign and the repair is an engine-out job. The 2.3L four-cylinder is not affected.
• Engine misfire at highway speed is one of the most frequently reported Ranger complaints, usually traced to worn ignition coils or spark plugs.

2006 Ford Ranger Caution

Some 2006 Rangers fall under a Takata "do not drive" high-rupture-risk warning linked to a death; only buy one with the airbag recall verified complete. A durable, basic truck otherwise.

• Takata ammonium-nitrate airbag inflators can rupture in a crash and hurl metal fragments at occupants; Ford Ranger inflators are among the highest-risk and are linked to multiple US deaths, and certain 2006 trucks are under a "do not drive" order until repaired. Confirm the airbag recall has been completed.
• The 4.0L SOHC V6 is prone to timing-chain guide and cassette wear; a rattle at cold start is the warning sign and the repair is an engine-out job. The 2.3L four-cylinder is not affected.
• Fuel-system (gasoline) complaints involving the tank, sending unit and fuel odor cluster on the mid-2000s trucks.

2005 Ford Ranger Caution

Tough, simple compact truck, but the mid-2000s years carry Takata airbag risk, fuel-system complaints and (on the V6) timing-chain wear; the 2.3L four-cylinder is the most durable choice.

• Takata ammonium-nitrate airbag inflators can rupture in a crash and hurl metal fragments at occupants; Ford Ranger inflators are among the highest-risk and are linked to multiple US deaths, and certain 2006 trucks are under a "do not drive" order until repaired. Confirm the airbag recall has been completed.
• The 4.0L SOHC V6 is prone to timing-chain guide and cassette wear; a rattle at cold start is the warning sign and the repair is an engine-out job. The 2.3L four-cylinder is not affected.
• Fuel-system (gasoline) complaints involving the tank, sending unit and fuel odor cluster on the mid-2000s trucks.