2021 Ford Ranger Complaint Log

While accelerating from a stop the truck went from 1st gear and then would not go into 2nd gear for a 5 seconds and then it engaged into 2nd with a harsh gear change. This happened several more times to various degrees of time out of gear and not engaging into gear.

Truck Issue Description (2021 Ford Ranger – ~93k miles): Truck makes a whining / humming noise with a slight rattling vibration. The noise occurs while accelerating in gears 1–5. The pitch stays mostly the same but gets louder under throttle. The noise goes away when I let off the gas. No noise when revving the engine in park/neutral. No loss of power and the transmission shifts normally. Gears 6–10 sound normal with no noise. At idle there is sometimes a light rattling sound. Transmission fluid was changed around 60,000 miles. Check Manual light came on yes it has been confirmed by a service center transmission is giving out. Mileage: ~93,000 miles.

On March 17, 2026, while my vehicle was parked, I observed light smoke coming from the rear seatback, followed by a visible burn/melt mark in the seat fabric. I believe this occurred due to concentrated reflection of sunlight from nearby house windows onto the rear seat. There were no external heat sources or open flames in the vehicle, and the truck was parked under normal residential conditions. Concerned about the risk of fire and potential harm to my family and other occupants, I immediately reported this incident to my Ford dealership and Ford customer service. The dealer inspected the vehicle, and Ford reviewed the matter, but they declined to cover the repair or acknowledge it as a safety-related defect, citing their internal analysis. As of this writing, I am not aware of any recalls or official safety communications addressing this type of sun‑induced smoking or burning of interior seats in the Ford Ranger or other Ford vehicles. My concern is that if a focused beam of reflected sunlight can cause the seat material to smoke and burn under ordinary parking conditions, this may present a fire hazard not only in my vehicle but potentially in other Ford vehicles that use the same or similar interior materials. This could pose a serious risk to consumers, especially if such an event occurred while passengers were in the rear seat or if the vehicle was parked near flammable items. I respectfully request that NHTSA: 1. Document this incident as a potential safety concern. 2. Evaluate whether the interior seat materials used in the 2021 Ford Ranger (and any related Ford models) meet appropriate safety standards when exposed to concentrated sunlight or heat. 3. Consider opening an investigation if similar complaints exist or emerge, so that consumers can be protected and appropriately informed. Vehicle information: •Year/Make/Model: 2021 Ford Ranger •VIN: [XXX] ncident: March 17, 2026 •Location of incident: XXX [XXX] ON REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) INFORMATION RED

My truck loses power at a stop, starting to accelerate is stalls in the middle of the road. It seems to be stuck in gear or not going in gear. It will finally start going and the hesitation starts a the rpm gage goes up to about 3000 rpm’s and then goes back down to 1500. This is extremely dangerous to lose power in the middle of the road. This needs to be addressed.

Transmission drops out of gear when entering freeway. This happened after battery was replaced. warning light came on so its at the dealership. No previous issues before battery was replaced.

Vehicle shifts hard between 3 and 5th gears. The dealer currently has the vehicle in for repairs and there are metal shavings in the transmission reservoir

10R80 TRANSMISSION ISSUES. WILL JERK & LAG WHEN DRIVING. HAD TO PURCHASE NEW TRANSMISSION FOR TRUCK

Vehicle has no gears and will not move. Was able to pull into parking lot. Transmission has acted jerky and slipped gears since I bought it.

While driving car shifted from 2nd to neutral. Engine rpms went up but no power was transfered to tires. Had to put car into park and then back into drive to regain power transfer to tires. Luckily no one was injuried. Took car to local mechanic. Diagnostic came up with no error messages. Service tech took it for a brief test drive and noticed issue with transmission. Recommended transferring to dealership where truck was purchased. To date all maintenance has been performed by dealership. Followed their 'recommended' maintenance schedule.

I was driving and all of a sudden I lost acceleration in the middle of an intersection. My truck had no gears and gave me zero indication there was an issue. I then was told Ford has a newly designed part that fixes the issue and I would have to pay $7500. How does a manufacturer knowingly sell such a dangerous product, and not have a recall for that product after updating a faulty design?

Transmission slipping and hard down shift and hesitation from 2nd to first , has had rear wheel lock up while moving , dealer is ignoring my issues . Thanks

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, there was a misfire coming from the engine, and the vehicle shuddered violently. The contact stated that the failure increased while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The service manager at the dealer was contacted and informed the contact that he had remote access to the DTC that was displayed after the failure had occurred. The contact verbally provided the DTC, but the information was not available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that upon researching the failure online, information related to water leaking into the engine compartment while the vehicle was parked on an incline with the front end facing down, due to the design of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was routinely parked on an incline in the driveway with the front of the vehicle facing down. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.

The boot material surrounding the parking brake bunches up and does not allow the handle to properly seat. When using the cruise control, the parking brake handle will raise up on its own, due to the boot material, causing the cruise control to abruptly disengage. This causes the vehicle to mildly to moderately deaccelerate without warning. This could cause rear end collision.

The Factory Driver's Side Floor Mat does not stay snapped in. This causes the Floor Mat to slide forward towards the pedals. This causes the Floor Mat to lodge underneath the accelerator pedal, which can cause an inability to accelerate. The Fllor Mat could also lodge undermeath the brake pedal, not allowing the full use of the brakes.

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Complete transmission failure due to low transmission fluid filled from factory, yes report and vehicle available for inspection upon request How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Transmission failed while on highway, causing vehicle to fail to accelerate to maintain safe highway speed. Was able to cruise off highway before blocking traffic. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, Maplecrest Ford of Mendham dealership Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes, see above Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No warning.

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle hesitated, with an abnormal sound coming from the transmission. The contact stated that the vehicle functioned as intended afterwards. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving at 65 MPH, the yellow wrench warning light illuminated, and the RPMs fluctuated; however, the vehicle failed to move, and the vehicle stalled. The contact turned on the hazard lights and coasted to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.

Existing TSB related incident. While driving 45mph transmission began to disengage and free rev. Vehicle wouldn't/ couldn't select a gear. Speed dropped to 30 (in 45mph zone) Put hazards on until i could safely pull over, was almost rear ended.

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The contact indicated that the failure had occurred while turning at a busy intersection. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 86,000.

2021 Ford Ranger with 10R80 transmission showing following codes P0733 P0734 90,000 miles on truck. jerky and slipping gear change between 3-4 and 5-6 occasionally no drive. have service records showing my truck was maintained properly.

transmission disengaged on highway causing very dangerous driving condition. There is a Ford TSB 25-2134 issued on 4/15/2025. I am told it is a transmission pump failure and would require a very costly transmission replacement. I am within the time limit of my warranty, but just out of range on my distance warranty.

Several warning lights, which included: ABS failure, Parking Assist Failure, Lane Avoidance Failure, Traction Control Failure, as well as having steering difficulty. ( mileage 24500 ). The problem was found by dealer to be an eletrical connector underneath the vehicle at the mid point, with their belief that it was corrosion, which I believe to be a defective component and design. I contacted Ford but they were not interested in retrevale of the connector, so as to diagnose the failure. ( I am keeping the connector )

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Ranger. The contact stated while attempting to accelerate, the transmission malfunctioned, causing the vehicle to hesitate while accelerating. The contact stated that the vehicle accelerated at reduced speeds. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 91,000.

When I accelerate after a stop my truck starts jerking when shifting thru lower gears and the check engine light flashes. To increase my speed I have to slowly press the gas until it shifts thru gears. After it shifts thru the lower gears it appears to be okay. It doesn't do it at each stop but is now happening more frequently. I don't know if it's a transmission problem or fuel pump. Current mileage is around 62000. If I'm on the highway it will sometimes start jerking while the using cruise control and I have hit the brakes and take over acceleration. I've now parked the truck because dealer cannot get to it for 3-4 weeks.

Transmission looses power when accelerating, usually between 2nd - 4th gears. This is an safe condition when I am entering traffic on highways. No warning lights have appeared.

Transmission needed to be replaced before 50000 miles. Finally got replaced at 53000. New transmission has 11500 miles in it and is having the same problems as before. Dealership couldn’t replicate the problem and Ford is unwilling to help. Truck rough shifts, clunks, and shudders. At times won’t go into gear at lower speeds. Turned a corner at a slow speed and hit the gas but the truck wouldn’t accelerate for 1-2 seconds and I was almost rear ended by the car behind me. Truck has failed to go into gear and accelerate in traffic more than one time. 4 years old with 64xxx miles and in need of a third transmission.

Right rear leaf spring was found to be broken on vehicle 2ith 70,000 miles by Ford technician during oil change. I was informed that it was not a recalled defect, repair part was on back order and was not advised as to the safety of driving the vehicle.

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated and jerked while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the transmission unexpectedly downshifted before slamming into gear. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed by the dealer to call the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.

Everyone that I have talked to that owns a 2021 Ford Ranger have transmission issues including me. Clunking/ jumping/ and very harsh shifting..

It started moth my vehicle losing power and chugging , dealership diagnosed as transmission (10 speed ). After all of the Ford appointed tasks to fix said problem, valves were replaced , did not work then entire transmission was replaced . After 7 times in the shop and many missed work hours . Maybe 2 weeks later truck starts bucking as I enter the highway , was close to getting rear ended . Brought vehicle to dealership 2 weeks later diagnosed with the turbo going out in it . And then Friday 3/14 driving home from work the check engine light comes on. Says emission issues ? Also says need to service engine soon . Dealership says it is fine to drive they will call me when they can figure it out ? My vehicle ha less than 25k miles these issues started when I had 17k on it Started 8/5/24

2021 Ford Ranger Transmission slipping during driving . causes vehicle to jerk during shifting in gear 3, 4, 7, which causes the vehicle to jerk also during down shifting it shifts very hard. i looked online and apparently ford will not issue a recall because they will lose money on all the repairs they must do. if they changed the rings in the 2022 transmission they are aware of the issue obviously but refuse to address the problem. for us 2021 owners we are fucked. 9000$ repair for us.

While driving the vehicle started to act like it could not find a its gears in the transmission and made a loud clunk then stopped moving attempted to put it in reverse and it sook a minute before it shifted and made another loud clunk then lost both forward and reverse. Currently at ford getting a new transmission. Vehicle stopped moving while driving and hard to get off the road, No warning lights came on in the vehicle.

The wrap material on the front driver side and passenger inside door handles is separating and is very sharp. I noticed it a couple of days ago when I went to get out of the vehicle and I reached to open the door, and it sliced open my finger. I told my passenger what had happened, and he checked the passenger side inside door handle, and he said that his was the same way.

Transmission failed at 65000 miles on a one owner vehicle. Conveniently just after the warranty expired. Cost to fix transmission $9000.00. Those transmissions are faulty and many people are experiencing problems.

Increasingly the transmission, when cold, was experiencing difficulty shifting between 3-4-5 and not shifting into 9-10. When the weather started reaching zero degrees overnight, the vehicle was reluctant to move and, once it began moving, would not shift out of 1st. After allowing the vehicle to warm up, it would reluctantly shift from 3-4-5 and then, without any speed reduction, suddenly downshift with a shudder and bang. Vehicle is in the Ford dealer while they preform the TSB related to this universally known problem with the 10R80 transmission. Despite the TSB “approving” significant part replacements, including clutches, modules and converter, the dealer is required to proceed a few steps at a time and then test the vehicle to document the need to replace more components, before proceeding the the TSB. Ford is avoiding what should be a full recall involving providing the dealers with a rebuilt transmission and converter with the dealer’s responsibility only being the replacement of the transmission. Ford’s dealing with this very well know problematic transmission with a TSB is grossly unfair to the dealers and exceedingly unfair to the consumers who eventually bear the financial burden.

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that the back over prevention camera screen was either blank, frozen, or reversed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V442000 (Back Over Prevention). The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact was informed about a possible diagnostic test and repair cost. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

Wiring for back up camera failed and short circuited - will attempt to retain the components for inspection needs. Safety concern - when wire short circuited, it burned the wire at the control module in the dash board, causing the control module to also fail - according the the ford service advisor at my dealership. Issue was diagnosed and inspected by Titus Will Ford service center at 11503 Pacific Hwy SW, Lakewood, WA 98499 - phone # (253) 753-1253. No warning lamps/messages/symptoms.

Transmission issues that are known to the manufacturer. Backed out onto a road while there was no traffic, shifter into drive and the transmission made a banging noise and refused to shift. Cars started coming in behind me and I was blocking traffic. Was able to get it into neutral then into drive so I could pull away. This is a well known issue to Ford and they have only offered service bulletins that provide temporary fixes until vehicles are out of the factory warranty period and Ford no longer has to cover repair costs. Vehicle only has 50,000 miles and the transmission issues started around 30,000

Oil level 1/2 quart high, and smells like gasoline.? Actual mileage on truck is 8,544 last oil change @ dealership @ Wiscasset Ford on 5/6/24 in Wiscasset, Maine. 378 Bath Road 04578-9431 I was informed this is an issue. But what is the fix.?

2021 Ford Ranger - 10R80 Transmission Failure while driving. Hard shifting, lurching, slipping gears then abrupt failure. It is available. Currently at Diehl Ford in New Brighton, Pennsylvania. - It went from being 90% drivable to coming to complete stop with no transmission engagement at all. Break down occured while climbing a grade and the complete stop happened over a blind crest with guard rails on either side. Leaving myself vulnerable to being struck from behind and another driver having minimal time to see then avoid me or potentially have no where to go but through me. Can I add documents later as I get them?

We love Ford Rangers. This is my 4th. It has been wonderful, until [XXX]. We had to replace an A/C, but that's normal. We've also noticed a very few times that when the transmission shifted, there was a little jolt. But that was rare. But on [XXX], after stopping at a light at the intersection of [XXX] and [XXX] in Indianola, MS., we had a frightening experience. After crossing the busy highway I began to accelerate and suddenly the truck jolted forward and quickly accelerated to 70 mph. I hit the brakes, and after a couple of taps it slowed down. But when I gave it more gas, it only roared twice, and no power...with big trucks beside and behind me. That was frightening. Then it returned to normal, and I went on to Isola, MS. Upon leaving it didn't want to move forward, only roaring, but then quickly responded and was back to normal. I was scheduled for a 12:30 lunch meeting in Leland, MS and my wife and I proceeded. All normal. Upon leaving Leland, same thing. No power at first, then it moved forward, normally. We noticed it was a rough shift at 45 mph as we got out on freeway. I called the service department at Hallmark Ford, Batesville, and told mgr. my problem. Thought it might be fuel pump, filter, or transmission. Upon arrival at home, it wouldn't go in reverse. I sent it to dealer on wrecker. Got second opinion. Both say it needs a new transmission at $8900. My concern is will the new transmission have same problems...reading now on internet of other people who have had similar events. Money matters, but MY CONCERN is the danger this could have inflicted upon us. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Water leaks into spark plug wells causing vehicle to lose power no cover is over the sparkplugs

Truck has hard shifting and loss of power, usually on startup and at low speeds (like in a parking lot) that cause lurching and no response from gas pedal. These events are not reliably repeatable, and result in no dash lights. Sequence of events, start truck, place in reverse, back out of parking spot, place in drive, apply throttle/gas pedal, while driving slowly, car will hard shift, sometimes resulting in a lurch forward, approach exit to parking lot, truck rolls down slight incline of parking lot entrance and throttle is unresponsive to gas pedal, no power, release pedal, wait a second or two, apply pressure and it works. Driving at low speeds in parking lots, truck cannot decide what gear to be in, and sounds horrible, 5-10 mph. Approaching stops on an incline, driving forward, release gas, start to apply brakes, truck will shift and apply power while under braking. Once, pulled in to parking space, backed out to straighten, placed in drive, wrench light came on, no power. Turned the truck on and off again, and that fixed the issue. All incidents between 20k and 40k miles.

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle and shifting into drive(D), the messages “Pre-collision Assist Not Available" and "Cruise Control Not Available" were displayed. Additionally, the passenger’s side air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by a local dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 19,000.

This is what is going on with my 2021 Ford Ranger automatic 10-speed transmission and the vehicle's drivability. When bringing the vehicle to a stop, the shifting down to a 1st gear is often executed so harshly that I can hear the driveshaft ringing in reaction to the transmission hard shift nearly locking the rear wheels. The whole act resembles "slamming" a shifter into a gear without disengaging a clutch that can be achieved on a standard (stick-shift) transmission "bangs" at a full stop feeling like being rear-ended. After a full stop, the take-off is “sluggish” - The truck gets moving in the 1st gear, the engine revs up to 2500 - 3000 RPM the transmission hesitatingly shifts into 3rd (always skipping 2nd), the noticeable sound of ‘gear grinding’ is heard when the 3rd gear is engaging. The whole process usually takes 2 to 3 seconds, the truck would literally "drift" before any noticeable acceleration is achieved. Lastly, since the day days of ownership, in the area around 2K miles and above, the truck, when the gas pedal is “floored” (ea. on the highway), would get a hard "mallet-like: kick with a significant audible, hard knock somewhere in the drivetrain and at times during this even the "explosion-like" could be heard from the engine compartment making the vehicle shudder.

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Ranger. The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle was not responding when the accelerator pedal was depressed. Additionally, the vehicle was shaking from left to right. The check engine warning light illuminated, and the contact pulled to the side of the roadway. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a water leak that damaged the spark plugs and spark plug welds. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 13,000.

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while in the reverse gear, the rear cross-traffic warning did not alert the contact that the vehicle was close to an object. As a result, the contact crashed into a pole. No injuries were sustained. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the bumper and the harness for the rear cross-traffic warning system were replaced. The manufacturer was aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 14,850.

Harsh shifting into D, loss of power when accelerating while cold. Sometimes would start across an intersection then buck, loose power and slow down then SLAM back into gear and chirp the rear tires. Technical Service Bulletin 23-2350 was performed on 11/15/2023 which updated the trans tables and cleared some codes. This helped the issue for about a week but then truck was in again on 1/22/2024 for TSB 23-2350 a second time which replaced the CDF drum. A month later, 800 miles, 2/18/2024 truck shifted HARD while in cruise control on the turnpike in traffic and lost power. DTC P0766 check engine light came on and truck would no longer move. Transmission fluid sprayed under truck. Had to be towed to dealership. Clutch Valve D was replaced. Two months have gone by and the hard shifting into D and occasional complete loss of power still occurring. Waiting for the next check engine light to appear to take it in again. I now drive very conservatively because I don't know if it will stop moving half way across an intersection again.

The two rear brake rotors were 75% rusted through, this truck only had 5,642 miles on it at the time. Brake pedal was soft, went to the floor to stop. Asked local ford dealer to look at and they wanted to charge me for two rear rotors and brake shoes. I informed them that I thought this would be a factory defect, they determined it wasn’t. This was unexceptable to me. So I took it to dealership where I purchased truck and they agreed that this was a factory defect and replaced. The only reason I’m writing you is due to all the complaints listed on your site for this truck, not one issue about rusted (badly) rotors. Unless this is an issue but just not being found.? I did read quite a few complaints about soft brake pedals though

Brakes pedal is soft and keeps going down as you push on it. The peddle does not pump up. Ford dealer says that that’s the way Ford Ranger brakes feel. There are no warning lights and no noise coming from the brake system. Engine idle, the engine idles at 900+ rpm’s, if you don’t keep the break pedal firmly pressed the truck moves forward. I found myself in the middle of an intersection at a stop light this morning. Ford dealer says that is what Ford specifically requires that the idle be set at. I have found numerous similar complaints on the internet from Ford Ranger owners.

Rearview Camera: Intermittent loss of rearview camera functionality when placing vehicle in Reverse. Affected roughly 50% of the time. When occurs, image is distorted for a a few seconds followed by a "camera is unavailable, please contact dealer" message on the display. Started occurring at around the 45,000 mile mark and has continued to occur with increasing frequency now at the 90,000 mile mark.