2019 Ford Ranger Driver assistance Problems

The vehicle is experiencing a severe power train failure involving erratic and violent gear selection. The transmission unexpectedly jumps from 2nd, 3rd, or 4th gear directly up to 7th or 8th gear, resulting in a total loss of acceleration. This is immediately followed by the transmission "slamming" down into lower gears, usually 1st or 2nd gear without driver input. This behavior is accompanied by a strong burning smell and a dashboard "wrench" warning light. The symptoms match the manufacturing defect documented in Ford TSB 24-2101 (CDF clutch drum). Diagnosis & Manufacturer Response: The issue began in October 2025 with a noticeable transmission shudder. I paid for two transmission flushes at Big O Tires to attempt to resolve the issue, but the mechanical failure has since escalated. When the "wrench" light appeared, an independent diagnostic computer was unable to retrieve an error code, as the light is a proprietary Ford powertrain indicator. Furthermore, the wrench light clears upon restarting the vehicle, despite the violent shifting and burning smell remaining. Ford Corporate agents claim there are "no known issues" and have refused to assist with towing, despite an active NHTSA Engineering Analysis (PE 24-001) regarding this exact 10R80 transmission. Safety Risk: This defect creates an extreme safety hazard. Violent downshifting into low gears at highway speeds can cause a loss of vehicle control or a rear-end collision. The burning smell indicates internal friction and fluid oxidation, posing an immediate fire risk or the potential for a catastrophic mechanical lock-up.

NHTSA ID

11713793

Incident

Oct 1, 2025

Truck looses gear when pulling into traffic. It will shift out of gear and only allow coasting. At speeds of 40 MPH and higher it will down shift causing dramatic reduced speed with no brake warning to other drivers behind. It will also randomly loose power. It will have delayed shifts squealing tires upon shifting and excessive jerking that is uncontrollable.

NHTSA ID

11704234

Incident

Sep 1, 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while in reverse(R), the backup camera initially projected three lines at the bottom of the screen, distorting the driver’s vision. The contact stated that over time, the camera displayed a blank or distorted image, and the message "Camera Not Accessible" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and the backup camera was reset. The reset initially repaired the failure; however, the failure returned soon after the reset. The contact made two attempts to reach the manufacturer, but the call was disconnected each time. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.

NHTSA ID

11697140

Incident

Jul 14, 2025

Mileage

56,000 mi

While backing up out of a parking space, my BLIS system did not give me a warning letting me know there was a pole to my left side...finally, it beeped just once as I backed into the pole...no other warning. Estimate of repair is $4900. My neighbor was with me and can confirm everything

NHTSA ID

11689959

Incident

Sep 11, 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Ranger. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V442000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the dealer refused to perform the recall repair. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a black screen while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure had obstructed the driver's visibility, which prevented the driver from safely operating the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000.

NHTSA ID

11687940

Incident

Aug 2, 2025

Mileage

33,000 mi

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a black screen while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure obstructed the visibility, and the contact was prevented from safely operating the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or inspected. The vehicle was not repaired because the VIN was not under recall. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V442000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 19,000.

NHTSA ID

11671062

Incident

Jul 3, 2023

Mileage

19,000 mi

My tail lights just stopped working. I didn't know that they were out until someone behind me told me that they were out. I didn't have any collision, nothing like that. I called the Ford Dealership and they told me to bring it in so that they can see what the problem is. They have been having issues with tail lights just going out.

NHTSA ID

11666884

Incident

Jun 14, 2025

This is in relation to an existing recall on the 2019 Ford Ranger, NHTSA Recall no. 19V-839 This recall was for improperly connected inline electrical connectors from the Ford factory causing issues with rear brake lamps. I have recently had a fault with the same connector, which Ford technicians discovered was not properly connected. This connector failed due to the loose connection, causing all electrical connections in the rear frame (fuel pump, rear view camera, cross traffic warning, parking sensors) to fail. Upon discovering recall 19V-839, I contacted Ford support. I was informed that my truck was built in the same factory as the recalled vehicles, but was completed three days after the impacted period ( JUN 04, 2018 - AUG 16, 2019). Therefor Ford will not consider my issue part of the recall. Ford has advised me to bring this up to the NHTSA to broaden the scope of the recall. I It seems clear to me that this issue was the same as the recall, and likely the original dates were too narrow. I hope you will investigate this issue.

NHTSA ID

11652627

Incident

Mar 29, 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Ranger. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH in the driveway and depressing the brake pedal to make a turn, the vehicle lunged forward and accelerated unintendedly. The contact stated that upon depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact continuously depressed the brake pedal until the vehicle responded as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a related recall. The contact stated while her husband was in the process of parking the vehicle in the driveway, the contact's husband depressed the accelerator pedal to drive forward, and the failure recurred, causing the vehicle to crash into two other unoccupied vehicles that were parked in the driveway. The air bags did not deploy. There was no injury sustained. No police report was filed. There was no property damage. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 11,055.

NHTSA ID

11648177

Incident

Sep 22, 2024

Mileage

11,055 mi

The ten-speed transmission "10R80" has Rough and harsh shifting, "upshifts and downshifts," which sometimes causes the vehicle to lunge forward unexpectedly. The dealer has reprogrammed the transmission twice with no change.

NHTSA ID

11644508

Incident

Feb 24, 2025

Once the "Maintenace Required" message is displayed on the "multi-information display" (shortly prior to standard maintenance intervals), it is permanently displayed . Once the message is displayed, "meter control switches" no longer function (until reset by dealer maintenance). Enabling any ADAS feature (if not enabled) is impossible as this requires using the "meter control switches." While stopped (or not), resetting the "message indicating maintenance" procedure in the user manual does not work (page 447 in [XXX] ) as it requires functional "meter control switches": ■Resetting the message indicating maintenance is required After the required maintenance is performed according to the maintenance schedule, please reset the reminder light or message. To reset the reminder light or message, follow the procedure described below: 1 Press or of the meter control switches and select on the multi-information display. 2 Press or of the meter control switches and select “Vehicle Settings”. Then press and hold . 3 Press or of the meter control switches and select “Scheduled Maintenance”. Then press . 4 Select “Yes” and press . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11639405

Incident

Jan 25, 2025

When turning on to another road and accelerating, engine will suddenly loose all power. releasing accelerator will regain some power until vehicle speed increases. Throttle control is often erratic and transmission shifting is inconsistent resulting in hard clunks during shift. Pulling into traffic with a sudden loss of power leaves me vulnerable to a collision.

NHTSA ID

11636744

Incident

May 1, 2024

THE TRANSMISSION "BUCKING" DURING SPEED ACCELERATION. THIS CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO DE-ACCELERATE BEFORE ACCELERATING TO DESIRE SPEED. PROBLEM: PROGRAMIMG OF THE PCM FOR THE TRANSMISSION. ACCORDING TO THE DATA COLLECTED ON THE FORD FORUM THIS PROBLEM AFFECTS ALL FORD RANGER FOR 2019 MODELS.

NHTSA ID

11564094

Incident

Jan 8, 2024

Vehicle presented a blind spot system fault warning and a cross traffic system fault. Immediately after this warning appears the vehicle ac/ heater shutdown, passengers seat belts light came up and radio got frozen. None of the ac/ heater controls worked. Blinkers appears to be advising that the were not working properly. Vehicle rums but everything else regarding de console stopped working.

NHTSA ID

11549414

Incident

Oct 1, 2023

The blindspot sensor on my truck appears to have gotten very hot. It melted the tail light and the wiring harness.

NHTSA ID

11536051

Incident

May 31, 2023

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Ranger. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH with the cruise control activated, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. The contact stated that he decelerated to 30 MPH, and then re-activated the cruise control. While at a stop sign, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

NHTSA ID

11508404

Incident

Feb 17, 2023

Mileage

40,000 mi

Back up camera is blurry unable to identify objects. I know there’s been a recall on many of the back up cameras but none on my vehicle since I have a back up camera that is blurry and unable to identify objects. Clearly, how do I go about getting it fixed?

NHTSA ID

11502106

Incident

Nov 8, 2022

The failed component is a small wheel speed sensor on the rear axle. The sensor is designed in a way where it inserts into the axle and sits close enough to the gears that it can be hit by the gears during bumps/potholes/etc. The issue puts myself and others at risk as when the sensor malfunctions or breaks, it disables multiple safety features of the truck including: Antilock brakes, traction control, power steering, hill assist, and collision avoidance system. Other systems affected include cruise control. The problem has been reproduced with three separate speed sensors, two OEM sensors and one after market. I have had the vehicle inspected by a Ford dealership for the issue. Issues prior to the first replaced sensor was the sensors have issues with cold climate. When snow or ice is on the roadway, the sensors have issues and disable all the above features. Appears the design cannot withstand the cold weather.

NHTSA ID

11492703

Incident

Jul 23, 2022

My rear camera stopped working and I think the front collision alert is affected as well. I understand there was/is a recall for this issue but not my vehicle. I do not understand why.

NHTSA ID

11473417

Incident

Jun 1, 2022

This is not the first time, but I will randomly get a collision warning while I am driving my car. The last incident happened on a 2 lane road with no traffic within visible distance in front of me. It was early in the morning with the sun ahead of the vehicle (approx 7am) and the collision warning indicator came on for no reason. This has happened before. Another incident occurred when I was turning right onto an on ramp and there was a car traveling next to me (who would continue straight) and the warning was going off for no reason. These incidents are extremely dangerous as the flashing and chiming from the alert system is very distracting and causes someone to react to this as opposed to focusing on driving the vehicle. For some people this could lead to a crash by itself as there is no training on what your vehicle will do in one of these situations (ie, like a push to test in an aircraft to know what is making the noise).

NHTSA ID

11452789

Incident

Feb 18, 2022

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was difficulty removing his foot off the accelerator pedal to depress the brake pedal due to the plastic and hump around the pedals. The contact mentioned that the vehicle was because he may crash if the brake pedal could not be depressed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they informed the contact that there was nothing they could do. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 6,000. THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER REMOVING THE GROUND CABLE, ALL INFO ERASED ON THE COMPUTER.

NHTSA ID

11439176

Incident

Feb 15, 2020

Mileage

6,000 mi

APPLYING BRAKE TRUCK WILL STOP, AFTER STOPING YOU FILL THE PADDLE MOVE DOWNWARD IN THE DIRECTION OF THE FLOORBOARD, AND THE TRUCK WILL START ROLLING UNTIL YOU APPLY MORE PRESSURE TO TH PADDLE..ACTING LIKE A BAD MASTER CYLINDER..2. CRASH LIGHT WILL FLASH, BUT NO BRAKING..THIS HAPPENS ABOUT EVERY TIME I DRIVE..

NHTSA ID

11384502

Incident

Dec 22, 2020

Mileage

23,000 mi

ON WEDNESDAY OCT. 14, 2020 ON A TRIP FROM GAINESVILLE, GA TO PENSACOLA, FL I EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE THAT I WOULD CLASSIFY AS POTENTIALLY CATASTROPHIC. WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE (I-85), I USED THE CRUISE CONTROL SEVERAL TIMES AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 60 -70 MPH. IN MONTGOMERY, AL, I EXITED OFF THE INTERSTATE AND STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT. ALL OF A SUDDEN THE ACCELERATION INCREASED WHERE I HAD TO PUT MAXIMUM PRESSURE ON THE BRAKES TO PREVENT THE TRUCK FROM CRASHING INTO PASSING TRAFFIC. I THEN MOVED THE SELECT SHIFT FROM DRIVE TO NEUTRAL AND THEN TO PARK, WHICH STOPPED THE ACCELERATION. THE ACCELERATION WAS SO SEVERE THAT THE REAR WHEELS WERE SPINNING. AGAIN WE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM TWICE MORE ON OUR WAY TO PENSACOLA AT VARIOUS STOP LIGHTS. THAT DAY I HAD NOT YET DETERMINED THAT THERE MAY BE AN ISSUE WITH THE OPERATION OF CRUISE CONTROL. THE NEXT MORNING THURSDAY, OCT. 15, I BROUGHT THE TRUCK INTO WORLD FORD IN PENSACOLA, FL. FOR A DIAGNOSIS. THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN TOOK THE TRUCK OUT ON THE HIGHWAY BUT WAS NOT ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. WHEN HE USED THE DIAGNOSIS MACHINE HE DETECTED A GLITCH IN TEST A4 WHICH INDICATED AN INTERMITTENT INOPERATIVE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH. HE WAS NOT 100% SURE THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH WAS THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM BUT HE CHANGED THE SWITCH. HE WAS VERY CONCERNED OF THE POTENTIAL SERIOUSNESS OF THE SITUATION. WE NEVER HAD ANOTHER ISSUE WHILE IN PENSACOLA OR ON THE WAY HOME, BUT I NEVER TURNED THE CRUISE CONTROL ON, AS MY CONFIDENCE LEVEL WAS STILL VERY LOW.

NHTSA ID

11378676

Incident

Oct 14, 2020

Mileage

4,400 mi

WHEN TRYING TO SET THE CRUISE CONTROL SPEED THE VEHICLE WILL CONTINUE ACCELERATING CONSTANTLY. THE TRUCK WILL NOT SET AT THE DESIRED SPEED AND WILL KEEP GOING FASTER AND FASTER. THE ONLY WAY STOP THE INCREASING ACCELERATION PROCESS IS STEPPING ON THE BRAKE, MAYBE TURNING THE CRUISE CONTROL OFF. THIS HAPPENED EVERY TIME I TRIED TO SET THE CRUISE CONTROL SPEED WITH THE BOTTOM ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE WHEEL. I REPLICATED THE ISSUE TWICE IN THE PARKWAY JUST TO MAKE SURE THIS WAS NOT MY FAULT. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED WAS TOTALLY UNEXPECTED, THE CAR WAS NEW.

NHTSA ID

11337785

Incident

Jul 3, 2020

Mileage

11,000 mi

SOMETIMES TRUCK STAYS IN GEAR AFTER SHIFTING INTO PARK. HAS ROLLED FORWARD AFTER I EXITED THE VEHICLE. LANE KEEP ASSIST HAS MISJUDGED LANE & TURNED THE WHEELS SHARPLY CAUSING UNWANTED LANE CHANGE. PRE COLLISION WARNING OFTEN SOUNDS ALARMS & SHOWS VISUAL WARNINGS WITH NO TRAFFIC NEARBY, THE SYSTEM HAS EMERGENCY BRAKING & I'M AFRAID OF IT APPLYING BRAKES WHEN I'M ON THE INTERSTATE. CRASH DETECTED AUDIBLE & VISUAL WARNINGS OFTEN APPEAR WHEN THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A CRASH. DRIVER'S DOOR MIRROR IS NOT SECURE, VIBRATES/RATTLES WHEN TRUCK IS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. FRONT & REAR DIFFERENTIALS MAKE GRINDING NOISES & FRONT END JUMPS, WHEELS LOCK UP WHEN USING 4X4L. DOES NOT ALWAYS SHIFT INTO 4X4H. VEHICLE HAS OVERHEATED & STALLED WHILE IN TRAFFIC. PEDESTRIAN DETECTION SYSTEM IS NON-FUNCTIONAL. A MAN STEPPED OFF THE SIDEWALK IN FRONT OF MY TRUCK ON MONDAY, JAN 06 2020, I WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 15-20 MPH. LUCKILY I SAW HIM IN TIME AND PUT THE BRAKES ON, WHEN I CAME TO A STOP THE MAN WAS A MERE 2" FROM THE FRONT OF MY TRUCK & WE WERE BOTH EXTREMELY SHAKEN. HAD I APPLIED THE BRAKES 1 SECOND LATER THE MAN WOULD BE DEAD. THE PEDESTRIAN DETECTION SYSTEM NEVER ALERTED ME TO THE PEDESTRIAN WITH ANY TYPE OF WARNING, AUDIBLE OR VISUAL. THE SYSTEM NEVER ASSISTED WITH EMERGENCY BRAKING AS A RESULT. THE PARKING & CROSS TRAFFIC SENSORS RARELY WORK CORRECTLY, ALMOST NEVER DETECT CROSS TRAFFIC WHEN PULLING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT. I CAN PULL UP TO A VEHICLE, WITH MY FRONT LICENSE PLATE TOUCHING THE RECEIVER BAR ON THE HITCH OF THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME BEFORE THE SENSORS DETECT THE VEHICLE. AS A DISABLED VETERAN I'M MORE CAUTIOUS THAN MOST, BUT ALL OF THESE ISSUES, OF WHICH THERE ARE MORE, MAKE THIS TRUCK A SEVERE HAZARD, I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING IT. DEALERSHIP REFUSES TO SERVICE ANYMORE, HAS BEEN IN SHOP 5 TIMES, THEY HAVE WITNESSED SOME ISSUES BUT WON'T ACKNOWLEDGE THEM. UPLOADED LIST OF DEFECTS

NHTSA ID

11298310

Incident

Nov 11, 2019

Mileage

700 mi