EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER
2020 Ford Ranger
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 125 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2020 Ford Ranger, most frequently naming the powertrain (other), engine and driver assistance categories. 7 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 136 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 2020 | 1 | 1 |
| Sep 2020 | 2 | 3 |
| Oct 2020 | 1 | 4 |
| Nov 2020 | 1 | 5 |
| Dec 2020 | 4 | 9 |
| Jan 2021 | 3 | 12 |
| Feb 2021 | 2 | 14 |
| Jul 2021 | 3 | 17 |
| Aug 2021 | 1 | 18 |
| Sep 2021 | 2 | 20 |
| Oct 2021 | 1 | 21 |
| Nov 2021 | 2 | 23 |
| Jan 2022 | 1 | 24 |
| May 2022 | 1 | 25 |
| Jun 2022 | 1 | 26 |
| Aug 2022 | 3 | 29 |
| Oct 2022 | 1 | 30 |
| Nov 2022 | 1 | 31 |
| Dec 2022 | 1 | 32 |
| Feb 2023 | 3 | 35 |
| Mar 2023 | 1 | 36 |
| Jun 2023 | 1 | 37 |
| Aug 2023 | 3 | 40 |
| Nov 2023 | 3 | 43 |
| Dec 2023 | 5 | 48 |
| Jan 2024 | 6 | 54 |
| Feb 2024 | 4 | 58 |
| Apr 2024 | 3 | 61 |
| May 2024 | 3 | 64 |
| Jun 2024 | 3 | 67 |
| Jul 2024 | 3 | 70 |
| Aug 2024 | 1 | 71 |
| Sep 2024 | 2 | 73 |
| Nov 2024 | 1 | 74 |
| Jan 2025 | 1 | 75 |
| Feb 2025 | 2 | 77 |
| Mar 2025 | 4 | 81 |
| Apr 2025 | 1 | 82 |
| May 2025 | 4 | 86 |
| Jun 2025 | 3 | 89 |
| Jul 2025 | 4 | 93 |
| Aug 2025 | 2 | 95 |
| Sep 2025 | 4 | 99 |
| Oct 2025 | 3 | 102 |
| Nov 2025 | 1 | 103 |
| Dec 2025 | 3 | 106 |
| Jan 2026 | 2 | 108 |
| Feb 2026 | 1 | 109 |
| Mar 2026 | 3 | 112 |
| Apr 2026 | 3 | 115 |
| May 2026 | 1 | 116 |
| Jun 2026 | 3 | 119 |
| Jul 2026 | 4 | 123 |
| Aug 2026 | 2 | 125 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Powertrain (other)4734.1%
- Engine1712.3%
- Driver assistance1611.6%
- Electrical118.0%
- Brakes96.5%
- Visibility96.5%
- Exterior lighting64.3%
- Seat belts64.3%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
7 campaigns cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govBACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Safety investigations
NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.
Rearview Camera FMVSS 111 Noncompliance
On September 23, 2020, Ford Motor Company (Ford) filed a noncompliance recall report under 49 CFR Part 573 (NHTSA Recall No. 20V-575), recalling 620,246 Model Year (MY) 2020 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, Explorer, Mustang, Transit, Expedition, Escape, Ranger and Edge, and Lincoln Nautilus and Corsair vehicles for a noncompliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 111, Rear Visibility. Ford's recall described the noncompliance as insufficient electrical conductivity within the printed circuit board (PCB) internal to the camera leading to intermittent rearview camera operation. The supplier of the cameras was Magna Electronics.According to Ford's chronology in the Part 573, during the period February-April 2020, Ford identified and monitored warranty claims pertaining to intermittent or inoperative rearview cameras. Ford reviewed supplier product changes, focusing on changes introduced by the supplier in the October-November 2019 time frame. The Part 573 stated that the issue was brought to Ford's Critical Concerns Review Group (CCRG) for review on May 12, 2020.On July 7, 2020, NHTSA's Vehicle Research and Testing Center (VRTC) informed the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of a trend of MY 2020 Escape vehicles with rearview camera malfunctions. ODI contacted Ford the next day, providing five Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) alleging inoperative rearview cameras. On July 15, 2020, Ford met with NHTSA to discuss the rearview camera issue. In a subsequent August 24, 2020 meeting, ODI and NHTSA's Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (OVSC) met with Ford to discuss the recall status and additional VOQs. Ford presented rate and scope data for many of its MY 2020 products during the August 2020 meeting indicating high failure rates for certain models.This RQ is being opened to investigate both the timeliness and scope of Ford's rearview camera recall (20V-575), and Ford's compliance with reporting requirements.The subject reports referenced in the opening resume are identified by the following ODI reference numbers which can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov: 11349813, 11344126, 11342696, 11341486, 11340254, 11337274, 11331444, 11330875, 11329235, 11316960, 11343521, 11341884, 11337226, 11344018, and 11339573.
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
1. Transmission is going out dealership never said a word about the 6 recalls on it one being transmission 2. Front seat belts are in backwards and the child safety hook in back seat has a recall on it that the 3 of the 6 I know of Ford had told alm to replace the entire transmission before they ever sold it they did not do that they didn't take care of any of the recalls
- NHTSA ID
- 11756331
- Incident
- May 4, 2026
I was traveling south on I-35 going up a long steep hill and my transmission started to hard shift and then I would lose power and when I would accelerate, I had no power it would just stall out so I merged to the right side in case I had to pull over because I thought the engine had died. When I reached my destination, I looked under my truck to discover fluid on the under carriage at that point I knew the transmission had blown a seal or a high-pressure hose. So, I left the truck there and the next day had it towed back to my house. There were times I had slowed down so much that traffic almost hit me.
- NHTSA ID
- 11756209
- Incident
- Aug 9, 2026
Coolant intrusion defect that affects other 4 cyl ecoboost Ford engines occurred on this regularly serviced per Ford recommendations vehicle as well. Engine failure at highway speeds could cause a severe accident as the engine can seize when coolant mixes with the oil. The vehicle has been inspected by a Ford dealership. The only warning sign that there was a problem was a coolant temperature threshold exceeded warning.
- NHTSA ID
- 11753512
- Incident
- Jun 1, 2026
The truck is currently at a certified ford dealer for diagnosis with a drive train fault. I suspect it is transmission-related, but was not given the history of all stored, pending and history of the codes. The truck exhibits unprovoked forward acceleration/violent lunging when braking to a stop and when driving at low speeds, making intersection control dangerous. It also has severe delayed gear engagement, causing high engine RPM spikes followed by sudden gear slamming, creating a sudden loss of acceleration power while attempting to merge into active highway traffic. The transmission symptoms have been repeatedly reported to and reproduced by certified Ford franchises (Mullinax Ford and Coggin Deland Ford). Technicians previously performed superficial adaptive memory software clears (KAM resets) rather than fixing the physical mechanical defect, which has persisted. The vehicle has been inspected multiple times by factory-trained dealership technicians. The initial symptoms first appeared on May 25, 2023, when the vehicle had 38,575 miles (fully within the factory powertrain warranty window). Persistent symptoms include: 1. Harsh gear engagement/slamming at various speeds. 2. Delayed shifting with sudden RPM spikes before catching gears. 3. Sudden low-speed lurching and acceleration when slowing down. The vehicle has now triggered an active "Drivetrain Fault" warning lamp on the dashboard illumination cluster.
- NHTSA ID
- 11752157
- Incident
- Jul 21, 2026
Transmission replacement needed. Truck has been at dealership going on 3 months with continued delays. It was acknowledged cooperate was covering replacement now story changed that owner/myself having to pay $4000+. Cooperate covering $000 . Current owner/myself bought 2 years ago with 13000 miles and has only put 6000 miles on it. Dealership and cooperate admitted to known problem assured coverage however put fixing on hold because they are behind due to staffing issues. I have been bounced around to 3 different people at dealership who have taken case over. Dealership and cooperate blaming each other for lack if communication and delays.
- NHTSA ID
- 11750461
- Incident
- Apr 17, 2026
I previously submitted another complaint about a 2020 Ford Ranger I own (tracking number 11707667). I own a 2020 Ford Ranger and had to have the transmission replaced at 86k miles. Since having it replaced, I have experienced all the same problems with the transmission. There have been extremely aggressive shifts, jolts, and lags. It has stalled when going through intersections and more. It has been extremely dangerous. The truck is now back in the shop and the new transmission is undergoing a valve body replacement. The new transmission has less than 15k miles and it is undergoing major repairs as I type this. These Ford 10R80 transmissions are completely and utterly garbage and a total liability to the public. They pose as an extreme safety hazard to everyone on public roads.
- NHTSA ID
- 11750072
- Incident
- Jun 9, 2026
Transmission is awful jerky, jumps in and out of gear, causing engine rpm’s to go really high. Shifts erratically, causing me to almost rear end other vehicles. Very dangerous situations a many occasions. Won’t accelerate at times when pulling out in to traffic, causing other drivers to slow down or get in to another lane suddenly. This has happened on many occasions
- NHTSA ID
- 11747502
- Incident
- Jun 17, 2026
Truck was shifting weird the day before incident got really bad. The next day on the way home from my newborns dr appointment it began shuddering really badly and would make a loud thud noise when shifting so I had to pull off to the side of the road. There was never a warning lamp or message prior. I took the truck to a reputable transmission shop and they found the issue to be the CDF drum that had shifted out of place. CDF drum and valve body was replaced. Truck had just over 35000 miles at time of repair. I can provide receipt from shop if needed. While speaking to the mechanic at the shop he informed me that this is a common occurrence for these 10 speed transmissions and there was another vehicle there for the same issue
- NHTSA ID
- 11746269
- Incident
- Jun 5, 2026
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; POWER TRAIN
Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit an incorrectly illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0420 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to the software in the PCM.
ENGINE
Certain 2021-2024 Model Year Bronco, 2021-2024 Model Year Bronco Sport, 2020-2022 Model Year Corsair and Escape, 2016-2024 Model Year Explorer, 2019-2020 Model Year Fusion, 2016-2018 Model Year Focus RS, 2022-2024 Model Year Maverick, 2016-2019 Model Year MKC and 2019-2024 Model Year Ranger Vehicles Equipped with a 2.0L or 2.3L Engine and Engine Block Heater System Block Heater Replacement
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
Various 2020-2026 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with blind spot information system (BLIS) may experience an inoperative blind spot monitoring with a "Blind Spot System Fault" message displayed in the instrument panel cluster (IPC). This may also be accompanied by diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) B118C:11 and/or B118C:15 stored in the driver door module (DDM), and/or B118D:11 and/or B118D:15 stored in the passenger door module (PDM). This may be due to the wiring connector from the mirror to the BLIS module. If diagnostics lead to an internal mirror wiring harness fault, a new lower level BLIS light pigtail is now released for service. It is not necessary to replace the exterior mirror assembly. Use part number SC3Z-14A411-B to resolve the concern.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING; BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS; LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
Advance Notice – Customer Satisfaction Program 25N17 Certain 2015-2025 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines Rear View Camera Replacement If Required After Dealer Evaluation
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; STRUCTURE:BODY
Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). The Factory Keyless Entry Code application within the diagnostic scan tool will not provide an applicable master code for the accessory wireless keypad. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is not available, the "Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide" can be referenced and provides direction on how to retrieve the master code. This guide is located under the Workshop Manual tab > Accessories > Installation > Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide > PPT C > Step C2.<br /><br /> Note: The only available keypad for some vehicles from the assembly plant is the accessory wireless keyless entry keypad. The integrated wired keypad cannot be installed on vehicles not equipped from the factory with a wired keyless entry k
POWER TRAIN
For 20172026 vehicles equipped with a 10R transmission, a revision to the Road Testing Vehicle procedure has been made in the WSM, located in Section 307-01 > Diagnosis and Testing. This updated procedure improves the diagnosis of customer reported transmission concerns and aids in locating the proper root cause. During diagnosis and testing, details regarding whether the condition is more prevalent when the vehicle is hot or cold, throttle percentage at the time of occurrence, vehicle speed, the specific shift involved, and whether the issue occurs during transmission engagements (N>R, N>D, R>D, or D>R) should be noted. Engineering requests including these detailed operating conditions that will significantly assist with root cause analysis. Diagnosis, testing, and repair should use established labor times outside this article.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 6 | 0 | — |
| 2025 | 33 | 13 | 0 | 62.0 |
| 2024 | 68 | 13 | 0 | 58.8 |
| 2023 | 18 | 4 | 0 | 58.5 |
| 2022 | 37 | 5 | 0 | 56.7 |
| 2021 | 111 | 6 | 0 | 64.1 |
| 2020Viewing | 125 | 7 | 1 | 63.7 |
| 2019 | 263 | 11 | 0 | 59.1 |
| 2018 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2017 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2016 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2014 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2013 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2012 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2011 | 235 | 6 | 0 | 53.5 |
| 2010 | 156 | 9 | 0 | 53.2 |
| 2009 | 168 | 8 | 0 | 51.6 |
| 2008 | 325 | 6 | 1 | 58.3 |
| 2007 | 270 | 6 | 1 | 59.9 |
| 2006 | 271 | 12 | 0 | 52.1 |
| 2005 | 289 | 11 | 3 | 62.3 |
| 2004 | 404 | 12 | 3 | 65.5 |
| 2003 | 243 | 5 | 1 | 60.5 |
| 2002 | 346 | 7 | 0 | 56.0 |
| 2001 | 515 | 9 | 2 | 63.3 |
| 2000 | 670 | 8 | 0 | 56.3 |
| 1999 | 755 | 10 | 0 | 56.2 |
| 1998 | 576 | 11 | 1 | 61.4 |
| 1997 | 411 | 7 | 2 | 61.3 |
| 1996 | 413 | 8 | 0 | 55.9 |
| 1995 | 321 | 7 | 1 | 57.9 |
| 1994 | 438 | 11 | 1 | 61.3 |
| 1993 | 232 | 10 | 2 | 64.6 |
| 1992 | 189 | 6 | 1 | 63.9 |
| 1991 | 132 | 6 | 4 | 67.5 |
| 1990 | 105 | 5 | 3 | 66.3 |
| 1989 | 73 | 3 | 1 | 63.0 |
| 1988 | 89 | 2 | 2 | 66.4 |
| 1987 | 50 | 5 | 4 | 71.3 |
| 1986 | 35 | 5 | 7 | 75.0 |
| 1985 | 27 | 3 | 1 | 67.6 |
| 1984 | 12 | 8 | 1 | 69.0 |
| 1983 | 11 | 7 | 0 | 57.4 |
| 1979 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1978 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.