2020 Ford Ranger Visibility Problems

I own a 2020 Ford Ranger equipped with dual-zone automatic climate control, with approximately 50,000 miles. The HVAC system has developed a failure that prevents the driver’s side from producing adequate heat. When both temperature controls are set to maximum heat and MAX defrost is selected, the driver’s side produces cold air with significantly reduced airflow compared with the passenger side, which produces hot air with strong airflow. I have tested the dashboard vents, floor vents and windshield defroster. The driver’s side consistently produces colder air and reduced airflow in all three modes. Previously, I heard repeated clicking or knocking noises from behind the dashboard. The temperature controls no longer appear to operate correctly on the driver’s side. I am concerned that this failure will prevent the driver’s side of the windshield from defrosting and defogging adequately during cold weather, potentially obstructing my visibility while driving. Ford has issued service message SSM 51313, NHTSA document 10230940, concerning temperature-control failures and clicking noises in certain 2019–2020 Rangers. The bulletin directs replacement of the air distribution housing/heater assembly for the described condition. I contacted Ford customer service regarding assistance with this repair, but Ford declined to provide financial assistance. I am reporting this as a potential safety defect because the HVAC failure may compromise windshield visibility in freezing or humid conditions.

NHTSA ID

11767561

Incident

Aug 1, 2026

Clicking sound coming from under the dash. I traced it to the blend door assy. Defrost intermittently will disengage. Vehicle has 29,600 miles on it

NHTSA ID

11733994

Incident

Apr 27, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Ranger. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the heating system became inoperable. The contact stated that the heater would not function properly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the HVAC blower motor failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was referred to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 86,000.

NHTSA ID

11635073

Incident

Jan 9, 2025

Mileage

86,000 mi

The blend door for HVAC controls sticks, makes clicking noises. From time to time it will stick in one position, for example cabin, when I need defrost, making it difficult to see safely potentially.

NHTSA ID

11626414

Incident

Nov 19, 2024

Early model 2019-2020 Ford Rangers have a known defect where the blend door actuator fails. The assembly was redesigned mid 2020 and is now the common fix for all who are affected by this issue. During this failure the blend door cannot and will not actuate as it should causing in ability to defrost the windshield causing visibility issues. Additionally, it causes unbearable heat to be released inside the vehicle with no warning causing additional safety issues for drivers and passengers. The issue is widely observed for all owners of early generations. Even though ford has known about the issue that forced an entire redesign they are unwilling to recall the defective component. I have contacted their corporate office and was informed there is no support for this issue. Today, while driving the system on its own changed to defrost, half of the windshield could be seen through, the other half could not due to variations on both sides which also caused condensation to form.

NHTSA ID

11615914

Incident

Sep 23, 2024

Vehicle has 51,532 miles and a blend door actuator needs to be replaced - inconsistent air flow coming in. The desired air wanted whether it be hot or cold, is being diverted incorrectly, so we are not getting a consistent temperature out of the A/C system. This item was recalled previously In the 2019 Ford Ranger.

NHTSA ID

11560748

Incident

Dec 4, 2023

At one point, the heat/ac would blow air but would not heat or cool. This was about a month and a half ago., There was an electrical burning smell, and at that point the system would not heat or cool. The burning smell has since subsided. I took the truck to Santa Maria Ford to have it looked at and have my oil changed. I was told that it would cost 3500.00 to repair the issue. I looked the issue up and I found that the 2019 Ford Ranger had been recalled for this exacted issue. I felt that it was just a matter of time before the 2020 Ford Ranger would be recalled for this item. I decided to I should submit this form to be on the safe side.

NHTSA ID

11559859

Incident

Nov 1, 2023

This is the second time I'm hearing the climate control system click before i can adjust the temperature gauge. It was replaced less than 1,000 miles ago and it already broke again. You already put notice on the issue, SSM 49264, but it needs to be recalled with better parts. Im afraid ill be having to pay out of pocket if it keeps breaking. Please recall this.

NHTSA ID

11509027

Incident

Feb 24, 2023

There is a known issue with 2019 and some 2020 model year Ford Rangers. The Ford SSM is #50629. I have been waiting for a Ford service center to fix this issue for 3 months. This issue does not allow for the heater to work properly. Because of that, the defroster and defog doesn't work. This allows for limited or zero visibility through the windshield and side windows in winter conditions that require defrost or defog. I have to had to pull over and scrape ice off my windshield on short trips. Also, this winter has had some of the coldest days on record. Reaching in the -20F range. Having no heat at a time like this could possibly result in frostbite or hypothermia. I use my vehicle as sparingly as possible this winter, but there are times I absolutely need to drive around.

NHTSA ID

11505233

Incident

Oct 31, 2022

THE WINDSHIELD AND REAR WINDOW ARE WAVEY, MAKING OBJECTS BLURRED. I'VE HAD THE TRUCK TO THE DEALER, THEY TELL ME THEY NEVER NOTICED IT BEFORE. I LOOKED AT THE 2021 RANGER PICKUPS AND THEY HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. THE LARGER PICKUPS DON'T HAVE THE PROBLEM. IT MAKES IT HARD TO READ SIGNS AND TRAFFIC.

NHTSA ID

11355631

Incident

Feb 3, 2020