2021 Ford Ranger

The chrome coating on both interior door handles is peeling. The chrome coating creates very sharp edges and has already cut a passenger who was getting out of the car. I checked the internet and found that the same thing has been happening to Ford Expeditions of these same years. They have been recalled for the chrome peeling and possibly cutting passengers.

NHTSA ID

11773570

Incident

Oct 23, 2026

I am reporting a potential drivetrain safety defect involving the rear driveshaft bearing on my 2021 Ford Ranger FX4 Lariat. On September 3, 2025, I brought my truck to Larry H. Miller Ford Lakewood after experiencing an intermittent abnormal whistling/mechanical noise while driving. The vehicle had 38,275 miles and was still under warranty. Ford retained it until September 6 but could not reproduce or diagnose the noise. This is documented on service invoice #415969. The noise continued and progressively worsened, eventually accompanied by increased vibration. In early July 2026, an independent repair shop identified a rear driveshaft problem and recommended replacement. I returned to Ford on July 15, 2026, where the rear driveshaft bearing issue was subsequently confirmed. Dealership personnel, including the service technician and service department director, advised that the vehicle was unsafe for my intended highway use. I am concerned that continued operation, particularly at highway speeds, could result in further drivetrain deterioration, loss of propulsion, or other dangerous consequences affecting myself and other motorists. Despite the original complaint occurring under warranty, Ford initially disputed coverage because the warranty had recently expired. Ford eventually agreed to assist with the repair, but the replacement component remains backordered. As of October 15, 2026, the vehicle has remained unrepaired for over three months since the July visit. I have been unable to safely use it for my normal transportation needs. I request that NHTSA investigate this potential drivetrain safety defect and determine whether similar failures have occurred in other Ford Ranger vehicles. The vehicle and affected component remain available for inspection, subject to coordination with the servicing dealership.

NHTSA ID

11771382

Incident

Sep 30, 2025

I was parking the truck and I put it in reverse and no reverse whatsoever. I put it and drive them back and reverse nothing. I put it in park turned it off restarted it and reverse worked took it to the dealer and they said the transmission has to be replaced due to faulty parts from Ford on the original transmission although it might be covered under the 200,000 mile powertrain warranty it is still a big inconvenience and this is not the first time I was having problems with the transmission if I have to pay for it it could be up to $8500

NHTSA ID

11768399

Incident

Oct 1, 2026

The 2021 Ford Ranger Lariat , mileage 42,362 would not go into reverse, the wrench was lit up on dash. Shut Truck off it cleared the code, immediately took it to Ford dealer. Was sent home because the tech said the light was off so he couldn’t diagnose. After reading about the issue we made the appt for a diagnostic scan. The codes were P2704, P0772 . The truck has been with dealership since 09/14/2026. It’s the 10R80 transmission with a service bulletin out on the CDF drum.mechanical defect that Ford knowingly sold to unsuspecting consumers. I was able to get a goodwill assist from Ford to help with repair , told they would cover 40% but are now only wanting to pay 16% . The time warranty is over is by 33 days the mileage is under by 18,000 miles. Did notice some sluggish shifting but thought it was from the engine shut off when stopped at lights months ago but not reported. I think Ford should have to cover this at 100% seeing that the Truck was purchased on 03/10/2025 with 24,809 miles , we asked the dealership about the transmission and was told it was sound.

NHTSA ID

11768109

Incident

Sep 9, 2026

Vehicle is just out of warranty and has less than 45,000 miles yet I'm being told I need a full transmission replacement. I know of 4 other rangers that as soon as they hit 40,000 or there about, began having jerky transmission issues. I reached out to ford for a goodwill request and am being told that I have to pay to have the transmission disassembled just to see IF they will pay for anything to be fixed. Is this not planned obsolesence?

NHTSA ID

11767566

Incident

Aug 24, 2026

While driving from [XXX] to [XXX] on XXX my 2021 Ford Ranger's dash light came on and I noticed harsh shifting and the vehicle began jolting unpredictably while I was driving at highway speeds. To avoid imminent danger, I pulled off the 101 and slowly drove to the closest Ford dealership, Vista Ford Lincoln of [XXX], in order to have the truck assessed. Technicians performed a diagnostic evaluation and retrieved DTC P0766 (shift solenoid "D" performance/stuck off) and P2703 (transmission friction element "D" apply time.) These codes are the documented engineering signature of internal CDF clutch drum bushing migration- a known, widespread manufacturing defect inherent to Ford's 10R80 transmission platform. Vista Ford confirmed the transmission required a complete replacement, but assured me that I could slowly drive the truck home to [XXX] for the repair. [XXX] of [XXX] confirmed the error codes and quoted me $9,857.86 to repair the existing transmission and $13,295.84 to replace the transmission. I reached out to Ford Corporate (case number: [XXX]) who explicitly refused a reasonable goodwill remedy, offering only a 10% discount against [XXX]'s replacement quote. This left me with an untenable $11, 966.26 bill for a known factory defect, therefore I transferred the truck to B'N'C Mobile Auto Repair where the transmission replacement cost me $7, 954.73 Although the 5 year express powertrain warranty concluded on XXX, a major vehicle powertrain components failing at just 48,820 miles under normal during conditions is dangerous and unacceptable. I have preserved all diagnostic sheets, including trouble codes, paid receipts and my original 2021 sale contract. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11763949

Incident

Jul 27, 2026

One suspects dealership misrepresented sale. Website lists vehicle series, XL; window sticker document indicates Lariat. 2021 Ford Ranger Lariat Tremor might have been rebuilt without instrument reporting changes. Because one has been ambushed - one no longer has collateral. One is attempting such creation report via XXX Code [XXX] for unwinding contract, good faithing Wells Fargo lien key negotiation VIN hold: [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11763667

Incident

May 20, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and shifting gear, the transmission shifted hard. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the transmission was operating as designed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there was no recalls on the VIN associated with the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.

NHTSA ID

11756983

Incident

Feb 24, 2025

Mileage

59,000 mi

Customer Satisfaction Program 26L01 – Supplement #1 Certain 2018-2025 Model Year Various Vehicles 2.0L Panther Diesel Engine Timing Belt and Tensioner Interval Change

Customer Satisfaction Program 26L01 Certain 2018-2024 Model Year Various Vehicles 2.0L Panther Diesel Engine Timing Belt and Tensioner Interval Change

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.

NEW VEHICLE DELIVERY HOLD - Emissions Recall 26E04 Certain 2021-2025 Model Year F-150, Maverick, Mustang, Ranger, Expedition, Bronco Sport, Explorer, Bronco, Navigator, and Aviator Vehicles Powertrain Control Module Software Update

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

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.