RoadVitals

2023 Ford Ranger Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
18
Latest Aug 9, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
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Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
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What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2023 Ford Ranger, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Powertrain (other)419.0%
  • Driver assistance314.3%
  • Engine314.3%
  • Brakes314.3%
  • Electrical29.5%
  • Airbags29.5%
  • Visibility14.8%
  • Fuel system14.8%
  • Suspension14.8%
  • Transmission14.8%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Ranger. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated to 40 MPH, and the vehicle then shifted into 4WD-Low independently. As a result of the failure, the vehicle dramatically decelerated and skidded to a complete stop. The 4WD warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who observed water damage to the fuse box which caused electrical failures. The contact was informed that the fuse box needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 10,000.

NHTSA ID 11651300 · filed Mar 28, 2025

in normal drive mode the transmission downs shifts thru the gears and skips from 3 to 1. becuase of that skip it feels like you got rear ended by another car. if your not prepared for it you could let off the brakes which could cuase you to hit the person in front. in sport mode it downshifts thru all the 10 gears properly.

NHTSA ID 11638904 · filed Jan 27, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while idling at the red traffic light, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle was accelerating unintendedly. The contact continuously depressed the brake pedal; however, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly at approximately 1 MPH and crashed into the rear of another occupied vehicle. There was no injury sustained. The air bags did not deploy. No police report was filed. The contact and the other driver pulled into a gas station and exchanged the vehicle's insurance information. The contact stated that there was no visible damage on either vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer informed the contact that no failure was found. The contact noticed that the dealer service report stated that the contact had stated that the vehicle was experiencing rough shifting while idling; however, the contact had only described the incident to the dealer and had not mentioned rough shifting while idling. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact requested buy-back assistance. The manufacturer informed the contact that the buy-back request was denied because neither the State where the vehicle was purchased, nor the State where the contact resided, required the buyback of the vehicle. Additionally, the contact was advised to take the vehicle to another dealer for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.

NHTSA ID 11711247 · filed Jan 15, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while the Lane Keep Assist system activated, the system failed to work properly. While the alarm was on, the steering wheel vibrated, and the vehicle remained in the lane. While using the assist option, the vehicle veered into the other lane. While the Lane Keep Assist system was positioned with the alarm and assist, the system was inoperable. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the vehicle was working as designed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 1,700.

NHTSA ID 11568744 · filed Jan 30, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Appx 73000 Miles truck developed shudder (felt like transmission jumping gears) under moderate acceleration. Gently Drove home, no other shudder. Called dealer who said to drive it in. Noted a missfire warning on phone app, also stated to gently drive to dealer. On way dealer up hill at ~60 mph (on 70mph freeway) shudder returned, slowed to 55mph, heard spark plug(s) eject and much louder noises. Stopped and had towed to dealer (tow truck drove onto roll back.. very noisy, dealer stated sounded terrible when drove into shop. Engine repair quoted at ~10k (disassembly,machine, sleeve cyinders, new parts) Ford extended warranty refused claim.

NHTSA ID 11755726 · filed Aug 9, 2026

engine revving up, could have engaged the vehicle to move quickly into traffic. the revving up lasted about 15 seconds.

NHTSA ID 11563426 · filed Jan 3, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Brake pad fell off while driving, it hasn’t been serviced by anyone else except the manufacturer. It’s a manufacturer failure and a safety issue. The dealer ship refused to provide an inspection report of the vehicle

NHTSA ID 11700807 · filed Nov 21, 2025

there is an air vent just above the brake pedal .when stepping on the brake my foot presses on that vent, it feels like the brake, until you realize the car is not stopping. took it to the dealer they cant do anything for it. I feel it could be a big issue for someone until the driver figures it out..thank you

NHTSA ID 11541584 · filed Aug 30, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Received safety recall 25S72 sync software and had repaired in Feb. 2026. Same issue has already resurfaced. Many issues are related to this. Sync software affects B/U camera, Ford pass will not work, phones will not sync, internal components will not work properly. IE: Radio, etc. Was repaired during warranty period but now a few weeks out of warranty and dealer will not repair again without a healthy charge. I just wanted to report since initial repair failed again so quickly. Thanks

NHTSA ID 11747442 · filed Jun 30, 2026

It is automatic shut down. No power. No light. No door lock……I let it sit after few hours it starts working back. No idea what happen. There is very dangerous when traveling for long way in hot or cold weather.

NHTSA ID 11551677 · filed Oct 24, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT HAS RECENTLY ILLUMINATED. INDEPENDENT MECHANIC SCAN TOOL READING ON 3/15/24 SHOWS THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG TO HAVE COMPLETELY FAILED AND BECOME INOPERABLE. VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INVOLVED IN ANY IMPACTS OR COLLISIONS.

NHTSA ID 11577700 · filed Mar 15, 2024

The contact owned a 2023 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, another vehicle cut them off, and caused the contact to swerve in order to avoid the vehicle this caused the contact to crash into an electric pole. The air bags did not deploy. The contact had a bruise on his legs and between neck and shoulder. No medical treatment was needed. The vehicle was towed from the scene. Police report had been filled. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000.

NHTSA ID 11541295 · filed Aug 28, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Ranger. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front tires were rubbing while turning. The contact also stated that the front windshield was delaminating. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with misaligned front tires and front windshield delamination. The contact was informed that the vehicle needed an alignment and the front windshield needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.

NHTSA ID 11543233 · filed Sep 7, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while the vehicle was turned off, the fuel pump erroneously activated, sending fuel to the engine. The contact had to restart and turn off the vehicle for the fuel pump to shut off. The failure occurred intermittently, but frequently. The dealer was contacted regarding a possible recall; however, the contact was unable to speak with a representative. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50.

NHTSA ID 11679805 · filed Aug 11, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Ranger. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front tires were rubbing while turning. The contact also stated that the front windshield was delaminating. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with misaligned front tires and front windshield delamination. The contact was informed that the vehicle needed an alignment and the front windshield needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.

NHTSA ID 11543233 · filed Sep 7, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owned a 2023 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed in tow mode, he heard an abnormal pop emanating from underneath the vehicle, prompting him to pull to the shoulder of the roadway. After a visual inspection, he observed an oil leak, smoke, and a fire near the transmission. Local emergency services were called, and they were able to extinguish the fire. A police and fire report was filed, but no injuries were reported. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed a total loss. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 1,000.

NHTSA ID 11551701 · filed Oct 24, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

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.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .