BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT
2026 Ford Ranger
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 6 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2026 Ford Ranger, most frequently naming the powertrain (other), engine and interior & seats categories. 8 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 19 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 2026 | 1 | 1 |
| May 2026 | 1 | 2 |
| Jun 2026 | 1 | 3 |
| Jul 2026 | 1 | 4 |
| Aug 2026 | 1 | 5 |
| Sep 2026 | 1 | 6 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Powertrain (other)225.0%
- Engine112.5%
- Interior & seats112.5%
- Electrical112.5%
- Other / unspecified112.5%
- Seat belts112.5%
- Exterior lighting112.5%
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
8 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.govENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
When setting up my vehicle for neutral towing behind my motorhome and having parts installed for the proper operation of my turn signal and brake lights when vehicle is flat towed it was found that for it to happen were the brake lights do not override the turn signal when both activated at the same time you have to let the vehicle enter into a sleep mode for 10 minutes with the key FOB completely isolated from the vehicle for 10 minutes. If you stayed near the vehicle or approached with the key fob closer than 30ft it would come out of the sleep mode and when pushing on the brake pedal and using your turn signal at the same time from your motorhome you would override the turn signal with the brake lights. Normal checks for RV'ers would not identify this issue as you would stand behind the vehicle you are towing to check right and left turn signals then shut them off and check the brake light then final check would be rear, front and marker lights never pushing the break and having the turn signal on at the same time. This is a safety issue for anyone behind you as they can see you are braking but not be aware you are turning if you have awaken your vehicle modules by it getting a signal from the Key FOB. This issue was found and verified by my installer and myself when checking as to why the turn signal would shutoff at the same point I pushed the brake pedal in my RV. The manufacturer has no information in its manually about this 10 minute delay nor that the FOB can keep the delay from occurring by being near the vehicle. When you actually keep the vehicle in the sleep mode what happens is the active turn signal blinks and the opposite light indicates a brake light.
- NHTSA ID
- 11763888
- Incident
- Sep 11, 2026
8/4/2026 @ approximately 0630 When making a right hand turn vehicle (transmission) stalled for approximately 3-4 seconds before restarting. Reported to Corwin Ford Service Dept. here in RENO,NV who declined to investigate. Said it was my responsibility even though vehicle is under warranty. 8/27/2026 @ approximately 0830 while entering high traffic roadway with 55mph speed limit with foot depressed on gas pedal transmission completely stalled while traffic rapidly approached. Transmission engaged at last minute before rear end impact.
- NHTSA ID
- 11760002
- Incident
- Aug 27, 2026
While making a right turn, vehicle suddenly lost all power and shut down for several seconds. This is a safety issue, stalling out in front of oncoming traffic, etc. No warnings lamps, messages appeared. No dealer inspection yet. Numerous other owners on message boards have reported the same issue occurring with their vehicle.
- NHTSA ID
- 11749667
- Incident
- Jul 8, 2026
Description On your vehicle it is possible that the trailer module trm may lose communication at vehicle start-up. If a trm loss of communication occurs and a trailer is connected to the vehicle, trailer stop lamps and turn signal indicators will not function. Additionally, for trailers equipped with electronic trailer brakes, the trailer brakes will not function. This loss of communication can occur with-or-without a trailer connected to the vehicle and can only initiate at vehicle start-up. If this occurs, a trailer brake module fault notification will pop-up on the vehicles instrument panel cluster. The vehicle brake and turn signal lamps will continue to operate normally and are not affected by this trm fault. If you do not tow with your vehicle, you may wait for ota deployment for your vehicle remedy. Safety Risk This may result in inoperable trailer brake lights, trailer turn signals and trailer braking functions that can reduce a drivers ability to control an attached trailer and make the trailer less visible to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash. Remedy Software is available to repair your vehicle. Ford Motor Company has authorized your dealer to reprogram your vehicles trm free of charge. Next Steps Contact your dealer for more information to schedule the free service.
- NHTSA ID
- 11744634
- Incident
- Mar 18, 2026
The contact owns a 2026 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that both rear seat headrest metel coming from the rear of the head rest. causing laceration to the. The contact discover that when firmly grabbing the rear headrest a sharp metal piece would come threw the head. The local dealer was notified of the issue. The manufacturer was not contacted. Medical treatment was not required. The failure mileage was 32.
- NHTSA ID
- 11737903
- Incident
- May 11, 2026
- Mileage
- 32 mi
There is a foot and brake pedal clearance that is a safety issue. The driver side lower heat vent impinges on the driver right foot when when hitting the brake. Looking on the internet this is a known issue that Ford refuses to fix. Customers are modifying or removing the heat vent for their safety. Here is a link of several complaints and customers solutions. [XXX] This is not limited to large footed individuals nor 2026 vehicles. Older models have the problems as well. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- NHTSA ID
- 11725352
- Incident
- Mar 18, 2026
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; STRUCTURE:BODY
Some of the following vehicles: * 2023-2025 F-Super Duty built on or before 02-Feb-2025 * 2024-2026 Ranger/Bronco/Mustang * 2024-2025 F-150 built on or before 15-Jul-2025 * 2024-2025 Nautilus built on or before 16-Feb-2025 * 2025 Explorer/Aviator built on or before 01-Feb-2025 may exhibit all of the following symptoms: - "No Key Detected" message displayed on the instrument panel cluster (IPC). - Key fob does not work in the backup slot. - Remote keyless entry (RKE) (lock and unlock from the key fob) functionality will work to lock/unlock the vehicle. If the vehicle exhibits these symptoms, start the vehicle using both key fobs. If the no crank/no start condition with "No Key Detected" concern is present, reprogram both key fobs and retest. If the no crank/no start condition with "No Key Detected" is still present, replace the body control module (BCM). Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 419-10. For claiming, use causal part 15604 and labor operation MT55118SSM up to 1.8 hours.
SEATS
For Various Ford and Lincoln vehicles, if diagnostics lead to the replacement of the front seat cushion cover J-clips, lower-level service parts are now available. Use service part W709919-S901 if the J-clip is completely detached from the seat cover and W715386-S424 if the clip is still partially attached. It is not necessary to replace the seat cover if only the J-clip is separating from the cover. Refer to PTS Home > Technical Assistance > Technical Support Videos > Section 501- Body and Paint > Seat J-Clips. For claiming, use causal parts from list below and labor operations 63100A and 63100A5. Causal Parts for claiming: Bronco/Bronco Sport/Escape/Explorer/Expedition/Navigator: 7862900 or 7862901 F-150/F-Super Duty: 1562900 or 1562901 Ranger/Maverick: 6062900 or 6062901
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE
This bulletin supersedes 26-2301. Reason for update: to update the Pinpoint Tests referenced in Step 1. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may require the replacement of the ambient air temperature sensor for various concerns. DTCs P0071, P0072, and/or P0073 may be present in the powertrain control module (PCM).
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; POWER TRAIN
Some 2025-2026 Bronco/Ranger vehicles may exhibit an illuminated powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P2122, P2123, P2127, P2128, and/or P2138 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). The vehicle may or may not exhibit a perceived lack of power intermittently. This may be due to an issue with the following connectors associated with the accelerator pedal position (APP) sensor circuits: -C115B -C175B -C2040 Replacement of the accelerator pedal may not resolve this concern. Perform a wiggle test of the connectors while the engine is at normal operating temperature. Perform a visual inspection of the connectors as well as a terminal fit test using the appropriately sized flex probe. Repair as necessary. Refer to Wiring Diagram Cell 005. If no concerns are found, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 310-02 for normal diagnostics.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Some 2021-2026 Ford/Lincoln vehicles may exhibit various symptoms including but not limited to the auto start/stop system not operating as intended with a "Check Charging System" message in the instrument panel cluster (IPC) while the charging system is operating properly with no charging related diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) stored. This may be due to someone using an aftermarket programmer to change the body control module (BCM) configuration to disable the auto start/stop system or perform other unsupported programming modifications. To correct this condition on F-150 and Bronco vehicles, download and run the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) application titled "BCM-Charging System Configuration Correction". Running this application will determine if the BCM configuration was modified by the customer and if so, provide the option to return the configuration back to factory settings. For other vehicle models exhibiting concerns related to unsupported aftermarket BCM programming, submit a Technical Support Request (TSR) requesting support to revert the BCM configuration
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Some 2025-2026 Bronco/Bronco Sport/Corsair/F-150/F-Super Duty/Maverick/Mustang/Mustang Mach-E/Ranger vehicles may exhibit a no audio/sound condition. This may be due to the software in the audio control module (ACM). To determine if it is a software concern, disconnect the vehicle's 12-volt battery cables for 10 minutes and reconnect. If the concern is still present, continue with normal diagnostics in Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 415-00 Information and Entertainment System > General Information > Diagnosis and Testing and repair as necessary outside of this article. If the no audio/sound concern is resolved, reprogram the ACM using the latest software level of the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS). For claiming, use causal part 18C869 and labor operations 10654C, 12651D and 12651D4.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026Viewing | 6 | 8 | 0 | — |
| 2025 | 40 | 13 | 0 | 60.7 |
| 2024 | 83 | 13 | 0 | 58.5 |
| 2023 | 18 | 4 | 0 | 58.5 |
| 2022 | 37 | 5 | 0 | 56.6 |
| 2021 | 114 | 6 | 0 | 64.1 |
| 2020 | 127 | 7 | 1 | 62.7 |
| 2019 | 267 | 11 | 0 | 58.9 |
| 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 | 169 | 8 | 0 | 52.4 |
| 2008 | 326 | 6 | 1 | 58.9 |
| 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.