The Ford Ranger is one of the best midsize trucks on American roads. This car feels athletic, looks rugged, stylish, reliable, and spacious. However, like most Ford vehicles, it also has some issues that buyers should be ready to deal with. But what are the common problems of the Ford Ranger?
Common problems of the Ford Ranger are engine misfire, car stalling at idle, high engine idle, steering problems, and transmission issues. Note that some issues are common in particular Ford Ranger model years. Hence, before investing in a used Ford Ranger, it is vital to know which models are good and which ones are problematic.
What are the common problems with Ford Ranger?
Engine misfire
Many Ford Ranger drivers have complained about their engine misfiring. If you notice that your Ford Ranger is stalling, losing power, or having mild tremors, this is a sign of an engine misfire. Some of the main causes of engine misfire are a faulty ignition control module, a clogged fuel injector, leaking vacuum hoses, leaking gaskets, a clogged fuel injector, and a bad catalytic converter.
The good news is that fixing an engine misfire is easy as you only have to pinpoint the problem and have it fixed. Visit a professional mechanic to identify and fix the problem.
Transmission problems
Transmission issues are common on almost all Ford Ranger models. A bad transmission is normally characterized by gear loss, rough shifting, and check engine light turning. Before trying to fix a transmission, it is vital to pinpoint the problem.
Some of the major causes of transmission problems are damaged torque convertors, low or contaminated transmission fluid, and worn-out transmission. Note that most transmission issues occur after the car hits over 100,000 miles. Nonetheless, you can fix the transmission by identifying the bad part and replacing it with a new part.
It is worth noting that replacing a transmission can be costly and time-consuming. But with proper care and maintenance, most of the transmission issues can be avoided.
Car stalling at idle
Most Ford Ranger drivers have reported their cars having difficulty starting from cold and it also hesitates at idle. Note that this issue has been reported by drivers of 1990s to 2000s Ford Rangers. Some of the main causes of this issue are a damaged air intake temperature sensor, bad engine coolant temperature sensor, faulty EGR valve, and a bad MAP sensor.
To fix this problem, you will have to take the car to a professional mechanic to inspect it. Fix the bad or faulty part to prevent the car from stalling at idle.
Steering issues
This problem is common in the 2007 Ford Ranger. Some users stated that they started hearing and feeling clunking and clicking noises in the steering assembly after putting on a few miles. To fix this problem, you may have to be forced to replace the tie rod assembly, steering rack, and intermediate shaft.
High engine idle
Despite most Ford Ranger models stalling at idle, some models have an even more serious problem. This is because their engine idle speeds that are higher. Note that this problem is common in the 1990 to 2010 model years.
This problem usually takes place when the clutch in the manual transmission has been disengaged or after a cold start in automatic transmission cars. Nonetheless, this issue can be fixed by updating the software of the powertrain control module (PCM).
FAQ
Is Ford Ranger a reliable car?
Even though not all Ford Ranger model years are reliable, some hold up well. When compared to most cars in its class, Ford Ranger is way more reliable. Most reliability agencies give it slightly above average reliability, which is outstanding. But it is crucial to know which specific model years are reliable to avoid acquiring a Ranger that will be a pain to have.
What is the least reliable Ford Ranger?
Ford Ranger has both reliable and unreliable model years. So, before investing in a model year of choice, it is crucial to if is reliable or not. The least reliable Ford Ranger model year is the 2002 Ford Ranger. It is followed closely by 2004, 2007, and 2001 Ford Ranger model years. These model years have more issues than others.
After how long does the Ford Ranger start having problems?
It depends on how well you maintain your car. If you usually maintain your car well, you may start having issues after covering at least 80,000 miles. However, some Ford Ranger models experience issues as early as 30,000 miles. For instance, some 2014 Ford Ranger owners have reported their engine stalling and misfiring after covering 30,000 miles.
What is the most common Ford Ranger problem?
Ford Ranger comes with multiple problems that include engine misfiring, high engine idling, steering problems, transmission issues, car stalling at idle, and much more. However, the most common problem that you’re likely to find in almost all Ford Ranger model years is transmission problems.
Is Ford Ranger worth buying?
Yes, the Ford Ranger is one of the best midsize pickups or trucks to buy. It is beautifully constructed and very efficient. On top of that, it is not too large and performs outstandingly. Besides, it has an exceptional towing capacity and it is straightforward to handle.
On the contrary, if you’re looking for a luxurious and highly advanced truck, this is not the best option for you. This is because the interior is quite lacking, which is a concern as most of its competitors come with a way better interior.
Final thoughts
Ford Ranger may be a reliable midsize truck, but it also comes with several issues that interested buyers should be aware of. So, if you’re buying a quality used Ford Ranger, it is crucial to find out if the particular model year is reliable or not.
The Worst Ford Ranger model years to avoid are the 2002 and 2004 model years. The best years are the 2011 and 2020 model years. However, regardless of the Ford Ranger model year that you acquire, proper maintenance is needed to ensure the longevity of the car.