2019 Ford Ranger VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability

The 2019 Ford Ranger has good reliability. There are 11 recalls and 237 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Ford Ranger. Severity signals include 12 crash-related complaints and 2 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (76), Electrical System (32), Unknown Or Other (21).

Ranger reliability snapshot

64/100

Latest model-year reliability score

4.0/5

RepairPal rating (medium)

$615

Avg annual repair cost vs $548 category avg

#3/7

Ranking in midsize trucks · better than 57% of peers

Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.

Used-car research

Research the Ford Ranger before checking the VIN

Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.

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Most-reported 2019 Ford Ranger issues

Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.

Power Train76
Electrical System32
Unknown Or Other21
Service Brakes12
Exterior Lighting11
Engine11

Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2019 Ford Ranger

Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.

Test transmission for hard shifting and gear slippage
Inspect HVAC system for clicking noises and temperature control issues
Check rear leaf springs for cracks or breaks
Verify engine oil for fuel contamination
Test brakes for sponginess and unintended acceleration
Check rearview camera functionality
Inspect for water intrusion in engine components

What owners reported

2019 Ford Ranger owner complaints in detail

Owners have reported 12 crashes, 2 fires and 3 injuries to NHTSA for the 2019 Ford Ranger. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.

Owner complaints76

POWER TRAIN

Owners report frequent issues with the 2019 Ford Ranger's power train, particularly involving the 10R80 transmission. Common symptoms include erratic and delayed shifting, gear slippage, and a loss of power, often accompanied by a burning smell. Complaints frequently mention these issues occurring around 73,000 to 94,000 miles. Safety implications are noted, with multiple reports of sudden power loss and violent gear shifts potentially leading to loss of control, contributing to three crashes and one injury. These patterns suggest potential risks for used car buyers considering this model.

Severity signals: 3 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports

Owner complaints32

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners of the 2019 Ford Ranger frequently report issues with the vehicle's HVAC system, including malfunctioning blend doors and blower motors, leading to problems with temperature control and defrosting capabilities. Symptoms such as clicking noises behind the dashboard, hot air blowing from vents, and inability to adjust temperature are commonly described. These issues often arise within the original warranty period but persist beyond, with some owners noting problems as early as 20,000 miles. Additionally, complaints highlight electrical failures affecting turn signals, brake lights, and rearview cameras, with some instances linked to corroded or improperly connected electrical components. Safety concerns include visibility issues due to HVAC failures and potential accidents from non-functioning lights, with one report involving a fire related to a heated seat malfunction. This information may be relevant for used car buyers assessing potential maintenance needs and safety risks.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports

Owner complaints21

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owners of the 2019 Ford Ranger frequently report issues with the HVAC system, including failures leading to inconsistent air temperatures and defrosting problems. Complaints often describe symptoms such as hot air blowing on one side and cold on the other, ticking sounds from the dashboard, and windshield defrosting failures. Transmission issues are also noted, with symptoms like hesitation, hard shifting, and unexpected power loss, sometimes occurring around 74,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with two complaints involving crashes due to unintended acceleration and brake failure. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring issues, as they may affect vehicle performance and safety.

Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

Owner complaints13

SERVICE BRAKES

Owners of the 2019 Ford Ranger frequently report issues with the service brakes, with common symptoms including the brake pedal traveling unusually close to or past the gas pedal, resulting in unintended acceleration. Many describe the brake pedal feeling spongy or requiring multiple pumps to engage properly, often extending stopping distances. These issues appear across various mileages, with some reports as early as 950 miles and others around 50,000 miles. Notably, two complaints involve crashes attributed to these braking problems, highlighting potential safety risks. Used car buyers should be aware of these brake-related symptoms and consider them when evaluating this vehicle model.

Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

Owner complaints11

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Owners report persistent issues with the exterior lighting of the 2019 Ford Ranger, particularly involving the rear lights. Complaints frequently mention intermittent failures of tail lights, brake lights, and turn signals, with some owners experiencing these issues after driving for 30-60 minutes. A recurring problem is related to a recall (19V839000), where parts are often unavailable, leaving vehicles unrepaired for extended periods. Safety implications are notable, as multiple owners describe near-miss rear-end collisions due to non-functioning rear lights. These issues are reported across various mileage ranges, with some owners noting problems occurring as early as 41,000 miles.

Owner complaints11

ENGINE

Owners report several engine-related issues with the 2019 Ford Ranger, primarily involving unintended deceleration, stalling, and misfiring due to water intrusion in the engine. Complaints frequently mention rainwater causing rust and malfunction in spark plugs and associated components, often linked to the absence of an upper engine cover. These issues typically manifest around 35,000 to 45,000 miles. Additionally, some owners describe problems with the crank position sensor, leading to complete loss of power and system failures while driving at high speeds, posing potential safety risks. Buyers should be aware of these issues, particularly regarding water ingress and sensor failures, as they may require costly repairs.

Owner complaints10

SUSPENSION

Owners of the 2019 Ford Ranger frequently report issues with the rear leaf springs, particularly breaking or cracking at the forward mounting points. Typical symptoms include undetected failures until routine maintenance, with some owners noticing clunking noises or a visible lean on one side of the vehicle. The complaints often involve vehicles with mileage under 100,000, with one report at approximately 21,000 miles. Safety implications are noted, as some owners express concerns about potential loss of control due to compromised rear axle stability. Prospective buyers should be aware of these recurring suspension issues, especially when evaluating vehicles with no recent suspension inspections or repairs.

Owner complaints8

SEATS

Owners of the 2019 Ford Ranger frequently report issues with the rear seat latch mechanism, which often fails to lock securely. This can result in the seat back moving forward during braking or in a collision, posing a potential injury risk to passengers. Additionally, complaints highlight problems with the heated seats, including incidents of overheating and short-circuiting that have led to burns and, in one case, a fire. These seat-related issues are reported at various mileages, with some incidents occurring around 40,000 miles. Prospective buyers should be aware of these potential safety concerns, particularly regarding the functionality of the seat latches and heated seats.

Severity signals: 0 crash, 1 fire, 2 injury reports

Owner complaints7

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Owners report issues with the 2019 Ford Ranger related to unintended acceleration and cruise control malfunctions. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle accelerating unexpectedly, often when attempting to brake or when cruise control is engaged. Symptoms include the vehicle lunging forward, requiring maximum brake pressure to stop, and cruise control failing to set and causing continuous acceleration. These issues are noted at various mileages, with some occurring around 6,000 miles and others near 40,000 miles. One incident involves a crash without injuries when the vehicle accelerated in a driveway. These patterns suggest potential safety implications regarding loss of vehicle control.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

Owner complaints5

STEERING

Owners of the 2019 Ford Ranger frequently report issues with the steering system, particularly involving power steering assist failure. Symptoms commonly described include the sudden loss of power steering, which can lead to difficulty in steering and, in some cases, the vehicle swerving unexpectedly. Several complaints note this issue occurring around 16,000 to 37,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as one report mentions the vehicle veering off the road, and others highlight the disabling of multiple safety systems, including antilock brakes and traction control. These patterns suggest potential safety risks for prospective buyers, especially if the vehicle has not undergone necessary repairs or part replacements.

2019 Ranger recalls (11)

Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2019 Ranger. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

EQUIPMENTNHTSA 25V685000Oct 10, 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Consequence: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated February 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.
BACK OVER PREVENTIONNHTSA 25V572000Sep 4, 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Lincoln MKC, Mustang, F-350 SD, F-250 SD, F-450 SD, 2015-2017 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, 2015-2018 Edge, Transit Connect, 2016-2019 F-550 SD, Transit, 2017-2019 Econoline, and 2019 Ranger vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, inverted, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.
Consequence: A rearview camera that displays an inverted, distorted, or blank image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 13, 2026. Ford owners will receive letters in phases, beginning January 2026 and May 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S89. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 25V270. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning September 8, 2025.
BACK OVER PREVENTIONNHTSA 25V442000Jun 27, 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
Consequence: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
EQUIPMENTNHTSA 23V379000May 26, 2023
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Bronco, 2023 Super Duty F-250, and 2019-2023 Ranger vehicles. The Tire and Loading Information (TREAD) label states the incorrect load carrying capacity, which can result in an overloaded vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Consequence: An overloaded vehicle increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Ford will mail a new TREAD label to install over the existing label, free of charge. Owners will also have the option to take their vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to have the new label installed, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C18.
SEAT BELTSNHTSA 21V811000Oct 15, 2021
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Ford Ranger Super Cab vehicles. The front passenger outboard seat belt may not have been assembled properly, allowing the seat belt to be misrouted. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 208, "Occupant Crash Protection" and 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."
Consequence: A misrouted seat belt may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Ford will provide owners with instructions to perform a preliminary inspection of their front seat belts. Owners that detect an issue with the driver's seat belt, are unsure of the results, or do not want to perform an inspection, should not drive their vehicles and contact a Ford dealership. Dealers will inspect the front row outboard seat belts and replace them, if necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on November 5, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed December 22, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C25.
VISIBILITYNHTSA 20V137000Mar 9, 2020
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Ranger vehicles previously repaired under recall 19V-726. The service replacement Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) blower motor that was installed may have an improper clearance between an electrical terminal and the conductive base plate that may result in an resistive electrical short.
Consequence: A resistive electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the HVAC blower motor, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 6, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S12.
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGNHTSA 19V839000Nov 21, 2019
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Ranger trucks. The inline electrical connector terminals for the rear lights may be misaligned or not properly seated, potentially causing the rear lights to function intermittently or not at all.
Consequence: Intermittent or inoperative tail lamps can result in loss of stop, turn, rear position, and reverse lamp functions, which reduces the vehicle's visibility and may not fully alert other drivers that the vehicle is braking, turning, or reversing, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the inline connector for loose terminals and replace the connectors, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 5, 2020. A renotification was sent on July 10, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S43.
VISIBILITYNHTSA 19V726000Oct 10, 2019
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Ranger vehicles. The Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) blower motor may electrically short.
Consequence: An electrical short can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the HVAC blower motor production date, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 4, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S34.
SEAT BELTSNHTSA 19V518000Jul 10, 2019
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Ford Ranger vehicles with a SuperCab body style. The front passenger seat belt may have been improperly assembled.
Consequence: Improperly assembled seat belts may not adequately restrain occupants in a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the right front seat belt assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 29, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S23.
POWER TRAINNHTSA 19V366000May 13, 2019
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Ranger vehicles. The fasteners that attach the transmission shifter cable bracket to the transmission may loosen allowing the transmission to be in a different gear than indicated by the gear shift lever position.
Consequence: If the gear shift lever position does not match the actual transmission gear, the vehicle may move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, despite selecting 'Park', if the parking brake is not applied before the vehicle is exited, the vehicle may roll. Either scenario increases the risk of crash or injury.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the transmission shift cable bracket fasteners as necessary, and verify the proper transmission shift operation, free of charge. The recall began July 1, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S15.
POWER TRAINNHTSA 19V071000Feb 1, 2019
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Ranger vehicles equipped with 10-speed automatic transmissions. In some of these vehicles, the transmission shift lever can be moved from the "Park" position without the key in the starting system and without depressing the brake pedal. As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection."
Consequence: If the vehicle can be shifted out of Park without the brake applied, the vehicle may unexpectedly move. Unintentional vehicle movement can increase the risk of injury or crash.
Remedy
Ford has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and repair the transmission floor shift selector interlock assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 22, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C02.

Used-market value

2019 Ford Ranger resale snapshot

99.7%estimated value retained after 1 years

102listings in the model-level benchmark

$34,394median asking price from 69 listings

Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.

Full Ford Ranger market analysis at CarResaleValue →

2019 Ford Ranger on the road

83,571 2019 Ford Ranger units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.

How the 2019 Ford Ranger stacks up against rivals

The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.

Nissan Frontier

Reliability: 77/100·Rivalry score: 92

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Chevrolet Colorado

Reliability: 88/100·Rivalry score: 90

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Honda Ridgeline

Reliability: 86/100·Rivalry score: 90

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Ford Maverick

Reliability: 80/100·Rivalry score: 90

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Reliability verdict for the 2019 Ford Ranger

With a 70/100 reliability score against a 69/100 segment average, the 2019 Ford Ranger lands near the class norm. That places it in a mixed, moderate band: not notably better than peers, but not clearly worse based on the index score.

Issue reporting is not evenly spread. Complaints cluster most heavily around the powertrain, with electrical system concerns forming a secondary tier. The remaining categories are smaller, suggesting the pattern is more concentrated than broad-based. Recalls are elevated, which increases the amount of corrective activity associated with this model year. As the first year of a new generation, the data reflects a launch-period profile rather than a fully settled one.

Overall, the 2019 Ranger presents moderate reliability risk relative to the segment.

What you get in a 2019 Ford Ranger report

Available title brand history

Odometer readings & rollback detection

Accident & damage records

Auction sales with photos

Open safety recalls

Theft & stolen vehicle check

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2019 Ford Ranger — Frequently asked questions

Is the 2019 Ford Ranger reliable?

How many recalls does the 2019 Ford Ranger have?

11 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2019 Ford Ranger. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

What are the most common 2019 Ford Ranger problems?

The most-reported 2019 Ford Ranger problem areas are: Power Train (76), Electrical System (32), Unknown Or Other (21).

Should I run a VIN check on a 2019 Ford Ranger?

Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2019 Ford Ranger, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.