Owners have reported 6 crashes, 1 fire and 6 injuries to NHTSA for the 2020 Ford Ranger. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints37
POWER TRAIN
Owners of the 2020 Ford Ranger frequently report issues with the 10-speed 10R80 transmission, with symptoms including slipping, hard shifting, and delayed gear engagement. Complaints often describe problems such as the transmission revving without movement, rough jolts when shifting, and lag during acceleration, particularly from a stop. These issues commonly emerge around 40,000 to 80,000 miles, with some experiencing difficulties as early as 5,000 miles. Safety implications are noted, as several owners mention hesitation during acceleration that could lead to potential rear-end collisions and sudden speed changes that could affect control. Prospective buyers should be aware that these transmission issues are reported across various mileage ranges and may require expensive repairs or replacements.
Owner complaints9
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners of the 2020 Ford Ranger frequently report issues with the vehicle's electrical system, particularly related to the Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) and audio control module (ACM). Common symptoms include malfunctioning rearview cameras, persistent interior lighting that drains the battery, and incorrect or failed center display information. Several complaints mention these issues occurring around 13,000 to 20,000 miles. Additionally, some owners experience intermittent headlight failures and door ajar alerts, which can occur after hitting bumps. While there are no reports of crashes or fires, these electrical issues can lead to loss of electrical power and potential safety risks if not addressed.
Owner complaints8
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners of the 2020 Ford Ranger frequently report issues with the service brakes, often describing symptoms such as soft brake pedals and excessive pedal travel, which can lead to a feeling of air in the brake line. Some owners experience unintended acceleration when applying the brakes, with at least two instances leading to crashes, one resulting in an injury. These issues are reported at various mileages, with some occurring as early as 1,242 miles. Additionally, there are complaints about the pre-collision assist and adaptive cruise control systems failing to function as expected, contributing to rear-end collisions. Safety implications include crashes and potential loss of control, which prospective buyers should consider.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints6
ENGINE
Owners of the 2020 Ford Ranger frequently report engine misfires and loss of power, often linked to water intrusion in the engine components such as spark plugs and ignition coils. Complaints commonly describe symptoms like unintended surging, hesitation, and violent shaking, with some instances occurring around 20,000 to 38,000 miles. Several owners note issues with water entering the throttle body and spark plug wells, resulting in engine misfires and power reduction. Safety implications include sudden deceleration, which could pose a risk of collision, although no crashes are reported. Additionally, there are mentions of fuel dilution in engine oil and persistent engine rattling noises, with some owners expressing concerns about potential resale impact.
Owner complaints5
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Owners of the 2020 Ford Ranger frequently report issues related to vehicle speed control, particularly involving unintended acceleration and lack of throttle response. Complaints describe instances where the vehicle accelerates independently, often when the brake pedal is unresponsive, leading in some cases to crashes and injuries. These incidents are reported at various mileage points, including as low as 5,000 miles and as high as 38,000 miles. Additionally, there are reports of the cruise control system disengaging without warning, requiring manual re-engagement. Safety implications are significant, with two reported crashes and three injuries, highlighting potential risks for loss of control.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 3 injury reports
Owner complaints3
AIR BAGS
Owners report significant issues with the airbag system in the 2020 Ford Ranger, including non-deployment during crashes. Two incidents involve crashes where airbags failed to deploy, resulting in injuries and substantial vehicle damage. One owner describes persistent airbag warning lights, linked to electrical malfunctions affecting other systems like gauges and interior lights, with issues recurring even after dealership repairs. These complaints suggest potential safety risks, as airbags do not deploy during collisions, and electrical problems may indicate broader system faults. Buyers should be aware of these reports, particularly for vehicles with similar timelines or symptoms.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 2 injury reports
Owner complaints2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Owners of the 2020 Ford Ranger report issues related to engine and engine cooling, with two distinct problems identified. One owner describes a severe incident where the vehicle spontaneously caught fire while parked, resulting in a total loss, with the fire originating under the hood at approximately 24,500 miles. Another owner reports engine stalling accompanied by a check engine light at around 50,000 miles, attributed to coolant intrusion affecting the spark plugs. This issue required diagnostic attention and suggested the need for spark plug replacement and installation of an engine appearance shield. Safety implications are significant, particularly with the fire incident, which underscores the importance of thorough inspection for potential buyers.
Severity signals: 0 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints2
STEERING
Owners of the 2020 Ford Ranger report issues related to steering, specifically noting vibrations and shimmying. Complaints frequently mention steering wheel shimmy at highway speeds, with one owner experiencing this at 60 mph, which caused a startling reaction while passing a school bus. Another owner describes a vibration throughout the cab that initially occurred only at 70 mph after warm-up but later began happening at all speeds as temperatures rose. These issues are reported at mileages around 36,000 to 42,770 miles. Safety concerns arise from the potential for loss of control due to the severity of the steering shimmy, as indicated by the owner's reaction during the incident.
Owner complaints2
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Owners of the 2020 Ford Ranger report issues related to the fuel/propulsion system, primarily involving unusual fuel consumption and fuel leaks. One owner describes the vehicle jerking and skipping when driving between 40 and 45 miles per hour, accompanied by increased fuel usage. Another owner reports a strong gasoline odor and a significant fuel leak, attributed to rodent damage to the fuel line. This incident highlights a potential vulnerability in the fuel line, though no mileage range is specified for these issues. Safety implications include the risk of fire, as noted in the report of gasoline pouring from the vehicle. These complaints suggest that prospective buyers should inspect the fuel system for any signs of damage or leaks.
Owner complaints2
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Owners of the 2020 Ford Ranger report issues with the forward collision avoidance system, particularly involving erratic warnings and system faults. Commonly described symptoms include random "imminent collision warning" alerts and messages indicating "front camera fault service required" or "pre-collision assist not available," often accompanied by an abnormal chiming sound. These issues typically occur around 21,000 miles or during moderate-speed driving in dry conditions. Safety implications include the temporary disabling of safety features, though no reports of crashes or loss of control are mentioned. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues, as they may require dealership visits for diagnosis and repairs.
