Years to avoid
Ford Ranger Years to Avoid
The 2019, 2020, 2021, 2024 model years stand out as the weakest in this Ford Ranger dataset. We only publish this page when at least four years are available and the score spread is large enough to make the comparison meaningful.
Data updated April 2026
- Weakest year
- 2019
- Model average
- 73/100
- Complaints, weakest year
- 237
- Recalls, weakest year
- 11
64/100 reliability
19-point range
12 crash · 2 fire reports
NHTSA campaigns on file
Bottom line
Why the 2019 Ford Ranger ranks last
The 2019 scores 64/100, rated good, versus a model average of 73/100. NHTSA data contains 237 owner complaints and 11 recall campaigns for this model year.
Its most-reported problem areas are Power Train (76), Electrical System (32), Unknown Or Other (21), Service Brakes (12). Those counts are investigation leads, not proof that every vehicle has the problem.
Inspect the full 2019 Ford Ranger record →Evidence by year
The weakest Ford Ranger model years compared
2019 Ford Ranger
- Complaints
- 237
- Recalls
- 11
- Crash reports
- 12
- Fire reports
- 2
Top issues: Power Train (76), Electrical System (32), Unknown Or Other (21)
View 2019 details →2020 Ford Ranger
- Complaints
- 109
- Recalls
- 7
- Crash reports
- 6
- Fire reports
- 1
Top issues: Power Train (37), Electrical System (9), Unknown Or Other (8)
View 2020 details →2021 Ford Ranger
- Complaints
- 88
- Recalls
- 6
- Crash reports
- 6
- Fire reports
- 3
Top issues: Power Train (36), Service Brakes (9), Electrical System (7)
View 2021 details →2024 Ford Ranger
- Complaints
- 44
- Recalls
- 10
- Crash reports
- 1
- Fire reports
- 0
Top issues: Power Train (11), Service Brakes (5), Structure (5)
View 2024 details →Better alternatives
Stronger Ford Ranger years to put on your shortlist
Read this carefully
“Avoid” is a comparison signal, not a verdict on one VIN
A year qualifies here only when it trails the model average by at least five points, trails the best year by at least ten points, or falls below 60/100. The model also needs at least four scored years and a six-point spread. Age, sales volume and time on the road can affect raw complaint totals, so use the score and severity mix together.
Source trail
Where this Ford Ranger data comes from
VinExposed combines model-level research with the vehicle-specific history you get from a VIN. Reliability scores and complaint patterns come from Auto Reliability Index's Ford Ranger research, which analyzes NHTSA records and independent repair data.
Recall counts describe a model year, not the repair status of one car. Confirm the exact VIN with the official NHTSA recall lookup and a vehicle-history report before buying.
Buyer questions
Ford Ranger research FAQ
Which Ford Ranger years should I avoid?
2019, 2020, 2021, 2024 score materially below the strongest Ford Ranger years in this dataset. The 2019 is the weakest at 64/100, with 237 owner complaints and 11 recalls on file.
Does a low-scoring Ford Ranger year mean every car is bad?
No. Model-year data describes population-level patterns. A well-maintained vehicle with a clean title and completed recall work can be a better purchase than a neglected example from a higher-scoring year.
What should I buy instead of the worst Ford Ranger year?
The strongest alternatives in this dataset are 2026 (83/100), 2022 (75/100), 2025 (74/100). Compare price, mileage, equipment and the individual VIN before deciding.
Check the actual car
Model research narrows the list. The VIN confirms the car.
Check title brands, accidents, odometer history, auction records and recall status for the specific Ford Ranger you are considering.