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Ford · NHTSA safety record

2026 Ford Ranger

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

Owners have filed 9 safety complaints about the 2026 Ford Ranger with the US government. Of those, 1 person was injured and no death is recorded. 8 recall campaigns are open against it.

The most complained-about system is the power train, named in 3 complaints, 33% of the total.

Compiled from NHTSA's complaint, recall and investigation files · Covers March 2026 to October 2026 · How this is counted

What is on file

9 complaints on file

9

Complaints

0

Describe a crash

0

Mention fire

1

People injured

0

Deaths

A complaint is an unverified account by the person who filed it, not a finding of fault. One complaint is one ODI number, which is how NHTSA counts them.

A recall is the manufacturer conceding a defect, and the repair is free. Whether one covers your particular car is a question only its VIN can answer, because a campaign covers a production range rather than a model year.

Which system owners named

Complaints naming each system
POWER TRAIN 3 · 33%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 2 · 22%
SEATS 2 · 22%
SERVICE BRAKES 2 · 22%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 2 · 22%
ENGINE 1 · 11%
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 1 · 11%
WHEELS 1 · 11%
0 4 8

Red marks a system with a recall campaign against it. One complaint can name several systems, so these add up to more than 9.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program

NHTSA has not crash tested the 2026 Ford Ranger. Its New Car Assessment Program tests a selection of each year's vehicles and does not reach motorcycles, heavy trucks, motorhomes or most low-volume models, so an absence here says nothing about how the vehicle would perform. It is not a low score.

What owners have reported about this vehicle is below, and it is a different question: a crash test measures what happens to the people inside in a controlled impact, while a complaint records what broke during ordinary use.

Recall campaigns

8 on file

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

26V605000 · September 22, 2026

The defect
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Ranger vehicles equipped with a 10.1-inch center stack screen. The screen may lose power and fail to display the rearview camera image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
The risk
A rearview camera image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
The remedy is currently under development. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed October 5, 2026. Additional letters will be sent when the remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C42. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on September 25, 2026.

Ford Motor Company · up to 11,405 vehicles across all model years covered

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL

26V548000 · August 25, 2026

The defect
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer, Bronco, Bronco Sport, Mustang, and Ranger vehicles. The engine piston domes may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in piston dome failure and lead to a loss of drive power.
The risk
An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Dealers will inspect the engine pistons and replace the engine long block, if necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, are expected to be mailed September 4, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in December 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S61. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on August 28, 2026.

Ford Motor Company · up to 10,001 vehicles across all model years covered

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL

26V343000 · May 27, 2026

The defect
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Explorer, Ranger, and Bronco vehicles. The engine may fail, which can result in a loss of drive power.
The risk
A sudden loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Dealers will replace the engine long block, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed June 5, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in November 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S35. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 28, 2026.

Ford Motor Company · up to 1,536 vehicles across all model years covered

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

26V335000 · May 26, 2026

The defect
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Ranger and Bronco vehicles. The vehicle specifications listed on the tire placard and safety certification labels may be incorrect, including the VIN, capacity weight, seating capacity, front and rear gross axle weight rating (GAWR), tire and rim dimensions, and recommended cold tire pressure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims" and 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."
The risk
The incorrect tire size, tire pressures, and GAWR listed on the labels can allow the vehicle to be overloaded or have improperly inflated tires, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Dealers will inspect and if necessary, replace the certification and TREAD labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 3, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C24. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 28, 2026.

Ford Motor Company · up to 268 vehicles across all model years covered

SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS

26V268000 · April 28, 2026

The defect
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Ranger and Bronco vehicles. The front seats may have a loose or dislodged seat frame height-adjust pivot bolt.
The risk
A seat with a dislodged bolt may not properly restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the pivot links and bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 26S30. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning April 30, 2026.

Ford Motor Company · up to 179,698 vehicles across all model years covered

STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:SUN VISOR

26V238000 · April 14, 2026

The defect
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Ranger vehicles. The sun visor or headliner wiring harnesses may be improperly positioned or have excessive tape thickness, which can result in damaged wires.
The risk
Damaged wires can create an electrical short and cause a fire in the A-pillar area, increasing the risk of injury or a crash.
The remedy
Dealers will inspect the wiring for damage and update the body control module software. Damaged wiring harnesses will be replaced as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. This will be a Phased campaign. Phase 1 will include 2025 model year vehicles. Owners will be notified by mail the week of 5/31/2026. Phase 2 will include 2026 model year vehicles and Phase 3 will include 2024 model year vehicles. Owners will be notified by mail the week of 6/29/2026 for Phase 2 and the week of 7/27/2026 for Phase 3. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed May 5, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in August 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S29. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 17, 2026.

Ford Motor Company · up to 140,201 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL

26V104000 · February 20, 2026

The defect
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 F-150, 2022-2026 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, Maverick, 2024-2026 Ranger, 2023-2026 F-600 SD, 2022-2027 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, and 2026 E-Transit vehicles. When towing a trailer, the integrated trailer module (ITRM) may lose communication with the vehicle, possibly causing a loss of brake and turn signal lights, or a loss of brake function. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
The risk
Trailer lights or brakes that do not function can reduce the driver’s ability to control the trailer and decrease the trailers visibility to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
The integrated trailer module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 25, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C10. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning March 17, 2026.

Ford Motor Company · up to 4,381,878 vehicles across all model years covered

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN

25V541000 · August 22, 2025

The defect
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Ranger vehicles. The side curtain air bags may contact the B-Pillar inner reinforcements and tear during deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 226, "Ejection Mitigation."
The risk
Air bags that deploy improperly during a crash increase the risk of injury.
The remedy
Dealers will install protective shields, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 26, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C41.

Ford Motor Company · up to 100,900 vehicles across all model years covered

In owners’ own words

Quoted from the complaint file

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT

1 injured · 32 miles

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 complaint 11737903. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES
This is a follow up to previous report 11773016. This morning we had Triple "A" haul the 2026 ford ranger lariat to the Corwin Ford dealership here in Reno. Upon arriving to pick up the vehicle the Tow vehicle driver looked under the vehicle and discovered ALL attaching bolts on the left front brake caliper missing and the caliper floating loosely. He was shocked that we had not had a critical incident!! I had reported earlier to Corwin Ford unusual locking up on left turns and was told by the dealership that there was NOTHING WRONG. We have been driving the vehicle at highway speeds to and from RENO- This is outrageous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

NHTSA complaint 11773797. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES
After arriving in Carson City from Reno, NV and running errands on local city side streets the vehicle began making a loud ticking noise which transitioned to a whomp/whomp/whomp noise. I pulled over at the nearest opportunity into a business parking lot and the vehicle brakes immediately locked up. I received the following error messages on screen; > Anti lock brake system failure >Hill start assist failed >Electric parking brake failed >Collision assist unavailable >Check engine brake light >I checked documentation for release of parking brake and followed directions and the brake would not release. After multiple attempts the brakes would not release. Next I tried putting the vehicle

NHTSA complaint 11773016, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER
truck goes in and out of 4wd high while driving, even though the selector dial is in 2wd.

NHTSA complaint 11768464. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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

NHTSA complaint 11763888, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

POWER TRAIN
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 complaint 11760002. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

POWER TRAIN
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 complaint 11749667. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Ford Ranger

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2025 45 13 —
2024 99 13 —
2023 19 4 —
2022 38 5 —
2021 119 6 —
2020 131 7 —
2019 272 11 —
2011 235 5 —
2010 156 8 —

Other 2026 Ford models

Every Ford on this site — 360 vehicles.

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. How many repair attempts it takes, and how long you have to file, is set by the state you bought in and by nothing on this page.

Where these numbers come from

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

Compiled and maintained by
Independent developer and analyst