Ford Ranger Complaints (2025)

45 consumer complaints on file.

#11774487October 29, 2026
POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
On XXX Pulling out at an intersection to turn left, the vehicle pulled out normally but then went into neutral - coasting through the intersection for about 5 seconds - until it finally selected another gear. It then drove normally. On XXX, I slowed down and made a left turn, the vehicle again went into neutral seeming trying to find a gear - it didn’t. I stopped, put it in park, then back in drive. That reset worked and it again drove normally. No codes were tripped but it is a major safety issue if on random occasions the power is cut and you can’t safely operated the vehicle. The ford dealer said 1) no codes, 2) can’t replicate the problem, 3) Ford has no technical bulletin on it, so we can’t fix it. After experiencing this, I looked online and their are Ranger Forum and Reddit threads about it, so it is certainly a known issue. Hopefully, you can push Ford to acknowledge and address the issue before someone is killed or injured. This issue and lack of action from Ford leaves me with little confidence in reliability and safety. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11772275October 19, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
2025 Ford Ranger XLT FX4 4x4, 2.3L EcoBoost. When I change the drive mode with the rotary dial and then return it to Normal, the drive modes begin cycling on their own with no input from me. A drive mode fault message then appears on the instrument cluster, and I am unable to select a drive mode. I first took the truck to a Ford dealer on 07/13/2026 at about 4,100 miles. The dealer recorded the cause as an all-terrain control module software fault and an ABS module communication concern with the ATCM. They reconfigured the ABS module and released the truck as operating as designed. The problem came back. I returned to the dealer on 10/15/2026 at about 6,745 miles. The technician verified the concern and found DTC P05D3 stored in the ABS module. The concern returned after the ABS module was configured again, and the dealer then replaced the electronic brake booster under warranty. Safety risk: the drive mode system changes traction control, throttle, and drivetrain behavior. Having it cycle modes on its own while driving, with no warning, could cause loss of control, especially while towing a trailer. The fault also points to a communication problem between the drive mode module and the brake system.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769094October 5, 2026
POWER TRAIN, SUSPENSION
I was driving at approximately 25 MPH and all of a sudden the truck automatically went into 4 wheel drive low which altered my ability to keep up with traffic and caused me to pull over to figure out why. I had to restart my truck to get it out of 4 wheel drive. This has happened approximately 5 times and fortunately at low speeds. I have not taken it to the dealer because it is an intermittent problem. I have read that it is a common problem with this truck and the dealer can't find the issue because it is intermittent. I was nearly rear ended because the truck slowed way down when it went. into 4 wheel drive. I think it is unsafe and startling when it happens and unexpected.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11767346September 28, 2026
POWER TRAIN
While driving at 45 mph. The dash changed and the truck started shifting into wheel low. I had to stop and put the truck back into 2 wheel drive. This has happened 5 times since new.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766922September 25, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My 2025 Ford Ranger Raptor will shift drive modes by itself. I has tried to shift from normal drive mode to rock crawl mode or Baja mode. Rock crawl mode goes into 4 wheel drive low which would be very dangerous if it tried to shift into 4 low on the highway. It has happened multiple times. Sometime while parked, sometimes while driving.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11765304September 18, 2026
POWER TRAIN
I have around 26000 miles on my 2025 Ford Ranger Lariat 2.7l V6. My drive mode has changed on its own multiple times without anyone touching the dial. Recently I was letting it idle to cool the cabin. I hopped in and heard some thunking and saw my drive mode change all the way to slippery mode. Nothing was touching the dial. It has also changed modes while I was exiting my driveway, leaving the Taco Bell drive-thru, and driving down the highway at about 50 MPH. It's scary to think I could be driving down the road and it automatically shifts into 4WD on its own. Sometimes I don't know it's in a different mode until the steering is hard to turn and the wheels chirp. Since then I have been able to trigger the drive mode changes by only pushing down the drive mode selector's bezel, not turning/twisting it. Pushing downwards on the bezel at or just below the 2H label can trigger the drive mode change for me. It's very inconsistent and won't trigger very often. But I was able capture a video of it in case someone is interested. [XXX] No modifications, No Forscan alterations, Happens before and after installing a ford performance tune Before me capturing it on video, I asked the dealer (Sunset Ford [XXX]) about getting it fixed. They told me if they cant reproduce it, then they cant do anything for me and I would be charged for the diagnosis and a car rental. My vehicle is still under factory warranty. Since I created the video I sent it to them and I had to call them multiple times to get them to look at it. I have an appt on XXX, we'll see what happens. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11764965September 17, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When I'm driving in standard mode on the highway the truck software will change to different drive modes on it own. I do not touch anything and it will try to change to crawl mode or 4 wheel low mode even going 65MPH on the freeway. One time it changed on the freeway going 65mph and switch to 4 wheel low and the tach raced up to 8K even though I had slowed down to 25mph. I had to turn the vehicle on and off to correct the issue. This is dangerous.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11763760September 12, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES
Brake fault warning light stays on. It will not reset and 2 different Ford dealers cannot figure out the problem. The dealerships cannot determine if the brakes are malfunctioning. The problem forst occured May 2026.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11763583September 11, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
Yes this is my second time filing a complaint regarding my new truck switching drive modes on its own. The first time it tried going into 4 low while i was going over 45 mph, with only 800 miles. The next time it did it was at around 1200 miles it switched drive modes completely and tried switching into 4 wd while at hoghway speeds. This is clearly a safety issue, their are numerous threads on reddit, facebook and ranger forums regarding it. Ford cannot replicate so they dont fix, what will it take one of us getting killed before we get a recall for whatever part or module is broken.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11761748September 2, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2025 Ford Ranger XLT experienced an electrical short-circuit causing a persistent speaker hiss with the vehicle turned off, accompanied by an electrical burning smell. The radio and audio became very staticky and a constant hissing sound with the radio and the truck turned off. By the time the dealer looked at the vehicle it was operating normally. Dealership refused to inspect wiring or ACM due to intermittent nature of the failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11759914August 27, 2026
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I am not a mechanic or a 'car person', so I may not know technical terms. This has occurred 4-6 times since purchasing the truck in March '26. After initial start up, it has a tendency to accelerate when applying the break. This is only within the first several minutes after startup. The most recent incident caused the truck to "roll" into the main street rather than coming to a complete stop. I was applying the break, but the truck was 'resisting' to come to a complete stop. The local Ford mechanic found this to be "undesirable, but normal characteristic". The situation that is occurring is anything BUT normal. The Ford dealer was able to replicate the situation, but deemed it to be "no further instructions on fixes or issues related to this concern and no further action can be perfomed" The truck is available for inspection. This is a major safety issue as I was unable to stop the truck before entering the main road. Yes, the truck was inspected by the dealer. There were no warning messages
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11757184August 15, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
Vehicle received and installed an over-the-air software update to the Body Control Module, identified on the vehicle screen as BCM-26.6.3 and associated with Safety Recall 26S29 (A-pillar/sun visor wiring, NHTSA 26V238000). The update screen displayed a status of "Not Completed." Since that update the vehicle will not start and is inoperative. Current condition: opening the driver door wakes the center infotainment screen only. The instrument cluster does not illuminate. Pressing the brake pedal produces no response - no cluster illumination, no warning lamps, no chimes, no messages, no crank. 12V power is present; the manufacturer's telematics app still reaches the vehicle and returns status. Symptoms are consistent with a Body Control Module that is powered but not communicating on the vehicle network. No warning lamps, messages, or symptoms were present before the update. The vehicle operated normally until the update was installed. Safety risk: the vehicle became immobile without warning immediately following installation of a manufacturer-pushed safety recall remedy. The transmission cannot be shifted electronically, requiring the manual park release to move or tow the vehicle. Had this occurred away from home or in a traffic lane, the vehicle would have been stranded and unable to move under its own power. The BCM also governs exterior lighting and hazard lamp function. Note: the update screen header displayed "25S29" while the body text referenced completing Safety Recall 26S29. The vehicle has a dealer-installed Ford Performance ProCal calibration. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the dealer or manufacturer. It is available for inspection upon request.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11755760August 9, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Truck is randomly switching to Baja mode which engages the 4wheel drive making steering difficult
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11754755August 4, 2026
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
I was exiting the freeway, and as I was turning off of the freeway onto a side street, at approximately 20mph, my vehicle did not respond to throttle input, and left me slowing to a stop in the middle of a busy intersection. I had to shift my vehicle into neutral and then back into drive, to get it to respond to throttle input. When I slow down at intersections, turn and then attempt to throttle my vehicle, it hesitates and struggles to output power until I throttle about halfway.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11753447July 29, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
No incident occurred. This is to report a safety issue related to the activation of the rear view camera while driving forward. There are times when a vehicle (automobile/motorcycle) may be following closely, and the rear view mirrors are inadequate to see the following vehicle clearly. If the rear view camera is activated, the image projected by the camera is obscurred by a message stating "Full View Not Available". There appears to be no way to remove this message so that the image in not obsurred. See attached photo.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11752830July 25, 2026
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
2025 Ranger STX with 950 miles on odometer. When starting vehicle with transmission in park, a pronounced clunk/thump is heard and felt. The clunk/thump varies in intensity with the most intense episode resulting in the physical slight rearward movement of the truck. Symptom seems to be more prevalent when vehicle has been dormant for a few hours or overnight. Initially thought vehicle was going to lunge rearward by physical movement of truck. No warning lights were present with the event. Dealer appointment is scheduled later next week. vehicle is availabe for inspection upon request.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11751384July 19, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Rear view camera has significant delay, lag, or stutter at times, in reverse, more noticeably at faster that idle reverse speeds.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11750277July 14, 2026
POWER TRAIN
I believe this is a transmission problem; however, not sure if it could be program related. The main safety issue is after taking off from a stop, the truck just stopped accelerating and hesitated, as if though it got "stuck" trying to change gears. This issue has happened a few times, once with my Wife in the truck, who looked at me like what the heck was I doing. This definitely creates a situation for a rear impact collision if the person behind you didn't hit the brakes soon enough. The transmission also seems to "clunk" real hard at times when coming to a stop, as if though it is switching gears from say 4th down to 1st, skipping 3rd and 2nd gears. I did report this to Kendall Ford of Eugene and they said it shifts just the same as all of the other Rangers with this same transmission. I received no warning lamps, symptoms, or messages.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11744966June 18, 2026
POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While driving at highway speeds vehicle changes the drive mode at random. Even attempting to go into 4 low at high speeds. If the vehicle is able to change into 4 low at high speeds this could send the vehicle into uncontrollable lock down to the drive train and potently creating uncontrollable spin out. Car has been at the dealership for this issue, but they cannot find any problems or able to replicate the issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11744742June 17, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
On 6-7 separate occasions, my 2025 Ranger had a sudden and complete loss of accelerator response while slowing down to make a left turn. This also happens on occasion at traffic lights when the light turns and I attempt to turn left. The duration of loss of power has increased with each incident and is very frightening when it occurs. When attempting to accelerate across the road, there was no response or power from the engine to get me through traffic. On each occasions, the safety of everyone in my vehicle as well members of the public were at great risk. It is only by good luck that these engine failure incidents did not cause a serious crash. The local Ford dealer has been unable to identify the problem. Until and unless the Ford Dealer can replicate the problem, I am unable to get the problem resolved. In the meantime, I feel that I my life is at risk every time I drive my truck. There were no warnings from the vehicle about this loss of power and the randomness of this causes great fear when driving. The incident appears to be the same as Recall 26V343000, Loss of Drive Power from Engine Failure, which does not include my specific VIN.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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