2020 Ford Ranger
Common Problems
Ranked from 53 federal NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
14 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Transmission Jerking and Erratic Shifting
25complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe transmission experiences rough and erratic shifts, causing the vehicle to jerk and bounce, especially at lower speeds.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 20V197000
- 2
Engine misfires and stalling
13complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine misfires and stalls, often due to coolant intrusion or spark plug damage, leading to reduced power and potential loss of control.
$200–$900est. ignition service (coils/plugs) · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 25V685000
- 3
Rearview Camera Malfunction
5complaintsLow severityElectricalThe rearview camera intermittently fails to operate, causing visibility issues when reversing or parking.
$250–$800est. backup camera replacement · 1–3 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 25V685000
- 4
Brake System Failure - Unintended Acceleration
4complaintsSafety riskBrakesThe vehicle accelerates unintentionally when the brake pedal is depressed, requiring the driver to turn off the engine.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 5
Transmission Failure Causing Safety Concerns
3complaintsSafety riskTransmissionThe transmission fails, causing the vehicle to lose power, stall, and experience dangerous shifting patterns, increasing the risk of accidents.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 20V197000
- 6
Transmission Skipping and Slipping
3complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe transmission skips between gears and slips, leading to reduced power and difficulty in reaching desired speed.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 20V197000
- 7
Airbag System Malfunction - Persistent Airbag Warning Lights
2complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe airbag warning light remains on despite repairs, affecting the functionality of other systems like gauges, heat, and stereo.
$100–$250est. professional diagnosis · 1–2 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 25V685000
- 8
Exterior Lighting Issues - Door Sensor Malfunction
2complaintsLow severityOtherThe rear passenger side door is difficult to open and close, with a constant warning light and battery drain issue.
$100–$900est. lighting assembly repair · 0.5–2 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 23V379000
- 9
Forward Collision Avoidance System Failure
2complaintsSafety riskOtherThe forward collision avoidance system does not provide warnings or automatic braking, leading to accidents.
Related recall: 23V379000
- 10
Seat Belt Malfunction - Seat Belt Pullout
2complaintsLow severityElectricalThe right front seat belt pulls out of its anchor in the rear door, posing a potential safety hazard.
Related recall: 25V685000
- 11
Seating and seat belt issues
2complaintsLow severityOtherThe seat belts and seats exhibit malfunctions such as rapid retraction and failure to retract properly, posing a safety risk.
Related recall: 23V379000
- 12
Steering and handling problems
2complaintsMedium severitySteeringThe steering wheel shimmies severely, especially during passing maneuvers, affecting handling and safety.
- 13
Suspension and vibration issues
2complaintsMedium severitySuspensionThe suspension exhibits vibrations and shaking, especially at higher speeds, affecting ride quality and potentially causing discomfort.
$150–$1,200est. suspension diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 14
Suspension Leaf Spring Breakage
2complaintsMedium severitySuspensionThe rear leaf springs break at the bushing attachment, causing the vehicle to drop and potentially leading to loss of control.
$150–$1,200est. suspension diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.