2021 Ford Ranger

117 complaints on file, page 1 of 6.

1. Filed Oct 1, 2026Failure Oct 1, 2026Milwaukee, WIPower train

   I was parking the truck and I put it in reverse and no reverse whatsoever. I put it and drive them back and reverse nothing. I put it in park turned it off restarted it and reverse worked took it to the dealer and they said the transmission has to be replaced due to faulty parts from Ford on the original transmission although it might be covered under the 200,000 mile powertrain warranty it is still a big inconvenience and this is not the first time I was having problems with the transmission if I have to pay for it it could be up to $8500

   NHTSA complaint 11768399
2. Filed Sep 30, 2026Failure Sep 9, 2026Weston, WIPower train

   The 2021 Ford Ranger Lariat , mileage 42,362 would not go into reverse, the wrench was lit up on dash. Shut Truck off it cleared the code, immediately took it to Ford dealer. Was sent home because the tech said the light was off so he couldn’t diagnose. After reading about the issue we made the appt for a diagnostic scan. The codes were P2704, P0772 . The truck has been with dealership since 09/14/2026. It’s the 10R80 transmission with a service bulletin out on the CDF drum.mechanical defect that Ford knowingly sold to unsuspecting consumers. I was able to get a goodwill assist from Ford to help with repair , told they would cover 40% but are now only wanting to pay 16% . The time warranty is over is by 33 days the mileage is under by 18,000 miles. Did notice some sluggish shifting but thought it was from the engine shut off when stopped at lights months ago but not reported. I think Ford should have to cover this at 100% seeing that the Truck was purchased on 03/10/2025 with 24,809 miles , we asked the dealership about the transmission and was told it was sound.

   NHTSA complaint 11768109
3. Filed Sep 28, 2026Failure Aug 24, 2026Albuquerque, NMEngine

   Vehicle is just out of warranty and has less than 45,000 miles yet I'm being told I need a full transmission replacement. I know of 4 other rangers that as soon as they hit 40,000 or there about, began having jerky transmission issues. I reached out to ford for a goodwill request and am being told that I have to pay to have the transmission disassembled just to see IF they will pay for anything to be fixed. Is this not planned obsolesence?

   NHTSA complaint 11767566
4. Filed Sep 13, 2026Failure Jul 27, 2026San Diego, CAPower train

   While driving from [XXX] to [XXX] on XXX my 2021 Ford Ranger's dash light came on and I noticed harsh shifting and the vehicle began jolting unpredictably while I was driving at highway speeds. To avoid imminent danger, I pulled off the 101 and slowly drove to the closest Ford dealership, Vista Ford Lincoln of [XXX], in order to have the truck assessed. Technicians performed a diagnostic evaluation and retrieved DTC P0766 (shift solenoid "D" performance/stuck off) and P2703 (transmission friction element "D" apply time.) These codes are the documented engineering signature of internal CDF clutch drum bushing migration- a known, widespread manufacturing defect inherent to Ford's 10R80 transmission platform. Vista Ford confirmed the transmission required a complete replacement, but assured me that I could slowly drive the truck home to [XXX] for the repair. [XXX] of [XXX] confirmed the error codes and quoted me $9,857.86 to repair the existing transmission and $13,295.84 to replace the transmission. I reached out to Ford Corporate (case number: [XXX]) who explicitly refused a reasonable goodwill remedy, offering only a 10% discount against [XXX]'s replacement quote. This left me with an untenable $11, 966.26 bill for a known factory defect, therefore I transferred the truck to B'N'C Mobile Auto Repair where the transmission replacement cost me $7, 954.73 Although the 5 year express powertrain warranty concluded on XXX, a major vehicle powertrain components failing at just 48,820 miles under normal during conditions is dangerous and unacceptable. I have preserved all diagnostic sheets, including trouble codes, paid receipts and my original 2021 sale contract. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

   NHTSA complaint 11763949
5. Filed Sep 11, 2026Failure May 20, 2025Bells, TNUnknown or other

   One suspects dealership misrepresented sale. Website lists vehicle series, XL; window sticker document indicates Lariat. 2021 Ford Ranger Lariat Tremor might have been rebuilt without instrument reporting changes. Because one has been ambushed - one no longer has collateral. One is attempting such creation report via XXX Code [XXX] for unwinding contract, good faithing Wells Fargo lien key negotiation VIN hold: [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

   NHTSA complaint 11763667
6. Filed Aug 14, 2026Failure Feb 24, 202559,000 milesTroy, MIPower train

   The contact owns a 2021 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and shifting gear, the transmission shifted hard. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the transmission was operating as designed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there was no recalls on the VIN associated with the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11756983
7. Filed Aug 9, 2026Failure Jul 2, 2026El centro, CAPower train

   2021 ford ranger 98160 millas firts time buy 01 19 2022 transmition went out 7 2 2026, my factory defect

   NHTSA complaint 11755738
8. Filed Aug 5, 2026Failure May 29, 2024Wichita Falls, TXUnknown or other2 injured

   Chrome metal peeling up on 3 door handles. Started peeling around 39K miles. Cut my fingers and my daughter's fingers. Brought it to local dealer who filed a repair request and Ford said I would have to pay for ful door handle assemblies out of pocket. Truck was too new and well taken care of for me to feel comfortable paying out of pocket.

   NHTSA complaint 11755134
9. Filed Aug 5, 2026Failure May 29, 2024Wichita Falls, TXUnknown or other2 injured

   Chrome metal on 3 door handles sticking up. Cut my daughter's fingers and my fingers. Was reported to Ford and local dealer but Ford said I would have to pay out of pocket to replace full handle assemblies. Ford offerred a discount, but it was still expensive. Truck was too new for the chrome to be coming off. I rarely use the back seat/doors, and those handles are peeling up just like front handles.

   NHTSA complaint 11755129
10. Filed Aug 5, 2026Failure Aug 5, 2026Wichita Falls, TXPower train

    Transmission hard shifts in low gear and sometimes slips gears or revs up engine without accelerating then slams into gear lurching forward. Had transmission oil checked by dealer and they said it looked great. Happened 29 July several times and again 5 Aug all throughout the day.

    NHTSA complaint 11755122
11. Filed Jul 29, 2026Failure Nov 19, 2025Papillion, NEPower train, Unknown or other, Vehicle speed control

    The 10R80 10-speed automatic transmission and the gear-shift linkage module are defective, and the truck remains available for inspection. Our safety is constantly put at risk because the transmission exhibits an extremely violent, highly intermittent powertrain lunging jolt during deceleration and stopping. The impact is so severe that it sounds and feels like a loud gunshot firing right next to the cabin occupants. Furthermore, the transmission simultaneously exhibits severe throttle hesitation and gear-skipping. This causes the vehicle to drop gears and completely fail to move when attempting to accelerate at busy stoplights, trapping us as a sitting duck in active traffic. Earlier in our timeline, the technician improperly reassembled the shift linkage, which caused the multi-ton vehicle to refuse to engage in Park and violently roll backward down a steep residential incline; an emergency parking brake deployment was required to prevent a catastrophic accident. The transmission defect was physically confirmed by [XXX] of Papillion, who verified scored, sticking fluid control valves inside the main control unit. Additionally, the hazard was officially confirmed by BBB AUTO LINE National Arbitrator Sharon Katt (Case XXX). The arbitrator officially signed a ruling certifying that our safety, use, and value concerns are completely valid, explicitly noting that the intermittent nature of this transmission failure does not minimize the extreme safety hazard. There were no warning lamps prior to the failure. The symptoms first appeared at ~49,000 miles. The dealer has since refused advanced diagnostics, executed an irrelevant radio reset instead, and willfully fabricated a fake service record on CARFAX on April 21, 2026, to force-close system safety alerts in their database. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

    NHTSA complaint 11753464
12. Filed Jul 10, 2026Failure Feb 6, 2026Harrison Twp, MIPower train

    I've had many issue's with this vehicle's transmission: Harsh and erratic shifting. Shuddering when accelerating. Slippage. On several occasions not able to go in reverse. Issue's started at 45k miles. Had it in the shop on several occasions to address problem. I've had to replace faulty transmission at 70k miles. This is a faulty transmission due to incompetent CDF Clutch drum. This is NOT a safe vehicle to operate.

    NHTSA complaint 11749472
13. Filed Jul 2, 2026Failure Jun 8, 2026Bethel, OHPower train

    The ring gear wore out and had to replace the whole rear end

    NHTSA complaint 11748038
14. Filed Jul 1, 2026Failure Jun 1, 202693,000 milesSussex, VAPower train

    The contact owns a 2021 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission was slipping in and out of gear. There was no warning light illuminated. After approximately 3 seconds, the transmission shifted into the correct gear. The failure had occurred while driving through an intersection, placing the contact at risk of being rear-ended. The dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000. The VIN was not available.

    NHTSA complaint 11747624
15. Filed Jun 16, 2026Failure May 18, 2026Boise, IDPower train, Unknown or other

    Vehicle: 2021 Ford Ranger. Mileage: 44,000 My 2021 Ford Ranger begin experiencing dangerous transmission shifting issues with absolutely no warning signs or indicator lights prior to the incidents. On multiple occasions the truck suddenly and randomly stalled in the middle of the freeway and in the middle of the road, feeling as if the transmission went into neutral with no power to move the vehicle. These incidents occurred multiple times putting myself and my small child at serious risk of injury or death. At no point did any warning lights illuminate or any indication appeared on the dashboard to alert me of a problem before these dangerous events occurred. The truck was taken to a Ford dealership where it was diagnosed with an electrical fault in the transmission solenoids. The final diagnosis is a full Transmission R&I and overhaul at only 44,000 miles. This issue is covered under Ford TSB 21-2315 which acknowledges that the 10-speed automatic transmission may exhibit harsh engagement, delayed shifts, and shifting problems due to known defects. My 5yr/60,000-mile powertrain warranty expired 3 months ago by time only. I am well under the mileage limit at 44,000 miles. Ford has agreed to cover only $2,097.06 of the $5,242.65 repair, leaving me responsible for $3,145.59 for a known manufacturing defect. When I contacted Ford requesting full goodwill warranty coverage, I received poor customer service a manger (Luis) promised to call back multiple times with additional coverage options and never did. A full transmission overhaul at 44,000 miles is not consistent normal wear and tear and is clearly the result of a manufacturing defect that Ford has already acknowledged through TSB 21-2315. The sudden and unexpected nature of these failures with no warning, combined with the serious safety risk posed to myself and my child, makes this matter extremely urgent. I am requesting NHTSA investigate this matter and Ford's handling of this known defect.

    NHTSA complaint 11744440
16. Filed Jun 11, 2026Failure May 1, 2025windsor, CAUnknown or other1 injured

    My interior door handles have chrome-plated stickers. They have started to bubble and peel to the point where my wife sliced her finger requiring an ER visit and stiches. I've seen on Reddit that other vehicle owners have had the same issues. I noticed on June 9th, 2026 Ford issued a recall for its For Expedition, for a similar issue but with its center console, not the door handles. I believe this is a serious issue that could easily cause bodily harm. This should be investigated. Thank you

    NHTSA complaint 11743600
17. Filed Jun 2, 2026Failure May 28, 2026golden, COElectrical system, Power train, Service brakes

    During low speed driving, mainly stop and go traffic the truck will randomly lunge forward when the brake pedal is engaged. It happens when accelerating and the truck will shift in to second gear, then if you apply the brake the truck will act like it is going to stall, the engine rpm will spike and the truck will launch forward. If you dont force the brake pedal to the floor, the truck will continue to accelerate, potentially slamming into another vehicle. This has happened multiple times, the dealer has rebuilt the transmission and that fixed the issue for the last 6-8k miles. the issue has returned and the truck is back at the dealership for diagnostics. This is becoming a serious safety concern and the potential that someone gets hurt grows every day. I have seen other complaints on the internet about this same issue in trucks with the same transmission.

    NHTSA complaint 11741626
18. Filed May 28, 2026Failure Jan 6, 2026nederland, COPower train

    truck hesitates to go into gear then slams into reverse unexpectedly with a lot of force backing up - almost ran over a family member. Same thing when cold and going from park to drive, almost drove off my driveway down a steep mountain. I believe it is related to TSB 24-2046 No warning lights or anything, dealer has not been able so far to reproduce because the weather warmed up

    NHTSA complaint 11740512
19. Filed May 27, 2026Failure Jan 2, 2026Arlington, VAPower train

    The 10R80 transmission CDF drum failed due to a defective bushing housing, resulting in the replacement of the 10R80 transmission. The diagnosis of the failure took 3 weeks because there were no warning lights or engine codes. The symptoms of the failure were erratic shifting in heavy highway traffic, causing harsh up/down shifts and shift patterns. The erratic shifting makes driving feel unsafe, as the vehicle may lurk or seem to lose power. Currently, with the new 10R80 transmission with the redesigned CDF drum bushing housing, similar symptoms of erratic up/down shift going between 20-40 mph and between gears 3-7 are present. The vehicle is going back in to the shop for diagnosis and potential repairs

    NHTSA complaint 11740493
20. Filed May 25, 2026Failure May 24, 2026Ferndale, WAPower train

    Automatic transmission had a hard time finding gears and accelerating while in a parking lot. There were vehicles behind me that could have run into me during the brief failure. There was no warning light on the dash. I have not been able to replicate it since yesterday, but my spouse had it happen a few months ago as well.

    NHTSA complaint 11739912