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2020 Ford Ranger problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2020 Ford Ranger has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated November 2, 2026.
- 7safety recalls
- 130owner complaints
- 6crash reports
- 1fire report
- 19%fail the UK MOT
130 complaints, against an average of 84 for the other 7 Ford Ranger model years.
Every Ford Ranger model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2020 Ford Ranger?
The components named most often in the 130 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2020 Ford Ranger owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 130 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why does my 2020 Ford Ranger stall, lose power or shut off while driving?17 owners · 13.1%
- Why does my 2020 Ford Ranger transmission jerk, shudder or shift hard?17 owners · 13.1%
- Why does my 2020 Ford Ranger idle rough, misfire or hesitate?10 owners · 7.7%
- Has the 2020 Ford Ranger had transmission failures?9 owners · 6.9% · Recall 20V197000
- Why does the backup camera not work on my 2020 Ford Ranger?6 owners · 4.6% · Recall 25V442000
- Does the 2020 Ford Ranger have rust or paint problems?6 owners · 4.6%
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2020 Ford Ranger?4 owners · 3.1%
- Why does my 2020 Ford Ranger accelerate unexpectedly or surge?4 owners · 3.1%
Fault codes 2020 Ford Ranger owners mention
Diagnostic trouble codes owners wrote in their complaints. Open a code to see what it meant on other cars and whether a recall names it.
Has the 2020 Ford Ranger been recalled?
7 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Equipment: Electrical: Engine Block Heater Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated December 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.
Back Over Prevention: Software Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
Risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
Equipment: Other: Labels Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Bronco, 2023 Super Duty F-250, and 2019-2023 Ranger vehicles. The Tire and Loading Information (TREAD) label states the incorrect load carrying capacity, which can result in an overloaded vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Risk: An overloaded vehicle increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will mail a new TREAD label to install over the existing label, free of charge. Owners will also have the option to take their vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to have the new label installed, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C18.
Seat Belts: Front: Webbing Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Ford Ranger Super Cab vehicles. The front passenger outboard seat belt may not have been assembled properly, allowing the seat belt to be misrouted. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 208, "Occupant Crash Protection" and 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."
Risk: A misrouted seat belt may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Ford will provide owners with instructions to perform a preliminary inspection of their front seat belts. Owners that detect an issue with the driver's seat belt, are unsure of the results, or do not want to perform an inspection, should not drive their vehicles and contact a Ford dealership. Dealers will inspect the front row outboard seat belts and replace them, if necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on November 5, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed December 22, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C25.
Seats: Mid/Rear Assembly Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Ranger Super Cab vehicles equipped with rear seats containing fixed head restraints. The fixed head restraints may interfere with proper installation of certain types of child seats. Additionally, the child seat may not attach properly to the lower-rear anchors. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage System."
Risk: An improperly attached child seat can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the rear-lower child restraint anchorages for correct alignment and adjust as necessary. Separately, dealers will replace the non-removable head restraints with removable head restraints, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on November 5, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 17, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C24.
Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, Explorer, Mustang, Transit, Expedition, Escape, Ranger and Edge, and Lincoln Nautilus and Corsair vehicles. Due to a poor electrical connection, the rearview camera may intermittently display a blank or distorted image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk: Reduced rearward visibility can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2020. Remedy became available on February 1, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 1, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C19.
Power Train: Automatic Transmission: Gear Position Indication (PRNDL) Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ranger and F-150 vehicles equipped with 10-speed automatic transmissions and certain 2020 Expedition vehicles equipped with a "police" package. The transmission shift cable lock clip may not be fully seated, allowing the transmission to actually be in a different gear than the gear shift position selected by the driver.
Risk: If the transmission selection does not match the indicated gear selection, and the parking brake is not applied, unintended vehicle movement can occur, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and correct the shift cable locking clip installation, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S18.
Is the 2020 Ford Ranger recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSARanger: 10R80 Transmission Oil Pump Gears Software Update
Risk: On affected vehicles the software repair for previous recall 20S10 may not have been delivered properly and vehicles may exhibit an issue where the transmission lubricant pump gear could fail.
Fix: Update the Power Control Module and Transmission Control Module and perform an additional verification process to ensure the configuration has been installed correctly.
UK DVSAFrozen Rearview Camera Screen
Risk: On affected vehicles there is a potential software issue causing the rear-view camera not to function as intended.
Fix: Update the Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) software to the latest level.
UK DVSACrossCar: Sync3 Rear-View Camera Software Update
Risk: On affected vehicles a software problem may result in issues with the rear-view camera that reduce the driver’s view or with it remaining on after a reversing event.
Fix: Update the vehicle software to the latest level.
UK DVSATransmission fluid pump gear failure can cause a loss of hydraulic fluid pressure in the transmission
Risk: Transmission fluid pump gear failure
Fix: Update the Transmission Control Module (TCM) and Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software
EU Safety GateThe front wheel right stub axle may crack, possibly compromising the stability of the component and causing it to break.This breaking may damage the steering, increasing the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe transmission fluid pump gears could fail while driving and the Transmission Control Module (TCM) and Powertrain Control Module (PCM)…The transmission fluid pump gears could fail while driving and the Transmission Control Module (TCM) and Powertrain Control Module (PCM) might not report errors appropriately.Consequently, the pressure of the transmission fluid could decrease, leading to a inadvertent loss of motive power and increasing the risk of accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 14/02/2020
How often does the 2020 Ford Ranger fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2020, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2020 Ford Ranger owners report?
12 of the 130 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
Supposedly, Ford knows that the 10-speed transmission has problems and they have done stuff for the F-150 models, but they aren't doing nothing for the Ranger models. Transmission slips and eventually fails causing a very expensive replacement
While driving my 2020 Ford Ranger, the transmission has repeatedly exhibited unexpected and unintended gear changes, including sudden downshifts or gear changes without driver input, hesitation, and abrupt loss of power during acceleration. These problems have occurred during highway merging, pulling into traffic, and city driving. On 08/14/2026, while accelerating to pull into traffic, the vehicle suddenly lost power, creating a hazardous situation as vehicles approached from behind. I have also experienced instances in which the transmission unexpectedly shifted or hesitated without warning…
1. Transmission is going out dealership never said a word about the 6 recalls on it one being transmission 2. Front seat belts are in backwards and the child safety hook in back seat has a recall on it that the 3 of the 6 I know of Ford had told alm to replace the entire transmission before they ever sold it they did not do that they didn't take care of any of the recalls
Coolant intrusion defect that affects other 4 cyl ecoboost Ford engines occurred on this regularly serviced per Ford recommendations vehicle as well. Engine failure at highway speeds could cause a severe accident as the engine can seize when coolant mixes with the oil. The vehicle has been inspected by a Ford dealership. The only warning sign that there was a problem was a coolant temperature threshold exceeded warning.
Transmission replacement needed. Truck has been at dealership going on 3 months with continued delays. It was acknowledged cooperate was covering replacement now story changed that owner/myself having to pay $4000+. Cooperate covering $000 . Current owner/myself bought 2 years ago with 13000 miles and has only put 6000 miles on it. Dealership and cooperate admitted to known problem assured coverage however put fixing on hold because they are behind due to staffing issues. I have been bounced around to 3 different people at dealership who have taken case over. Dealership and cooperate blaming…
I bought the 4x4 Ford Ranger specifically to be towed behind my motor home and followed the directions on how to set up the Flat-tow feature that allows the Ranger to be towed behind my motorhome. I had traveled to a number of Good Same Rallys without any trouble with the Ranger. I use it also as my main vehicle at home to go to store, church etc. On my last trip to Branson, MO while coming home there was a noise that sounded like my brakes on the Ranger were locked up. I took my foot off the gas pedal and it stopped, I proceeded on home when it did this several times. Each time it would stop…
On more than one occasion but still infrequently, I have been coming to a stop and while braking, the engine revs and lurches forward while I'm attempting to stop. It is rare that it happens but it is very scary when it does happen. No warning lights appear. I have submitted a request to the dealer who sold us the truck. But it happens to infrequently that it would be difficult to reproduced by a dealer. It has happened approximately 5 times since purchasing the vehicle in December 2020. Approximate date of most recent event below.
Rearview camera malfunction. Screen on rearview mirror goes from blue color to blank. The vehicle's air conditioning does not blow cold air. Stays at warm temperature. Cannot hear pump kick on for A/C.
Rear brake lights did not work, but high mount brake light functioned normally. I found a safety recall for the 2019 Ford Ranger for the same condition (19S43). This safety recall identifies connector C442 as the root cause for the incident. Based on this information, I located the connected. I disconnected the connector, did visual inspection. Visual inspection did not find any bent pins, so I reconnected connector. After inspection and reconnection of connector C442 the brake light now work. A little background on me. I’m a retire Service Engineer from Nissan and I have extensive background…
Date/Time: [XXX] Approximately 3:00PM local Weather: About 10F, light wind. No precipitation. Event Description: Vehicle had sat for > 12 hours. Started vehicle and operated wipers to clear snow. Vehicle was in 2WD; Shifted to “D” and began driving forward down driveway slowly; normal throttle response. Shifted from 2WD to 4WD. 4WD engaged, and there was normal throttle response. After driving for about 15 seconds, near end of driveway, removed foot from accelerator to slow to see if there was traffic. I saw that there was none and tried to accelerate. No throttle response; the vehicle came to…
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while parking and removing the seat belt, the belt retracted quickly wrapping around their child's neck. The contact was able to stop the vehicle and release the child; however, the seat belt still failed to retract properly. No injuries were reported. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
Vehicle has 11000 miles on it When stopping brakes are soft and pedal can go lower than gas pedal. Have talked to other drivers w same problem w ford rangers. It will b $150 expense Ford dealer says abs bleed procedure will correct. To me this is a safety issue as my foot could I have the gas pedal when braking
2020 Ford Ranger: questions owners ask
Is the 2020 Ford Ranger reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 130 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Ford Ranger; the most common categories were power train (49, 37.7%), engine (16, 12.3%), electrical system (11, 8.5%). There are 7 safety recalls. 6 complaints mention a crash, 1 mentions a fire, 6 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Ford Ranger?
Across 130 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are power train (37.7% of complaints), engine (12.3% of complaints), electrical system (8.5% of complaints), service brakes (6.9% of complaints), forward collision avoidance (5.4% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2020 Ford Ranger have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2020 Ford Ranger; the most recent (campaign 25V685000, 2025-10-10) concerns Equipment: Electrical: Engine Block Heater. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2020 Ford Ranger stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
17 of the 130 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 Ford Ranger (13.1%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "I was traveling south on I-35 going up a long steep hill and my transmission started to hard shift and then I would lose power and when I would accelerate, I had no power it would just stall out so I merged to the right side in case I had to pull over because…" (NHTSA complaint 11756209, August 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2020 Ford Ranger transmission jerk, shudder or shift hard?
17 of the 130 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 Ford Ranger (13.1%) describe harsh, jerky or delayed transmission shifting or shuddering. One owner wrote: "I was traveling south on I-35 going up a long steep hill and my transmission started to hard shift and then I would lose power and when I would accelerate, I had no power it would just stall out so I merged to the right side in case I had to pull over because…" (NHTSA complaint 11756209, August 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2020 Ford Ranger idle rough, misfire or hesitate?
10 of the 130 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 Ford Ranger (7.7%) describe rough idling, misfires or hesitation when accelerating. One owner wrote: "all of these issues: Shuddering at the point of acceleration Inability to reach desired speed Gear lockout Failure to start Shifter “lockout” or being “stuck in park” Hesitation from a stopped position Sluggish performance, including during towing “Check…" (NHTSA complaint 11694912, October 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Has the 2020 Ford Ranger had transmission failures?
9 of the 130 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 Ford Ranger (6.9%) describe transmission failure, slipping or a replaced transmission. A related recall exists: campaign 20V197000 (power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (prndl)). The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and correct the shift cable locking clip installation, as necessary, free of charge. One owner wrote: "Supposedly, Ford knows that the 10-speed transmission has problems and they have done stuff for the F-150 models, but they aren't doing nothing for the Ranger models. Transmission slips and eventually fails causing a very expensive replacement" (NHTSA complaint 11768858, October 2026). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does the backup camera not work on my 2020 Ford Ranger?
6 of the 130 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 Ford Ranger (4.6%) describe the rearview or backup camera failing or showing a blank screen. 2 related recalls exist: campaign 25V442000 (back over prevention: software). The fix: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. One owner wrote: "Back up camera intermittently fails to operate giving a squiggly picture or a blank black screen. I have seen many articles involving the same issues with Ford Broncos and where recalls have been issued for those vehicles." (NHTSA complaint 11727296, March 2026). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Does the 2020 Ford Ranger have rust or paint problems?
6 of the 130 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 Ford Ranger (4.6%) describe rust, corrosion or peeling paint. One owner wrote: "Left rear leaf spring broke at the axel. When left the house truck was acting funny. Crossed a RR track and the truck became eratic/hard to steer. Pulled into shop across the street. They inspected the truck and found the broken spring." (NHTSA complaint 11762237, September 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2020 Ford Ranger?
4 of the 130 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 Ford Ranger (3.1%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "The cylinder #1 spark plug ignition coil. Check engine light came on and the vehicle began to vibrate while traveling 70 mph. The last 30 miles of the drive on an interstate required no speed higher than 50 to prevent the vibrations." (NHTSA complaint 11731585, April 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2020 Ford Ranger accelerate unexpectedly or surge?
4 of the 130 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 Ford Ranger (3.1%) describe unexpected or sudden acceleration, or surging. One owner wrote: "2020 Ford Ranger with transmission and engine (EGR cooler) issues resulting in hard shifting and surges makes it dangerous to drive. Happened on vehicle that was properly cared for and maintained. Issues present on truck that has less than 70k miles." (NHTSA complaint 11699272, November 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own Ranger
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved November 2, 2026. Model year 2020 only. How these reports are made.