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2023 Ford Ranger problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2023 Ford Ranger has been recalled for and what owners report, from official government data. Updated November 2, 2026.
- 0safety recalls
- 18owner complaints
- 2crash reports
- 1fire report
- 1injury reported
18 complaints, against an average of 100 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 2023 Ford Ranger?
The components named most often in the 18 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2023 Ford Ranger owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 18 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
Has the 2023 Ford Ranger been recalled?
NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2023 Ford Ranger as of November 2, 2026. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN before you rely on this.
Is the 2023 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: Side Air Curtain Deployment
Risk: On affected vehicles in the event of a curtain airbag deployment the curtain airbag may not deploy fully as intended increasing the risk of injury to the occupants.
Fix: Remove and replace the B-Pillar trim.
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 DVSA25S39 Ranger - Potential Camshaft Sprocket Failure
Risk: On affected vehicles the left-side camshaft sprocket on the engine could fracture due to a manufacturing defect resulting in an engine stall.
Fix: Inspect the left-side camshaft sprocket and replace if necessary.
UK DVSARanger Driver Seatbelt Webbing Inspection24S68 – Ranger Driver Seatbelt Webbing Inspection
Risk: On affected vehicles the driver’s seatbelt webbing may have been incorrectly routed through the rubber anchor trim sleeve only instead of being routed through both the rubber and the metal anchor eyelet increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix: Inspect driver’s seat belt routing replace as necessary.
UK DVSARanger Idler Gear Failure
Risk: A small number of Ranger vehicles that have been manufactured with an incorrectly assembled engine idler gear. An improperly installed engine idler gear may cause an engine stall with sudden loss of power whilst driving increasing the risk of crash or injury. A noise is typically observed from the engine in advance. In the event of a failure the vehicle will stall and/or not start.
Fix: Replace Idler assembly
UK DVSARanger Platinum Child Lock23S67 – Ranger Platinum Child Lock
Risk: Ranger Platinum vehicles where the electronic child lock system may show as engaged on the orange light on the window switch pack on the door trim but the rear doors could be opened from the interior door release handle. A Child Lock Malfunction message in the cluster or a warning flash on the activation button may or may not illuminate.
Fix: Modification to system wiring and system reset.
UK DVSARanger - Front wiper motor linkage inspection
Risk: Ranger vehicles have been manufactured using a front wiper motor linkage that could potentially fracture due to a manufacturing quality issue. In some circumstances a fractured wiper arm linkage will reduce the visual performance through the passenger side of the windshield below levels required to maintain vehicle compliance.
Fix: Inspect and replace if required
UK DVSAThe incorrect Front Propeller Shaft may have been installed.
Risk: The incorrect Front Propeller Shaft may have been installed.
Fix: Replace Front Propeller Shaft
UK DVSARanger vehicles where the High Pressure (HP) Pipes connecting with the Fuel Pump may not have been correctly tightened to specifications.Ranger vehicles where the High Pressure (HP) Pipes connecting with the Fuel Pump may not have been correctly tightened to specifications. Incorrectly tightened HP Pipe joints/nuts may loosen over time resulting in a fuel leak.
Risk: Ranger vehicles where the High Pressure (HP) Pipes connecting with the Fuel Pump may not have been correctly tightened to specifications. Incorrectly tightened HP Pipe joints/nuts may loosen over time resulting in a fuel leak.
Fix: Inspect connections. If no leak present retorque connections. If leak found replace pipework.
UK DVSARanger vehicles that may have been produced with incorrect bolts for the rear axle ring gear.Ranger vehicles that may have been produced with incorrect bolts for the rear axle ring gear. In some circumstances the incorrect ring gear bolts may become loose under severe driving conditions causing knocking or whining noises from the rear axle. In very extreme cases the vehicle may experience rear axle lock-up due to the bolts detaching and getting stuck in the rear axle gears.
Risk: Ranger vehicles that may have been produced with incorrect bolts for the rear axle ring gear. In some circumstances the incorrect ring gear bolts may become loose under severe driving conditions causing knocking or whining noises from the rear axle. In very extreme cases the vehicle may experience rear axle lock-up due to the bolts detaching and getting stuck in the rear axle gears.
Fix: The dealer will replace the complete rear axle assembly on all of the affected vehicles.
UK DVSAAffected vehicles may have been produced with the propeller shaft flange to transmission bolts loose and / or missing.
Risk: Affected vehicles may have been produced with the propeller shaft flange to transmission bolts loose and / or missing.
Fix: Check and rework the bolts if necessary.
UK DVSARanger vehicles that have a manual rear door child lock which is activated near the rear door latch may have been incorrectly fitted with…Ranger vehicles that have a manual rear door child lock which is activated near the rear door latch may have been incorrectly fitted with a switch pack that includes a rear window/rear door child lock button that illuminates when actuated.
Risk: Ranger vehicles that have a manual rear door child lock which is activated near the rear door latch may have been incorrectly fitted with a switch pack that includes a rear window/rear door child lock button that illuminates when actuated.
Fix: Remove and replace the driver door window control switch with the correct version.
UK DVSAWhen the turn signal / hazard lamp audible indicator is activated an Event Warning Chime will not be audible at the same time
Risk: While monitoring vehicles in operation when the turn signal / hazard lamp audible indicator is activated an Event Warning Chime (e.g. Seat Belt warnings Lane Keeping warnings) at the same time will not be audible.
Fix: Affected vehicles need to receive updated Instrument Panel Cluster Software
UK DVSAOn the affected vehicles the Brake Fluid Level Low warning message will not appear on the Instrument Panel Cluster when the brake fluid…On the affected vehicles the Brake Fluid Level Low warning message will not appear on the Instrument Panel Cluster when the brake fluid level falls below a pre-determined level
Risk: On affected vehicles the Brake Fluid Level Low warning message will not appear on the Instrument Panel Cluster when the brake fluid level falls below a pre-determined level.
Fix: Affected vehicles need to be returned to a Ford Authorised Dealer to have a software update that will restore feature functionality.
UK DVSAThe driver s seat belt might have the webbing routed through the anchor rubber trim sleeve instead of being routed through the metal…The driver s seat belt might have the webbing routed through the anchor rubber trim sleeve instead of being routed through the metal anchor eyelet.
Risk: The driver's seat belt might have the webbing routed through the anchor rubber trim sleeve instead of being routed through the metal anchor eyelet.
Fix: Carry out a visual inspection of the driver seat belt at the pre-tensioner. Any vehicle that has failed this inspection will be retained and the affected part will be replaced.
UK DVSAOn several Ranger vehicles an incorrectly configured Headlamp Control Module (HCM) is causing the Static Bending Light (SBL) feature to…On several Ranger vehicles an incorrectly configured Headlamp Control Module (HCM) is causing the Static Bending Light (SBL) feature to not work as intended.
Risk: On several Ranger vehicles an incorrectly configured Headlamp Control Module (HCM) is causing the Static Bending Light (SBL) feature to not work as intended.
Fix: Affected vehicles need to be returned to a Ford Authorised Dealer to have a new software update to restore feature functionality.
EU Safety GateThe side airbag may not deploy correctly, and the B-pillar panelling may become detached during deployment.In addition, the head airbag may not adequately protect occupants in certain front seating positions. These could reduce occupant protection in the event of a collision and increase the risk of injury.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Importer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 08/10/2026
EU Safety GateThe driver's seat belt passes only through the rubber sleeve at the anchorage point and not through the metal anchor loop.In the event of a accident, it could not correctly restrain the driver, increasing the risk of injuries.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Importer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe power child-lock can disengage allowing the rear occupant to open the door from inside although the child lock has beenactuated.This creates a risk of injuries for the occupant.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Importer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe nuts connecting the high-pressure lines between the fuel pump and the injector nozzles may not have been correctly tightened.Over time, they could become detached, leading to a fuel leak. Consequently, leaking diesel could come into contact with the exhaust manifold, the turbocharger, or the catalyst, thereby increasing the risk of fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Importer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe drive shaft may become detached from the transmission.This can result in a loss of drive power and loss of the transmission's "park" function, increasing the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Importer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateDue to a faulty installation, the shaft may fail and break in or near the transfer box.This could cause damage to the adjacent undercarriage system, increasing the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Importer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe seat belt retention function may be faulty.This increases the risk of injury in the event 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: 29/03/2023
EU Safety GateThe steering column may become detached from the intermediate steering shaft because of a loose bolt, resulting in loss of steering and…The steering column may become detached from the intermediate steering shaft because of a loose bolt, resulting in loss of steering and 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
What do 2023 Ford Ranger owners report?
12 of the 18 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.
Appx 73000 Miles truck developed shudder (felt like transmission jumping gears) under moderate acceleration. Gently Drove home, no other shudder. Called dealer who said to drive it in. Noted a missfire warning on phone app, also stated to gently drive to dealer. On way dealer up hill at ~60 mph (on 70mph freeway) shudder returned, slowed to 55mph, heard spark plug(s) eject and much louder noises. Stopped and had towed to dealer (tow truck drove onto roll back.. very noisy, dealer stated sounded terrible when drove into shop. Engine repair quoted at ~10k (disassembly,machine, sleeve cyinders…
Received safety recall 25S72 sync software and had repaired in Feb. 2026. Same issue has already resurfaced. Many issues are related to this. Sync software affects B/U camera, Ford pass will not work, phones will not sync, internal components will not work properly. IE: Radio, etc. Was repaired during warranty period but now a few weeks out of warranty and dealer will not repair again without a healthy charge. I just wanted to report since initial repair failed again so quickly. Thanks
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while idling at the red traffic light, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle was accelerating unintendedly. The contact continuously depressed the brake pedal; however, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly at approximately 1 MPH and crashed into the rear of another occupied vehicle. There was no injury sustained. The air bags did not deploy. No police report was filed. The contact and the other driver pulled into a gas station and exchanged the vehicle's insurance information. The contact stated that there was no…
Brake pad fell off while driving, it hasn’t been serviced by anyone else except the manufacturer. It’s a manufacturer failure and a safety issue. The dealer ship refused to provide an inspection report of the vehicle
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while the vehicle was turned off, the fuel pump erroneously activated, sending fuel to the engine. The contact had to restart and turn off the vehicle for the fuel pump to shut off. The failure occurred intermittently, but frequently. The dealer was contacted regarding a possible recall; however, the contact was unable to speak with a representative. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50.
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Ranger. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated to 40 MPH, and the vehicle then shifted into 4WD-Low independently. As a result of the failure, the vehicle dramatically decelerated and skidded to a complete stop. The 4WD warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who observed water damage to the fuse box which caused electrical failures. The contact was informed that the fuse box needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case…
in normal drive mode the transmission downs shifts thru the gears and skips from 3 to 1. becuase of that skip it feels like you got rear ended by another car. if your not prepared for it you could let off the brakes which could cuase you to hit the person in front. in sport mode it downshifts thru all the 10 gears properly.
AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT HAS RECENTLY ILLUMINATED. INDEPENDENT MECHANIC SCAN TOOL READING ON 3/15/24 SHOWS THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG TO HAVE COMPLETELY FAILED AND BECOME INOPERABLE. VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INVOLVED IN ANY IMPACTS OR COLLISIONS.
engine revving up, could have engaged the vehicle to move quickly into traffic. the revving up lasted about 15 seconds.
It is automatic shut down. No power. No light. No door lock……I let it sit after few hours it starts working back. No idea what happen. There is very dangerous when traveling for long way in hot or cold weather.
there is an air vent just above the brake pedal .when stepping on the brake my foot presses on that vent, it feels like the brake, until you realize the car is not stopping. took it to the dealer they cant do anything for it. I feel it could be a big issue for someone until the driver figures it out..thank you
The contact owned a 2023 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, another vehicle cut them off, and caused the contact to swerve in order to avoid the vehicle this caused the contact to crash into an electric pole. The air bags did not deploy. The contact had a bruise on his legs and between neck and shoulder. No medical treatment was needed. The vehicle was towed from the scene. Police report had been filled. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was…
2023 Ford Ranger: questions owners ask
Is the 2023 Ford Ranger reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 18 complaints with NHTSA about the 2023 Ford Ranger; the most common categories were power train (5, 27.8%), engine (3, 16.7%), service brakes (3, 16.7%). There are no safety recalls listed for this model year. 2 complaints mention a crash, 1 mentions a fire, 1 injury was reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Ford Ranger?
Across 18 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are power train (27.8% of complaints), engine (16.7% of complaints), service brakes (16.7% of complaints), air bags (11.1% of complaints), electrical system (11.1% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2023 Ford Ranger have any recalls?
As of November 2026, NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2023 Ford Ranger. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2023 Ford Ranger transmission jerk, shudder or shift hard?
3 of the 18 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2023 Ford Ranger (16.7%) describe harsh, jerky or delayed transmission shifting or shuddering. One owner wrote: "Appx 73000 Miles truck developed shudder (felt like transmission jumping gears) under moderate acceleration. Gently Drove home, no other shudder. Called dealer who said to drive it in." (NHTSA complaint 11755726, 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.
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 vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved November 2, 2026. Model year 2023 only; combines NHTSA's entries for RANGER (SUPER CAB) and RANGER (SUPER CREW). How these reports are made.