Is it expensive to run a Ford Ranger?

For most buyers in its price and size category, running a Ford Ranger is not inherently expensive. The truck typically offers competitive fuel economy for a midsize pickup, and routine maintenance costs align with peers in its class. Total ownership costs depend most on engine choice, drivetrain configuration, how hard you use the truck, and local fuel and insurance prices.

Across markets and model years, the Ranger’s running costs are shaped by the engine and drivetrain you pick, how much you drive, and the price of fuel. In the United States, the lineup centers on a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine paired with a 10-speed automatic, with optional four-wheel drive. In other regions, diesel options and different powertrains can change both efficiency and maintenance economics. This article breaks down the main cost drivers and offers practical tips to manage expenses without sacrificing the Ranger’s capability.

Fuel economy and fuel costs

Fuel efficiency is the largest variable in running costs, and it varies with drivetrain, cab/bed configuration, and engine choice.

Note: figures below reflect typical US-market configurations and may vary by model year and options.



• 2.3-liter EcoBoost with two-wheel drive (2WD): roughly 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, 23 mpg combined.


• 4x4 versions: typically a bit lower in combined economy due to additional drivetrain weight and running gear, often in the low 20s combined depending on tires and payload.


• Diesel options (where offered in other regions): usually deliver higher fuel economy than gasoline variants, especially on highway driving, but availability and exact numbers vary by market.

Fuel costs depend heavily on miles driven and local gas prices. For planning, assume: more miles and higher fuel prices raise annual fuel outlays, while highway-focused driving and lighter payloads improve per-mile cost.

Maintenance, tires, and reliability

Beyond fuel, routine maintenance, tire wear, and potential repairs shape long-term costs. The Ranger follows standard Ford service schedules, and the cost envelope is similar to other midsize pickups.

Before listing, here is a quick note on maintenance expectations.



• Routine service intervals: synthetic oil changes and filter replacements are commonly recommended every 5,000–7,500 miles, depending on the exact oil and driving conditions.


• Tires: all-terrain or highway tires for 4x4 variants may wear faster; typical replacement cycles span 40,000–60,000 miles, influenced by driving style and terrain.


• Brakes and wear items: front brakes often wear sooner than rear on pickups; pad/shim life varies with driving and payload.


• Warranty and coverage: in the US, Ford’s basic warranty is generally 3 years/36,000 miles with powertrain coverage of 5 years/60,000 miles; regional differences apply.

Overall, ongoing maintenance costs are predictable if you follow the manufacturer’s service schedule, rotate tires regularly, and address wear items promptly. Owning a Ranger with higher mileage or aggressive off-road use will raise maintenance and repair bills accordingly.

Depreciation, insurance, and ownership costs

Other ongoing costs—depreciation, insurance, registration, and financing—progress with the vehicle’s age, condition, and market demand. Depreciation tends to be typical for a mainstream pickup, with value erosion most pronounced in the first few years. Insurance premiums depend on driver profile, location, and coverage levels, and can be higher for trucks used for work or frequent towing.

To set expectations, consider these factors:



• Depreciation: standard for a non-luxury midsize pickup; expect some loss in value over the first 3–5 years, offset somewhat by strong resale demand in certain markets.


• Insurance: generally in the mid-range for pickup trucks; rates vary widely by driver history, usage (work vs. personal), and region.


• Registration and taxes: vary by state or country and can add modest annual costs.

When you sum fuel, maintenance, tires, insurance, and depreciation, annual ownership costs for a Ranger typically fall in a broad range depending on mileage and local prices. A common planning figure for moderate annual miles sits roughly between a few thousand dollars and several thousand, with higher costs tied to heavy use or elevated fuel prices.

Costs by region and trim

regional differences matter. In the United States, the Ranger’s economics hinge on the 2.3L EcoBoost engine, with 2WD offering slightly better fuel economy than 4x4 variants. In other regions, diesel powerplants and different transmission choices can alter both efficiency and maintenance costs. Trim level can also influence running costs through payload capacity, fuel economy, and standard-equipment load, which affects maintenance intervals and potential wear.

Despite regional differences, the Ranger remains a mid-range option among pickups: not the cheapest, but competently priced for its size, capabilities, and factory-backed warranty. Prospective buyers should compare total cost of ownership estimates for their market, including fuel, maintenance, insurance, and depreciation, before deciding.

Ways to lower running costs

People who want to keep expenses in check can adopt a few practical habits that don’t diminish capability or safety.

Before listing, a note on cost-saving strategies.



• Choose 2WD when you don’t need off-road capability; it typically delivers better fuel economy and cheaper maintenance than 4x4 versions.


• Keep tires inflated to the recommended pressure and use the right tire for your typical driving—titting between off-road and highway tires can affect both economy and wear.


• Drive smoothly: gradual acceleration, steady speeds, and fewer idling minutes reduce fuel burn and tire wear.


• Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule and address small issues early to prevent costly repairs later.


• Shop for warranty or maintenance plans that fit your usage, and compare financing terms to minimize interest costs over time.

By aligning configuration with real-world use and staying on top of maintenance, you can keep the Ranger’s running costs predictable and reasonable without sacrificing the truck’s core utility.

Summary

The Ford Ranger offers a balanced cost profile for a midsize pickup. Fuel economy is competitive for its class, and maintenance costs align with similar trucks, provided you choose configurations wisely (notably 2WD versus 4x4) and stay on top of routine service. Regional differences—especially diesel options and local fuel prices—shape the total cost of ownership in any market. For prospective buyers, a clear view of miles driven, fuel price expectations, and planned usage will yield the most accurate forecast of annual running costs. In short, the Ranger is not inherently expensive to run, but the total expense varies with engine choice, drivetrain, and how you use it.

What is the most common problem with a Ford Ranger?

The most common problem with Ford Rangers is transmission issues, including rough shifts, hesitation, and loss of power. Other frequent problems include engine misfires, stalling, oil leaks, and issues with the A/C blend door, especially in certain model years.
 
Powertrain problems 
This video explains several problems with Ford Ranger engines, including overheating and oil leaks: 59sFuel ForceYouTube · Oct 13, 2025

• Transmission: Many owners report rough or delayed shifting, hesitation, and power loss. Newer models with the 10-speed transmission have been particularly noted for these issues. 
• Engine: Misfires, hesitation, and stalling are frequently reported, sometimes caused by issues like exhaust valve recession or failing sensors. 
• Oil leaks: Oil leaks from the valve cover and oil pan gaskets can lead to low oil levels and premature engine wear. 

Other common issues

• A/C blend door: The blend door actuator is a common failure point that can cause the A/C to blow cold on one side and hot on the other. The fix is often expensive as it requires removing the dashboard. 
• Steering: Some models have reported clicking or clunking noises while steering. 
• Brakes: "Spongy" brakes are a recurring complaint on some models. 

Potential solutions

• Transmission: A custom tune or software update may help improve shifting performance on some models. 
• Engine: Replacing sensors or addressing the underlying cause of misfires and stalls is necessary. Regularly changing engine oil is critical to prevent damage from leaks. 
• A/C: For blend door issues, replacing the actuator and door assembly is the most permanent fix. While costly, there are updated parts available to prevent future failure. 

Are Ford Rangers expensive to run?

Fuel consumption is always a challenge for larger vehicles, and having a 3.0-litre V6 petrol-fuelled engine under the bonnet means the Ranger Raptor is unlikely to be the most cost-effective vehicle to run. Ford quotes an economy figure of just over 20 miles per gallon, and that's before you load up the bed with stuff.

Are Ford Rangers expensive to maintain?

The annual maintenance cost of a Ford Ranger is $615. Repair and maintenance costs vary depending on age, mileage, location and shop.

What year to stay away from Ford Ranger?

The Ford Ranger years to avoid include the 1999, 2001, 2004, 2006, and 2019 models due to common problems like transmission issues, engine troubles, and electrical faults. Other years to approach with caution are 2002, 2005, 2008, 2011, and 2020, which may have specific issues such as timing chain problems or first-model-year bugs.
 
This video discusses the Ford Ranger's issues to avoid: 59sEveryman DriverYouTube · Oct 18, 2019
Key years to avoid and their common problems

• 1999: Frequently cited as one of the worst models, with issues including engine gauge problems, transmission and engine failures, and electrical and suspension issues. 
• 2001: Noted for transmission problems, rough shifting, and a flashing overdrive light. It also had numerous recalls. 
• 2002–2006: This period had spotty reliability and included models with timing chain problems (especially the 4.0-liter engine), automatic transmission durability issues, and front suspension wear. The 2002 and 2004 models are specifically mentioned for engine and transmission issues. 
• 2019: This first-model-year for the new generation had issues like rough or shuddering gear shifts and costly transmission problems. Other reported problems include poorly fitting rear doors and flaking paint. 

You can watch this video to learn about common problems in used Ford Rangers: 54sCars.co.zaYouTube · Jul 17, 2025
Other years to be cautious of

• 2000, 2005, 2008, and 2011: These years have also been flagged for various problems, including engine and transmission faults. 
• 2020: Has been cited as a year to avoid due to first-model-year bugs that were later addressed, such as transmission and build quality concerns.