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Is the Ford Ranger a reliable car?

The Ford Ranger is generally considered a reliable and durable pickup truck. It has a reputation for being a capable and dependable vehicle that can handle a variety of tasks, from daily commuting to off-road adventures.


Reliability Ratings and Reviews


According to industry experts and consumer reviews, the Ford Ranger has consistently scored well in terms of reliability. The Ranger has received above-average reliability ratings from organizations like J.D. Power and Consumer Reports. Owners of the Ranger have also reported relatively few issues with the vehicle, with common praise for its robust construction and dependable performance.


Powertrain and Durability


The Ford Ranger's powertrain, which includes the engine and transmission, is widely regarded as one of the truck's strongest assets. The available turbocharged EcoBoost engines and well-engineered transmissions have proven to be durable and long-lasting. Additionally, the Ranger's frame and suspension components are designed to withstand the rigors of off-road use and heavy-duty hauling, contributing to its overall reliability.


Maintenance and Repair Costs


Compared to some other pickup trucks in its class, the Ford Ranger is generally considered to have relatively low maintenance and repair costs. Regular maintenance, such as oil changes and tire rotations, are typically inexpensive, and major repairs are less common. This can help keep the Ranger's total cost of ownership down over the long term.


Conclusion


In summary, the Ford Ranger is widely regarded as a reliable and durable pickup truck. Its powertrain, construction, and maintenance costs all contribute to its reputation for dependability. While no vehicle is perfect, the Ranger's reliability ratings, owner reviews, and industry recognition suggest that it is a solid choice for those in need of a capable and trustworthy pickup truck.

How reliable are the Ford Rangers?


The Ford Ranger has received above-average reliability ratings from JD Power and Consumer Reports. RepairPal ranks the used Ford Ranger with a 4.0/5 reliability ranking, which is #3 in its class. With few recalls and consumer complaints in its history, the used Ford Ranger is a reliable truck for sale near you.



What years to avoid Ranger?


Years to Avoid

  • 2001 Ford Ranger. This model had 9 recalls, and was known for transmission problems.
  • 2002 Ford Ranger. This model had 7 recalls and history of engine and transmission problems.
  • 2004 Ford Ranger. This model had 8 recalls, and history of transmission and engine problems.
  • 2005 Ford Ranger.
  • 2006 Ford Ranger.



How many miles will a Ford Ranger last?


250-300,000 miles
When properly maintained, Ranger engines can typically last up to 250-300,000 miles, which is comparable to competitors like the Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, and Chevy Colorado. Engines such as the 4.0L V6 have proven to be particularly durable, with some units reaching over 300,000 miles.



What are the cons of a Ford Ranger?


The ride is brittle and the truck bucks uncomfortably over undulations. On the bright side, the front seats are comfortable and there's more room in the rear seat than most midsized pickups. We don't like that the tall, narrow layout of the infotainment touchscreen forces the driver to look down too often.



Are Ford Rangers cheap to fix?


The Ford Ranger Reliability Rating is 4.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 3rd out of 7 for midsize trucks. The average annual repair cost is $615 which means it has average ownership costs.



What year of Ford Ranger to stay away from?


The two major Ford Ranger years to avoid are 1999 and 2001. Other than that, the vehicle has a solid reputation, which has caught attention for several reasons. For decades, they have been around and went down in history as one of Ford's most-loved vehicles.



Is Ford Ranger expensive to maintain?


Verdict. Having looked at the figures, we can say with certainty that the Ford Ranger is not expensive to maintain. According to the data in the AA Spare Parts Pricing guide, the Ranger is the most affordable among its competitors in both single and double cab variants.



What years did the Ford Ranger have transmission problems?


In very early-build examples of the Ranger (from 2011 and 2012) there was a problem with the gearbox output-shaft speed sensor that could cause the transmission to shift back to first gear with a distinct clunk.



Do Ford Rangers have any problems?


Common engine problems to watch out for with this model Ranger engines include failed EGR coolers, contaminated and even blocked inlet tracts, worn turbochargers, DPF problems and failures, leaking and faulty fuel injectors and coolant leaks.



Do Ford Rangers have transmission problems?


Transmission problems are a recurring theme for the Ranger. Several owners have reported rattling noises, which can be caused by low or old transmission fluid, worn-out bearings or gear teeth, worn transmission mounts or a damaged drivetrain.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.