Pickup trucks · NHTSA data

Used Ford Ranger: recalls, complaints and safety ratings by year

What the federal data says about every Ford Ranger model year from 2016 to 2022, before you buy one used in Texas.

Used Ford Ranger Recalls and Complaints by Year
Short answer. Among 2016–2022 model years, NHTSA data shows the 2016 Ford Ranger with the fewest recall campaigns plus owner complaints (0 recalls, 1 complaints), and the 2019 with the most owner complaints (272). Complaint counts also rise with how many were sold, so compare years, not brands.

Data note: NHTSA's public complaints API returned no complaints for 2021, 2022 of this model while other years have many. That is a gap in the API, not a clean record. Search the exact VIN and year at nhtsa.gov before relying on these counts.

Year by year

Model yearRecall campaignsOwner complaintsMost reported componentBest NCAP overall
201601AirbagsNot rated
201701AirbagsNot rated
201911272Power Train4 of 5 stars
20207130Power Train4 of 5 stars
202160None ReportedNot rated
202250None ReportedNot rated

Recall campaigns and complaints are counted from NHTSA records for each model year. NCAP shows the highest overall rating among the tested versions; some versions are not tested.

What owners report most

Components named most often in owner complaints across all years on this page (404 complaints in total). One complaint can name more than one component.

Power Train141
Electrical System52
Unknown Or Other48
Engine43
Service Brakes29
Suspension21

Before you buy a used Ford Ranger in Texas

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask the seller for proof that open recalls were repaired. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
  2. Check the title for salvage, rebuilt or flood brands. See how to check a Texas title.
  3. Get an independent pre-purchase inspection, focused on the components owners report most (above).
  4. If you live in an emissions county (Travis, Williamson, or Bexar since November 1, 2026), plan for the emissions test before registration renewal. See Texas inspection and emissions rules.

Frequently asked questions

How do I check if a used Ford Ranger has open recalls?

Enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. It shows recalls that have not been repaired on that exact vehicle. A recall listed on this page may already be fixed on the car you are looking at.

Are NHTSA complaints about the Ford Ranger verified?

No. Complaints are reports filed by owners and NHTSA does not confirm each one. They are useful to see which parts owners report most, not as proof of a defect.

Which Ford Ranger years are on this page?

Model years 2016 to 2022, the range most shoppers in the Austin and San Antonio used market look at. Data was pulled from the NHTSA API on 2026-11-05.

Sources

Educational content. Anthony does not sell, broker or arrange vehicle sales in Texas. Confirm fees and rules with the office named in each source before you pay anything.

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Anthony Hunt

Anthony Hunt

Web developer and car enthusiast in Austin, Texas. Anthony has spent the last year and a half around used cars and auctions, digs into every rule and recall so you don't have to, and knows people across the car business. Need help choosing a car? Ask him, it's free.

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