The vehicle is equipped with a drive mode selector that switches between drive modes such as Normal, Sport, Eco, Mud/Ruts, Slippery, etc. My vehicle recently started switching drive modes by itself, with no human interaction with the switch, and is potentially dangerous both to the vehicle and it’s occupants as the drivetrain tries to switch into 4x4 and even 4-Low at speed, causing sudden and violent deceleration, difficulty turning, and potential loss of control of the vehicle.
The worst 2025 Ford Ranger problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Transmission19
- Electrical12
- Engine12
- Brakes7
- Acceleration5
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Transmission19
- Electrical12
- Engine12
- Brakes7
- Acceleration5
- Driver assistance3
- Airbags2
- Fuel system2
- Seats2
- Steering2
- Suspension2
- Visibility1
Recalls 13
Engine and engine cooling: engine: hard parts internal/mechanical
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Explorer, Ranger, and Bronco vehicles. The engine may fail, which can result in a loss of drive power.
- Risk
- A sudden loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the engine long block, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 23, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S35. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on on May 28, 2026.
Recall number 26V343000 · Recall details
Seats: critical fasteners
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Ranger and Bronco vehicles. The front seats may have a loose or dislodged seat frame height-adjust pivot bolt.
- Risk
- A seat with a dislodged bolt may not properly restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace the pivot links and bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 26S30. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on beginning April 30, 2026.
Recall number 26V268000 · Recall details
Structure: interior panels: sun visor
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Ranger vehicles. The sun visor or headliner wiring harnesses may be improperly positioned or have excessive tape thickness, which can result in damaged wires.
- Risk
- Damaged wires can create an electrical short and cause a fire in the A-pillar area, increasing the risk of injury or a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the wiring for damage and update the body control module software. Damaged wiring harnesses will be replaced as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. This will be a Phased campaign. Phase 1 will include 2025 model year vehicles. Owners will be notified by mail the week of 5/31/2026. Phase 2 will include 2026 model year vehicles and Phase 3 will include 2024 model year vehicles. Owners will be notified by mail the week of 6/29/2026 for Phase 2 and the week of 7/27/2026 for Phase 3. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed May 5, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in October 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S29. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on on April 17, 2026.
Recall number 26V238000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: gas recirculation valve (EGR valve)
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Ranger, Lincoln Nautilus, Mustang, Maverick, Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Corsair, Bronco Sport, and Bronco vehicles. The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve may fail, resulting in an unexpected loss of drive power.
- Risk
- An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the EGR valves, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 31, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S10. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on on March 4, 2026.
Recall number 26V122000 · Recall details
Electrical system: integrated trailer brake control
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 F-150, 2022-2026 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, Maverick, 2024-2026 Ranger, 2023-2026 F-600 SD, 2022-2027 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, and 2026 E-Transit vehicles. When towing a trailer, the integrated trailer module (ITRM) may lose communication with the vehicle, possibly causing a loss of brake and turn signal lights, or a loss of brake function. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Risk
- Trailer lights or brakes that do not function can reduce the driver’s ability to control the trailer and decrease the trailers visibility to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- The integrated trailer module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 25, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C10. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on beginning March 17, 2026.
Recall number 26V104000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: electric: control module
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Lincoln Navigator, F-150, Expedition, Bronco, and Ranger vehicles. The Electronic Brake Booster (EBB) module may malfunction while driving or when the driver is utilizing an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) feature, resulting in a loss of power brake assist.
- Risk
- An unexpected loss of power brake assist while driving can extend stopping distance and increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, a loss of power brake assist while ADAS features are engaged can result in the vehicle not braking as expected, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the electronic brake booster, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 26, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SD4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on on December 3, 2025.
Recall number 25V823000 · Recall details
Visibility: windshield
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Bronco and Ranger vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 212, "Windshield Mounting."
- Risk
- In the event of a crash, windshield detachment can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will remove and replace the windshield, free charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 20, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C52. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on on October 14, 2025.
Recall number 25V683000 · Recall details
Structure: interior panels: dashboard
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Ranger vehicles. The instrument panel top cover may prevent the passenger air bag from deploying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Risk
- An air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the instrument panel assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 26, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C54. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on on October 14, 2025.
Recall number 25V678000 · Recall details
Air bags: side/window: curtain
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Ranger vehicles. The side curtain air bags may contact the B-Pillar inner reinforcements and tear during deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 226, "Ejection Mitigation."
- Risk
- Air bags that deploy improperly during a crash increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install protective shields, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 26, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C41.
Recall number 25V541000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: electric: control module: software
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Lincoln Navigator, F-150, Expedition, Bronco, and Ranger vehicles. The Electronic Brake Booster (EBB) module may malfunction while driving or when the driver is utilizing an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) feature, resulting in a loss of power brake assist.
- Risk
- An unexpected loss of power brake assist while driving can extend stopping distance and increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, a loss of power brake assist while ADAS features are engaged can result in the vehicle not braking as expected, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- The EBB module software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S77.
Recall number 25V488000 · Recall details
Electrical system: software
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Ranger trucks. The instrument panel was not properly configured, preventing many of the the warning lights or gauges from properly displaying. This includes forward collision warnings, auto emergency braking, traction control, roll stability, and other gauges. The fuel gauge, distance to empty, and fuel economy may also not show accurately. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 101, "Control and Displays" and 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
- Risk
- An instrument panel that does not clearly display critical safety information increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the instrument panel software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 29, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Fords number for this recall is 25C23.
Recall number 25V399000 · Recall details
Suspension: front: control arm: upper ball joint
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Bronco and Ranger vehicles. The front upper control arm ball joint fastener may be missing or tightened improperly, allowing the front upper control arm to detach from the knuckle assembly.
- Risk
- A detached control arm can cause a loss of vehicle steering and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and tighten, or replace the ball joint fastener as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 23, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S45.
Recall number 25V310000 · Recall details
Seats: critical fasteners
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Ranger and Bronco vehicles. The bolts that secure the driver's seat frame to the body may be loose or missing. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 207, "Seating Systems."
- Risk
- A seat with loose or missing fasteners may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the seat fasteners and tighten or install new fasteners as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 23, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C16.
Recall number 25V311000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2025 Ford Ranger 77
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Customer Satisfaction Program 26L01 – Supplement #1 Certain 2018-2025 Model Year Various Vehicles 2.0L...
- This bulletin supersedes 26-2297
- Some 2020-2026 Aviator/Explorer/F-150/Bronco/Ranger vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or 3.0L (non-diesel)...
- Quality improvements include: -Enhanced Android Auto and Car Play connectivity
- Quality improvements include: -Addresses a bug that may
- Quality improvements include: -ePrivacy enhancements
- Some of the following vehicles: 2023-2025 F-Super Duty built on or before 02-Feb-2025 2024-2026...
- For Various Ford and Lincoln vehicles, if diagnostics lead to the replacement of the front seat cushion...
- Condition where all interior/exterior power outlets/plugs are inoperative with diagnostic trouble code...
- This bulletin supersedes 26-2301
2025 Ford Ranger fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3L 4‑cyl | RWD | 21 | 26 | 23 |
| 2.3L 4‑cyl | 4WD | 19 | 26 | 22 |
| 2.7L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 19 | 23 | 20 |
| 3.0L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 16 | 18 | 17 |
What 2025 Ford Ranger owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
On XXX Pulling out at an intersection to turn left, the vehicle pulled out normally but then went into neutral - coasting through the intersection for about 5 seconds - until it finally selected another gear. It then drove normally. On XXX, I slowed down and made a left turn, the vehicle again went into neutral seeming trying to find a gear - it didn’t. I stopped, put it in park, then back in drive. That reset worked and it again drove normally. No codes were tripped but it is a major safety issue if on random occasions the power is cut and you can’t safely operated the vehicle. The ford dealer said 1) no codes, 2) can’t replicate the problem, 3) Ford has no technical bulletin on it, so we can’t fix it. After experiencing this, I looked online and their are Ranger Forum and Reddit threads about it, so it is certainly a known issue. Hopefully, you can push Ford to acknowledge and address the issue before someone is killed or injured. This issue and lack of action from Ford leaves me with little confidence in reliability and safety. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2025 Ford Ranger XLT FX4 4x4, 2.3L EcoBoost. When I change the drive mode with the rotary dial and then return it to Normal, the drive modes begin cycling on their own with no input from me. A drive mode fault message then appears on the instrument cluster, and I am unable to select a drive mode. I first took the truck to a Ford dealer on 07/13/2026 at about 4,100 miles. The dealer recorded the cause as an all-terrain control module software fault and an ABS module communication concern with the ATCM. They reconfigured the ABS module and released the truck as operating as designed. The problem came back. I returned to the dealer on 10/15/2026 at about 6,745 miles. The technician verified the concern and found DTC P05D3 stored in the ABS module. The concern returned after the ABS module was configured again, and the dealer then replaced the electronic brake booster under warranty. Safety risk: the drive mode system changes traction control, throttle, and drivetrain behavior. Having it cycle modes on its own while driving, with no warning, could cause loss of control, especially while towing a trailer. The fault also points to a communication problem between the drive mode module and the brake system.
I was driving at approximately 25 MPH and all of a sudden the truck automatically went into 4 wheel drive low which altered my ability to keep up with traffic and caused me to pull over to figure out why. I had to restart my truck to get it out of 4 wheel drive. This has happened approximately 5 times and fortunately at low speeds. I have not taken it to the dealer because it is an intermittent problem. I have read that it is a common problem with this truck and the dealer can't find the issue because it is intermittent. I was nearly rear ended because the truck slowed way down when it went. into 4 wheel drive. I think it is unsafe and startling when it happens and unexpected.
While driving at 45 mph. The dash changed and the truck started shifting into wheel low. I had to stop and put the truck back into 2 wheel drive. This has happened 5 times since new.
My 2025 Ford Ranger Raptor will shift drive modes by itself. I has tried to shift from normal drive mode to rock crawl mode or Baja mode. Rock crawl mode goes into 4 wheel drive low which would be very dangerous if it tried to shift into 4 low on the highway. It has happened multiple times. Sometime while parked, sometimes while driving.
I have around 26000 miles on my 2025 Ford Ranger Lariat 2.7l V6. My drive mode has changed on its own multiple times without anyone touching the dial. Recently I was letting it idle to cool the cabin. I hopped in and heard some thunking and saw my drive mode change all the way to slippery mode. Nothing was touching the dial. It has also changed modes while I was exiting my driveway, leaving the Taco Bell drive-thru, and driving down the highway at about 50 MPH. It's scary to think I could be driving down the road and it automatically shifts into 4WD on its own. Sometimes I don't know it's in a different mode until the steering is hard to turn and the wheels chirp. Since then I have been able to trigger the drive mode changes by only pushing down the drive mode selector's bezel, not turning/twisting it. Pushing downwards on the bezel at or just below the 2H label can trigger the drive mode change for me. It's very inconsistent and won't trigger very often. But I was able capture a video of it in case someone is interested. [XXX] No modifications, No Forscan alterations, Happens before and after installing a ford performance tune Before me capturing it on video, I asked the dealer (Sunset Ford [XXX]) about getting it fixed. They told me if they cant reproduce it, then they cant do anything for me and I would be charged for the diagnosis and a car rental. My vehicle is still under factory warranty. Since I created the video I sent it to them and I had to call them multiple times to get them to look at it. I have an appt on XXX, we'll see what happens. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
When I'm driving in standard mode on the highway the truck software will change to different drive modes on it own. I do not touch anything and it will try to change to crawl mode or 4 wheel low mode even going 65MPH on the freeway. One time it changed on the freeway going 65mph and switch to 4 wheel low and the tach raced up to 8K even though I had slowed down to 25mph. I had to turn the vehicle on and off to correct the issue. This is dangerous.
Brake fault warning light stays on. It will not reset and 2 different Ford dealers cannot figure out the problem. The dealerships cannot determine if the brakes are malfunctioning. The problem forst occured May 2026.
Yes this is my second time filing a complaint regarding my new truck switching drive modes on its own. The first time it tried going into 4 low while i was going over 45 mph, with only 800 miles. The next time it did it was at around 1200 miles it switched drive modes completely and tried switching into 4 wd while at hoghway speeds. This is clearly a safety issue, their are numerous threads on reddit, facebook and ranger forums regarding it. Ford cannot replicate so they dont fix, what will it take one of us getting killed before we get a recall for whatever part or module is broken.
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Other model years
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Questions about the 2025 Ford Ranger
Is the 2025 Ford Ranger reliable?
Owners have filed 46 complaints about the 2025 Ford Ranger, fewer than a typical Ranger model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2025 Ford Ranger?
Transmission and drivetrain, with 19 complaints. Next is electrical (12).
How many recalls does the 2025 Ford Ranger have?
13 recalls, covering engine and engine cooling, seats and structure.
What year does the Ford Ranger have bad transmission?
The Ford Ranger model years with the most transmission complaints are 2019 (92 complaints), 2000 (69 complaints) and 1999 (67 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2025 Ford Ranger get?
Official estimates for the 2025 Ford Ranger range from 17 to 23 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.3L 4-cyl, RWD) gets 21 city and 26 highway.
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