2025 Ford Ranger transmission problems

Filed Nov 6, 2026 · Electrical, Transmission · PA

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.

Filed Oct 29, 2026 · Electrical, Transmission · TN

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)

Filed Oct 19, 2026 · Electrical, Transmission · TX

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.

Filed Oct 5, 2026 · Suspension, Transmission · CA

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.

Filed Sep 28, 2026 · Transmission · AZ

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.

Filed Sep 18, 2026 · Transmission · MO

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)

Filed Sep 11, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · FL

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.

Filed Aug 15, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · WI

Vehicle received and installed an over-the-air software update to the Body Control Module, identified on the vehicle screen as BCM-26.6.3 and associated with Safety Recall 26S29 (A-pillar/sun visor wiring, the federal safety agency 26V238000). The update screen displayed a status of "Not Completed." Since that update the vehicle will not start and is inoperative. Current condition: opening the driver door wakes the center infotainment screen only. The instrument cluster does not illuminate. Pressing the brake pedal produces no response - no cluster illumination, no warning lamps, no chimes, no messages, no crank. 12V power is present; the manufacturer's telematics app still reaches the vehicle and returns status. Symptoms are consistent with a Body Control Module that is powered but not communicating on the vehicle network. No warning lamps, messages, or symptoms were present before the update. The vehicle operated normally until the update was installed. Safety risk: the vehicle became immobile without warning immediately following installation of a manufacturer-pushed safety recall remedy. The transmission cannot be shifted electronically, requiring the manual park release to move or tow the vehicle. Had this occurred away from home or in a traffic lane, the vehicle would have been stranded and unable to move under its own power. The BCM also governs exterior lighting and hazard lamp function. Note: the update screen header displayed "25S29" while the body text referenced completing Safety Recall 26S29. The vehicle has a dealer-installed Ford Performance ProCal calibration. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the dealer or manufacturer. It is available for inspection upon request.

Filed Aug 9, 2026 · Transmission · TX

Truck is randomly switching to Baja mode which engages the 4wheel drive making steering difficult

Filed Aug 4, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · CA

I was exiting the freeway, and as I was turning off of the freeway onto a side street, at approximately 20mph, my vehicle did not respond to throttle input, and left me slowing to a stop in the middle of a busy intersection. I had to shift my vehicle into neutral and then back into drive, to get it to respond to throttle input. When I slow down at intersections, turn and then attempt to throttle my vehicle, it hesitates and struggles to output power until I throttle about halfway.