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Ford Ranger door locks problems

32 of the 8,202 owner complaints about the Ford Ranger describe doors won't lock, open or latch, most of them for the 2021 model year.

owner complaints
32
worst model year
2021
typical mileage
70,000
Is there a fix? No recall or service bulletin covers this area of the car yet.

By model year

  • 2023
    1
  • 2021
    7
  • 2019
    1
  • 2011
    2
  • 2006
    1
  • 2004
    2
  • 2003
    2
  • 2002
    1
  • 2001
    1
  • 2000
    2
  • 1999
    1
  • 1998
    2
  • 1997
    2
  • 1996
    1
  • 1995
    1
  • 1992
    4
  • 1990
    1

What owners say

Filed Oct 25, 2026 · Body · CA

The chrome coating on both interior door handles is peeling. The chrome coating creates very sharp edges and has already cut a passenger who was getting out of the car. I checked the internet and found that the same thing has been happening to Ford Expeditions of these same years. They have been recalled for the chrome peeling and possibly cutting passengers.

Filed Aug 5, 2026 · TX · 2 injuries

Chrome metal on 3 door handles sticking up. Cut my daughter's fingers and my fingers. Was reported to Ford and local dealer but Ford said I would have to pay out of pocket to replace full handle assemblies. Ford offerred a discount, but it was still expensive. Truck was too new for the chrome to be coming off. I rarely use the back seat/doors, and those handles are peeling up just like front handles.

Filed Aug 5, 2026 · TX · 2 injuries

Chrome metal peeling up on 3 door handles. Started peeling around 39K miles. Cut my fingers and my daughter's fingers. Brought it to local dealer who filed a repair request and Ford said I would have to pay for ful door handle assemblies out of pocket. Truck was too new and well taken care of for me to feel comfortable paying out of pocket.

Filed Jun 11, 2026 · CA · 1 injury

My interior door handles have chrome-plated stickers. They have started to bubble and peel to the point where my wife sliced her finger requiring an ER visit and stiches. I've seen on Reddit that other vehicle owners have had the same issues. I noticed on June 9th, 2026 Ford issued a recall for its For Expedition, for a similar issue but with its center console, not the door handles. I believe this is a serious issue that could easily cause bodily harm. This should be investigated. Thank you

Filed Nov 19, 2025 · CA

since 2020 i have owned this ford ranger edge and have replaced drivers side exterior door handle 4 times, interior drivers side door handle 2 times and exterior passenger door handle 2 times. they keep breaking at the clip on the left side. It has been so bad that i actually had drivers side interior and exterior door handles break and could not get in on drivers side. It has caused me to be late for work, terminated from one service job, and a lot of stress. I have ordered handles a total of 5 times. Not any have been of quality to be called "Built Ford Tough"

Filed Jan 10, 2025 · OR · 1 injury

The wrap material on the front driver side and passenger inside door handles is separating and is very sharp. I noticed it a couple of days ago when I went to get out of the vehicle and I reached to open the door, and it sliced open my finger. I told my passenger what had happened, and he checked the passenger side inside door handle, and he said that his was the same way.

Filed Oct 24, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · TX

It is automatic shut down. No power. No light. No door lock……I let it sit after few hours it starts working back. No idea what happen. There is very dangerous when traveling for long way in hot or cold weather.

Filed Jun 15, 2023 · Body · CA · 1 injury

The surface of the drivers side interior door handle has peeled and created a dangerously sharp edge that WILL cause physical harm to the drivers hand. The middle finger on my left hand was sliced open on 06/15/2023. I made an appointment with the dealer to have to handle inspected/replaced and a service done. The vehicle is available for inspection and I have photos of the faulty door handle and my injury. I came across a post on the internet that shows ford has had an issue with this on other vehicles. I read GM also had an issue with this as well. https://blueovalforums.com/forums/index.php?/topic/54795-ouch-peeling-fusion-doorhandle-cuts-me-deep/ In 42 years on this earth, I have never had a vehicle do this. The handles are clearly made of poor quality materials.

Filed May 16, 2023 · Airbags, Driver assistance · OH · crash · fire

On Monday 15th of May the ford ranger was involved in a front end collision. The air bags did not deploy and the engine compartment caught fire. I was un able to open door and other doors would not unlock from inside switch. Finally able to kick door open will the truck filled with smoke and people put out fire.

Filed Apr 27, 2022 · WA

The front passenger door mechanism failed. the actuator that grips onto the metal latch on the truck's frame is locked in the up position, preventing the door from closing. That creates a safety problem because the door will not close or latch.

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Questions about the Ford Ranger door locks

Which Ford Ranger years have doors won't lock, open or latch problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2021 (7 complaints), 1992 (4 complaints) and 1997 (2 complaints).

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