Coolant intrusion defect that affects other 4 cyl ecoboost Ford engines occurred on this regularly serviced per Ford recommendations vehicle as well. Engine failure at highway speeds could cause a severe accident as the engine can seize when coolant mixes with the oil. The vehicle has been inspected by a Ford dealership. The only warning sign that there was a problem was a coolant temperature threshold exceeded warning.
Ford Ranger engine failure problems
48 of the 8,200 owner complaints about the Ford Ranger describe engine failure, most of them for the 1999 model year.
- owner complaints
- 48
- worst model year
- 1999
- typical repair cost reported
- $1,000
- typical mileage
- 69,138
Is there a fix? There are 4 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
Often reported together
Stalling 6Loss of power 5Check engine light 5Jerking 3Won't start 2Sudden acceleration 2Misfire 2Knocking 2
What owners say
On 6-7 separate occasions, my 2025 Ranger had a sudden and complete loss of accelerator response while slowing down to make a left turn. This also happens on occasion at traffic lights when the light turns and I attempt to turn left. The duration of loss of power has increased with each incident and is very frightening when it occurs. When attempting to accelerate across the road, there was no response or power from the engine to get me through traffic. On each occasions, the safety of everyone in my vehicle as well members of the public were at great risk. It is only by good luck that these engine failure incidents did not cause a serious crash. The local Ford dealer has been unable to identify the problem. Until and unless the Ford Dealer can replicate the problem, I am unable to get the problem resolved. In the meantime, I feel that I my life is at risk every time I drive my truck. There were no warnings from the vehicle about this loss of power and the randomness of this causes great fear when driving. The incident appears to be the same as Recall 26V343000, Loss of Drive Power from Engine Failure, which does not include my specific VIN.
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle decelerated to 35 MPH. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission was skipping gear, slipping, and shifting hard. The check engine warning light was briefly illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the head gasket was failing. The dealer stated that coolant was intruding into the engine, and there was engine oil was entering into the spark plugs, causing engine failure. The dealer also diagnosed the vehicle with transmission failure. The head gasket and the transmission were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle needed to be drive more often for the vehicle to run properly. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, Mountain Grove Ford (11311 Bus Dr #60, Mountain Grove, MO 65711); and the vehicle was diagnosed with a transmission fluid leak and fractured head gasket. The head gasket was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The transmission jerked abnormally when the vehicle was shifted into park on an incline. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The manufacturer opened a case regarding the failures and extended the warranty for the transmission. The manufacturer referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Ranger. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, there was smoke was coming from the rear of the vehicle. There were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the cylinder, causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The repair was pending. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 28,000.
There is insufficient shielding to prevent water from reaching the top of the engine. This results in water dripping on the coil packs and also entering the spark plug wells, causing loss of spark and reduced engine output. Over time, this issue also leads to rust in the engine head, potentially resulting in engine failure. Additionally, water can reach the EGR DPFE sensor, causing the engine to hesitate and shutter at various speeds. Both of these issues together cause a misfire when applying the accelerator and will cause the vehicle to initially hesitate then surge forward. Even with the engine cover, the venting at the base of the windshield allows water to drip down on the engine head, causing the above issues. Ford does recognize that there is an issue and have written several TSBs on the it.
2019 Ford Rangers were shipped without an engine cover to protect the engine from water intrusion. Â This, along with the design of the plastic cowl at the base of the windshield being a 2 piece design with a seam directly over the engine bay, allows water to drain into the engine bay during periods of heavy rain. Water will drain from the windshield into the top of the engine, and begin filling the spark plug wells under the ignition coil boots and into the engine head. Â This water intrusion can cause engine misfire codes as well as a loss of power while driving, and on multiple instances while merging into traffic, the engine would bog down. Â It wasn't until the most recent occurrence that a check engine light came on. Â I immediately pulled into a shop and they found the plug wells were rusted, corroded and full of water from this happening since the day it rolled off the lot in 2019. Â I have had an independent mechanic assess the damage as well as had the vehicle towed to a local Ford dealer and they found the same condition- with the only solution to replace the engine head as they are unable to remove the plugs due to the damage caused by the water intrusion. An owner should not have to be concerned with parking or driving a vehicle in the rain and whether it will suddenly lose power while driving at highway speeds. Â This is a safety issue that Ford should be forced to take care of. Â They are aware of the issue and have been as they have issued multiple service bulletins with a solution for misfires to change plugs and install an engine cover. Â An engine cover has no bearing on an engine misfire but it shows Ford knows water is getting into engines and causing these problems. Engine/plugs/coils failed, it is available for inspection. Mine and public safety was at risk when driving as it lost power merging into traffic. Â Problem has been confirmed by dealer and independent mechanic. Â Last instance (2/9/24) was first time a CEL came on while driving
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that the vehicle had previously been involved in a crash due to unintended acceleration, which caused the contact to rear-end another vehicle. The vehicle had body and paint repairs performed; however, the vehicle later experienced jerking, and the transmission was seized while driving. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.
2019 Ford Ranger air conditioning compressor failed. When compressor seized, the component smelt of burning. The compressor failure has been confirmed by the Ford dealership. There was no warnings prior to the problem occurring. Similar recalls have been made on other 2019 Ford Rangers.
The engine has a squeaking noise, unknown where it is from. The noise is upon start up and while driving, I do not know if the issue will lead to engine failure. Which if the engine locks up and cause drivability failure.
On Jan 04,2022 while flat towing my truck behind my motorhome it caught fire and burned to the ground. It was too badly burned for the insurance to make a determination of the cause. However, it started in the engine compartment. I know it was not a bad tire because all tires were inflated until the fire popped them. I was able to get the truck disconnected from the RV and know that it remain in Neutral with nothing seized up like the transmission or brakes because the truck rolled on its own once it was disconnected and had to be chocked. I had followed all the proper procedures and my key was in acc position. I had towed this truck many hundred miles prior. That day I had towed it 5-6 hours prior to the fire. This incident took place in Alachua County Florida. Alachua County Fire Rescur case # ACFR22-0000462 Alachua Police Department case #22APD00014 State Farm Insurance Claim #36-29co-58s
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling: engine: hard parts internal/mechanical
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer, Bronco, Bronco Sport, Mustang, and Ranger vehicles. The engine piston domes may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in piston dome failure and lead to a loss of drive power.
- Risk
- An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the engine pistons and replace the engine long block, if necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 3, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in December 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S61. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on on August 28, 2026.
Recall number 26V548000 · Recall details
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
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
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: pickup trucks equipped with 2.5l ohc engines. Engine coolant circulation through the heater circuit is prevented because of a plugged heater return tube (water pump inlet tube) at the water pump. These vehicles do not comply with the intent of fmvss no. 103, "windshield defrosting and defogging systems."
- Risk
- As a result of no heat in the heater circuit, defrost performance is compromised.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the plugged heater water return tubes.
Recall number 00V094000 · Recall details
Questions about the Ford Ranger engine failure
Which Ford Ranger years have engine failure problems?
The model years with the most reports are 1999 (6 complaints), 2019 (6 complaints) and 2004 (5 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix engine failure on the Ford Ranger?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,000 (median of 5 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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