Ford Ranger knocking problems

Filed Oct 22, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · NV

After arriving in Carson City from Reno, NV and running errands on local city side streets the vehicle began making a loud ticking noise which transitioned to a whomp/whomp/whomp noise. I pulled over at the nearest opportunity into a business parking lot and the vehicle brakes immediately locked up. I received the following error messages on screen; > Anti lock brake system failure >Hill start assist failed >Electric parking brake failed >Collision assist unavailable >Check engine brake light >I checked documentation for release of parking brake and followed directions and the brake would not release. After multiple attempts the brakes would not release. Next I tried putting the vehicle into reverse and the brake finally released. All warning lights now remain on and brakes pull to the rights when applied.

Filed Sep 28, 2026 · Visibility · OH

I own a 2020 Ford Ranger equipped with dual-zone automatic climate control, with approximately 50,000 miles. The HVAC system has developed a failure that prevents the driver’s side from producing adequate heat. When both temperature controls are set to maximum heat and MAX defrost is selected, the driver’s side produces cold air with significantly reduced airflow compared with the passenger side, which produces hot air with strong airflow. I have tested the dashboard vents, floor vents and windshield defroster. The driver’s side consistently produces colder air and reduced airflow in all three modes. Previously, I heard repeated clicking or knocking noises from behind the dashboard. The temperature controls no longer appear to operate correctly on the driver’s side. I am concerned that this failure will prevent the driver’s side of the windshield from defrosting and defogging adequately during cold weather, potentially obstructing my visibility while driving. Ford has issued service message SSM 51313, the federal safety agency document 10230940, concerning temperature-control failures and clicking noises in certain 2019–2020 Rangers. The bulletin directs replacement of the air distribution housing/heater assembly for the described condition. I contacted Ford customer service regarding assistance with this repair, but Ford declined to provide financial assistance. I am reporting this as a potential safety defect because the HVAC failure may compromise windshield visibility in freezing or humid conditions.

Filed Mar 12, 2026 · Seats · CA

Driving home from the dealer I would hear a knock coming from the rear seat area, each time I stopped at a light or stop sign. I thought the jack was loose. When I arrived at home I went to check the jack and realized the seat back in the rear seat was not latched. When my kids ride in the rear seat they were saying weeee every time I stopped, as the seat back would move forward. I have tried on several occasions to latch the seat with no luck. I am making an appointment today for repair.

Filed Dec 4, 2025 · Transmission · NJ

Started having issues with 10R80 transmission at 40k then a complete replacement at 53k, nothing but continued problems, now back at shop a week later for knocking and transmission.

Filed Oct 17, 2025 · Transmission · WA

Vehicle failed to accelerate multiple times. Reduced engine power (limp mode) activated. It is available for inspection. This is a a safety risk as merging and suddenly not able to accelerate puts lives in danger. The problem was reproduced by the dealership and after the dealership thought they fixed the issue with knock sensors and fresh fuel. The only symptom prior to to system failure was a "popping" noise from the front of the vehicle. The problem started at 1500 miles. This was a new purchase.

Filed May 6, 2025 · SD

I started hearing a ticking sound under the dash on the driver's side. Then it would blow hot air on drivers side and cold air on passenger side whether it was on heat or air conditioning. We also smelt plastic once in awhile. I took it in and was told it was it was the actuator. They replaced that and that took care of the noise but not the 2 different air Temps. Took it back and now was told the distribution housing needs to be replaced. I have read on a recall for the HVAC system it could catch on fire so the melting plastic smell concerns me.

Filed Jul 15, 2024 · Electrical · 128,142 miles · SC

I have a 2019 Ford ranger that was built June 24th 2019 the internet states that any Ford ranger 2019 XLT built before July 30th 2019 has a recall for the HVAC system in the blower motor well my truck did not make the recall list but yet it has every single issue that they recall every time I call all they say is my vehicle VIN number is not on the recall but what is the chances that my blower motor and my blend door actuator does not work. When I bought the truck in 2021 I heard a ticking noise but the air still worked me being a female never thought much of it I thought it was my radio or something so this problem has existed since the day I bought it with 20,000 miles on it from the dealership. it has been tested by the Ford motor company and it does not work I have the same symptoms same issues and I should have my truck in the recall to get my air conditioner fixed it is a 4 year old truck and should not be broken I have on the truck for 4 years I bought it at 20,000 miles there's a ticking behind the dash and the blower motor does not work. I am disabled and live in South Carolina where is over 100° so it is a safety issue my truck should be on the recall the dealer should fix it how do I get this taken care of

Filed Jul 7, 2024 · Transmission · TN

This is what is going on with my 2021 Ford Ranger automatic 10-speed transmission and the vehicle's drivability. When bringing the vehicle to a stop, the shifting down to a 1st gear is often executed so harshly that I can hear the driveshaft ringing in reaction to the transmission hard shift nearly locking the rear wheels. The whole act resembles "slamming" a shifter into a gear without disengaging a clutch that can be achieved on a standard (stick-shift) transmission "bangs" at a full stop feeling like being rear-ended. After a full stop, the take-off is “sluggish” - The truck gets moving in the 1st gear, the engine revs up to 2500 - 3000 RPM the transmission hesitatingly shifts into 3rd (always skipping 2nd), the noticeable sound of ‘gear grinding’ is heard when the 3rd gear is engaging. The whole process usually takes 2 to 3 seconds, the truck would literally "drift" before any noticeable acceleration is achieved. Lastly, since the day days of ownership, in the area around 2K miles and above, the truck, when the gas pedal is “floored” (ea. on the highway), would get a hard "mallet-like: kick with a significant audible, hard knock somewhere in the drivetrain and at times during this even the "explosion-like" could be heard from the engine compartment making the vehicle shudder.

Filed Jun 8, 2024 · Transmission · HI

My 2019 Ford Ranger (Lariat) has as what I've discovered is a habitual problem that many other Ford Ranger owners are experiencing. While driving at lower speeds (28-40 mph) the trucks transmission will begin to knock and buck very hard. I've noticed, according to the gear indicator, that it is in either 7th or 8th gear. The problem has gotten consistently worse and I'm in fear of greater damage to the mechanics, or worse, a potential accident if it completely gives out while driving. - The truck has not had any modifications what-so-ever that would have in any way affected the transmission.

Filed May 20, 2024 · Transmission · 80,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal knocking sound. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was repaired but the sound persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer again and diagnosed with transmission failure again. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.