Ford Ranger fire or smoke problems

Filed Sep 2, 2026 · Electrical · WI

2025 Ford Ranger XLT experienced an electrical short-circuit causing a persistent speaker hiss with the vehicle turned off, accompanied by an electrical burning smell. The radio and audio became very staticky and a constant hissing sound with the radio and the truck turned off. By the time the dealer looked at the vehicle it was operating normally. Dealership refused to inspect wiring or ACM due to intermittent nature of the failure.

Filed Apr 6, 2026 · Brakes, Engine · 226,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2001 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop. The contact stated that there was smoke coming from underneath the hood. The brakes and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar failure; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 226,000.

Filed Mar 27, 2026 · Seats · VA

On March 17, 2026, while my vehicle was parked, I observed light smoke coming from the rear seatback, followed by a visible burn/melt mark in the seat fabric. I believe this occurred due to concentrated reflection of sunlight from nearby house windows onto the rear seat. There were no external heat sources or open flames in the vehicle, and the truck was parked under normal residential conditions. Concerned about the risk of fire and potential harm to my family and other occupants, I immediately reported this incident to my Ford dealership and Ford customer service. The dealer inspected the vehicle, and Ford reviewed the matter, but they declined to cover the repair or acknowledge it as a safety-related defect, citing their internal analysis. As of this writing, I am not aware of any recalls or official safety communications addressing this type of sun‑induced smoking or burning of interior seats in the Ford Ranger or other Ford vehicles. My concern is that if a focused beam of reflected sunlight can cause the seat material to smoke and burn under ordinary parking conditions, this may present a fire hazard not only in my vehicle but potentially in other Ford vehicles that use the same or similar interior materials. This could pose a serious risk to consumers, especially if such an event occurred while passengers were in the rear seat or if the vehicle was parked near flammable items. I respectfully request that the federal safety agency: 1. Document this incident as a potential safety concern. 2. Evaluate whether the interior seat materials used in the 2021 Ford Ranger (and any related Ford models) meet appropriate safety standards when exposed to concentrated sunlight or heat. 3. Consider opening an investigation if similar complaints exist or emerge, so that consumers can be protected and appropriately informed. Vehicle information: •Year/Make/Model: 2021 Ford Ranger •VIN: [XXX] ncident: March 17, 2026 •Location of incident: XXX [XXX] ON REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) INFORMATION RED

Filed Mar 20, 2026 · Engine · PA

A strong smell of burning oil is coming from the engine compartment after truck warms up. Checked fluid levels, monitoring temperature. Went to dealer, dealer claims nothing found. Went back to dealer on 031626 for concern, dealer states no problem found, all fluid levels ok. No troubleshooting performed. Dealer said again that no smells detected. As of today, there is still smell coming from the engine area. All fluid levels appear good. However, after warming up the vehicle and parking, strong smell still exists. Not sure if there is a bigger problem in the future, a defective part, or if it has something to do with the design of the engine.

Filed Jan 27, 2026 · Driver assistance, Transmission · CO

The vehicle is experiencing a severe power train failure involving erratic and violent gear selection. The transmission unexpectedly jumps from 2nd, 3rd, or 4th gear directly up to 7th or 8th gear, resulting in a total loss of acceleration. This is immediately followed by the transmission "slamming" down into lower gears, usually 1st or 2nd gear without driver input. This behavior is accompanied by a strong burning smell and a dashboard "wrench" warning light. The symptoms match the manufacturing defect documented in Ford TSB 24-2101 (CDF clutch drum). Diagnosis & Manufacturer Response: The issue began in October 2025 with a noticeable transmission shudder. I paid for two transmission flushes at Big O Tires to attempt to resolve the issue, but the mechanical failure has since escalated. When the "wrench" light appeared, an independent diagnostic computer was unable to retrieve an error code, as the light is a proprietary Ford powertrain indicator. Furthermore, the wrench light clears upon restarting the vehicle, despite the violent shifting and burning smell remaining. Ford Corporate agents claim there are "no known issues" and have refused to assist with towing, despite an active the federal safety agency Engineering Analysis (PE 24-001) regarding this exact 10R80 transmission. Safety Risk: This defect creates an extreme safety hazard. Violent downshifting into low gears at highway speeds can cause a loss of vehicle control or a rear-end collision. The burning smell indicates internal friction and fluid oxidation, posing an immediate fire risk or the potential for a catastrophic mechanical lock-up.

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 Mar 20, 2025 · Engine · 24,500 miles · ME · fire

The contact owned a 2020 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that his wife had parked the vehicle in the residence driveway and was bringing purchases into the residence when she returned to the vehicle she observed that gray smoke was being emitted from under the hood. The contact came out to the driveway, observed the smoke, and saw that flames were coming from the driver's and passenger side of the hood. The contact stated that the fire department was called but when they arrived the vehicle was engulfed from the front to the rear. The contact stated that the fire department extinguished the flames using water and chemicals. The contact stated that the fire department had written an incident report. The contact stated that his insurance provider had the vehicle towed to an impound lot and declared the vehicle a total loss. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact back to his insurance provider. The failure mileage was approximately 24,500.

Filed Dec 13, 2023 · Visibility · CA

At one point, the heat/ac would blow air but would not heat or cool. This was about a month and a half ago., There was an electrical burning smell, and at that point the system would not heat or cool. The burning smell has since subsided. I took the truck to Santa Maria Ford to have it looked at and have my oil changed. I was told that it would cost 3500.00 to repair the issue. I looked the issue up and I found that the 2019 Ford Ranger had been recalled for this exacted issue. I felt that it was just a matter of time before the 2020 Ford Ranger would be recalled for this item. I decided to I should submit this form to be on the safe side.

Filed Jun 6, 2023 · Transmission · 40,000 miles · NJ

The contact leased a 2021 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he noticed a cloud of white smoke coming from the exhaust. The contact then stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to shift into the intended gear. Additionally, the contact stated that while shifted into drive(D) or reverse(R), he heard a clunking sound and while shifted into park(P), the vehicle rolled several inches further than normal. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed; however, the contact was not informed of what needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he noticed a cloud of white smoke coming from the exhaust. No warning lights illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and the vehicle was then towed from the residence back to the dealer where the contact was then informed that the transmission was previously replaced. The vehicle was then towed to a different dealer where it remained. The contact stated that service was denied. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

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.