Ford Ranger misfire problems

Filed Feb 24, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · NV

My truck experienced a P0302 misfire on the freeway, which caused it to shake immediately and made it very difficult to drive. I had it towed to the dealership, and they told me there was water in the spark‑plug wells, which was surprising since I live in Las Vegas, NV, where it rarely rains. My spark plugs were rusted as well as the cylinder head. After looking into it online, I discovered that Ford issued TSB‑23‑2011 for the Ford Ranger due to a windshield cowl leak that allows water to drip directly onto the engine. Their proposed fix is to install an engine cover, but that clearly doesn’t solve the issue since my truck already has the engine cover installed. Now I’m stuck paying for repairs caused by a design flaw that Ford never properly addressed.

Filed Nov 17, 2025 · Body, Engine · 114,000 miles · MO

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, there was a misfire coming from the engine, and the vehicle shuddered violently. The contact stated that the failure increased while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The service manager at the dealer was contacted and informed the contact that he had remote access to the DTC that was displayed after the failure had occurred. The contact verbally provided the DTC, but the information was not available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that upon researching the failure online, information related to water leaking into the engine compartment while the vehicle was parked on an incline with the front end facing down, due to the design of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was routinely parked on an incline in the driveway with the front of the vehicle facing down. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.

Filed Apr 30, 2025 · Engine · 28,000 miles · VA

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the check engine warning light started flashing off and on, and the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer, who diagnosed that there was water inside the cylinders, causing a misfire. The contact was advised that the spark plugs, and coil packs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact was advised to have an engine cover installed to prevent the water intrusion from reoccurring. The contact stated that the higher trim level of the same vehicle came equipped with the engine cover already installed to prevent the failure from occurring. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 28,000. The VIN was not available.

Filed Oct 1, 2024 · Transmission · TX

In the past 3 months, my 2019 Ford ranger has had a multitude of issues come up all at once. First, my transmission destroyed a gear and needed to be rebuilt. Next was an engine misfire code that Ford detected, and ended up being spark plugs at 66k miles. The current issue is that my fan clutch failed, causing it to rip off the wiring harness that was nearby that led to the oil pressure sensor. This caused an instant loss in power on the highway and almost caused an accident. This truck has been given servicing on every mileage checkpoint that it was suppose to.

Filed Sep 20, 2024 · Engine · 81,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that there was a misfire in the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that there was water build up in the spark plug wells, and there were signs of corrosion on electrical component. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact about Technical Service Bulletin Number: 23-2011 and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.

Filed Jul 23, 2024 · Engine, Fuel system · OK

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.

Filed Jun 20, 2024 · Transmission · GA

The check engine light illuminated after leaving residence and traveling less than 5 miles. Had the vehicle check by a certified ASE mechanic, He stated that my vehicle had a misfire code (PO300), if it was a PO301 OR PO302 or etc, it would indicate a specific coil was misfiring, but the PO300 is a general misfire code. Vehicle is jerking, pulling, bogging down as if doesn't want to go forward or is losing power, mechanic changed the spark pulls the first time thinking it was time due to mileage of the vehicle, and cleared the code. One week later check engine light is back on with the same PO300 code, he says we can try changing the coils next to see if this fixes the problem. I called my local ford dealer, who says the will charge me $167 dollars to diagnose the problem, and tell me whats wrong. After I have already told them what the problem is and what the code is for the problem. Which is the same code i got from my $40 code reader is the same code he got from his $1500 code reader, so what can the tell me for $ 167 that i dont already know and have told them, and from further research on recalls for this vehicle, I have found that they already know this problem exist. Ford should be responsible for repairing this know issue of engine misfires before someone dies from this engine shutting down while driving and causing a fatality on the highway.

Filed Mar 2, 2024 · Engine · SC

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

Filed Feb 15, 2024 · Engine · 38,000 miles · WA

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle surged unintendedly. Additionally, the engine was misfiring. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with water leaking into cylinder #1. The contact was informed that the cylinder needed to dry out. The contact was also informed that an engine cover needed to be installed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.

Filed Nov 1, 2023 · Engine · CA

The Ignition Coil and spark plug failed and caused the vehicle to misfire & lose power under load. The vehicle is available for inspection. Sudden loss of power could have caused a collision due to the vehicle suddenly slowing without warning in traffic conditions. Ford Motor company is aware of the problem and has a service bulletin describing how the lack of an engine cover allows water to get into the spark plug wells causing the failure to occur. Ford's fix is to install the engine cover and replace the damaged components. But will only do so under the standard warranty. Ford was notified of the problem with my vehicle while it was well within warranty. But because a dealer could not schedule an appointment until 9 days after the standard warranty expired, they have denied coverage. Dealership has inspected the components and confirmed problem is related to service bulletin. Check Engine light came on and was flashing when problem occurred. No prior warning or symptom until problem occurred.