Ford Ranger Real Model Years & Safety Data

Ford Ranger real model years: 2016-2020. Compare NHTSA complaints, recalls, safety ratings, and unsupported searched years.

Searching for a Ford Ranger year that is not listed?

Google search data often includes later or discontinued model-year queries for this vehicle, such as 2026 Ford Ranger, 2025 Ford Ranger, 2024 Ford Ranger, 2023 Ford Ranger, 2022 Ford Ranger, 2021 Ford Ranger. We do not publish indexable pages for those exact years unless official NHTSA data confirms the make, model, and year combination. Use the real years below for trustworthy recall and complaint reports.

2020 Ranger 2019 Ranger 2017 Ranger 2016 Ranger

About the Ford Ranger

The Ford Ranger has been tracked across 4 model years in the NHTSA database, accumulating a total of 360 consumer complaints and 18 safety recalls. Understanding the recall and complaint history of any vehicle is a critical step in the car-buying process, whether you are shopping for a used Ford Ranger or already own one and want to stay informed about potential safety risks.

Best and Worst Years for the Ford Ranger

Based on NHTSA data, the 2019 Ford Ranger stands out as the model year with the most reported issues, logging 247 complaints and 11 recalls. In contrast, the 2016 model year is the cleanest on record with just 1 complaint. The average across all tracked years is approximately 90 complaints per model year.

When evaluating a used Ford Ranger, pay close attention to the model years with higher complaint counts listed in the table below. A higher number of complaints does not always indicate a dangerous vehicle, but it does suggest more frequent owner-reported problems that could affect reliability, repair costs, or resale value. Always cross-reference complaint data with recall information and, when possible, have a qualified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection.

How to Use This Data

The table below lists every Ford Ranger model year in the NHTSA database along with complaint counts, recall counts, and safety ratings where available. Click on any year to view the full AI-generated safety report for that specific model, including detailed component breakdowns, known issues, and owner-reported problems. You can also compare the Ford Ranger against competing models using our comparison tool, or explore our buying guide to determine which years are the best to purchase.

Ford Ranger Decision Cockpit

The Ford Ranger safety graph covers 4 real model years with 360 owner complaints, 18 recalls, 19 crash reports, 3 fire reports, and 0 service bulletin signals. Use this as the one-stop model view before drilling into a specific year.

Ford Ranger Buy/Avoid Signals
PathVehicle YearComplaint Signal
Inspect carefully2019 Ford Ranger247 complaints, 11 recalls
Inspect carefully2020 Ford Ranger111 complaints, 7 recalls
Inspect carefully2016 Ford Ranger1 complaints, 0 recalls
Compare as cleaner year2016 Ford Ranger1 complaints, 0 recalls
Compare as cleaner year2017 Ford Ranger1 complaints, 0 recalls
Compare as cleaner year2020 Ford Ranger111 complaints, 7 recalls
Buying guide Decision cockpit hub Ford make hub Power Train Unknown Or Other Service Brakes Electrical System Engine
YearComplaintsRecallsRating
2020 111 7 ★★★★☆
2019 247 11 ★★★★☆
2017 1 0
2016 1 0

Frequently Asked Questions About the Ford Ranger

Has the Ford Ranger been recalled?

Yes, the Ford Ranger has 18 recalls across 4 model years tracked in the NHTSA database. Select a specific model year below to see the full recall details.

How many complaints does the Ford Ranger have?

The Ford Ranger has accumulated 360 consumer complaints across 4 model years. The complaint count varies significantly by year — click any year in the table to see its specific issues.

What is the best year for the Ford Ranger?

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2016 Ford Ranger has the fewest reported issues with 1 complaint. The 2019 model year has the most with 247 complaints.

Is the Ford Ranger safe?

Safety varies by model year. Review the NHTSA safety ratings, recall history, and complaint data for each Ford Ranger model year in the table below. Vehicles with 4-5 star NHTSA ratings and low complaint counts generally indicate better safety records.

Where can I find Ford Ranger recall information?

This page shows all 4 model years of the Ford Ranger with recall counts and safety ratings. Click any year for the complete recall list including campaign numbers, affected components, and manufacturer remedies. You can also check by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.