2019 Ford Ranger Safety Report
2019 FORD RANGER SAFETY REPORT
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2019 Ford Ranger
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2019 Ford Ranger. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (11) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | High (247) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 15 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Power Train | Compare power train issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2017 | Compare against the 2017 Ford Ranger with 1 complaints and 0 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2020 | Check the 2020 Ford Ranger before buying across this generation. |
Ford Ranger Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Ford Ranger years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Ford Ranger | 111 | 7 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2017 Ford Ranger | 1 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2016 Ford Ranger | 1 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2019 Ford Ranger Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2019 Ford Ranger, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Power Train
66 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Ford onlyElectrical System
16 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Ford onlyUnknown Or Other
14 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Ford onlySuspension
12 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Suspension issues Ford onlyService Brakes
11 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes issues Ford onlyExterior Lighting
10 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Exterior Lighting issues Ford onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2019 Ford Ranger
Reliability Score
The 2019 Ford Ranger receives a reliability score of 85 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2019 Ford Ranger
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2019 Ford Ranger
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2019 Ford Ranger:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission Issues Transmission failures have been reported, with some vehicles experiencing harsh or delayed gear shifts and inconsistent downshifts. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Airbag Malfunctions Airbags have failed to deploy in collision, posing a significant safety risk. |
High | Common | 0-100k miles |
| Seat Belt Webbing Issues Front passenger side airbags may not function due to webbing issues, increasing injury risk. |
Medium | Common | 0-100k miles |
| Electrical System Failures Issues with the electrical system, including engine block heater problems, have been reported. |
Medium | Common | 0-100k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2019 Ford Ranger:
Transmission issues are a common problem, affecting 23% of vehicles.
Airbag malfunctions have been reported in 11% of vehicles.
Seat belt webbing issues have been reported in 6% of vehicles.
Electrical system failures have been reported in 4% of vehicles.
Recall Details for the 2019 Ford Ranger
The following 11 recalls have been issued for the 2019 Ford Ranger by NHTSA:
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Consequence: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated September 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for thi...
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Lincoln MKC, Mustang, F-350 SD, F-250 SD, F-450 SD, 2015-2017 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, 2015-2018 Edge, Transit Connect, 2016-2019 F-550 SD, Transit, 2017-2019 Econoline, and 2019 Ranger vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, inverted, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.
Consequence: A rearview camera that displays an inverted, distorted, or blank image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 13, 2026. Ford owners will receive letters in phases, beginning January 2026 and May 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S89. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 25V270. Vehicle Identificatio...
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
Consequence: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Bronco, 2023 Super Duty F-250, and 2019-2023 Ranger vehicles. The Tire and Loading Information (TREAD) label states the incorrect load carrying capacity, which can result in an overloaded vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Consequence: An overloaded vehicle increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will mail a new TREAD label to install over the existing label, free of charge. Owners will also have the option to take their vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to have the new label installed, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C18.
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Ford Ranger Super Cab vehicles. The front passenger outboard seat belt may not have been assembled properly, allowing the seat belt to be misrouted. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 208, "Occupant Crash Protection" and 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."
Consequence: A misrouted seat belt may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will provide owners with instructions to perform a preliminary inspection of their front seat belts. Owners that detect an issue with the driver's seat belt, are unsure of the results, or do not want to perform an inspection, should not drive their vehicles and contact a Ford dealership. Dealers will inspect the front row outboard seat belts and replace them, if necessary, free of charge. ...
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Ranger vehicles previously repaired under recall 19V-726. The service replacement Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) blower motor that was installed may have an improper clearance between an electrical terminal and the conductive base plate that may result in an resistive electrical short.
Consequence: A resistive electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the HVAC blower motor, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 6, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S12.
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Ranger trucks. The inline electrical connector terminals for the rear lights may be misaligned or not properly seated, potentially causing the rear lights to function intermittently or not at all.
Consequence: Intermittent or inoperative tail lamps can result in loss of stop, turn, rear position, and reverse lamp functions, which reduces the vehicle's visibility and may not fully alert other drivers that the vehicle is braking, turning, or reversing, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the inline connector for loose terminals and replace the connectors, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 5, 2020. A renotification was sent on July 10, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S43.
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Ranger vehicles. The Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) blower motor may electrically short.
Consequence: An electrical short can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the HVAC blower motor production date, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 4, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S34.
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Ford Ranger vehicles with a SuperCab body style. The front passenger seat belt may have been improperly assembled.
Consequence: Improperly assembled seat belts may not adequately restrain occupants in a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the right front seat belt assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 29, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S23.
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Ranger vehicles. The fasteners that attach the transmission shifter cable bracket to the transmission may loosen allowing the transmission to be in a different gear than indicated by the gear shift lever position.
Consequence: If the gear shift lever position does not match the actual transmission gear, the vehicle may move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, despite selecting 'Park', if the parking brake is not applied before the vehicle is exited, the vehicle may roll. Either scenario increases the risk of crash or injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the transmission shift cable bracket fasteners as necessary, and verify the proper transmission shift operation, free of charge. The recall began July 1, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S15.
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Ranger vehicles equipped with 10-speed automatic transmissions. In some of these vehicles, the transmission shift lever can be moved from the "Park" position without the key in the starting system and without depressing the brake pedal. As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection."
Consequence: If the vehicle can be shifted out of Park without the brake applied, the vehicle may unexpectedly move. Unintentional vehicle movement can increase the risk of injury or crash.
Remedy: Ford has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and repair the transmission floor shift selector interlock assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 22, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C02.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2019 Ford Ranger
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2019 Ford Ranger with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 2 complaints involved crashes. 1 reported injuries or fatalities.
Restraints indicator lamp warning. Air bag warning is on due to a problem with the front passenger side airbag. The front passenger airbag may not function.
both rear springs broken at the front eye mounts. the rear leaf springs hold the rear axle in place need I EXPLAIN MORE? I have not had the truck inspected, I have been in the automotive industry for over forty years. I first heard a noise from the springs when entering a parking lot and drove over a curb. No electronics attached to the springs.
The transmission failed prematurely (my point-of-view) at around 115,000 miles. A Ford dealer diagnosed and determined the transmission needed replaced. The vehicle was a 2019 Ford Ranger XL with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The transmission would get stuck in 2 gear, sometimes upshifting and sometimes downshifting. Driving highway speeds the speed needle would also drop to zero even though...
Since owning the vehicle, I have experienced a range of serious transmission issues. These include harsh or delayed gear shifts, inconsistent downshifts, and transmission slipping. The vehicle also frequently jerks or lurches during gear changes. Of particular concern is the vehicle’s behavior during downshifting. At times, the transmission downshifts abruptly and causes the vehicle to lunge forwa...
My transmission has failed at 131,000 miles on my vehicle. It roughly shifts into reverse and harshly shifts while in drive and the vehicle is in motion. My truck shakes while the transmission searches for gears and shifts slowly requiring extra power to move in normal operating conditions.
Airbags: passenger rear and front side airbags did not deploy after being struck on the passenger side by another vehicle. Seatbelts: were ineffective Vehicle was sold due to system failures and equipment issues. Safety: Head and body trauma due to non deployment. Inspection: Unknown No system messages before collision
10th gear, gear ratio incorrect. CDF drum failure. Rough shifts from 3-4 struggles to shifts into park and reverse.
Vehicle has around 50K miles and driver rear leaf spring corroded and broke, review of right rear leaf spring also showed corrosion and metal thinning. Truck has no off road time nor heavy loads in bed. I had to replce both springs at my cost even though Ford is aware of the 2019-2020 Ranger spring issues and refused to replace the springs. This is a serious safety issue that places the occupants ...
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...
he 2019 Ford Ranger the VIN [XXX] , the driver’s side AC only blows hot due to the climate control issue addressed in Fords service bulletin SSM 51313. This is a known issue with the early production model of the Ranger, hence the service bulletin SSM 51313. It is my belief that faulty parts were used on the early model Rangers and instead of a recall or extending the warranty on this issue only i...
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 b...
The transmission stutters at sustained modest speed (25-45 mph). It was taken to the dealer, who determined it was affected by tsb 25-2134. This is a widely known issue and the dealer refused any servicing without payment. This should have been a recall, since hundreds of known issues in and out of warranty have occurred.
The automatic transmission and related transmission control system malfunctioned. The vehicle experienced improper shifting and loss of gears, including a condition in which 4th gear is disabled due to a failsafe logic triggered by the transmission control module. The vehicle and all affected components are currently available for inspection upon request and are at a Ford-authorized dealership. T...
2019 ford ranger, 74,000 miles On way to pick up girlfriends engagement ring…. The truck started jerking, loosing power, no engine light came on. Turned around to go home and drive about 8 miles under 45 mph.Then truck started jerking again , like transmission issue. Engine light and tool wrench came on. As I was pulling in driveway, truck went into “limp” mode. Had it towed to Gullo Ford Conroe...
During a PA State inspection, a leaf spring was discovered to be broken.
Transmission shifting issues. Will shift out of gear or delay shifting several seconds and sometimes limited power. The 1080r 10 speed transmission has a know design flaw that was finally fixed in 2023. My 2019 is now having the issue and is $8000 to fix for a bushing that moves out of place
The climate control system on my 2019 Ford Ranger has a recurring failure that prevents the vehicle from properly adjusting temperature or directing air through the vents. The failure causes a constant clicking/snapping noise behind the dashboard, and the blend door does not move when the temperature is changed. This malfunction matches Ford’s published SSM 49264, which identifies a known defect i...
Truck looses gear when pulling into traffic. It will shift out of gear and only allow coasting. At speeds of 40 MPH and higher it will down shift causing dramatic reduced speed with no brake warning to other drivers behind. It will also randomly loose power. It will have delayed shifts squealing tires upon shifting and excessive jerking that is uncontrollable.
I have had my 2019 Ford Ranger in for service to address issues with the transmission on 3 different occasions starting in Fall of 2023. Each time paying $106 for the deductible on the warranty to service a "Technical Service Bulletin" (TSB). Each time, being told of a different TSB that they would be addressing. Never addressing them all at the same time. In May of 2025, still experiencing t...
On November 7th. 2025, I took my Ranger to my mechanic for it's yearly emissions and inspection, to have the tires rotated and brakes changed. He called me later that day and had sent me pictures of BOTH rear leaf springs broken off from the under carriage. He stated that he could not tell how long they were like this and asked if I had any issues driving. I did not notice any noise or driving iss...
Showing 20 of 247 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2019 Ford Ranger
Has the 2019 FORD RANGER been recalled?
Yes, the 2019 FORD RANGER has 11 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2019 FORD RANGER have?
The 2019 FORD RANGER has 247 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 13 involved crashes. 6 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2019 FORD RANGER?
The 2019 FORD RANGER received an overall NHTSA safety rating of good (4/5). Frontal crash: 4/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 3/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 FORD RANGER?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2019 FORD RANGER involve power train (66 complaints), electrical system (16 complaints), unknown or other (14 complaints). Other affected components include suspension, service brakes, exterior lighting.
How many crash reports does the 2019 FORD RANGER have?
There are 13 crash reports associated with the 2019 FORD RANGER out of 247 total complaints (5.3% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2019 FORD RANGER have?
There are 2 fire reports for the 2019 FORD RANGER out of 247 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2019 FORD RANGER?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2019 FORD RANGER.
How many injuries are reported for the 2019 FORD RANGER?
6 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2019 FORD RANGER. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2019 FORD RANGER?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2019 FORD RANGER is proceed with caution. It has 247 complaints, 11 recalls, and a good (4/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2019 FORD RANGER?
The components with the most failures on the 2019 FORD RANGER are: 1. POWER TRAIN (66 complaints), 2. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (16 complaints), 3. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (14 complaints), 4. SUSPENSION (12 complaints), 5. SERVICE BRAKES (11 complaints). POWER TRAIN is the single most-reported problem area with 66 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2019 FORD RANGER?
Be vigilant about regular maintenance, especially for the transmission and airbags, and stay updated on recalls. The 2019 FORD RANGER has 247 NHTSA complaints and 11 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it good (4/5).
How reliable is the 2019 FORD RANGER?
The 2019 FORD RANGER receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 247 owner complaints, 11 recalls, and 15 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Transmission Issues and Airbag Malfunctions.
What are the known issues with the 2019 FORD RANGER?
Known issues with the 2019 FORD RANGER include: Transmission Issues, Airbag Malfunctions, Seat Belt Webbing Issues, Electrical System Failures. These are based on patterns found across 247 NHTSA complaints. 11 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the most common safety issues with the 2019 Ford Ranger?
Common safety issues include transmission failures, airbag malfunctions, and seat belt webbing problems.
Are there any recalls related to the 2019 Ford Ranger?
Yes, recalls have been issued for issues with the engine block heater, airbags, and seat belts.
What should I do if I experience transmission issues in my 2019 Ford Ranger?
Have the vehicle inspected by a professional and check for relevant recalls to address the issue.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be vigilant about regular maintenance, especially for the transmission and airbags, and stay updated on recalls.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2019 Ford Ranger
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2019 Ford Ranger. The data includes 247 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 11 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 13 reported crashes, 2 fire incidents, 6 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2019 Ford Ranger an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 3 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16