2021 Ford Ranger Safety Report

2021 Ford Ranger plagued by significant transmission issues and multiple safety recalls, lacking NHTSA crash test ratings.

92Complaints
6Recalls
45/100Reliability Score
6Crash Reports
3Fire Reports
4Injuries
Most reported components: Power Train (28)Service Brakes (8)Engine (5)Power Train,Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System (3)Unknown Or Other (3)Power Train,Vehicle Speed Control (3)Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System (3)Structure (3)Forward Collision Avoidance (3)Back Over Prevention (2)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Ford Ranger

The 2021 Ford Ranger presents a mixed safety picture, with a notable pattern of transmission-related complaints despite a lack of specific NHTSA crash test ratings. With 92 total complaints, 6 crashes, 3 fires, and 4 injuries reported, the vehicle has demonstrated some real-world safety incidents. The most significant concern is the power train, specifically the 10R80 transmission, which accounts for 28 complaints. Owners frequently report issues such as hard shifts, slipping, loss of power, and complete transmission failure, often at relatively low mileages (e.g., 'transmission needed to be replaced before 50000 miles'). These failures can lead to dangerous situations, such as losing acceleration in intersections or on highways, as described in multiple complaints. Recall history for the 2021 Ranger includes 6 distinct campaigns, addressing a range of issues from fire risk due to engine block heater electrical shorts to safety critical components like seat belts and forward collision avoidance systems. Specifically, recalls address potential fire risk (EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER), reduced visibility from a blank rearview camera (BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE), incorrect load carrying information (EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS), misaligned adaptive cruise control radar (FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: RADAR), improperly assembled front passenger seat belts (SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING), and interference with child seat installation (SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY). While these recalls demonstrate Ford's response to identified safety defects, the sheer number and variety of recalls for a relatively new model year are noteworthy. Despite the absence of specific NHTSA crash test ratings for the 2021 Ford Ranger, the complaint data and recall history highlight several areas of concern. The high volume of power train complaints, particularly transmission failures, suggests a significant reliability and potential safety risk. The recalls, while addressing various issues, indicate that several components required corrective action. Prospective buyers should be aware of these documented issues and consider the implications for long-term reliability and safety.

Reliability Score

The 2021 Ford Ranger receives a reliability score of 45 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2021 Ford Ranger

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Ford Ranger:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
10r80 Transmission Failure/Malfunction
Frequent reports of hard shifts, slipping, loss of power, hesitation, and complete transmission failure, often requiring replacement. Multiple complaints describe dangerous situations like stalling in traffic or losing acceleration on highways.		 High Common 30000-90000 miles
Rearview Camera Malfunction
Intermittent loss of rearview camera functionality, displaying blank screens, distorted images, or 'camera unavailable' messages. Subject to a recall (25V442000).		 Medium Occasional all miles
Engine Block Heater Fire Risk
Electrical short circuit in the engine block heater can increase the risk of fire. Subject to a recall.		 High Rare all miles
Forward Collision Avoidance Radar Misalignment
Misaligned cruise control radar module may prevent adaptive cruise control from maintaining a safe distance. Subject to a recall.		 High Rare all miles
Front Passenger Seat Belt Misrouting
Front passenger outboard seat belt may not have been assembled properly, potentially reducing occupant restraint in a crash. Subject to a recall.		 High Rare all miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2021 Ford Ranger:

Power Train 30% of complaints

The most common complaint category, with 28 reports, primarily concerning the 10R80 automatic transmission, including hard shifts, slipping, loss of power, and complete failure.

Service Brakes 9% of complaints

8 complaints related to service brakes, including issues with pedal height relative to the accelerator and potential for floor mats to interfere with pedals.

Engine 5% of complaints

5 complaints related to the engine, including misfires and shuddering.

Back Over Prevention 2% of complaints

2 complaints specifically about the rearview camera system, which is also subject to a recall.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Ford Ranger

Is the 2021 Ford Ranger safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 Ford Ranger has 92 total complaints, including 6 crashes, 3 fires, and 4 injuries. While specific NHTSA crash test ratings are unavailable, the vehicle has 6 recalls addressing various safety concerns, and a significant number of complaints (28) relate to power train issues, particularly transmission failures that can lead to dangerous loss of power.

What are common problems with the 2021 Ford Ranger?

The most reported issues for the 2021 Ford Ranger are related to the POWER TRAIN (28 complaints), primarily concerning the 10R80 transmission with reports of hard shifting, slipping, and complete failure. Other common problems include SERVICE BRAKES (8 complaints) and ENGINE issues (5 complaints).

Are there any recalls for the 2021 Ford Ranger?

Yes, the 2021 Ford Ranger has 6 recalls. These include issues with the engine block heater (fire risk), rearview camera (blank image), incorrect tire and loading information label, misaligned adaptive cruise control radar, improperly assembled front passenger seat belts, and interference with child seat installation due to rear head restraints.

How reliable is the 2021 Ford Ranger's transmission?

NHTSA complaints indicate significant reliability concerns with the 2021 Ford Ranger's 10R80 transmission. It is the most complained-about component, with 28 reports detailing hard shifts, slipping, loss of power, and failures often requiring replacement, even at relatively low mileages.

Does the 2021 Ford Ranger have good crash test ratings?

NHTSA has not provided specific Overall, Frontal, Side, or Rollover crash test ratings for the 2021 Ford Ranger. Therefore, its crash test performance cannot be assessed based on NHTSA's rating system.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the high volume of transmission complaints and multiple safety recalls, prospective buyers should proceed with caution, thoroughly inspect service records, and consider an extended warranty for the power train.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Ford Ranger

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Ford Ranger. The data includes 92 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 6 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 6 reported crashes, 3 fire incidents, 4 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

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.