2021 Ford Ranger Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

6 safety recalls on file

The 2021 Ford Ranger has 6 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 119 complaints with NHTSA, including 6 crashes, 3 fires, 9 injuries.

The most-reported problem area is Power Train (60 reports).

6Recalls
119Owner complaints
6Crashes reported
n/aNHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your Ranger?

A recall covers specific vehicles. Your VIN shows whether yours still needs the free repair.

2021 Ford Ranger recalls

Engine Block Heater May Crack and Cause Fire Risk

Recall 25V685Oct 10, 202559,006 vehicles affected

The engine block heater can crack and develop a coolant leak.

Rearview Camera May Show Blank or Stuck Image

Recall 25V442Jun 27, 2025200,237 vehicles affected

A software error can cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or to keep showing the camera image after the vehicle has left reverse.

Incorrect Tire Load Label Can Lead to Overloading and Crash Risk

Recall 23V379May 26, 202329,607 vehicles affected

The Tire and Loading Information label on certain Ford Bronco, Super Duty F-250, and Ranger vehicles lists an incorrect load carrying capacity.

Radar May Misjudge Distance, Delaying Automatic Braking

Recall 21V982Dec 16, 2021839 vehicles affected

A cruise control radar module may have been misaligned during production.

Front Passenger Seat Belt May Be Misrouted in Crash

Recall 21V811Oct 15, 202147,683 vehicles affected

A front passenger outboard seat belt in these Ford Ranger Super Cab trucks may not have been assembled correctly, so the belt can be routed the wrong way.

Child Seats May Not Install Securely, Raising Crash Injury Risk

Recall 21V765Sep 30, 202137,625 vehicles affected

Certain rear seats in these vehicles have fixed head restraints that can get in the way of some child seats, and the child seat may not attach properly to the lower-rear anchors.

Most common 2021 Ford Ranger problems

Problem areas named in the 119 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem areaReports
Power Train60
Service Brakes14
Engine13
Unknown Or Other13
Structure8
Electrical System8
Vehicle Speed Control8
Forward Collision Avoidance8
Fuel/Propulsion System7
Back Over Prevention5

What owners report

2026-10-25, Structure
The chrome coating on both interior door handles is peeling. The chrome coating creates very sharp edges and has already cut a passenger who was getting out of the car. I checked the internet and found that the same thing has been happening to Ford Expeditions of these same years. They have been recalled for the chrome peeling and possibly cutting passengers.
2026-10-15, Power Train
I am reporting a potential drivetrain safety defect involving the rear driveshaft bearing on my 2021 Ford Ranger FX4 Lariat. On September 3, 2025, I brought my truck to Larry H. Miller Ford Lakewood after experiencing an intermittent abnormal whistling/mechanical noise while driving. The vehicle had 38,275 miles and was still under warranty. Ford retained it until September 6 but could not reproduce or diagnose the noise. This is documented on service invoice #415969. The noise continued and progressively worsened, eventually accompanied by increased vibration. In early July 2026, an independent repair shop identified a rear driveshaft problem and recommended replacement. I returned to For
2026-10-01, Power Train
I was parking the truck and I put it in reverse and no reverse whatsoever. I put it and drive them back and reverse nothing. I put it in park turned it off restarted it and reverse worked took it to the dealer and they said the transmission has to be replaced due to faulty parts from Ford on the original transmission although it might be covered under the 200,000 mile powertrain warranty it is still a big inconvenience and this is not the first time I was having problems with the transmission if I have to pay for it it could be up to $8500
2026-09-30, Power Train
The 2021 Ford Ranger Lariat , mileage 42,362 would not go into reverse, the wrench was lit up on dash. Shut Truck off it cleared the code, immediately took it to Ford dealer. Was sent home because the tech said the light was off so he couldn’t diagnose. After reading about the issue we made the appt for a diagnostic scan. The codes were P2704, P0772 . The truck has been with dealership since 09/14/2026. It’s the 10R80 transmission with a service bulletin out on the CDF drum.mechanical defect that Ford knowingly sold to unsuspecting consumers. I was able to get a goodwill assist from Ford to help with repair , told they would cover 40% but are now only wanting to pay 16% . The time warra
2026-09-28, Engine
Vehicle is just out of warranty and has less than 45,000 miles yet I'm being told I need a full transmission replacement. I know of 4 other rangers that as soon as they hit 40,000 or there about, began having jerky transmission issues. I reached out to ford for a goodwill request and am being told that I have to pay to have the transmission disassembled just to see IF they will pay for anything to be fixed. Is this not planned obsolesence?

2021 Ford Ranger questions

Does the 2021 Ford Ranger have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls for the 2021 Ford Ranger: Engine Block Heater May Crack and Cause Fire Risk; Rearview Camera May Show Blank or Stuck Image; Incorrect Tire Load Label Can Lead to Overloading and Crash Risk; Radar May Misjudge Distance, Delaying Automatic Braking; Front Passenger Seat Belt May Be Misrouted in Crash. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Ford Ranger?

Based on 119 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Power Train (60), Service Brakes (14), Engine (13).

How do I check if a recall on my 2021 Ford Ranger has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

Other Ford Ranger years

Other 2021 Ford models