2021 Ford Ranger power train problems
57 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2021 Ford Ranger — 50% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“While driving from [XXX] to [XXX] on XXX my 2021 Ford Ranger's dash light came on and I noticed harsh shifting and the vehicle began jolting unpredictably while I was driving at highway speeds. To avoid imminent danger, I pulled off the 101 and slowly drove to the closest Ford dealership, Vista…”
filed Sep 13, 2026
“The contact owns a 2021 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and shifting gear, the transmission shifted hard. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer was contacted and…”
filed Aug 14, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit an incorrectly illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0420 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM)…
TSB 26-2359 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 4, 2026For 2021 2026 vehicles equipped with the 10R80 transmission, a new Transmission Clutch Circuit Leak Test has been introduced in the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS). This test utilizes the pressure and vacuum…
SSM 54719 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 2, 2026For 2021- 2026 vehicles equipped with the 10R80 transmission, a new Transmission Clutch Circuit Leak Test has been introduced in the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS). This test utilizes the pressure and vacuum…
SSM 54674 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 19, 2026
Power Train problems in other Ranger years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Ranger | 13 | 33% |
| 2024 Ranger | 30 | 38% |
| 2022 Ranger | 17 | 46% |
| 2020 Ranger | 48 | 38% |
| 2019 Ranger | 92 | 35% |
| 2011 Ranger | 5 | 2% |
| 2010 Ranger | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 Ranger | 3 | 2% |
| 2008 Ranger | 1 | 0% |
| 2007 Ranger | 2 | 1% |
| 2006 Ranger | 4 | 1% |
| 2005 Ranger | 8 | 3% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2021 Ford Ranger
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.