2021 FORD Ranger

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

6RecallsNHTSA Verified0ComplaintsLimited Data2InvestigationsLimited Data
Expert Verdict
⚠️Elevated Concerns

The 2021 Ford Ranger faces multiple recalls impacting key safety features, particularly the seat restraints and forward collision avoidance systems. While complaints are absent, issues in these areas could pose serious risks if not addressed promptly.

Key Factor:Safety system vulnerabilities

πŸ“‹Why This Matters

The recalls for the 2021 Ford Ranger highlight critical safety components that are essential for passenger security. The fixed head restraints may prevent proper child seat installations, which is a significant issue for families. Additionally, the misalignment of the cruise control radar module could impair forward collision warning and braking functions, increasing accident risk. The presence of multiple recalls reflects on Ford's ongoing challenges with quality control in recent models, making it vital for owners to stay informed about these potential defects. A clean complaint record is a silver lining, suggesting that while there are manufacturing issues that require attention, owners aren't reporting frequent problems outside of those formally recalled. However, the existing recalls indicate that even minor oversights can have serious implications; hence, proactive measures to address these recalls are crucial.

Focus Area:Safety Profile
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Expert Analysis

  • πŸ“ˆ
    Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
  • ⚠️
    Primary Risk Area:Various
  • βš–οΈ
    Vs Brand: Worse than avg (2.6)
    πŸ“
    Summary: Year-over-year trends show that while Ford has improved some aspects of vehicle reliability, safety-related issues still plague newer models like the Ranger. Given its concerning recall history and absence of complaints, this model seems to be on shaky ground compared to other vehicles in its class.
Critical Component: Various

Safety & Reliability Score

37/100
Poor

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-48
Complaint Impact-5
Investigation Impact-10

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2021 FORD Ranger

Model Year2021
MakeFORD
ModelRanger
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Scroll for more β†’
Jan21
NEWProduction
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Mar21
ISSUEFirst Report
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Oct25
RECALLRecall Issued
βœ…

No Consumer Complaints Reported

Great news! There are currently no consumer complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2021 FORD Ranger. This is a positive indicator of owner satisfaction.

πŸ› οΈ DIY Diagnosis Center

Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).

Primary Risk Areas

SEATSFORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCESEAT BELTSEQUIPMENTBACK OVER PREVENTION

🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Seat Restraints

Issue: Fixed head restraints may block proper child seat installation.

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Verify child seat installation compatibility immediately.

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Check recall status and confirm fixes before purchasing.

Campaigns:21V-000121V-000221V-0003
2

Forward Collision Avoidance

Issue: Cruise control radar module misalignment can reduce braking effectiveness.

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Inspect radar alignment through dealership service as soon as possible.

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Confirm that any recall repairs were completed before buying.

Campaign:21V-0002
3

Seat Belts

Issue: 'Improper assembly' might lead to ineffective crash protection.

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'Inspect seat belt routing right away.'

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'Request verification of seat belt assembly fixes.'

Campaign:21V-0003
πŸ’‘Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your FORD dealer to verify recall completion status.

Official Safety Recalls (6)

Campaign: 21V765000

SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY

Summary

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Ranger Super Cab vehicles equipped with rear seats containing fixed head restraints. The fixed head restraints may interfere with proper installation of certain types of child seats. Additionally, the child seat may not attach properly to the lower-rear anchors. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage System."

Consequence

An improperly attached child seat can increase the risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect the rear-lower child restraint anchorages for correct alignment and adjust as necessary. Separately, dealers will replace the non-removable head restraints with removable head restraints, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on November 5, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 17, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C24.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Campaign: 21V982000

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: RADAR

Summary

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Ranger and Bronco vehicles. The cruise control radar module was misaligned during production.

Consequence

A misaligned radar module may prevent the vehicle from maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles when adaptive cruise control is active. In addition, the automatic emergency braking (AEB) system may react slowly, or not react at all, during a pre-collision assist braking event. Any of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will adjust the angle of the cruise control radar module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 21, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S52.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Campaign: 21V811000

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING

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. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on November 5, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed December 22, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C25.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Campaign: 23V379000

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Campaign: 25V442000

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

Summary

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, 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.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Campaign: 25V685000

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER

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 February 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

NHTSA Investigations

2 investigations

Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2021 Ranger.

INV-2021-1000🟒 Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Ranger performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 23,648
INV-2021-1001🟒 Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Ranger performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 11,702

Consumer Complaints

0 complaints
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No consumer complaints recorded for this vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

'What should I know about the safety recalls on the 2021 Ford Ranger?'

'The recalls primarily involve issues with seat restraints which may hinder proper child seat installations as well as front-end collision systems due to misaligned radar modules. It's essential for both current owners and prospective buyers to address these concerns adequately by checking if recall repairs have been made or scheduling service quickly.'

'How common are electrical issues in the Ford Ranger series?'

'While there aren’t specific complaints logged for electrical failures in the 2021 model year Rangers, past Technical Service Bulletins indicate potential electrical concerns across various Ford models from previous years. It’s prudent to remain vigilant about any dashboard warning lights or irregularities that might arise during vehicle operation.'

πŸ“ŠYear-over-Year Context

➑️Stable Pattern

Compared to earlier years, the 2021 model shows stable reliability patterns. No meaningful structural change detected in recall frequency between adjacent model years.

🧭What This Means for You

Both current owners and prospective buyers benefit from reviewing this safety analysis before making decisions.

If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.

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If You Own This Vehicle

  • Immediate Action: If any recalls are listed as 'incomplete', contact a certified FORD service centerβ€”repairs are performed at no cost to you.
  • Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
  • Proactive tip: Enroll in FORD's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
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If You're Buying Used

  • Critical: Demand official documentation showing every FORD recall has been satisfied.
  • Investigate whether later Ranger iterations (2022+) rectified these persistent issues.
  • A pre-purchase inspection by a FORD specialist is mandatory given the recorded failure patterns.
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Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: February 23, 2026.