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2024 Ford Ranger Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2024 Ford Ranger carries 13 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering power window devices and controls and upper ball joint. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Unintended drive mode change while driving.” Ford uses the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor (IOLM) to determine when oil changes are due based on actual driving load — not just mileage. Ford's published cap is 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first. The schedule below reflects Ford's Normal service intervals; F-Series trucks and Super Duty have additional towing-specific items.

13 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

Campaign #24V597000 · Sep 8, 2024

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Ranger and 2024 Lincoln Nautilus vehicles. When closing the windows with the global closing feature, the windows may not automatically reverse after detecting an object. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."

Risk: A closing window may exert excessive force by pinching a driver or passenger before retracting, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: Dealers will update the driver door module (DDM) and the passenger door module (PDM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 13, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C24.

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT

Campaign #24V770000 · Oct 16, 2024

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Ranger, and 2024-2025 Bronco vehicles. The front upper control arm ball joint nut may not have been installed or tightened properly, allowing the front upper control arm to detach from the knuckle assembly.

Risk: A detached control arm can cause a loss of vehicle steering and control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and verify that the ball joint fastener is tightened properly. If a fastener is loose or missing, the dealer will replace the ball joint and knuckle assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 20, 2024. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S64.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Campaign #24V848000 · Aug 11, 2024

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Ranger vehicles. The fuel vapor line bracket may have insufficient clearance to the fuel vapor line, which can result in fuel vapor line damage that can lead to a fuel vapor leak.

Risk: A fuel vapor leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: Dealers will inspect for a fuel vapor line bracket and install a tie strap to secure the fuel vapor line to the bracket, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 20, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S71.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:FLUID/LUBRICANT:VALVES/VALVE BODY

Campaign #25V164000 · Mar 14, 2025

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, Bronco, 2024 Ranger, 2025 Mustang, Explorer, and Aviator vehicles. The transmission valve body may have been machined incorrectly, which can cause reverse gear failure, or unexpected forward movement in reverse or neutral gear.

Risk: Unexpected vehicle movement increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the transmission main control valve body, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S19.

VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

Campaign #25V237000 · Nov 4, 2025

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Ranger and 2024 Lincoln Nautilus vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 24V-597. When closing the windows with the global closing feature, the windows may not automatically reverse after detecting an object. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."

Risk: A closing window may exert excessive force and pinch a driver or passenger before retracting, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: Dealers will update the driver door module (DDM) and the passenger door module (PDM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 15, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C10.

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT

Campaign #25V310000 · Sep 5, 2025

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Bronco and Ranger vehicles. The front upper control arm ball joint fastener may be missing or tightened improperly, allowing the front upper control arm to detach from the knuckle assembly.

Risk: A detached control arm can cause a loss of vehicle steering and control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten, or replace the ball joint fastener as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 23, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S45.

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

Campaign #25V315000 · Sep 5, 2025

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco, F-150, 2021-2024 Edge, 2022-2025 Escape, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600, 2022-2024 Expedition, 2022-2025 Transit, 2021-2023 Mach-E, 2024 Ranger, Mustang, 2021-2023 Lincoln Nautilus, 2022-2024 Navigator, and 2023-2024 Corsair vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera image to delay, freeze, or not display when the vehicle is in reverse.

Risk: A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: The accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air update, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on June 26, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the final remedy is available on each phase. Owner notification letters were sent on October 8, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S49.

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN

Campaign #25V541000 · Aug 22, 2025

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Ranger vehicles. The side curtain air bags may contact the B-Pillar inner reinforcements and tear during deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 226, "Ejection Mitigation."

Risk: Air bags that deploy improperly during a crash increase the risk of injury.

Fix: Dealers will install protective shields, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 26, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C41.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Campaign #25V597000 · Nov 9, 2025

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Bronco and Ranger vehicles. The bolts securing the high pressure fuel pump may not be tightened properly, which can result in a fuel leak.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Fix: Dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump mounting bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S90.

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER

Campaign #25V685000 · Oct 10, 2025

Issue: 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.

Risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. 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 this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL

Campaign #26V104000 · Feb 20, 2026

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 F-150, 2022-2026 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, Maverick, 2024-2026 Ranger, 2023-2026 F-600 SD, 2022-2027 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, and 2026 E-Transit vehicles. When towing a trailer, the integrated trailer module (ITRM) may lose communication with the vehicle, possibly causing a loss of brake and turn signal lights, or a loss of brake function. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Risk: Trailer lights or brakes that do not function can reduce the driver’s ability to control the trailer and decrease the trailers visibility to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: The integrated trailer module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 25, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C10. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning March 17, 2026.

STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:SUN VISOR

Campaign #26V238000 · Apr 14, 2026

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Ranger vehicles. The sun visor or headliner wiring harnesses may be improperly positioned or have excessive tape thickness, which can result in damaged wires.

Risk: Damaged wires can create an electrical short and cause a fire in the A-pillar area, increasing the risk of injury or a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the wiring for damage and update the body control module software. Damaged wiring harnesses will be replaced as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. This will be a Phased campaign. Phase 1 will include 2025 model year vehicles. Owners will be notified by mail the week of 5/31/2026. Phase 2 will include 2026 model year vehicles and Phase 3 will include 2024 model year vehicles. Owners will be notified by mail the week of 6/29/2026 for Phase 2 and the week of 7/27/2026 for Phase 3. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed May 5, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in August 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S29. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 17, 2026.

SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS

Campaign #26V268000 · Apr 28, 2026

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Ranger and Bronco vehicles. The front seats may have a loose or dislodged seat frame height-adjust pivot bolt.

Risk: A seat with a dislodged bolt may not properly restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the pivot links and bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 26S30. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning April 30, 2026.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2024 Ford Ranger.

Reported to NHTSA

Unintended drive mode change while driving

POWER TRAIN

16 NHTSA complaints · 2025-08-25 → 2026-08-16

“The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the 4WD message was displayed and the 4H warning light illuminated before the screen went blank, and the rear wheels locked up, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle and drive into a ditch.”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11751668
“The vehicle changed it's drive mode on it's own without user interaction. The event happened while driving at 70MPH on the Interstate. Vehicle changed to the Baja drive mode by itself which also tries to change from 2H to 4H at speed.…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11753943

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Intermittent loss of throttle response during acceleration

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN, ENGINE

10 NHTSA complaints · 2025-02-24 → 2026-07-23

“My 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor has been suddenly losing power or stumbling upon initial acceleration. This has been occurring intermittently since it was nearly new. My truck now has approximately 10,500 miles. The problem has become increasingly frequent. It seems to occur…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11728371
“Loss of power/accelleration. Multiple times. Issue has always occurred when turning left quickly then trying to accellerate. to make the immediate uphill. The accellerator goes dead for 3-4 seconds, then works. Engine RPM does not speed up when commanded, but then does…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11703525

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Missing load box reinforcement bracket in truck bed

STRUCTURE:BODY

5 NHTSA complaints · 2024-09-17 → 2025-03-15

“2024 Ford Ranger Trucks made in Michigan between January 4, 2024 to July 15, 2024 do not include the load box reinforcement bracket. Without this bracket installed, if the owner were to place more than 88lbs onto one or both bed side rails the bed could crack, warp…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11617130
“The manufacturer has stated it could/may occur if a certain fix is not performed, but are unwilling to issue a recall for said fix, or even produce the parts they say are necessary to implement the fix. I own a 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor that Ford has demonstrated has…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11644040

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Excessive brake pedal travel and soft pedal feel

SERVICE BRAKES

4 NHTSA complaints · 2025-08-29 → 2026-04-28

“The brake pedal is extremely soft and routinely travels to the floor during normal driving conditons. It also catches at various levels. It is impossible to tap the brakes to slow the vehicle down when rounding a corner which has led to several scary incidents and…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11734275
“Three times I've almost rearended a car in front because of a braking system that doesn't stop the truck quickly enough. The pedal will travel 6" at times before it engages. This is very dangerous especially when braking when travelling around curves or round a bouts.…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11683910

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rear seat backrest latch failure to secure

SEATS

2 NHTSA complaints · 2024-11-26 → 2026-08-11

“The rear seats in the 2024/2025 Ford Raptor Ranger are connected to the rear of the cab via a single latch. The single latch does not always latch. I noticed it had failed to properly latch the next day when I was installing my car seats.…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11627625
“The rear seat backrest has a manufacturing defect that prevents the seat from properly locking into the secured position. The seat backrest remains loose and does not provide confidence that it is fully latched. To close or secure the seat, excessive force is required.…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11756252

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag recall repair parts unavailability

AIR BAGS

2 NHTSA complaints · 2025-08-29 → 2026-01-19

“I called the Ford dealership to schedule the recall repair and they told me parts were not available. I explained to them I had a recall letter stating parts were now available and to schedule the repair. The dealer said they had the parts on order and they have not received any yet.…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11711896
“Why hasn't Ford found replacement parts for this airbag defect. I don't feel safe driving a car that may cause more injury to my person if I'm in an accident. This should fixed immediately. Or I would like to return my vehicle for full refund or get a new one with out safety issues.”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11684270

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Hard downshifts and transmission gear engagement issues

POWER TRAIN

4 NHTSA complaints · 2025-08-10 → 2026-04-30

“Transmission on this brand new vehicle with less than 3500 miles is bad. Safety issue as well. Periodically you will go to press accelerator and nothing will happen. The truck will fall out of gear and will not accelerate randomly. I've had this incident occur when trying to get…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11660910
“The vehicle has had hard down shift at slow speeds. Sometimes so hard that i thought I got rearended when stopping. Sometimes you can feel it but not horrible, other times it's bad! I've been trying 6 months to get Coggin Ford to look at it and they keep putting me off.”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11734739

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 7,500 mi

Replace synthetic-blend or full-synthetic Motorcraft oil per the IOLM, or every 7,500-10,000 miles. EcoBoost engines require full synthetic; Coyote 5.0L V8 specifies SAE 5W-30.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 10,000 mi

Rotate tires every 10,000 miles, or with every other oil change. F-150 4x4 owners should rotate every 5,000-7,500 miles to even out drivetrain bias wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid level every 10,000 miles. Front pads on F-150 and Explorer typically last 40,000-60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Ford specifies brake fluid replacement on an inspection basis, but moisture testing every 3 years is recommended. Replace if reading exceeds 3% water content.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. EcoBoost turbocharged engines are sensitive to airflow restriction — don't extend.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 150,000 mi

Ford 6R80, 10R80, and 8F transmissions use Mercon LV fluid rated 150,000 miles under normal service. Severe service (towing, plowing) drops this to 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD models)

Every 60,000 mi

F-150 4x4 and Bronco 4x4: replace transfer case fluid every 60,000 miles. Use Motorcraft XL-12 — do not substitute generic transfer case fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 100,000 mi

F-Series and Expedition: replace rear axle fluid every 100,000 miles, or 50,000 miles if towing. Limited-slip rear ends require friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs on Coyote 5.0L, EcoBoost 2.7L/3.5L, and 2.3L are rated 100,000 miles. EcoBoost engines: never exceed the interval — gap erosion causes coil failure.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

Motorcraft Orange (Dex-Cool compatible) coolant: first change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000. Older trucks with Yellow Motorcraft coolant: 50,000 miles throughout.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 20,000 miles. On F-150, located behind the glove box; on Escape and Explorer, accessed from the passenger footwell.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

1 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

0

complaints mentioning a crash

0

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2024 Ford Ranger reflects Ford's published service intervals and the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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