Recalls
6campaigns
1 engine · 1 rear camera · 1 equipment
Source: NHTSA
Complaints
117filed
Owner reports, 2016–2026 shown
Source: NHTSA ODI
Crash tests
4★overall
★★★★☆ Frontal 4★ · Side 5★ · Rollover 3★
Source: NHTSA NCAP
Fuel economy
23mpg combined
$2,840/yr at this week's prices
Source: EPA · EIA
Specs
2.3 L 4-cyl· 10-speed automatic
4 engine and transmission configurations
Source: NHTSA vPIC
Recalls (6)
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 2021 Ford Ranger. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗
Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.
Check on NHTSA ↗Listed for 2021 Ford Ranger. Not checked against your VIN.
Engine Block Heater May Short Circuit and Cause Fire
Equipment · electrical · engine block heater
Official NHTSA text
- 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. 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.
Repair progress not yet reported59,006 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 25V685000
Listed for 2021 Ford Ranger. Not checked against your VIN.
Rearview Camera Image May Not Display
Back over prevention · software
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, 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.
54.8% repairedof 200,237 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 25V442000
Listed for 2021 Ford Ranger. Not checked against your VIN.
Incorrect Load Carrying Capacity/FMVSS 110
Equipment · other · labels
Official NHTSA text
- 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.
100% repairedof 29,607 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 23V379000
Listed for 2021 Ford Ranger. Not checked against your VIN.
Radar Module Misaligned
Forward collision avoidance · automatic emergency braking
Official NHTSA text
- 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.
81.8% repairedof 839 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 21V982000
Listed for 2021 Ford Ranger. Not checked against your VIN.
Seat Belt Routed Incorrectly/FMVSS 208 & 209
Seat belts · front · webbing
Official NHTSA text
- 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.
73.4% repairedof 47,683 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 21V811000
Listed for 2021 Ford Ranger. Not checked against your VIN.
Child Seat May Not Attach Properly/FMVSS 225
Child seat · vehicle latch anchor
Official NHTSA text
- 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.
56.3% repairedof 37,625 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 21V765000
PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.
Owner complaints (117)
117 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The power train is mentioned most often.
6involved a crash
3involved a fire
9injuries reported
0deaths reported
As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.
Most-reported components
| Component | Complaints | % of 117 |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 59 | 50.4% |
| Service brakes | 15 | 12.8% |
| Engine | 13 | 11.1% |
| Unknown or other | 13 | 11.1% |
| Electrical system | 8 | 6.8% |
| Vehicle speed control | 8 | 6.8% |
| Forward collision avoidance | 7 | 6% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 7 | 6% |
| Structure | 6 | 5.1% |
| Back over prevention | 5 | 4.3% |
How 2021 compares with other Ranger years
Best and worst Ranger years →20161
20171
2019268
2020129
2021117
202237
202318
202485
202542
20267
| Model year | Complaints | Recall campaigns |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 1 | 0 |
| 2017 | 1 | 0 |
| 2019 | 268 | 11 |
| 2020 | 129 | 7 |
| 2021 | 117 | 6 |
| 2022 | 37 | 5 |
| 2023 | 18 | 4 |
| 2024 | 85 | 13 |
| 2025 | 42 | 13 |
| 2026 | 7 | 8 |
This year (2021)Other yearsStill collecting reports
Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.
Crash tests: 4 stars overall
Overall★★★★☆
Frontal crashDriver 5★ · Passenger 4★★★★★☆
Side crashDriver 5★ · Passenger 5★★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
RolloverRollover risk 29.2%★★★☆☆
Compare fairly. Compare stars only between vehicles of similar size and weight. Ratings apply to the tested configuration.
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), 2021 Ford Ranger pu/cc 2wd, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.
Fuel economy: up to 23 mpg combined
23
mpg combined
21
city
26
highway
- EPA annual fuel cost
- $2,900
- CO₂ tailpipe
- 387 g/mi
- EPA class
- Standard Pickup Trucks
What it costs you to run
$2,840per year
$237per month
652gallons a year
Miles ÷ 23 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.
EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.
Specs by configuration
| Engine · transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | EPA $/yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3 L 4-cyl · 10-speed automatic | Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 / 26 / 23 | $2,900 | 387 |
| 2.3 L 4-cyl · 10-speed automatic | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 20 / 24 / 22 | $3,050 | 404 |
| 2.3 L 4-cyl · 10-speed automatic | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 19 / 19 / 19 | $3,550 | 462 |
| 2.3 L 4-cyl · 10-speed automatic | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 18 / 18 | $3,700 | 486 |
Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.
Looking at a 2021 Ranger for sale?
Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.
Where to next
2021 Ford Ranger FAQ
How many recalls does the 2021 Ford Ranger have?
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns: 25V685000 (engine), 25V442000 (rear camera), 23V379000 (equipment), 21V982000 (forward collision avoidance), 21V811000 (seat belt), 21V765000 (latch). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.
What are the most common 2021 Ford Ranger problems?
Owners filed 117 complaints with NHTSA. Power train (59), Service brakes (15), Engine (13) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.
What mpg does the 2021 Ford Ranger get?
EPA rates the 2.3 L 4-cyl · 10-speed automatic version at 21 city, 26 highway and 23 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.
What safety rating did the 2021 Ford Ranger get?
NHTSA rated the 2021 Ford Ranger pu/cc 2wd 4 stars overall, with 4 stars frontal, 5 stars side and 3 stars rollover (29.2% rollover risk).
How does the 2021 Ranger compare with other years?
Among the 2016–2021 Ford Ranger model years at least five years old, the 2016 drew the fewest complaints (1) and the 2019 the most (268). The 2021 drew 117. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.
How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes
Data sources
- NHTSA recalls by vehicle
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - US DOT recall completion rates (data.transportation.gov)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA ODI owner complaints
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA NCAP 5-Star Safety Ratings
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EPA fuel economy data (licence confirmation pending)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EIA weekly retail gasoline prices
Weekly, all taxes included
Processing
- Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
- Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.
Limitations
- Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
- Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
- Recent model years are still collecting reports.
Review
Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.
Changelog
- 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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