2021 model year · 4,210+ owner reports · Updated April 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 4,210+ owner reports, the 2021 Ford Ranger has 8 documented known issues. No issues are rated critical, indicating generally reliable ownership. The most commonly reported issue is 10-Speed Transmission Shudder/Harsh Shifts with 1,050 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $0 to $3,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 2019-2023 Ford Ranger, the electronic transfer case can have difficulty engaging or disengaging 4WD modes. Drivers may experience delay when shifting between 2H, 4H, and 4L, or the system may not engage properly. Warning lights may illuminate.
Ensure transfer case fluid is at proper level and in good condition. Have dealer update transfer case module software. Check for proper 4WD engagement by driving in a straight line at low speed when shifting. If persistent, transfer case motor or encoder may need replacement.
Parts and tips from 280+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2019-2023 Ford Ranger, some Rangers develop a whining or howling noise from the rear differential, especially noticeable at highway speeds or during deceleration. This can be caused by improper ring and pinion setup from the factory, worn bearings, or low fluid level.
Check differential fluid level and condition. Change fluid with Ford-specified gear oil. If noise persists, differential may need to be rebuilt with proper gear setup or replaced under warranty. Some owners have had entire axle assemblies replaced.
Parts and tips from 480+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2019-2023 Ford Ranger, many Ranger owners report excessive wind noise at highway speeds, particularly around the front door seals, mirrors, and A-pillars. This can make highway driving fatiguing and affect audio clarity. Door seal alignment issues are often the culprit.
Have dealer inspect and adjust door seals and alignment. Apply additional weather stripping if needed. Some owners have had door seals replaced under warranty. Aftermarket mirror caps or wind deflectors may help reduce turbulence.
Parts and tips from 680+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2019-2023 Ford Ranger, water can leak into the cabin through the rear window seal or third brake light area, causing wet carpets in the rear and potential electrical issues. The sliding rear window models seem more susceptible to leaks.
Inspect rear window seal and third brake light seal for gaps or deterioration. Apply additional sealant around third brake light. Have dealer reseal rear window if needed. Check drain holes in bed area are not clogged.
Parts and tips from 340+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2019-2023 Ford Ranger, the SYNC 3 infotainment system can freeze, display a black screen, or reboot randomly during operation. This affects navigation, audio, and climate control displays. Issues are often related to software bugs or APIM module failures.
Update to latest SYNC 3 software via USB or dealer. Perform master reset of system. Check for loose connections behind screen. If problems persist, APIM replacement may be needed. Avoid using incompatible USB devices.
Parts and tips from 520+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2019-2023 Ford Ranger, the auto start-stop system can be aggressive in shutting off the engine and/or have delayed restarts when the brake is released. Some owners find the system activates in unwanted situations or takes too long to restart the engine.
System can be disabled each drive using the button, but it defaults to ON each start. Aftermarket auto start-stop eliminator devices are available that remember your preference. Ensure battery is in good condition as weak batteries affect system operation.
Parts and tips from 450+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2019-2023 Ford Ranger, the 10R80 10-speed automatic transmission can develop a shudder during light acceleration, typically between 25-50 mph. Harsh or unpredictable shifts can also occur. This is the same transmission used in F-150s and has similar issues.
Perform transmission adaptive learning reset using Ford IDS or FORSCAN. Change transmission fluid with Motorcraft Mercon ULV and add Ford friction modifier. Multiple fluid changes may be needed. In severe cases, torque converter replacement may be necessary.
Parts and tips from 1,050+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2019-2023 Ford Ranger, front brake rotors can develop warping or uneven wear, causing a shudder or vibration when braking, especially from higher speeds. This may be noticed relatively early in ownership, even under normal driving conditions.
Resurface or replace front brake rotors. Use quality rotors designed for trucks. Perform proper brake bedding procedure after replacement. Avoid heavy braking followed by holding brakes (heat buildup). Consider upgraded rotors for towing use.
Parts and tips from 410+ owners who fixed this issue
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Bronco and Ranger vehicles. The lug nuts on the driver's side wheels may have been improperly tightened.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
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."
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
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.
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER
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.
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 Bronco and Ranger vehicles. The windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, which could allow it to detach during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 212, "Windshield Mounting."
+ 13 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov
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Don't see your problem? Describe your symptoms to get a diagnosis, or get a full repair guide.
According to Au7o's analysis of 4,210+ owner reports, the 2021-2021 Ford Ranger has 8 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 10-Speed Transmission Shudder/Harsh Shifts, Electronic Shift-On-The-Fly Transfer Case Issues, Excessive Wind Noise from Doors/Windows. None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.
The 2021-2021 Ford Ranger has 8 known issues documented across 4,210+ owner reports. No issues are rated critical, suggesting generally good reliability. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Ford Ranger issues range from $0 to $3,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
The 10R80 10-speed automatic transmission can develop a shudder during light acceleration, typically between 25-50 mph. Harsh or unpredictable shifts can also occur. This is the same transmission used in F-150s and has similar issues. Repairs typically run $200-$3,500. Severity: medium.
The electronic transfer case can have difficulty engaging or disengaging 4WD modes. Drivers may experience delay when shifting between 2H, 4H, and 4L, or the system may not engage properly. Warning lights may illuminate. Repairs typically run $100-$1,500. Severity: medium.
Many Ranger owners report excessive wind noise at highway speeds, particularly around the front door seals, mirrors, and A-pillars. This can make highway driving fatiguing and affect audio clarity. Door seal alignment issues are often the culprit. Repairs typically run $0-$400. Severity: low.
The SYNC 3 infotainment system can freeze, display a black screen, or reboot randomly during operation. This affects navigation, audio, and climate control displays. Issues are often related to software bugs or APIM module failures. Repairs typically run $0-$1,200. Severity: low.
Some Rangers develop a whining or howling noise from the rear differential, especially noticeable at highway speeds or during deceleration. This can be caused by improper ring and pinion setup from the factory, worn bearings, or low fluid level. Repairs typically run $100-$2,000. Severity: low.
The auto start-stop system can be aggressive in shutting off the engine and/or have delayed restarts when the brake is released. Some owners find the system activates in unwanted situations or takes too long to restart the engine. Repairs typically run $50-$150. Severity: low.
Front brake rotors can develop warping or uneven wear, causing a shudder or vibration when braking, especially from higher speeds. This may be noticed relatively early in ownership, even under normal driving conditions. Repairs typically run $200-$600. Severity: low.
Water can leak into the cabin through the rear window seal or third brake light area, causing wet carpets in the rear and potential electrical issues. The sliding rear window models seem more susceptible to leaks. Repairs typically run $50-$500. Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
