Common Ford Ranger Problems

Have you been looking for a car that you can drive around town that also has the towing capacity for a caravan? You might have narrowed down the Ford Ranger as a strong contender. This ute has a tough engine, hearty towing ability and great handling capabilities, making it a popular option for those wanting a bigger vehicle.

While the Ranger is a reliable option, it’s worth learning a little bit about common issues before you buy. We’ll take you through some Ford Ranger common problems in Australia to give you a clearer picture of this popular ute.

Ford Ranger problems to look out for

There’s no shortage of offering in the Ford Ranger catalogue. The current range includes the Next-Gen Ranger, which comes in the XL, XLS, XLT, Sport, Wildtrak, and Raptor. They’ve done away with manual transmissions, and aside from the Raptor which has a petrol engine, each model has a turbo-charged diesel engine to cater to the Australian market.

Ford Ranger defects can be common across all models - with issues ranging from engine to the gearbox. Here are some common problems to look out for:

Ford Ranger engine problems

The Ford Ranger relies on a powerful turbo-diesel engine to tackle tough terrains and heavy tows. As with any part that works hard, the engine can be prone to wear and tear. One major problem lies in the fuel injectors which can become dirty or clogged over time. Engine problems can also cause overheating, exhaust smoke, and diminished fuel economy.

If you experience any of the following, then it might be time to get your engine looked at:

Engine issues can be difficult to diagnose, it’s best to bring it in if you suspect something’s not right.

Ford Ranger transmission problems

As transmissions get smarter, problems can be more complex to solve. The Ford Ranger is no exception. The transmission utilises adaptive learning technology and will choose the best mode to operate in, depending on the road conditions and load. If you notice issues like loss of acceleration, jerkiness or gears shifting incorrectly, then it might need a reset.

Transmission repairs can be expensive if left too long so it’s also good to get on top of routine maintenance from the beginning, so make sure to bring it in for regular servicing before you have issues.

Ford Ranger auto gearbox problems to be aware of

The newer models of Ford Ranger have done away with manual transmissions, opting for automatic transmissions across the range. Most cars come with a 10-speed auto - excluding the 2.0L single turbos which are 6-speed. These transmissions offer smaller gear ratios that give drivers better performance when towing.

It is worth pointing out that the Rangers have stuck with the 10R80 gearbox. These parts were actually recalled for 2017 - 2019 Rangers for causing a number of issues in the transmission pump. While they’re the same gearbox in the Next Gen range, Ford says it’s been updated to provide a more intuitive and smoother ride.

If the gears feel jerky, like they’re shifting a lot or searching for the right gear, it could signal a gearbox issue. It could be something as simple as low fluid, so make sure to keep an eye on transmission fluid levels and top up when needed. Get a trusted mechanic to look over it to find out exactly what’s wrong and where to go from there.

A fix for Ford Ranger intercooler problems

An intercooler is a key part of the Ford Ranger’s turbo engine’s cooling system, helping them to stay cool under the high level of generated heat. The intercooler works to cool down the compressed air before it gets to the engine, making more oxygen available when it reaches combustion, increasing power and fuel efficiency.

The intercooler hoses on the Ford Ranger are made of rubber and can split over time, causing issues with turbo and air ratio. As a result, your car can begin blowing black smoke due to unburnt fuel, as well as losing power.

Luckily, aftermarket repairs are a possible fix for this, so if you bring your car in for a service, your local mycar team can assess your rig and fit it with a solid alloy pipe that won’t have this issue.

Ford Ranger turbo problems and how to minimise them

Turbocharged engines are great for fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and extra power when you need it, but they don’t come without their problems. Although on their latest model Rangers, Ford has improved the turbo charger so that it better handles difficult off-road conditions, there are still issues that turbo engines have that you need to look out for especially on older models.

A decrease in power can signal a turbo issue, and grey smoke coming from the exhaust pipe can mean that the turbo housing has developed a crack. This is bad and something you should address right away, as oil can leak into your exhaust system making things even worse.

Ford Ranger Powertrain Problems

The powertrain refers to the engine, transmission, transfer case and drivetrain. If you’ve recently seen your Ford Ranger powertrain warning light popping up on the dash, it could be an issue with one of these things, especially when coupled with a reduction in power and speed.

Another less serious reason this could happen though, is if you’ve overloaded your ute and it’s struggling as a result. If you suspect this is what’s behind the problem, lighten the load and see if it fixes the issue.

Like any car, the Ford Ranger has plenty of pros and cons for you to weigh up. If you do decide to take the plunge, we provide a range of servicing options, so you can get the most out of your ute!