Ford Ranger 4
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The fourth-generation Ranger (Next-Gen P703) is an all-new, well-regarded mid-size pickup that landed to strong reviews for its handsome design, refined cabin, and capable chassis. It moves the Ranger noticeably upmarket and feels a class above its predecessor. The catch is simple: it is very new, so there is no long-term reliability or wear data yet, and the story so far is dominated by recalls rather than chronic faults. That is the biggest warning before buying — treat every truck as a recall checklist and confirm in writing that all campaigns are completed. The list of early recalls is substantial and several are safety-critical: a fuel vapour line bracket (24V848), a transmission valve body issue (25S19), windscreen bonding that may not hold (26S10), sun visor wiring that can cause a fire (26V238), side curtain airbags that can tear (25V541), and an upper control arm ball joint defect. Beyond recalls, the early reports centre on the 10R60 ten-speed automatic showing shudder and harsh low-speed downshifts, the SYNC4 infotainment freezing, and a front axle vibration on some trucks. Because there is little accumulated mileage data, buyers are effectively assessing build quality and recall status rather than known long-term failure points. Buying tips: verify every recall is closed — especially the airbag, ball joint, and sun visor wiring campaigns — test drive specifically for transmission shudder and harsh downshifts at low speed, feel for front-end vibration on the motorway, and check that the SYNC4 system boots and runs without freezing. A Ranger with all recalls completed is a genuinely impressive, modern mid-size truck; just go in clear-eyed that the long-term durability picture is still being written, and lean on the factory warranty.
Generations
Engine Overview
The Ford Ranger 4 is available with 2 engine variants — from 273 to 330 hp.
2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost. Makes 280 hp in the large SUV first generation (2016-2019), 300 hp in the successor (2020+), and 270 hp in the pickup (2019-2024). Head gasket remains the primary concern — the manufacturer redesigned the block in 2020, replacing open coolant slots with drilled passages. Pickup applications are less affected than early sports car and hot hatch blocks. Check intake valve carbon deposits every 50,000-60,000 miles.
- !! Head gasket failure from 60,000 km
The most common and expensive 2.3L EcoBoost failure. The slotted groove block design (2015-2019) gives the head gasket insufficient sealing surface. Ford redesigned the block for 2020 with cross-drilled passages — failure rate dropped significantly.
Symptoms: Engine overheating, rapid coolant loss without visible leaks, white exhaust smoke, bubbling in coolant reservoir. - !! Turbo wastegate failure from 80,000 km
Wastegate clip or mechanism fails, boost pressure is no longer properly regulated. Can cause overboosting or power loss. Ford TSBs 16-0121 and 16-0122 address the problem.
Symptoms: Boost fluctuations, boost pressure warning, power loss under load, metallic rattling from turbo area. - !! Low-pressure fuel pump failure – recall 25S75/25V455 from 40,000 km
Internal jet-pump contamination makes the in-tank low-pressure pump overheat and fail in warm-tank, low-fuel conditions. The engine loses fuel pressure and stalls without warning. Recall covers 850,000+ vehicles (model years 2021–2023).
Symptoms: Sudden engine stall with no warning, part-throttle stumble, hesitation after restart, intermittent reduced-power mode, worst in hot weather with a low tank.
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
2.7L EcoBoost V6 in this off-roader — same engine platform as the pickup sibling, different tune. Watch for recall 24S55 for intake valve fracture ("Silchrome Lite" alloy, production May–October 2021) — 91,000 vehicles affected. 10 year/150k mile warranty extension. Plastic oil pan leaks like the 2.7L pickup variant. Carbon buildup on Gen1 without port injection.
- !! Recall: Intake Valve Fracture (May-Oct 2021)
Intake valves made of "Silchrome Lite" can over-harden and fracture under temperature. 91,000 vehicles affected (Bronco, F-150, Explorer). Free engine replacement, 10-year warranty.
Symptoms: CEL, rough running, sudden power loss, often under 20k miles - ! Plastic Oil Pan Leak from 60,000 km
Same issue as F-150 2.7L — plastic + aluminum + RTV = leak. Metal pan as upgrade.
Symptoms: Oil drops under engine - ! Intake Valve Carbon Buildup — Direct Injection Only from 80,000 km
Direct injection without port injection — valves coke. Budget for walnut blasting.
Symptoms: Rough idle, power loss
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Recall: fuel vapor line bracket (24V848000) NHTSA recall 24V848000 affects 65 units of the 2024 Ranger with the 2.7L EcoBoost V6. A bracket intended for a different engine was installed, creating insufficient clearance to the fuel vapor line near the hot exhaust. Dealer fix involves installing a tie strap. | Low | |
| Recall: Transmission Valve Body Incorrectly Machined (25S19) 2024–2025 Ranger: 10-speed transmission valve body may be incorrectly machined — vehicle can move forward unexpectedly when Reverse or Neutral is selected. Only 2 Rangers were confirmed affected in the Nov–Dec 2024 production batch (plus F-150, Bronco, Mustang, Explorer in same window). Dealer replaces valve body at no cost. Symptoms: Vehicle rolls forward when Reverse is selected, unexpected movement | Low | |
| Recall: Windshield Improperly Bonded (2025, 26S10) 2025 Ranger: Windshield does not meet FMVSS 212 — may detach in a crash. Dealer removes and re-bonds windshield. Symptoms: Wind noise, water intrusion | Low | |
| Recall 25V164: Upper Control Arm Ball Joint Upper control arm ball joint can separate, causing loss of steering control. NHTSA recall 25V164 covers 2024–2025 Ford Ranger. | Low | |
| Recall: sun visor wiring – A-pillar fire risk Improperly routed or over-taped wiring harness near the sun visor/headliner rubs against sheet metal, stripping insulation over time. A short can cause a fire in the A-pillar. Recall 26V238000, about 140,000 trucks affected. Symptoms: Sun visor mirror lights flickering or going dark, overhead console lights behaving erratically, burning smell or smoke near the A-pillar. from 20,000 km | Low | |
| Recall: side curtain airbag tears at B-pillar The side curtain airbag can contact the B-pillar inner reinforcement flange and tear during deployment, causing premature deflation. Fails FMVSS 226. Recall 25V541, about 100,900 trucks. | Low |
Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 19 weaknesses have been documented for the Ford Ranger 4 (2024–2025) — 9 engine-related and 10 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Other, Gearbox, Electronics, Suspension. Considered reliable: EcoBoost-2.7-V6-Bronco (2.7L EcoBoost V6).
Ranger (EcoBoost-2.3-Gen1, 2024–2025) — Be Careful: Head gasket failure, Turbo wastegate failure, Low-pressure fuel pump failure – recall 25S75/25V455. Power: 270 PS.
What to watch out for with the Ford Ranger? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee