Ford Ranger 4
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
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 Explorer V (2016-2019), 300 hp in Explorer VI (2020+), and 270 hp in Ranger (2019-2024). Head gasket remains the primary concern — Ford redesigned the block in 2020, replacing open coolant slots with drilled passages. Ranger applications are less affected than early Mustang/Focus RS 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. - !! Intake valve carbon deposits from 60,000 km
Direct injection leads to carbon buildup on intake valves. Ford does not recommend scheduled cleaning, but deposits become noticeable at 40,000-60,000 miles. Walnut blasting costs $400-$800 and restores full performance.
Symptoms: Gradual power loss, rough idle, increased fuel consumption, occasional stumble at low load.
+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
2.7L EcoBoost V6 in the Bronco — same engine platform as the F-150, 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 F-150 2.7L. 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 |
Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 14 weaknesses have been documented for the Ford Ranger 4 (2024–2025) — 7 engine-related and 7 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, Intake valve carbon deposits. 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
What problems and weaknesses does the Ford Ranger 4 have? +
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee