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2023 Ford Ranger: Recalls, Complaints & California Lemon Law

Below are recalls and complaints reported to NHTSA for the 2023 Ford Ranger. This information is consumer-reported and provided for general informational purposes only. Vehicles like this may qualify under California lemon law depending on their individual repair history.

4
Recalls reported to NHTSA
16
Complaints filed with NHTSA
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Recalls Reported to NHTSA

The following recalls were reported to NHTSA. A recall does not by itself establish that any individual vehicle is defective.

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

NHTSA #23V379000

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."

Reported 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.

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER

NHTSA #25V685000

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.

Reported 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.

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

NHTSA #25V442000

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.

Reported 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.

WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS

NHTSA #23V283000

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.

Reported consequence: Loose lug nuts may result in wheel detachment while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect, and if necessary, retighten the lug nuts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 2, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S17.

Complaints Filed with NHTSA

The following are consumer-reported complaints filed with NHTSA. These are unverified allegations and are not proof that any defect exists.

Power Train4 complaints

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Ranger. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated to 40 MPH, and the vehicle then shifted into 4WD-Low independently. As a result of the failure, the vehicle dramatically decelerated and skidded to a complete stop. The 4WD warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who observed water damage to the fuse box which caused electrical failures. The contact was informed that the fuse box needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 10,000.

NHTSA #11651300

in normal drive mode the transmission downs shifts thru the gears and skips from 3 to 1. becuase of that skip it feels like you got rear ended by another car. if your not prepared for it you could let off the brakes which could cuase you to hit the person in front. in sport mode it downshifts thru all the 10 gears properly.

NHTSA #11638904

The contact owned a 2023 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed in tow mode, he heard an abnormal pop emanating from underneath the vehicle, prompting him to pull to the shoulder of the roadway. After a visual inspection, he observed an oil leak, smoke, and a fire near the transmission. Local emergency services were called, and they were able to extinguish the fire. A police and fire report was filed, but no injuries were reported. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed a total loss. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 1,000.

NHTSA #11551701

Show 1 more

Transmission. Hesitates from a stop to highway speeds and hard downshift upon stopping…either controlled or emergency stop. Seems hard to find a gear. Indecisive acceleration. I took it back to Ford and they drove it and said they could not replicate my complaint. No one has inspected it except when I took it back to my dealership. No warning lamps or issues. There is a definite problem with the shifting and clunking of this transmission. It hesitates & makes a hard noise when stopping. I’m [XXX] and have always bought Fords. This one needs fixed! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA #11594547

Vehicle Speed Control2 complaints

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while idling at the red traffic light, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle was accelerating unintendedly. The contact continuously depressed the brake pedal; however, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly at approximately 1 MPH and crashed into the rear of another occupied vehicle. There was no injury sustained. The air bags did not deploy. No police report was filed. The contact and the other driver pulled into a gas station and exchanged the vehicle's insurance information. The contact stated that there was no visible damage on either vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer informed the contact that no failure was found. The contact noticed that the dealer service report stated that the contact had stated that the vehicle was experiencing rough shifting while idling; however, the contact had only described the incident to the dealer and had not mentioned rough shifting while idling. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact requested buy-back assistance. The manufacturer informed the contact that the buy-back request was denied because neither the State where the vehicle was purchased, nor the State where the contact resided, required the buyback of the vehicle. Additionally, the contact was advised to take the vehicle to another dealer for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.

NHTSA #11711247

On the right of the gas pedal there is plastic molding, the molding protrudes and causes your foot to catch when attempting to take your foot off the gas pedal, this can cause accidents or crashes that could be deadly, by not allowing your foot to reach the brake in a safe manner.

NHTSA #11548554

Service Brakes2 complaints

Brake pad fell off while driving, it hasn’t been serviced by anyone else except the manufacturer. It’s a manufacturer failure and a safety issue. The dealer ship refused to provide an inspection report of the vehicle

NHTSA #11700807

there is an air vent just above the brake pedal .when stepping on the brake my foot presses on that vent, it feels like the brake, until you realize the car is not stopping. took it to the dealer they cant do anything for it. I feel it could be a big issue for someone until the driver figures it out..thank you

NHTSA #11541584

Air Bags2 complaints

AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT HAS RECENTLY ILLUMINATED. INDEPENDENT MECHANIC SCAN TOOL READING ON 3/15/24 SHOWS THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG TO HAVE COMPLETELY FAILED AND BECOME INOPERABLE. VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INVOLVED IN ANY IMPACTS OR COLLISIONS.

NHTSA #11577700

The contact owned a 2023 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, another vehicle cut them off, and caused the contact to swerve in order to avoid the vehicle this caused the contact to crash into an electric pole. The air bags did not deploy. The contact had a bruise on his legs and between neck and shoulder. No medical treatment was needed. The vehicle was towed from the scene. Police report had been filled. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000.

Allegedly reported: 1 injury (as reported to NHTSA). NHTSA #11541295

Lane Departure1 complaint

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while the Lane Keep Assist system activated, the system failed to work properly. While the alarm was on, the steering wheel vibrated, and the vehicle remained in the lane. While using the assist option, the vehicle veered into the other lane. While the Lane Keep Assist system was positioned with the alarm and assist, the system was inoperable. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the vehicle was working as designed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 1,700.

NHTSA #11568744

Power Train,Electrical System,Engine1 complaint

It is automatic shut down. No power. No light. No door lock……I let it sit after few hours it starts working back. No idea what happen. There is very dangerous when traveling for long way in hot or cold weather.

NHTSA #11551677

Fuel System, Gasoline1 complaint

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while the vehicle was turned off, the fuel pump erroneously activated, sending fuel to the engine. The contact had to restart and turn off the vehicle for the fuel pump to shut off. The failure occurred intermittently, but frequently. The dealer was contacted regarding a possible recall; however, the contact was unable to speak with a representative. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50.

NHTSA #11679805

Service Brakes, Hydraulic1 complaint

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the pedal would fade and extend to the floor. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who bled the brake lines, but after retrieving the vehicle the failure reoccurred. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 1,640.

NHTSA #11532905

Suspension,Visibility1 complaint

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Ranger. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front tires were rubbing while turning. The contact also stated that the front windshield was delaminating. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with misaligned front tires and front windshield delamination. The contact was informed that the vehicle needed an alignment and the front windshield needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.

NHTSA #11543233

Engine1 complaint

engine revving up, could have engaged the vehicle to move quickly into traffic. the revving up lasted about 15 seconds.

NHTSA #11563426

Vehicles like this may qualify — get a free review

If your 2023 Ford Ranger has had repeated repairs for the same problem, you may have rights under California lemon law. Tell us about it and we will review your situation at no cost and no obligation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 2023 Ford Ranger have any recalls?
There are 4 recalls reported to NHTSA for the 2023 Ford Ranger. Recalls are issued by the manufacturer or NHTSA and do not by themselves establish that any individual vehicle is defective.
How do I know if my vehicle might qualify under California lemon law?
California lemon law generally applies when a substantial defect covered by the warranty is not repaired after a reasonable number of attempts, or the vehicle is out of service for repairs for an extended period. Whether any individual vehicle qualifies depends on its own repair history. We offer a free review to evaluate your specific situation.
Are these complaints proof that the vehicle is defective?
No. Complaints are consumer-reported allegations filed with NHTSA. They are unverified, do not establish that any defect exists, and are provided here for informational purposes only.
Does a case cost me anything?
In qualifying California lemon law cases, attorney fees are typically recoverable from the manufacturer. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact us for a free, no-obligation review of your situation.

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Important Legal Disclaimer

This page is attorney advertising and is provided for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and is not a substitute for advice from a licensed attorney regarding your specific situation. Viewing this page or contacting Lucky Lemon Law does not create an attorney-client relationship; such a relationship is formed only by a signed written agreement.

The recalls and complaints shown here are reported to NHTSA and are consumer-reported, unverified allegations. They do not establish that any defect exists in any individual vehicle, and nothing on this page should be read as asserting that the 2023 Ford Ranger is defective. Counts reflect items filed with NHTSA and may not be current. “May qualify” statements are general and do not mean any particular vehicle or owner qualifies.

Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different and depends on its own facts. Lucky Lemon Law is responsible for the content of this advertisement.