2020 Ford Ranger problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 127 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Ford Ranger, filed between 2020-02-13 and 2026-09-04. The most common problem areas are the power train (48, 38%), engine (16, 13%) and electrical system (11, 9%). Owners reported 6 crashes, 1 fire and 6 injuries in these complaints. NHTSA lists 7 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2020 Ford Ranger complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power train | 48 | 38% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 16 | 13% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown or other | 13 | 10% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 11 | 9% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 9 | 7% | 3 | 0 | 4 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 7 | 6% | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 6 | 5% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 6 | 5% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 6 | 5% | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| Back over prevention | 5 | 4% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 5 | 4% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 5 | 4% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility | 5 | 4% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 4 | 3% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 3 | 2% | 2 | 0 | 2 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Power train: 48 complaints
- 48 complaints of 127 (38%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 4 of them also name the engine; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2020 Ford Ranger; the recall, campaign 20V197000, says: “The transmission shift cable lock clip may not be fully seated, allowing the transmission to actually be in a different gear than the gear shift position selected by the driver.”
Engine: 16 complaints
- 16 complaints of 127 (13%) name the engine.
- 4 of them also name the power train; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2020 Ford Ranger covers this system.
Electrical system: 11 complaints
- 11 complaints of 127 (9%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 2 of them also name the engine; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2020 Ford Ranger covers this system.
Service brakes: 9 complaints
- 9 complaints of 127 (7%) name the service brakes — the foot-brake system: pads, rotors, calipers, lines and ABS.
- Owners reported 3 crashes and 4 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2020 Ford Ranger covers this system.
Forward collision avoidance: 7 complaints
- 7 complaints of 127 (6%) name the forward collision avoidance — forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking.
- 2 of them also name the power train; owners reported 2 crashes in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2020 Ford Ranger covers this system.
Exterior lighting: 6 complaints
- 6 complaints of 127 (5%) name the exterior lighting — headlights, tail and brake lights and turn signals.
- None of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2020 Ford Ranger covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 9 |
| 2021 | 14 |
| 2022 | 9 |
| 2023 | 16 |
| 2024 | 26 |
| 2025 | 32 |
| 2026 | 21 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names RANGER, model year 2020. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2020 Ford Ranger recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Ford Ranger?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2020 Ford Ranger's most common problem areas are the power train (48 of 127 complaints), engine (16 of 127 complaints) and electrical system (11 of 127 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2020 Ford Ranger have?
NHTSA has 127 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Ford Ranger, including 6 reported crashes and 1 reported fire.
Is there a recall for the 2020 Ford Ranger's problems?
NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2020 Ford Ranger; 1 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.