Body Problems of Ford Ranger - part 1

Ford Ranger owners have reported 206 problems related to body (under the structure category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Ford Ranger based on all problems reported for the Ranger.

1 Body problem of the 2024 Ford Ranger

Failure Date: 02/20/2025

Not sure if this is the correct channel, but here goes my concern. The safety incident has not yet occurred, but the manufacturer has stated it could/may occur if a certain fix is not performed, but are unwilling to issue a recall for said fix, or even produce the parts they say are necessary to implement the fix. I own a 2024 Ford Ranger raptor that Ford has demonstrated has a design flaw in their bed (for vehicles produced before mid sept, 2024) in that it cannot carry more than 88 lbs on the bed rails without the potential for failure. I need to install a topper to protect and secure cargo in the bed which will exceed the 88 lb failure number they state. The fix they say must be implemented is to install 2 Ford supplied load box reinforcement brackets (called j-braces), yet I've been trying to order/obtain said braces for almost 5 months now without success. Ford seems to have given up on producing them as they've been "out of stock" since I purchased my vehicle, and Ford has cancelled my order for them twice now, when I try to submit an order. If the bed fails due to weight above 88 lbs put on the rails while driving, depending on what a failure looks like, it could cause collisions with the affected vehicle, or with other traffic in the vicinity. Ford has been completely unresponsive in issuing a recall so far regarding this known design flaw, yet they redesigned the suspect area mid year to fix the issue on vehicles produced after mid-sept and going forward. Yet they are leaving purchasers of vehicles prior to this time, in a precarious position as they have potential safety concerns that Ford is unwilling to address, or even provide a solution for.

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2 Body problem of the 2024 Ford Ranger

Failure Date: 12/27/2024

I purchased a new 2024 Ford Ranger yesterday. As I was researching camper shells and truck racks I found that these common items cannot be installed without first installing a load bed reinforcement bracket kit to reinforce the truck bed to the bed side rails. Apparently, nothing can be attached to the side rail which weights more that 88 lbs or the truck bed could separate from the side rails. This is an design/engineering shortcoming from Ford as these are common after market add-ons for mid-sized trucks. Also, Ford is asking customers to pay for the reinforcement bracket and installation - which was quoted today at $1,600, and the Ford part is not currently available from the corporate us Ford website, and has not been available for several months.

3 Body problem of the 2024 Ford Ranger

Failure Date: 09/29/2024

2024 Ford Ranger trucks made in michigan between January 4, 2024 to July 15, 2024 do not include the load box reinforcement bracket. Without this bracket installed, if the owner were to place more than 88lbs onto one or both bed side rails the bed could crack, warp, bend, or break. If operators of this vehicle are not aware and do load the bed side rails over 88lbs, this could pose a safety issue to the driver or other drivers on the road around the vehicle. Ford has not notified all owners of affected vehicles, and in my case I found out my vehicle was affected out of sheer curiosity and reading forums with posts of other owners whose vehicles are also affected. Ford is currently not willing to address the issue without additional cost burden on the vehicle owner.

4 Body problem of the 2020 Ford Ranger

Failure Date: 01/31/2024

Presently, my mileage is approximately 42770. It has started to exhibit vibration throughout the cab. It wasn't as prevalent during the cold and would only last about 30 seconds, after warm up, and around 70 mph. Now that it has gotten warmer, it is happening after warm up at all speeds. I haven't take it to the dealership yet, but have read reports of the problem with the same model year.

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5 Body problem of the 2021 Ford Ranger

Failure Date: 06/15/2023

The surface of the drivers side interior door handle has peeled and created a dangerously sharp edge that will cause physical harm to the drivers hand. The middle finger on my left hand was sliced open on 06/15/2023. I made an appointment with the dealer to have to handle inspected/replaced and a service done. The vehicle is available for inspection and I have photos of the faulty door handle and my injury. I came across a post on the internet that shows Ford has had an issue with this on other vehicles. I read gm also had an issue with this as well. Https://blueovalforums. Com/forums/index. Php?/topic/54795-ouch-peeling-fusion-doorhandle-cuts-me-deep/ in 42 years on this earth, I have never had a vehicle do this. The handles are clearly made of poor quality materials.

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6 Body problem of the 2003 Ford Ranger

Failure Date: 04/10/2023

Truck has no spare tire, totally missing the assembly and bracket originally used to hold the tire (have a junk one in the bed). The crossmember under the truck is about 50% intact is getting ready to fall off. Brake lines and rocker panals rotted out as well. Holes in the frame starting and a patch was already needed on the frame (drivers side rear). As well as a loose bed. The truck is very clean on top but underneath is rotting away like it has 200000 miles on it(truck is at 77,000). I want to remove the rust and coat it but im scared of punching through cause spots are brittle.

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7 Body problem of the 2003 Ford Ranger

Failure Date: 04/04/2023

The frame of my truck has rotted through. The strap that holds the gas tank has nothing to connect to, I think the tank could fall to the ground under the right circumstances. The frame has a large whole in it and I fear it will break very soon. I had to remove the spare tire because I feared it would fall off the truck. I had to replace both connectors that held the leaf springs to the frame,and was told there wasn't much left to connect them to.

8 Body problem of the 2006 Ford Ranger

Failure Date: 06/24/2022

Frame prematurely rotting out in critical areas near fuel tank/middle of vehicle frame.

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9 Body problem of the 2021 Ford Ranger

Failure Date: 05/27/2022

As I was pulling out of zip's car into a parking spot to vacuum truck. I was barely moving when the truck accelerated at a high rate of speed and hit the wall in front of me. It was like the truck had a mind of its own. I just knew I wasn't doing it. If someone had been walking in front of me it would have killed them. My air bag did not come out. My chest hit the steering wheel very hard. The police showed up and did a report. I did not get a ticket. The truck was towed and looked over. There was so much damage to the truck it was totaled. I can't believe this happened to me. I wouldn't want this to happen to anyone. It was a very scary experience.

10 Body problem of the 2001 Ford Ranger

Failure Date: 05/04/2022

The rear frame rusted so bad the bumper fell off and the frame actually cracked. This is a common issue with the late 1990s & early 2000s Ford Ranger, I do not understand why this isn't a recall yet as is it very dangerous. This happened on the highway. The front end frame, engine and all the components work flawlessly while the rear frame is just crumbling in rust.

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11 Body problem of the 2001 Ford Ranger

Failure Date: 03/04/2022

The frame has rusted so bad it has completely separated from the body. The Ranger frame rusting is a known problem but it has not been recalled like the Toyota takoma has been.

12 Body problem of the 2002 Ford Ranger

Failure Date: 11/21/2021

Extreme rusting of the entire frame and underside steel components. Attachments are rusting to the point of failure and falling off the vehicle.

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13 Body problem of the 2001 Ford Ranger

Failure Date: 10/15/2021

The frame is rotted and broken on both side in the rear.

14 Body problem of the 2020 Ford Ranger

Failure Date: 09/06/2021

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal squeaking sound was coming from the rear passenger’s side of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and the contact was given a case number. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.

15 Body problem of the 1999 Ford Ranger

Failure Date: 07/24/2021

When washing the truck I noticed a crack in the left rear frame just aft of the forward leaf spring shackle. Vertical crack approx, 6" long and separating, frame severely rusted while the rest of the body has minimal rust.

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16 Body problem of the 2001 Ford Ranger

Failure Date: 07/01/2021

I noticed that there was significantly more rust than there should be. There are places where the frame has rusted through. It is a major safety concern. I researched the issue and found several others with the same concern. I also found that Toyota has previously recalled several vehicles for the same issue.

17 Body problem of the 2002 Ford Ranger

Failure Date: 06/17/2021

Rear shake bracket rusted off.

18 Body problem of the 2021 Ford Ranger

Failure Date: 06/14/2021

On numerous occasions, the "rear drivers side door ajar" warning shows on the dash and the lights inside the truck stay on even when I have not used the rear drivers side door but only the front drivers side door. Vehicle currently has 754 miles on it. Bought brand new.

19 Body problem of the 2021 Ford Ranger

Failure Date: 05/31/2021

Driver side rear door constantly shows as ajar and triggers alarm, even when firmly closed. Unsure if cause is improperly fit body work or electrical components but nothing fixes it and dealer doesn't have time to look at it. I am unable to lock the truck or the alarm will sound and drain my battery because of the left passenger door.

20 Body problem of the 1998 Ford Ranger

Failure Date: 04/17/2021

I bought this truck new, I have had transmission problems but now my frame is in bad, bad, bad rusting condition and my mechanic said it will not pass inspection. This truck only has 82,000 miles on it!!! Toyota stood behind their frames why isn't Ford?.

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21 Body problem of the 2007 Ford Ranger

Failure Date: 04/06/2021

The frame on my Ranger is so rust the spare tire came out from under the truck . I’ve tried to find a used one but no one has them because this is a problem I’ve come to find out with everyone’s. So if you can help me or tell me why these vehicles haven’t been recalled over this problem please get back in touch with me. Thanks.

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22 Body problem of the 2004 Ford Ranger

Failure Date: 04/03/2021

Rusted and rotten out frame. The rest of the vehicle is in real good condition. Frame is cracked thru in a few places and close to were the spring is mounted to the frame.

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23 Body problem of the 1999 Ford Ranger

Failure Date: 04/01/2021

My vehicle is otherwise in very good condition but try is frame is very worrisome. The rust makes me afraid to drive the vehicle confidently.

24 Body problem of the 2008 Ford Ranger

Failure Date: 01/18/2021

The rear frame is rotted I am a retired asa certified in 5 categories mechanic and I have my Ranger apart now but I need new rear frame where the spring hangers rotted out and the bracket that runs the top of the gas tank is rotted out that holds the 2 frame rails is rotted out. These pieces cannot be welded. Needs a new frame.

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25 Body problem of the 2020 Ford Ranger

Failure Date: 01/01/2021

Brand new 2020 Ranger supercab (extended cab) rear door ajar lights stay on constantly. Known issue with these trucks and body style, Ford should recall them and replace the door sensors. Could be a safety issue.

26 Body problem of the 2020 Ford Ranger

Failure Date: 01/01/2021

Extended cab model, rear driver door intermittently indicates door ajar. Alert appears while in motion, usually after a bump in the road. This happens after the door is closed by gripping midway down the frame. This warning can be prevented if the door is closed by gripping the top of the door frame. This does not occur on the rear passenger door. This has occurred ever since the vehicle was purchased new from a dealer.

27 Body problem of the 2004 Ford Ranger

Failure Date: 12/12/2020

2004 Ford Ranger edge has rusted rotten rear fame, shackels rusted, shocks rusted, bed rusted under bedliner bumper fell off. Beautiful truck with no body rust. The rear section of frame is rotten. Frame will certainly break down to make the truck not driveable shortly. It is impossible to find a used frame in the salvage yard, because they are already rusted through. Help!!!!.

28 Body problem of the 1996 Ford Ranger

Failure Date: 10/15/2020

My 96 Ford Ranger has tremendous frame rot on the drive side at the front of the spring shackles. Someone had sprayed rhino liner like material on the rot to cover it up or to try to make it hold. The rest of the frame is in outstanding condition except for it being almost broken into at the gas tank strap and front shackles. I have replaced every front end part on this truck thinking it was in the front suspension. When driving it runs out of line from the rear and the frame is starting to bend.

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29 Body problem of the 2004 Ford Ranger

Failure Date: 09/30/2020

The frame broke in two on said vehicle.

30 Body problem of the 2003 Ford Ranger

Failure Date: 09/23/2020

Body, frame and suspension have all been rusted out. Bumper recently just fell off due to rust (while parked). Doors won't shut completely due to rust, which has led to the interior light remaining on or periodically turning on throughout the day/night and killing the battery. Entire truck is one big pile of rust on wheels.

31 Body problem of the 2000 Ford Ranger

Failure Date: 09/01/2020

The contact owns a 2000 Ford Ranger. The contact noticed that the subframe was corroded. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 153,000.

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32 Body problem of the 2019 Ford Ranger

Failure Date: 07/15/2020

Chassis corrosion problems. Dealer traded the unit for another. Note several with the same corrosion problem. ## #vpic# 1 - check digit (9th position) does not calculate properly #vpic#.

See all problems of the 2019 Ford Ranger 🔎.

33 Body problem of the 2019 Ford Ranger

Failure Date: 07/15/2020

Corrosion problems on the chassis will be corrected by delaer. It is not the first vehicle of this model that I see with the same problem. I have more photos.

34 Body problem of the 2006 Ford Ranger

Failure Date: 06/11/2020

The frame and bed is completely rusted out. So much so that the one of the leaf springs broke loose and came through the bottom of the bed while driving down a straight stretch of road. The truck is now completely not drivable. I have heard several complaints about this same make/model/year truck. Even from people where their cities don't salt the roads in the winter.

35 Body problem of the 2006 Ford Ranger

Failure Date: 06/01/2020

The frame on this 2006 Ford Ranger is completely rusted out and is no longer safe to drive.


Other Common Structure related problems of Ford Ranger


Safety Ratings of Ranger Cars
Fuel Economy of Ranger Vehicles
Ranger Service Bulletins
Ranger Safety Recalls
Ranger Defect Investigations