Power Train Problems of Ford Ranger - part 1

The truck is currently at a certified Ford dealer for diagnosis with a drive train fault. I suspect it is transmission-related, but was not given the history of all stored, pending and history of the codes. The truck exhibits unprovoked forward acceleration/violent lunging when braking to a stop and when driving at low speeds, making intersection control dangerous. It also has severe delayed gear engagement, causing high engine rpm spikes followed by sudden gear slamming, creating a sudden loss of acceleration power while attempting to merge into active highway traffic. The transmission symptoms have been repeatedly reported to and reproduced by certified Ford franchises (mullinax Ford and coggin deland Ford). Technicians previously performed superficial adaptive memory software clears (kam resets) rather than fixing the physical mechanical defect, which has persisted. The vehicle has been inspected multiple times by factory-trained dealership technicians. The initial symptoms first appeared on may 25, 2023, when the vehicle had 38,575 miles (fully within the factory powertrain warranty window). Persistent symptoms include: 1. Harsh gear engagement/slamming at various speeds. 2. Delayed shifting with sudden rpm spikes before catching gears. 3. Sudden low-speed lurching and acceleration when slowing down. The vehicle has now triggered an active "drivetrain fault" warning lamp on the dashboard illumination cluster.

See all problems of the 2020 Ford Ranger 🔎.

Making turn at approximately 10 mph, and as I applied the throttle to resume acceleration, the vehicle seemed to "stall. " engine was still running, but no response to throttle input for 2-3 seconds. This has happened twice, and my truck only has 30,000 miles.

See all problems of the 2024 Ford Ranger 🔎.

Several times while driving at highway speed, my vehicle transmission will shift all by itself into baha 4wd mode, or 4wd mode causing my truck to become a hazard on the road. Should someone be following me and my transmission implodes due to this issue, people could be seriously harmed or killed.

I believe this is a transmission problem; however, not sure if it could be program related. The main safety issue is after taking off from a stop, the truck just stopped accelerating and hesitated, as if though it got "stuck" trying to change gears. This issue has happened a few times, once with my wife in the truck, who looked at me like what the heck was I doing. This definitely creates a situation for a rear impact collision if the person behind you didn't hit the brakes soon enough. The transmission also seems to "clunk" real hard at times when coming to a stop, as if though it is switching gears from say 4th down to 1st, skipping 3rd and 2nd gears. I did report this to kendall Ford of eugene and they said it shifts just the same as all of the other Rangers with this same transmission. I received no warning lamps, symptoms, or messages.

See all problems of the 2025 Ford Ranger 🔎.

While making a right turn, vehicle suddenly lost all power and shut down for several seconds. This is a safety issue, stalling out in front of oncoming traffic, etc. No warnings lamps, messages appeared. No dealer inspection yet. Numerous other owners on message boards have reported the same issue occurring with their vehicle.

Transmission. Total mechanical failure. TSB. 23-2250 tbs 24-2101 tbs. 25-2134. Transmission fluid was replaced at 83709. Replaced at 104263. Factory schedule 150000. Ford is aware they are selling a product that has factory mechanical issues.

See all problems of the 2022 Ford Ranger 🔎.

The transmission has issues not shifting gears and having loss of power when pulling out into intersections that are getting worse with time.

See all problems of the 2019 Ford Ranger 🔎.

Transmission is awful jerky, jumps in and out of gear, causing engine rpm’s to go really high. Shifts erratically, causing me to almost rear end other vehicles. Very dangerous situations a many occasions. Won’t accelerate at times when pulling out in to traffic, causing other drivers to slow down or get in to another lane suddenly. This has happened on many occasions.

Purchased this truck new and took on a trip over the weekend. Put on just under 800 miles no issues. This morning while driving to get my wondows tinted I noticed my truck flashing to apply brakes as it was trying to shift itself into 4wd low setting. Sure enough I looked over and the truck was switching drive modes when no one had touched it. Nothing in my cupholder either that could have accidentally bunped it either. I quickly pulled over and pressed the 2 wheel drive button and restarted the truck. I did a quick google search and found that others are having this issue too. I cant even imagine what damage it would have done to the vehicle or myself if it fully shifted over while driving at highway speeds.

While driving, randomly and intermittently the vehicles drive mode will change on its own, usually requiring the driver to slow down to allow for a 4x4 shift, as called out by messages on the dash and an audible warning. This has happened multiple times and Ford cannot replicate this issue. I was going to just replace the drive mode selection knob but as it turns out it's on national backorder.

I previously submitted another complaint about a 2020 Ford Ranger I own (tracking number 11707667). I own a 2020 Ford Ranger and had to have the transmission replaced at 86k miles. Since having it replaced, I have experienced all the same problems with the transmission. There have been extremely aggressive shifts, jolts, and lags. It has stalled when going through intersections and more. It has been extremely dangerous. The truck is now back in the shop and the new transmission is undergoing a valve body replacement. The new transmission has less than 15k miles and it is undergoing major repairs as I type this. These Ford 10r80 transmissions are completely and utterly garbage and a total liability to the public. They pose as an extreme safety hazard to everyone on public roads.

The ring gear wore out and had to replace the whole rear end.

See all problems of the 2021 Ford Ranger 🔎.

Truck was shifting weird the day before incident got really bad. The next day on the way home from my newborns dr appointment it began shuddering really badly and would make a loud thud noise when shifting so I had to pull off to the side of the road. There was never a warning lamp or message prior. I took the truck to a reputable transmission shop and they found the issue to be the cdf drum that had shifted out of place. Cdf drum and valve body was replaced. Truck had just over 35000 miles at time of repair. I can provide receipt from shop if needed. While speaking to the mechanic at the shop he informed me that this is a common occurrence for these 10 speed transmissions and there was another vehicle there for the same issue.

Hash shifting and at times kicks into gear hard at a stop light nearly hitting vehicle in front of me.

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission was slipping in and out of gear. There was no warning light illuminated. After approximately 3 seconds, the transmission shifted into the correct gear. The failure had occurred while driving through an intersection, placing the contact at risk of being rear-ended. The dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000. The VIN was not available.

During low speed driving, mainly stop and go traffic the truck will randomly lunge forward when the brake pedal is engaged. It happens when accelerating and the truck will shift in to second gear, then if you apply the brake the truck will act like it is going to stall, the engine rpm will spike and the truck will launch forward. If you dont force the brake pedal to the floor, the truck will continue to accelerate, potentially slamming into another vehicle. This has happened multiple times, the dealer has rebuilt the transmission and that fixed the issue for the last 6-8k miles. The issue has returned and the truck is back at the dealership for diagnostics. This is becoming a serious safety concern and the potential that someone gets hurt grows every day. I have seen other complaints on the internet about this same issue in trucks with the same transmission.

Automatic transmission had a hard time finding gears and accelerating while in a parking lot. There were vehicles behind me that could have run into me during the brief failure. There was no warning light on the dash. I have not been able to replicate it since yesterday, but my spouse had it happen a few months ago as well.

Vehicle experienced unintended transmission gear change without driver input from the gear selector. While driving, the transmission shifted unexpectedly into 4h even though the selector was not touched. This created a safety hazard due to sudden change in vehicle behavior, including: loss of acceleration, lurching and unexpected movement. Issue occurred at approximately 30 mph. Concern is potential electronic transmission control or shift-by-wire malfunction causing unintended gear engagement.

While driving at highway speeds vehicle changes the drive mode at random. Even attempting to go into 4 low at high speeds. If the vehicle is able to change into 4 low at high speeds this could send the vehicle into uncontrollable lock down to the drive train and potently creating uncontrollable spin out. Car has been at the dealership for this issue, but they cannot find any problems or able to replicate the issue.

Vehicle: 2021 Ford Ranger. Mileage: 44,000 my 2021 Ford Ranger begin experiencing dangerous transmission shifting issues with absolutely no warning signs or indicator lights prior to the incidents. On multiple occasions the truck suddenly and randomly stalled in the middle of the freeway and in the middle of the road, feeling as if the transmission went into neutral with no power to move the vehicle. These incidents occurred multiple times putting myself and my small child at serious risk of injury or death. At no point did any warning lights illuminate or any indication appeared on the dashboard to alert me of a problem before these dangerous events occurred. The truck was taken to a Ford dealership where it was diagnosed with an electrical fault in the transmission solenoids. The final diagnosis is a full transmission r&I and overhaul at only 44,000 miles. This issue is covered under Ford TSB 21-2315 which acknowledges that the 10-speed automatic transmission may exhibit harsh engagement, delayed shifts, and shifting problems due to known defects. My 5yr/60,000-mile powertrain warranty expired 3 months ago by time only. I am well under the mileage limit at 44,000 miles. Ford has agreed to cover only $2,097. 06 of the $5,242. 65 repair, leaving me responsible for $3,145. 59 for a known manufacturing defect. When I contacted Ford requesting full goodwill warranty coverage, I received poor customer service a manger (luis) promised to call back multiple times with additional coverage options and never did. A full transmission overhaul at 44,000 miles is not consistent normal wear and tear and is clearly the result of a manufacturing defect that Ford has already acknowledged through TSB 21-2315. The sudden and unexpected nature of these failures with no warning, combined with the serious safety risk posed to myself and my child, makes this matter extremely urgent. I am requesting NHTSA investigate this matter and Ford's handling of this known defect.

In may of 2025, the transmision of my 2020 Ford Ranger with 35,000 miles jolted and bucked expectadly at traffic lights, I had full loss of engagement of the transmission several times, engine would rev to 4000rpm and no transmission enagement. These issues happened while at traffic stops and while driving in normal conditions. This presented on one occasion with powertrain warning light and the truck going into "limp" mode. This then reverted to no light but the issues continued, with inconsistent jolts, unable to gain speed. The jolting was abrupt and truck "leapt" forward at speed. During loss of power incidents, I was left with no ability to accelerate away from road hazards. This would have been extemely dangerous if I were turning across traffic. Ford refused to acknowledge any issues. An independent mechanic diagnosed this as a full transmission failure.

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving, at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle began to shift hard when downshifting and upshifting. The vehicle jerked. The vehicle went into limp mode. There was a reduction of power. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The local dealer was contacted regarding parts, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was approximately 91,955.

Transmission failure at 75k miles. It downshifted from 10th gear into 4th at highway speeds and started throwing transmission codes. Almost caused me to get rid as I was on the interstate in traffic at a speed of roughly 65-70 mph. Vehicle is currently being gone over by a Ford dealership who advises a complete transmission overhaul at the cost of 7,000 or total transmission replacement.

Complete power loss from transmission. Yes available for inspection. Power loss was experienced on at least 4 separate occasions. This occurred during either slowing down or stopping to make a left hand turn while yielding to oncoming traffic. When re-engaging the accelerator to get across oncoming traffic zero power transfer occurred putting my self, my passengers, and the oncoming vehicles and passengers at risk for a head on or tbone collision. The loss of power has not been replicated but a Ford dealership did note high pitched transmission whine and hard shifting when during deceleration during inspection. Inspected by authorized Ford dealer. No lights or warnings present, prior to, during, or after incidents.

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? automatic transmission failed how was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? while merging into traffic the transmission would not shift and the truck lost power and began to slow down. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? yes the dealership experienced the same problem. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? the Ford dealership is replacing the transmission at my cost. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? there were no warning lamps or messages. The transmission was working fine and then it wasn't.

Bought 2020 Ford Ranger lariat in March 2024 with 13k miles. I have had no issues and have kept up maintenance needed. Vehicle currently has 19,128 miles and on 4/17/26 while driving the vehicle lost power. I was able to pull over and immediately called the dealership where vehicle was purchased and had towed to their facility for diagnosis. There we no warning lights prior to losing power. The dealership informed me a new transmission is needed pulling codes p0751 and p2700. The cost they informed me for replacement was $10k +/= indicating the power train warranty had expired in 2025. (5 yr/60,000) I find this appalling that at 19k I am responsible to replace something that has clearly had issues in past. Their only option was to replace transmission or they could take apart and overhaul to fix the codes which could be cheaper but also may result in transmission replacement anyways which will cost more in long run.

My 2024 Ford Ranger XLT 2w has been suddenly losing power or stumbling upon initial acceleration. This has been occurring intermittently. My truck now has approximately 20,000 miles. The problem has become increasingly frequent. It seems to occur most often when accelerating from a complete stop. The loss of power can last for several seconds, then normal power is regained. Several times, the truck has lost power while making a left turn. It simply will not accelerate, and I find that I am stuck, unable to complete my turn and clear the oncoming traffic. I have taken my truck to a local dealer who attempted to diagnose the problem and they didn’t offer a solution since they were unable to reproduce the problem during their road test. It has happened many times since then and I am scheduled to return the vehicle to the same dealership to attempt to diagnose and fix the problem again soon. The problem seems to occur, regardless of which drive mode the truck is in and also occurs with electronic stability control both enabled and disabled. There are no warning lights or check engine codes shown.

On 6-7 separate occasions, my 2025 Ranger had a sudden and complete loss of accelerator response while slowing down to make a left turn. This also happens on occasion at traffic lights when the light turns and I attempt to turn left. The duration of loss of power has increased with each incident and is very frightening when it occurs. When attempting to accelerate across the road, there was no response or power from the engine to get me through traffic. On each occasions, the safety of everyone in my vehicle as well members of the public were at great risk. It is only by good luck that these engine failure incidents did not cause a serious crash. The local Ford dealer has been unable to identify the problem. Until and unless the Ford dealer can replicate the problem, I am unable to get the problem resolved. In the meantime, I feel that I my life is at risk every time I drive my truck. There were no warnings from the vehicle about this loss of power and the randomness of this causes great fear when driving. The incident appears to be the same as recall 26v343000, loss of drive power from engine failure, which does not include my specific VIN.

While accelerating from a stop the truck went from 1st gear and then would not go into 2nd gear for a 5 seconds and then it engaged into 2nd with a harsh gear change. This happened several more times to various degrees of time out of gear and not engaging into gear.

Truck issue description (2021 Ford Ranger – ~93k miles): truck makes a whining / humming noise with a slight rattling vibration. The noise occurs while accelerating in gears 1–5. The pitch stays mostly the same but gets louder under throttle. The noise goes away when I let off the gas. No noise when revving the engine in park/neutral. No loss of power and the transmission shifts normally. Gears 6–10 sound normal with no noise. At idle there is sometimes a light rattling sound. Transmission fluid was changed around 60,000 miles. Check manual light came on yes it has been confirmed by a service center transmission is giving out. Mileage: ~93,000 miles.

Truck shifts from 1st to 3rd, hard shifting in 4th through 10th gears.

My transmission has failed at 131,000 miles on my vehicle. It roughly shifts into reverse and harshly shifts while in drive and the vehicle is in motion. My truck shakes while the transmission searches for gears and shifts slowly requiring extra power to move in normal operating conditions.

10th gear, gear ratio incorrect. Cdf drum failure. Rough shifts from 3-4 struggles to shifts into park and reverse.

My truck loses power at a stop, starting to accelerate is stalls in the middle of the road. It seems to be stuck in gear or not going in gear. It will finally start going and the hesitation starts a the rpm gage goes up to about 3000 rpm’s and then goes back down to 1500. This is extremely dangerous to lose power in the middle of the road. This needs to be addressed.

Transmission drops out of gear when entering freeway. This happened after battery was replaced. Warning light came on so its at the dealership. No previous issues before battery was replaced.