Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2019 Ford Ranger
The 2019 Ford Ranger has moderate issues based on recalls and complaints. Key areas of concern include the power train and electrical systems, each with multiple complaints and recalls. The number of issues suggests careful inspection is needed, but data is not overwhelming compared to some vehicles.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2019 Ford Ranger has 11 NHTSA recall campaigns and 271 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 2 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #25V685000 Engine Block Heater May Short Circuit and Cause Fire NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V572000 Blank or Distorted Rearview Camera Image NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V442000 Rearview Camera Image May Not Display NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V379000 Incorrect Load Carrying Capacity/FMVSS 110 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V811000 Seat Belt Routed Incorrectly/FMVSS 208 & 209 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V137000 Replacement Blower Motor May Short NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V839000 Intermittent or Inoperative Tail Lights NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V726000 Blower Motor May Short NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V518000 Improperly Assembled Front Passenger Seat Belt NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V366000 Shifter position may incorrectly indicate 'Park' NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V071000 Unintentional Shift out of Park NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Power Train 92 complaints
- Electrical System 41 complaints
- Unknown or Other 34 complaints
- Engine 27 complaints
- Suspension 20 complaints
- Service Brakes 19 complaints
Of the 271 complaints on file, 13 report a crash and 2 a fire; across all 271 complaints, owners report 6 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Shifter cable loosening
How to check: Inspect the transmission shift lever's attachment and test all gear shifts.
Rear camera malfunction
How to check: Check rear camera image clarity when in reverse.
Seat belt assembly error
How to check: Verify front passenger seat belt assembly for routing.
HVAC blower motor short
How to check: Test HVAC system operation for any anomalies.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises or hesitation.
Red flag: Loud knocks or prolonged cranking
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check for stable engine idle and no warning lights.
Red flag: Rough idle or warning lights
- 03
City stop-and-go
What to check: Assess smooth shifting through all gears.
Red flag: Delayed or hard shifts
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Monitor acceleration and responsiveness, no slipping.
Red flag: Sluggish response or engine revving without speed gain
- 05
Reversing
What to check: Test clarity of rearview camera image.
Red flag: Distorted or blank camera display
- 06
Stops
What to check: Feel for even braking without vibrations.
Red flag: Vibrations or pulling to one side
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the engine block heater been replaced?
- Any previous issues with the rear camera?
- Were there any transmission repairs?
- Any electrical system malfunctions reported?
- Are all recall repairs completed?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Vehicle service history
- Recall repairs documentation
- Accident history report
- Warranty coverage details
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2019 Ford Ranger at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2019 Ford Ranger? Check the actual car
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