# Ford Ranger check engine light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 19 - **Most complaints:** 2019 (14) - **Related recalls:** 10 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 19 owner complaints about the check engine light on the Ford Ranger (2015-2026 models), most for the **2019** model year (14). There are **10 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Drive to a shop this week: With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. ## Ford Ranger check engine light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the check engine light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2019 | 14 | 271 | 5% | | 2020 | 5 | 130 | 4% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Ford Ranger recalls related to the check engine light **[26V548000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=26V548000)** (2026 models, reported 2026-08-25): An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will inspect the engine pistons and replace the engine long block, if necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 3, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in December 2026. **[26V343000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=26V343000)** (2025-2026 models, reported 2026-05-27): A sudden loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the engine long block, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 23, 2026. **[26V122000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=26V122000)** (2025 models, reported 2026-03-04): An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the EGR valves, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 31, 2026. **[25V597000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=25V597000)** (2024 models, reported 2025-09-11): A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump mounting bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 25, 2025. **[25V164000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=25V164000)** (2024 models, reported 2025-03-14): Unexpected vehicle movement increases the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the transmission main control valve body, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2025. **[24V848000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=24V848000)** (2024 models, reported 2024-11-08): A fuel vapor leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire. **Remedy:** Dealers will inspect for a fuel vapor line bracket and install a tie strap to secure the fuel vapor line to the bracket, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 20, 2024. **[22V685000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=22V685000)** (2022 models, reported 2022-09-14): An improperly tightened fuel line connection may result in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of fire. **Remedy:** Ford will inspect and replace the fuel line assembly, if needed, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 29, 2022. **[20V197000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V197000)** (2020 models, reported 2020-04-03): If the transmission selection does not match the indicated gear selection, and the parking brake is not applied, unintended vehicle movement can occur, increasing the risk of injury or crash. **Remedy:** Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and correct the shift cable locking clip installation, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 27, 2020. **[19V366000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=19V366000)** (2019 models, reported 2019-05-13): If the gear shift lever position does not match the actual transmission gear, the vehicle may move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, despite selecting 'Park', if the parking brake is not applied before the vehicle is exited, the vehicle may roll. Either scenario increases the risk of crash or injury. **Remedy:** Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the transmission shift cable bracket fasteners as necessary, and verify the proper transmission shift operation, free of charge. The recall began July 1, 2019. **[19V071000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=19V071000)** (2019 models, reported 2019-02-01): If the vehicle can be shifted out of Park without the brake applied, the vehicle may unexpectedly move. Unintentional vehicle movement can increase the risk of injury or crash. **Remedy:** Ford has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and repair the transmission floor shift selector interlock assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 22, 2019. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Ford Ranger owners report - "..."lockout" or being "stuck in park" Hesitation from a stopped position Sluggish performance, including during towing "Check engine" light "Juddering," which involves shaking of the vehicle during normal operation Loss of power or failure to engage" -- owner of a 2020 Ford Ranger, complaint filed 2025 - "Once the vehicle is jumped, it functions normally and does not display any battery or check engine indicator. This happened once at a stop sign in a residential area, and again at a red light on a multi-lane boulevard with speed limit 45 mph." -- owner of a 2019 Ford Ranger, complaint filed 2020 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the check engine light means The check engine light means the engine computer has stored a diagnostic trouble code for an emissions, engine or transmission fault. Common causes include a loose gas cap, a failing oxygen sensor, a worn catalytic converter, and misfires from plugs or coils. A steady light is usually not an emergency, but a flashing light means a severe misfire and you should reduce speed and get it checked right away. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Loose gas cap or EVAP system leak** (common) 2. **Failing oxygen sensor** (common) 3. **Catalytic converter efficiency below threshold** (common) 4. **Misfire from worn spark plugs or ignition coils** (common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Check engine light](/warning-lights/check-engine). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Ford Ranger check engine light? Yes. NHTSA lists 10 related recalls (26V548000, 26V343000, 26V122000, 25V597000, 25V164000, 24V848000, 22V685000, 20V197000, 19V366000, 19V071000) covering 2019-2026 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Ford Ranger years have the most check engine light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2019 and 2020 Ranger model years have the most complaints mentioning the check engine light, with 14 for 2019. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Ford Ranger with the check engine light on? Drive to a shop this week. With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. If the light is flashing, the engine runs very rough, or the temperature or oil light also comes on, stop driving and have it checked. ### How do I check if my Ford Ranger has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Ford dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Ford Ranger warning lights - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/ford-ranger): 3 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/ford-ranger): 8 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/ford-ranger): 5 complaints ## Check engine light on other models - [Ford Escape](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-escape): 2245 complaints - [Ford Edge](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-edge): 1380 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-silverado): 911 complaints - [Kia Soul](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/kia-soul): 785 complaints - [Hyundai Sonata](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-sonata): 731 complaints - [Hyundai Tucson](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-tucson): 705 complaints - [Chevrolet Malibu](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-malibu): 666 complaints - [Chrysler Pacifica](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chrysler-pacifica): 630 complaints - [Hyundai Santa Fe](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-santa-fe): 602 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/jeep-cherokee): 587 complaints ## Ford Ranger - [Ford Ranger specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/ford-ranger) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-ranger Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.