EngineMedium
2.3 EcoBoost coolant / oil consumption on some units.
- Typically appears
- 60,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Check coolant and oil levels and history.
2020 Ford Ranger problems
A 2020 Ford Ranger is now 6 years old, so an average example has covered around 81,000 miles. An early car in the generation · most of the launch teething issues were still being worked through, so recall completion and dealer rectification history matter. Check the state safety inspection and service history alongside the documented faults below, which are sorted by whether a 2020 car has usually reached the mileage where they appear.
Compiled & reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team
Quick answer
The 2020 Ford Ranger is 6 years old, so an average example has covered roughly 81,000 miles. At that mileage 5 of the documented faults are already due, so check those first.
Turn these known faults into a step-by-step viewing plan for this exact Ford Ranger · $9.
Build the inspection planFaults a 2020 example has usually reached
Documented onset mileage is at or below the ~81k miles an average 2020 car has covered.
DrivetrainMedium
Low-speed shudder or vibration when accelerating from a standstill due to centre bearing or prop shaft alignment issues.
- Typically appears
- 20,000-50,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Perform a brisk pull-away from a standstill on a flat surface and feel for a distinct vibration or judder transmitting through the floorpan and seat.
Climate ControlLow
Loud clicking or tapping noise from behind the dashboard caused by a failing HVAC blend door actuator.
- Typically appears
- 30,000-60,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Cycle the climate control from full cold to full hot and switch between vent modes while listening for a repetitive clicking sound behind the glovebox.
SuspensionLow
High-pitched squeaking or creaking from the rear end caused by dirt ingress and worn rear leaf spring isolator pads.
- Typically appears
- 15,000-40,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Stand at the rear corner of the load bed and push down firmly several times to bounce the suspension, listening for a distinct squeak from the leaf springs.
Engine ManagementMedium
Rough idle, hesitation after refuelling, or an illuminated EML caused by a sticking EVAP purge valve.
- Typically appears
- 40,000-70,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Start the engine from cold and let it idle. Feel for an erratic idle or misfire sensation, and check the instrument cluster for an active engine management light.
Faults that appear at any mileage
Age, electronics and build-related issues that are not mileage-driven.
TransmissionMedium
10R80 10-speed harsh or clunky shifts.
- Typically appears
- Any
- What to inspect
- Test-drive through varied speeds and feel for hard shifts.
BodyLow
Wind noise and door-seal fit.
- Typically appears
- Any
- What to inspect
- Listen for wind noise at highway speed.
ElectricalLow
Infotainment (SYNC 3) glitches.
- Typically appears
- Age-related
- What to inspect
- Test the touchscreen and CarPlay.
Inspecting a 2020 Ford Ranger?
Turn this car's known weak points into a step-by-step viewing plan · what to inspect, what a bad result means and what to ask the seller.
Build my inspection planFord Ranger · frequently asked questions
Is the new Ranger reliable?
Broadly yes; the 10-speed shift quality is the most common complaint.
Is the 2.3 EcoBoost strong?
It's punchy and generally durable; monitor coolant and oil.
Good for towing?
Yes within its rating; confirm the tow package and inspect the hitch.
Does the 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine use a timing belt or a timing chain?
The 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine utilises a heavy-duty timing chain rather than a rubber cambelt. Under normal operating conditions, this chain is designed to last the lifetime of the engine and does not have a scheduled replacement interval. However, regular oil changes are critical to prevent premature chain stretch and tensioner wear.
How can I quickly verify the electronic four-wheel-drive system is functioning correctly?
Engage the transfer case dial from 2H to 4H, and then 4L, while stationary in neutral. You should hear a distinct mechanical click from the transfer case motor beneath the vehicle. Ensure the dashboard indicators confirm the mode change without flashing error messages, which typically indicate a seized shift motor.
Do all variants of this Ranger meet the one-tonne payload requirement for commercial vehicle tax classification?
Most standard Double Cab variants comfortably exceed the 1,040 kg payload threshold required for commercial vehicle status and VAT reclamation in the UK. However, high-specification models like the Raptor or those fitted with heavy factory options, such as roller shutters or canopies, may fall below this limit. Always check the specific V5C and chassis plate.
Other Ranger model years
Buying a Ford Ranger? Build a step-by-step viewing plan for this exact car · $9.
Build the plan