MODEL
Ford Ranger
NHTSA safety across every Ford Ranger model year we cover.
Across the 8 model years of the Ford Ranger we cover (2019 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2026 at 78 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2019 at 62. 65 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Ford Ranger is a mid-size pickup truck aimed at buyers who want truck capability without the bulk of a full-size rig. Competing in one of the most hotly contested segments in the American market, the Ranger targets active lifestyle buyers, small-business owners, and weekend adventurers who need a practical, maneuverable workhorse. Across model years 2019 through 2025, its safety profile has been a genuine mixed bag worth examining closely before you buy.
At MotorCaliber, we evaluate the Ford Ranger strictly on its safety record, and that record tells a nuanced story. The best NHTSA Safety Index score across our covered years lands at 85 out of 100 for the 2024 model, a solid result, but earlier model years have slipped into Average and even Below Average bands, meaning shoppers cannot simply assume every Ranger year is equal. Crash-test performance at its peak is genuinely impressive: the best year earns 5 out of 5 stars in both frontal and side crash categories. That is the good news. The rollover rating, however, stalls at 3 out of 5 stars, which is worth taking seriously for a truck body style with a higher center of gravity. Across 2019 to 2025, NHTSA has recorded 18 recalls, a number that sits on the higher end for this segment and demands that any prospective buyer verify their specific VIN is up to date on all open recall work. Owner complaints total 612 across covered years, including 32 crash allegations, 7 fire allegations, and 119 injury allegations. These are unverified allegations, but the volume is notable. The bottom line: the 2024 Ranger represents a meaningful safety improvement over earlier iterations, but buyers considering 2019 to 2022 models should scrutinize year-specific ratings and recall status carefully before committing.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the Ford Ranger as a capable, well-rounded mid-size pickup that balances everyday usability with off-road credibility. Most professional assessments praise its driving dynamics and feature set for the segment, while noting that the Ranger faces stiff competition. Reviewers tend to acknowledge the improvements made in more recent model years as meaningful refinements over the original generation.
- Rollover protection is a consistent weak point: the Ranger earns only 3 out of 5 stars in the rollover category, a real consideration given the truck's higher ride height and center of gravity.
- Not all model years are created equal - the NHTSA Safety Index ranges across Strong, Average, and Below Average bands depending on the year, so always check the rating for the specific model year you are considering rather than assuming the best-year score of 85 applies across the board.
- Eighteen recalls across 2019 to 2025 is a substantial figure, and buyers of any used Ranger should run their VIN through NHTSA's recall database to confirm all open recall repairs have been completed before purchase.
- Owner complaints include 32 crash allegations and 119 injury allegations across covered years - these are unverified allegations, but their volume suggests shoppers should research complaint details for their target model year through NHTSA's public database.
Most-recalled year on record: 2025 Ford Ranger with 13 recalls.