NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Ford Ranger Safety Ratings
The 2021 Ford Ranger scores 73 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 6 recalls, and 103 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
A notable 3-star rollover rating tempers the 2021 Ford Ranger's otherwise average safety profile. This figure is a key consideration for consumers evaluating occupant protection. The Ranger achieved strong results in side-crash protection, complementing its standard lane departure warning system. However, its defect record scores an 8 out of 20, contributing to an overall NHTSA Safety Index of 73 out of 100. This places the 2021 Ranger in the Average safety band.
The 2021 Ford Ranger received a 4-out-of-5-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 73/100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test, recall, and complaint data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 94 Sedans from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Ford Ranger ranks 86 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 73 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 3 stars |
| Rollover risk | 25.6% |
| Recalls on file | 6 |
| Owner complaints | 103 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 86 of 94 Sedans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Ford Ranger?
The 2021 Ford Ranger maintains a 3-star rollover rating, accompanied by a 26 percent risk figure. This characteristic is consistent with its body-on-frame pickup segment, where rollover exposure tends to be higher. The vehicle’s overall Safety Index stands at 73 out of 100, mirroring the 2020 model year and indicating no change in its safety profile. Crash protection forms a solid base for the Ranger, contributing 57 out of a possible 70 points to the index. This strong showing is supported by a 5-star side impact rating, standard electronic stability control, and standard lane departure warning. However, the defect record sub-score is a clear area of concern, earning only 8 out of 20 points. This reflects the impact of 6 recall campaigns. One notable recall specifically addresses a production misalignment of the forward collision avoidance radar module, affecting both 2021 Ranger and Bronco vehicles. The fact that forward collision warning is an optional, rather than standard, feature also limits the Ranger's score in the avoidance technology category.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Ford Ranger perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Ford Ranger achieved an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. Its side impact protection was notable, earning a full 5-star rating, while frontal crash tests resulted in 4 stars. Rollover resistance proved to be the vehicle's weakest area, with a 3-star rating and a 26 percent rollover risk. The dynamic tip test, however, indicated "No Tip."
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15447
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Ford Ranger have any recalls?
Yes. The 2021 Ford Ranger carries 6 recall campaigns. The most safety-critical for this specific model year is a forward collision avoidance radar recall, in which the cruise control radar module was misaligned during production. Additional campaigns cover the engine block heater, back-over prevention software, tire and loading information labels, and front passenger outboard seat belt webbing on Super Cab trims. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the provided data.
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER25V685000
Risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters
Reported 2025-10-10
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE25V442000
Risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
Reported 2025-06-27
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS23V379000
Risk: An overloaded vehicle increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will mail a new TREAD label to install over the existing label, free of charge. Owners will also have the option to take their vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to have the new label installed, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C18.
Reported 2023-05-26
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: RADAR21V982000
Risk: A misaligned radar module may prevent the vehicle from maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles when adaptive cruise control is active. In addition, the automatic emergency braking (AEB) system may react slowly, or not react at all, during a pre-collision assist braking event. Any of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will adjust the angle of the cruise control radar module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 21, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S52.
Reported 2021-12-16
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING21V811000
Risk: A misrouted seat belt may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will provide owners with instructions to perform a preliminary inspection of their front seat belts. Owners that detect an issue with the driver's seat belt, are unsure of the results, or do not want to perform an inspection, should not drive their vehicles and contact a Ford dealership. Dealers will inspect the front row outboard seat belts and replace them, if necessary, free of charge. Int
Reported 2021-10-15
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY21V765000
Risk: An improperly attached child seat can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear-lower child restraint anchorages for correct alignment and adjust as necessary. Separately, dealers will replace the non-removable head restraints with removable head restraints, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on November 5, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 17, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866
Reported 2021-09-30
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Ford Ranger?
Owners have filed 103 unverified allegations with NHTSA, including reported incidents of 6 crashes and 3 fires. The most frequently alleged problem area is the power train, cited in 49 reports, followed by service brakes at 15, engine at 12, and electrical system at 8. All are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
103 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Ford Ranger?
Any shopper considering a used 2021 Ford Ranger should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool before purchase. With 6 recall campaigns on record, including one targeting the forward collision avoidance radar module, confirming that all remedies have been completed by the selling dealer or prior owner is a concrete and necessary safety step.
- A 2021-specific recall targets the forward collision avoidance radar module, which was misaligned during production on 2021 Ranger and Bronco vehicles, potentially compromising a key active safety system.
- The defect record sub-score of 8 out of 20 is the lowest-contributing component of the 2021 Ranger's Safety Index, reflecting the weight of 6 recall campaigns in the overall 73/100 score.
- The 2021 model year's Safety Index is unchanged from the 2020 Ranger's 73/100, indicating no year-over-year safety progression despite the model year rollover.
- Forward collision warning is listed as optional rather than standard on the 2021 Ranger, meaning not every unit on the used market will be equipped with it; buyers should verify the specific vehicle's configuration.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Ford Ranger places
The 2021 Ford Ranger qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Ford Ranger safety questions
Was the 2021 Ford Ranger crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Ford Ranger, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 73 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Ford Ranger crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Ford Ranger earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 3 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 25.6%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Ford Ranger have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 6 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Ford Ranger. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Ford Ranger?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 103 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Ford Ranger. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Ranger years
Rivals in Sedan (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Cadillac CT5-V | 97/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Infiniti Q50 | 97/100 | not rated | 3 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15447), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Ford Ranger 2021.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 86 of 94 in the Sedan class for 2021.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.