NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Ford Ranger Safety Ratings
The 2023 Ford Ranger scores 71 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 4 recalls, and 16 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Ford Ranger presents a middling safety profile, achieving a NHTSA Safety Index of 71/100, which positions it in the Average band. While its crash-test hardware shows promise, this is counterbalanced by a limited score in avoidance technology. The vehicle's defect record further impacts its standing, notably including a "park outside" recall campaign. This is not a standout result.
The 2023 Ford Ranger earned a NHTSA Safety Index of 71 out of 100 and a 3-star NHTSA rollover rating, based on federal NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 92 Sedans from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Ford Ranger ranks 86 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 71 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 3 stars |
| Rollover risk | 25.6% |
| Recalls on file | 4 (includes park-outside) |
| Owner complaints | 16 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 86 of 92 Sedans tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Ford Ranger?
The 2023 Ford Ranger Super Crew 4WD exhibits a notable decline in its safety performance, reflected in a Safety Index score of 71 out of 100. This represents a four-point decrease from the 2022 model year's 75, placing it in the Average band but indicating a loss of safety ground. Crash protection for this model year is rated at 57 out of 70, primarily bolstered by a 5-star side impact rating and a 4-star overall crash-test result. However, the rollover assessment presents a significant weakness, with a 3-star rating and a 26 percent rollover risk. These figures compromise what could have been a more robust protection score. A substantial drag on the overall Safety Index is the avoidance technology sub-score of 3.5 out of 10. The availability of key active safety features varies; lane departure warning is offered only as an option, and forward collision warning is not standard across all trims. This means the active safety equipment will not be uniform across all 2023 Ranger models. The defect record sub-score stands at 10.75 out of 20, influenced by four recall campaigns. One of these recalls carries a park-outside severity designation, specifically related to lug nut installation. This combination of a modest index decline, a low score for avoidance technology, and a severe recall campaign characterizes the 2023 Ford Ranger Super Crew 4WD.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Ford Ranger perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Ford Ranger Super Crew 4WD exhibits a notable vulnerability in rollover protection. NHTSA rated this aspect at 3 out of 5 stars, identifying a 26 percent rollover risk in their testing, despite the dynamic tip test not resulting in a tip. Overall, the vehicle received a 4 out of 5 star safety rating. Its frontal crash protection also rated at 4 stars, while side impact protection garnered a perfect 5 out of 5 stars.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 17335
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Ford Ranger have any recalls?
The 2023 Ford Ranger carries 4 recall campaigns. One is a park-outside or do-not-drive campaign covering improperly installed lug nuts on driver-side wheels. The other three address an engine block heater fire risk shared across multiple Ford and Lincoln models, a back-over prevention software fault, and a tire and loading information label error. All four remain relevant for used-market buyers.
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
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS23V283000
Risk: Loose lug nuts may result in wheel detachment while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect, and if necessary, retighten the lug nuts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 2, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S17.
Reported 2023-04-20
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Ford Ranger?
Sixteen owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for this model year, including 2 alleged crashes and 1 alleged fire. These are unverified allegations. The most frequently cited components are the Power Train with 5 reports, Service Brakes with 3, and Vehicle Speed Control and Air Bags with 2 each.
16 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Ford Ranger?
Any shopper considering a used 2023 Ranger should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall database before purchase. The park-outside lug nut campaign in particular requires confirmed remedy completion. Verify which active-safety features are actually installed on the specific unit, since lane departure warning was optional this year.
- The Safety Index fell four points from the 2022 model year's 75 to 71 this year, a measurable step backward within the same Average band.
- A park-outside or do-not-drive recall was issued for improperly installed lug nuts on driver-side wheels, one of four total recall campaigns specific to this model year.
- The avoidance-tech sub-score of 3.5 out of 10 reflects that lane departure warning is only optional on this year's configuration, so used-market units vary in active-safety equipment.
- The rollover rating of 3 stars with a 26 percent rollover risk is the weakest crash-test result for this model year and is a specific factor depressing the overall 4-star NHTSA score.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Ford Ranger places
The 2023 Ford Ranger qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Ford Ranger safety questions
Was the 2023 Ford Ranger crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Ford Ranger, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 71 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 2023 Ford Ranger crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 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 2023 Ford Ranger have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 4 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Ford Ranger, including a park-outside or do-not-drive campaign, which is the most serious class of recall. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Ford Ranger?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 16 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 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 (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Audi S4 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Polestar 2 | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model S Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 17335), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Ford Ranger 2023.
- 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 92 in the Sedan class for 2023.
- 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.