NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2025 Ford Ranger Safety Ratings
The 2025 Ford Ranger scores 71 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 13 recalls, and 27 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2025 Ford Ranger achieved an Average safety classification, with a NHTSA Safety Index of 71 out of 100. Its strong performance in frontal and side crash tests did not fully compensate for a low rollover rating and a thin score in avoidance technology. The resulting assessment indicates a competent, but not exceptional, safety profile within its class.
The 2025 Ford Ranger received a 4-out-of-5 overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 71/100, derived entirely from NHTSA crash-test, recall, and complaint data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 90 Sedans from 2025 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2025 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 | 5 / 5 / 3 stars |
| Rollover risk | 22.8% |
| Recalls on file | 13 |
| Owner complaints | 27 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 86 of 90 Sedans tested for 2025 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2025 Ford Ranger?
The 2025 Ford Ranger Super Crew 4WD posts a Safety Index of 71/100, a one-point slip from the 2024 model's 72/100, both sitting in the Average band. That narrow decline is not dramatic, but it reflects a defect-record sub-score of only 5.25 out of 20, which is the direct consequence of 13 recall campaigns accumulated on a vehicle that is just one model year old. The crash-protection sub-score of 62 out of 70 is genuinely strong and is anchored by dual 5-star ratings in frontal and side testing. The 3-star rollover result, carrying a 23 percent risk figure, pulls the overall star picture below what the frontal and side scores alone would suggest. The avoidance-tech sub-score of 3.5 out of 10 is a structural drag on the Index: forward collision warning is standard, but lane departure warning is only optional, leaving buyers who do not select that package with a measurably thinner active-safety net. The seat-frame fastener recall and the engine hard-parts recall are the two campaigns that most directly connect to occupant safety and vehicle operability, and both are active concerns on this one-year-old truck.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2025 Ford Ranger perform in crash tests?
The 2025 Ford Ranger Super Crew 4WD received a 4 out of 5 star overall safety rating from NHTSA. While frontal and side crash protection both achieved a perfect 5 stars, the vehicle's rollover performance presents a specific concern. NHTSA rated rollover protection at 3 out of 5 stars, noting a 23 percent rollover risk in testing. The dynamic tip test, however, resulted in "No Tip."
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20344
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2025 Ford Ranger have any recalls?
Yes, the 2025 Ford Ranger carries 13 recall campaigns. Named components include internal engine hard parts tied to potential engine failure, critical seat-frame fasteners that may be loose or dislodged, sun visor and headliner wiring harness positioning, an EGR valve emissions-control issue, and an integrated trailer brake control concern shared with a broad Ford truck lineup. The seat-frame and engine-failure campaigns in particular warrant prompt VIN verification before driving.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL26V343000
Risk: A sudden loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine long block, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed June 5, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in November 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S35. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became
Reported 2026-05-27
SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS26V268000
Risk: A seat with a dislodged bolt may not properly restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the pivot links and bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 26S30. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning April 30, 2026.
Reported 2026-04-28
STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:SUN VISOR26V238000
Risk: Damaged wires can create an electrical short and cause a fire in the A-pillar area, increasing the risk of injury or a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the wiring for damage and update the body control module software. Damaged wiring harnesses will be replaced as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. This will be a Phased campaign. Phase 1 will include 2025 model year vehicles. Owners will be notified by mail the week of 5/31/2026. Phase 2 will include 2026 model year vehicles and Phase 3 will include 2024
Reported 2026-04-14
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)26V122000
Risk: 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. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S10. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 4, 2026.
Reported 2026-03-03
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL26V104000
Risk: Trailer lights or brakes that do not function can reduce the driver’s ability to control the trailer and decrease the trailers visibility to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The integrated trailer module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 25, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C10. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning March 17, 2026.
Reported 2026-02-20
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:ELECTRIC:CONTROL MODULE25V823000
Risk: An unexpected loss of power brake assist while driving can extend stopping distance and increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, a loss of power brake assist while ADAS features are engaged can result in the vehicle not braking as expected, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the electronic brake booster, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 26, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SD4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 3, 2025.
Reported 2025-12-01
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD25V683000
Risk: In the event of a crash, windshield detachment can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will remove and replace the windshield, free charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 20, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C52. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 14, 2025.
Reported 2025-10-10
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL25V678000
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the instrument panel assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 26, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C54. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 14, 2025.
Reported 2025-10-09
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN25V541000
Risk: Air bags that deploy improperly during a crash increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will install protective shields, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 26, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C41.
Reported 2025-08-22
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:ELECTRIC:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE25V488000
Risk: An unexpected loss of power brake assist while driving can extend stopping distance and increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, a loss of power brake assist while ADAS features are engaged can result in the vehicle not braking as expected, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The EBB module software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S77.
Reported 2025-07-25
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL25V399000
Risk: An instrument panel that does not clearly display critical safety information increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument panel software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 29, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Fords number for this recall is 25C23.
Reported 2025-06-13
SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS25V311000
Risk: A seat with loose or missing fasteners may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the seat fasteners and tighten or install new fasteners as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 23, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C16.
Reported 2025-05-09
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2025 Ford Ranger?
Owners have filed 27 unverified allegations with NHTSA for the 2025 Ranger. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Power Train and Engine, each cited 7 times, followed by Service Brakes at 6 reported complaints, and Electrical System and Vehicle Speed Control each cited 5 times. Three alleged crashes and one alleged injury appear in the dataset. These are unverified consumer reports, not established facts.
27 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2025 Ford Ranger?
The 2025 Ranger has 13 recall campaigns on record with NHTSA. This large number indicates potential safety issues for the model year. Of particular concern are open recalls affecting the seat frame and engine. These campaigns transfer with the vehicle to a new owner. Consumers considering a used 2025 Ranger should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup before purchase, then confirm with a Ford dealership which recall remedies have been completed.
- The 2025 Ranger's rollover rating of 3 out of 5 stars, with a 23 percent rollover risk, is the single lowest star score in its NHTSA crash-test profile and is specific to this body-style and drivetrain configuration.
- Thirteen recall campaigns are on record for this model year, including an engine hard-parts failure campaign and a seat-frame critical-fastener campaign, both of which have direct safety implications for occupants.
- The avoidance-tech sub-score of 3.5 out of 10 reflects that lane departure warning is optional rather than standard on this model year, meaning not every 2025 Ranger on the used market will have that feature installed.
- The Safety Index dropped one point from the 2024 model's 72/100 to 71/100, with the defect-record component scoring only 5.25 out of 20, driven by the volume of recall activity accumulated on this one-year-old truck.
RANKINGSWhere the 2025 Ford Ranger places
The 2025 Ford Ranger qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2025 Ford Ranger safety questions
Was the 2025 Ford Ranger crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2025 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 2025 Ford Ranger crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2025 Ford Ranger earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 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 22.8%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2025 Ford Ranger have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 13 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2025 Ford Ranger. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2025 Ford Ranger?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 27 owner complaints are on file for the 2025 Ford Ranger. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Ranger years
Rivals in Sedan (2025)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Audi A4 Allroad | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Audi S4 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Cadillac CT5 | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2025 Polestar 2 | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2025 Subaru Impreza | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 20344), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Ford Ranger 2025.
- 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 90 in the Sedan class for 2025.
- 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.