NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Ford Ranger Safety Ratings
The 2026 Ford Ranger scores 76 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 8 recalls, and 3 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2026 Ford Ranger achieved an Average safety rating, with a NHTSA Safety Index of 78 out of 100. Its crash protection scores were strong, yet six active recall campaigns weighed on its overall performance. The limited availability of crash-avoidance technology also prevented the Ranger from attaining a higher safety tier. Prospective buyers should confirm all recall remedies by VIN prior to acquisition.
The 2026 Ford Ranger holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 78/100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 4 out of 5 stars, per NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 72 Sedans from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 Ford Ranger ranks 68 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 76 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 3 stars |
| Rollover risk | 22.8% |
| Recalls on file | 8 |
| Owner complaints | 3 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 68 of 72 Sedans tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Ford Ranger?
The 2026 Ford Ranger achieved 5 out of 5 stars in both frontal and side crash protection tests, anchoring its crash-protection sub-score at 62 out of 70. This strong performance in impact scenarios is a meaningful seven-point gain over the 2025 model's 71/100, placing both model years in the Average band, with the 2026 Ranger earning a NHTSA Safety Index of 78/100. The vehicle's 3 out of 5 stars for rollover, with a 23 percent rollover risk, represents a clear limitation in its crash-test results; this figure is consistent with the inherent characteristics of a taller, narrower truck platform. The avoidance-tech sub-score is 2 out of 10, reflecting that neither forward collision warning nor lane departure warning are standard equipment; only electronic stability control is confirmed as standard. This omission is notable for a current model year vehicle. The 2026 model year presents a significant defect record with six active recall campaigns. These recalls address critical components including the engine, seating structure, and electrical systems, along with an issue concerning label accuracy. While the three NHTSA owner complaints are a small sample size this early in the model year, the seat-related allegations align directly with an active recall regarding seat fasteners. This specific recall area warrants close monitoring.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Ford Ranger perform in crash tests?
The 2026 Ford Ranger achieved an overall 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA, with its frontal and side impact protection both earning the maximum 5-star rating. However, the Ranger's rollover resistance presents a notable concern, receiving only 3 out of 5 stars due to a 23 percent rollover risk. Despite this, the dynamic tip test indicated a "No Tip" outcome.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21431
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Ford Ranger have any recalls?
Yes. Six recall campaigns cover the 2026 Ranger. Components involved include the engine and internal mechanical hard parts, tire placard and safety label accuracy, front seat frame fasteners, sun visor and headliner wiring harness positioning, and the integrated trailer brake control electrical system. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the supplied data, but owners should confirm remedy status by VIN immediately.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION26V605000
Risk: A rearview camera image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The remedy is currently under development. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed October 5, 2026. Additional letters will be sent when the remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C42. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on Sept
Reported 2026-09-22
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL26V548000
Risk: An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the engine pistons and replace the engine long block, if necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 3, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in December 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S61. Vehicle Identifica
Reported 2026-08-25
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
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS26V335000
Risk: The incorrect tire size, tire pressures, and GAWR listed on the labels can allow the vehicle to be overloaded or have improperly inflated tires, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and if necessary, replace the certification and TREAD labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 3, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C24. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 28, 2026.
Reported 2026-05-26
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
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
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
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Ford Ranger?
Three unverified consumer allegations have been reported to NHTSA for the 2026 Ranger. The top components alleged are Seats, appearing in two reports, followed by single reports each for Wheels and Engine. One report alleges an injury. These are unverified allegations, not established facts.
3 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Ford Ranger?
Six open recall campaigns have been issued for the 2026 Ranger, addressing concerns with the engine, seats, electrical systems, and vehicle labels. Prospective owners must verify, via NHTSA's recall lookup tool, that all necessary Ford dealer remedies have been applied to any specific vehicle before acquisition.
- The 2026 Ranger's Safety Index rose seven points to 78/100 compared to the 2025 model's 71/100, a year-over-year gain driven by strong crash-protection scores rather than improvements in avoidance technology.
- Six recall campaigns are active for this model year, including a serious engine hard-parts failure risk shared with the 2025-2026 Explorer and Bronco, and a front seat frame fastener issue spanning 2024-2026 Ranger and Bronco vehicles.
- NHTSA's rollover rating of 3 out of 5 stars with a 23 percent rollover risk is the lowest individual crash-test score this vehicle received and is the primary crash-test caution for 2026.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning are both listed as not present, contributing to a low avoidance-tech sub-score of 2 out of 10, which directly suppresses the overall Safety Index despite strong frontal and side star ratings.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Ford Ranger places
The 2026 Ford Ranger qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Ford Ranger safety questions
Was the 2026 Ford Ranger crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Ford Ranger, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 76 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 2026 Ford Ranger crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 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 2026 Ford Ranger have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 8 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2026 Ford Ranger. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2026 Ford Ranger?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 3 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 Ford Ranger. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Ranger years
Rivals in Sedan (2026)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Acura Integra | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2026 Acura Integra Type-S | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Honda Accord | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus IS 350 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Subaru Impreza | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 21431), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Ford Ranger 2026.
- 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 68 of 72 in the Sedan class for 2026.
- 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.