Vehicle was placed into Ford’s Neutral Tow mode according to the owner’s manual before being recreationally towed behind a motorhome. The instrument cluster displayed Ford’s confirmation that Neutral Tow was enabled and the vehicle was ready for four-wheel-down towing. The transmission failure occurred during the second day of towing. After highway travel, the transmission severely overheated, expelled transmission fluid and lost all ability to move in forward or reverse. Diagnostic code P0218, transmission over-temperature, was present. Neutral Tow was no longer enabled when the vehicle was subsequently checked. The Ford dealer states that the vehicle does not retain logs confirming whether Neutral Tow was enabled or remained enabled. Ford’s GSB 22-7086 directs the dealer to inspect for transmission damage associated with the drivetrain being rotated during recreational towing. However, the resulting damage cannot establish whether the owner failed to activate Neutral Tow or whether Ford’s electronically controlled Neutral Tow system confirmed activation and later failed to maintain the required mechanical state. The fact that the vehicle was successfully towed during the first day before failing on the second day raises concern that the transfer case, shift-control system or related electronics may have lost or failed to maintain Neutral Tow after it had been successfully activated. There are other reported incidents involving Ford Ranger, F-150 and Bronco vehicles in which owners state that Neutral Tow was confirmed but the drivetrain subsequently re-engaged, overheated or suffered catastrophic transmission damage during recreational towing. This condition presents a safety risk because Ford’s system may display that the vehicle is ready and safe to tow while potentially failing to keep the drivetrain mechanically isolated. In this incident, extremely hot transmission fluid was expelled onto the vehicle, tow equipment and surrounding roadway, creating a poss

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11753520 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that the brake pedal and accelerator pedal were too close together. While driving at various speeds, the contact’s foot slid off the brake pedal onto the accelerator pedal and the vehicle lunged forward. While reversing, the vehicle automatically backed up, but after depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle jumped several feet. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11562560 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Ranger equipped with Bridgestone Tires, Tire Line: Dueler HT685, Tire Size: 255/70/R16, DOT Number: 1VN0KDH2 3422. The contact stated that the driver’s side front inner tire was excessively worn. The contact noticed that the steel belts were showing through. The contact replaced the tire with a spare. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed him that the alignment bolt s could not be adjusted. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle and tire failure mileage were approximately 38,000.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11622476 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while her son was driving at 40 MPH, he ran a red light at an intersection and T-boned another vehicle. The impact bent the frame into the front tires. The air bags did not deploy. There were no injuries, and medical attention was not received. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the body shop; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 17,000.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11545675 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Ranger. The contact stated while driving 2 MPH and exiting the driveway, the contact heard a loud bang coming from the vehicle. The contact stopped the vehicle and noticed that the rear windshield had fractured without impact. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The contact was informed that the rear windshield was not defective. The contact was informed that the replacement of the windshield was not covered under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 27,000.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11592254 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

I have developed severe chronic neck and back pain due to the shape and position of the headrests in this vehicle (as well as my wife’s 2024 Hyundai Kona). There is no position that does no cause pain, and I am forced to remove them entirely, or lean forward and not use them, causing a lack of support and different muscle tension. This has been confirmed by my physical therapist. Due to NHTSA requirements, I cannot buy a newer vehicle that does not cause this condition, nor even purchase aftermarket replacements. Being forced to drive without a headrest at all is much more dangerous than having a comfortable option. I have to drive a lot to work and shop because I live in the mountains. Please help. I’m one of millions with this problem.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11710143 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov