CarBrief

NHTSA has 235 owner complaints on file for the 2011 Ford Ranger, and 196 of them name air bags[1][2]. In a sample of air bag complaints we read, most describe waiting on a recall repair, so check recall status on any truck you consider[2][3]. (Or drop the causal clause: "Check recall status on any truck you consider[4][3]." Avoid "most" if cutting is preferred.)

235owner complaints[1]
5recalls[5]
16–24MPG combined (EPA)[6]
2★NHTSA overall rating[7]

Most reported problems

Owners filed 235 complaints with NHTSA for this model year[1]. Nine mention a crash, one a fire and nine injuries. None report a death[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one component.

Component group Complaints Crashes Median mileage at failure
Air bags[2] 196 6 50,000
Exterior lighting[8] 9 1 42,500
Brakes[9] 8 3 39,937
Structure[10] 8 0 77,983
Power train[11] 5 0 30,000
Electrical system[12] 5 0 58,000
Speed control[13] 4 1 not listed
Engine[14] 4 0 not listed

Air bags. This group stands far above the rest, with 6 crashes and 6 injuries[2]. In the sample of 12 air bag complaints we read, In the sample of 12 air bag complaints we read, most describe a recall notice followed by no available repair part or no word on status[2].[2]. Two describe air bags that did not deploy in a crash[2]. The recalls section below explains the inflator recalls.

Exterior lighting. In a sample of 10 complaints we read, 7 describe tail, brake, turn or hazard lights that stopped working, and 3 describe high beam trouble[8]. Some of these complaints mention the switch recall below[8][15].

Brakes. In a sample of 8 complaints, 3 describe a brake pedal that did not respond or a brake system that failed, and 2 point to a brake switch[9]. With only 8 complaints in this group, we do not call it a common problem[9].

Structure. In a sample of 8 complaints, 3 describe doors that latched or lined up badly, and 2 describe rust on the frame or underside[10]. Others mention a detached bed liner and a detached front bumper[10].

Power train, electrical, speed control and engine groups each have 5 or fewer complaints[11][12][13][14]. One electrical complaint mentions a fire[12].

Recalls

NHTSA lists five recalls for this model year, newest first. The 2021 and 2019 air bag recalls and the 2016 one cover a long-running inflator problem, in which the inflator can burst and throw metal fragments, with a risk of serious injury or death[4][16][17][3].

The recall facts do not say whether every 2011 Ranger is covered by each recall. Check the specific truck's recall status with Ford or NHTSA before you buy or drive it.

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on the engine, transmission and drive. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the truck was new.

Version City / highway / combined MPG Est. annual fuel cost
2WD, 2.3L 4-cyl, manual[6] 22 / 27 / 24 $2,800
2WD, 2.3L 4-cyl, automatic[18] 19 / 23 / 20 $3,350
2WD, 4.0L 6-cyl, manual[19] 16 / 21 / 18 $3,700
2WD, 4.0L 6-cyl, automatic[20] 15 / 20 / 17 $3,950
4WD, 4.0L 6-cyl, manual[21] 15 / 19 / 17 $3,950
4WD, 4.0L 6-cyl, automatic[22] 15 / 18 / 16 $4,200

All versions use regular fuel[18][6][20][19][22][21]. The 2.3L manual 2WD is the most economical at 24 combined MPG[6]. The 4.0L automatic 4WD is the thirstiest at 16 combined[22].

Safety ratings

NHTSA gave the tested versions 2 stars overall and 2 stars for frontal crash[7][23][24]. Side and rollover ratings are 3 stars each[7][23][24].

Engine and size

EPA lists the 2.3L 4-cylinder at 143 hp[25] and the 4.0L 6-cylinder at 207 hp[26].

Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada and can differ slightly from US trucks.

Variant Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
Regular cab, styleside, short box[27] 187 in 69 in 64 in 112 in 3,069 lb
Super cab, styleside, short box, Sport/XLT 4X[28] 202 in 69 in 68 in 126 in 3,600 lb
Super cab, styleside, short box, XL/Sport 4x2[29] 202 in 69 in 65 in 126 in 3,234 lb

How 2011 compares with other years

1995: 321 complaints, 1 recalls19951996: 413 complaints, 2 recalls1997: 411 complaints, 1 recalls1998: 582 complaints, 7 recalls19981999: 760 complaints, 5 recalls2000: 676 complaints, 4 recalls2001: 527 complaints, 4 recalls20012002: 346 complaints, 3 recalls2003: 243 complaints, 1 recalls2004: 404 complaints, 10 recalls20042005: 289 complaints, 9 recalls2006: 272 complaints, 12 recalls2007: 270 complaints, 5 recalls20072008: 326 complaints, 5 recalls2009: 169 complaints, 7 recalls2010: 156 complaints, 8 recalls20102011: 235 complaints, 5 recalls23520112019: 270 complaints, 11 recalls2020: 130 complaints, 7 recalls20202021: 118 complaints, 6 recalls2022: 37 complaints, 5 recalls2023: 18 complaints, 4 recalls20232024: 94 complaints, 13 recalls2025: 44 complaints, 13 recalls2026: 7 complaints, 8 recalls2026
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Ranger model year. The 2011 is highlighted[5].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
19953211
19964132
19974111
19985827
19997605
20006764
20015274
20023463
20032431
200440410
20052899
200627212
20072705
20083265
20091697
20101568
20112355
201927011
20201307
20211186
2022375
2023184
20249413
20254413
202678

The 2011 Ranger has 235 complaints and 5 recalls on file[5]. Ranked by complaints from highest, it sits 16th of the 25 model years in the list, and 9 years have fewer complaints[5]. Those are 2009 and 2010 and the 2020 to 2026 years[5]. The list has no entries for 2012 to 2018[5].

The two years just before it have fewer complaints and more recalls. 2010 has 156 complaints and 8 recalls, and 2009 has 169 and 7[5]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many trucks were sold, so treat this as a rough guide only.

Should you buy a used 2011 Ranger?

Of the 235 complaints, 196 are about air bags[1][2]. The inflator recalls matter most because they carry a risk of serious injury, and two of them advise owners not to drive until the repair is done[17][3]. If you consider one, confirm that every recall has been completed. Owners also report waiting for parts in the past[2][3]. Fuel economy is best with the 2.3L engine, and safety ratings are 2 stars overall[6][7].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2011 Ford Ranger?
Air bags lead the complaint list with 196 of 235 complaints on file with NHTSA[1][2]. Exterior lighting has 9 complaints, and brakes and structure have 8 each[8][9][10].
Does the 2011 Ford Ranger have recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists five: four for air bag inflators (21V158, 21V081, 19V001, 16V384) and one for a multi-function switch that can stop lights working (11V352)[4][16][17][3][15].
How many miles per gallon does the 2011 Ford Ranger get?
EPA combined ratings run from 16 MPG (4WD, 4.0L, automatic) to 24 MPG (2WD, 2.3L, manual)[22][6].
How safe is the 2011 Ford Ranger?
NHTSA rates it 2 stars overall, 2 stars frontal, 3 stars side and 3 stars rollover[7][23][24].
How much horsepower does the 2011 Ford Ranger have?
EPA lists 143 hp for the 2.3L 4-cylinder and 207 hp for the 4.0L 6-cylinder[25][26].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 235 owner complaints on file for the 2011 Ford Ranger (9 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 9 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 196 complaints name the air bags component group (6 crashes, 0 fires, 6 injuries, median mileage at failure 50,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Recall 16V384, filed May 31, 2016: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  4. Recall 21V158, filed March 10, 2021: Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  5. Owner complaints and recalls for every Ford Ranger model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  6. EPA rating for Ranger 2WD, 2.3L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 27 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  7. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/EC 4x2: overall 2 stars, frontal 2 stars, side 3 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 21.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 9 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 42,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 8 complaints name the brakes component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 39,937). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 8 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 77,983). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 5 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 30,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 5 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 58,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 4 complaints name the speed control component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. 4 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  15. Recall 11V352, filed July 13, 2011: Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights. NHTSA recall database
  16. Recall 21V081, filed February 16, 2021: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  17. Recall 19V001, filed January 7, 2019: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  18. EPA rating for Ranger 2WD, 2.3L 4-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 23 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for Ranger 2WD, 4.0L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 21 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for Ranger 2WD, 4.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 20 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA rating for Ranger 4WD, 4.0L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 19 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. EPA rating for Ranger 4WD, 4.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 18 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  23. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/RC 4x2: overall 2 stars, frontal 2 stars, side 3 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 21.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  24. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/EC 4x4: overall 2 stars, frontal 2 stars, side 3 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 26.7%. NHTSA vehicle records
  25. EPA Test Car List, 2011 Ford Ranger with 2.3L 4-cylinder: rated 143 hp. www.epa.gov
  26. EPA Test Car List, 2011 Ford Ranger with 4.0L 6-cylinder: rated 207 hp. www.epa.gov
  27. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, RANGER REG CAB STYLESIDE S/BOX: length 187 in, width 69 in, height 64 in, wheelbase 112 in, curb weight 3,069 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  28. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, RANGER SUPER CAB STYLESIDE S/BOX SPORT/XLT 4X: length 202 in, width 69 in, height 68 in, wheelbase 126 in, curb weight 3,600 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  29. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, RANGER SUPER CAB STYLESIDE S/BOX XL/SPORT 4X2: length 202 in, width 69 in, height 65 in, wheelbase 126 in, curb weight 3,234 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.