Severe Issues

2011 FORD RANGER Problems

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2011 Ford Ranger. This model year has 234 NHTSA complaints β€” top issue: Airbag Malfunctions.

234
Complaints
9
Crashes
1
Fires
9
Injuries
β€”
Deaths
6
Recalls

Before you buy β€” check the actual VIN

This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.

Worst 2011 Ford Ranger Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#1
195
complaints

Airbag Malfunctions

Crash-related:6
Injuries:6
#2
9
complaints

Headlight/Taillight Failures

Crash-related:1
#3
8
complaints

Structural Problems

Considering a 2011 Ford Ranger?

This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).

All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2011 Ford Ranger. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Airbag Malfunctions1956β€”β€”
Headlight/Taillight Failures91β€”β€”
Structural Problems8β€”β€”β€”
Brake System83β€”β€”
Electrical Faults5β€”1β€”
Transmission / Drivetrain5β€”β€”β€”
Fuel/Propulsion System4β€”1β€”
Unintended Acceleration41β€”β€”
Engine Problems4β€”β€”β€”
Wheel Issues22β€”β€”
Uncategorized Issues2β€”β€”β€”
Fuel System2β€”β€”β€”
Gasoline2β€”β€”β€”
Visibility/Wiper1β€”β€”β€”
Tire Issues1β€”β€”β€”
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)1β€”β€”β€”
Door Lock Issues1β€”β€”β€”
Suspension Failures1β€”β€”β€”
Steering Defects1β€”β€”β€”
Equipment1β€”β€”β€”

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2011 Ford Ranger. Type a keyword (e.g. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

πŸ”

Showing 234 most recent complaints

Airbag MalfunctionsJul 2, 2025

I'm looking to buy this truck from a private sale. If I do, and the recall has not been completed, will the manufacturer still fix it for free?

Electrical FaultsOct 7, 2024

HIGH BEAM LIGHTS FAILED ON, THE HI-LO BEAM SWITCH IN TURN, HAZARD, WIPER COMBO SWITCH LATER OVERHEATED, BURN UP, SMOKE IN CABIN CAUSING COMPLETE LOSS OF LAMPS, WIPERS AT NIGHT IN RAIN. CLEARLY A COMMON ISSUE BASED ON WEB. IF YOU ARE GOING TO SEND FULL LOAD CURRENT WITH NO CONTROL…

Airbag MalfunctionsπŸ’₯ CrashJul 24, 2024

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Ranger. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V158000 (Air Bags) however, the dealer wanted to charge the contact to complete the repair because the air bag was deployed. The contact stated that prior to the recall appointment,…

Airbag MalfunctionsJul 18, 2023

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the air bags needed to be replaced. The v…

Airbag MalfunctionsπŸ’₯ CrashMay 25, 2023

The airbags did not deploy during accident. I was injured. No, the problem was not reproduced or confirmed by dealer or independent service center yet. The vehicle was inspected by police. There were no prior warnings.

Airbag MalfunctionsFeb 20, 2023

Took my 2011 Ford Ranger to the local dealer for the mandatory airbag and knee plate replacement pick up the vehicle they gave me paperwork saying the parts have been replaced happened to be working under the dash yesterday and found that parts were not replaced bolts were missin…

Airbag MalfunctionsFeb 6, 2023

My vehicle has a safety recall the dealership refuses to repair and the manufacturer has been no help.

Tire IssuesNov 27, 2022

The spare tire fell off the vehicle, including the hoist, while driving down the road. The frame crossmember holding the hoist is rotted through, with virtually no other rust anywhere else on the body and frame. Yes, you can come see it at any time. I have not bothered taking it …

Airbag MalfunctionsOct 13, 2022

The faulty airbag is unable to be replaced due to Ford not being able to get replacement parts. It puts me at risk every day that I drive it because if I got into an accident and the airbag deploys, it can project metal shards into my body which can be life threatening or even ca…

Airbag MalfunctionsSep 27, 2022

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 Ford Ranger. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V158000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for th…

Airbag MalfunctionsAug 26, 2022

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 Ford Ranger. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V158000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet avail…

Airbag MalfunctionsJul 24, 2022

Made several attempts with Ford Dealership to remedy the recall without success.

Airbag MalfunctionsJun 28, 2022

I live in Florida. It has been 15 months since Ford notified me that a second airbag needed replacing. I have not heard from them since then. This is not what I would consider a timely replacement. The truck is a 2011 and I'm 73 years old. I feel the Ford is trying to run out the…

Airbag MalfunctionsMay 31, 2022

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Ranger. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V001000 (Air Bags) and 21V158000 (Air Bags) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer and Earnhardt Ford (7300 W Orchid Ln, Chandler, AZ 8…

Airbag MalfunctionsMay 25, 2022

Ford has failed to make a remedy available for a safety recall from 14 months ago

Structural ProblemsMar 28, 2022

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that on two separate occasions, the front bumper detached from the vehicle without incident. The first time the failure occurred, the contact noticed the failure before entering the vehicle. The contact placed the bumper int…

Airbag MalfunctionsMar 3, 2022

Recall was issued almost a year ago (March 25, 2021). This is a potential life-threatening defect and apparently Ford still does not have the parts needed to effect the fix.

Airbag MalfunctionsFeb 2, 2022

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 Ford Ranger. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V158000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer had been notified about the recall; however, the contact was informed that…

Airbag MalfunctionsOct 1, 2021

I was notified in April 2021 that there was a safety issue with the driver side airbag. The notification stated that when parts were available Ford Motor Company would send me a letter to contact the dealer to have the repairs made. I have contacted my dealer at various times and…

Airbag MalfunctionsSep 28, 2021

2011 FORD RANGER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO NHSTA AIR BAG SAFETY RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE PARTS NECESSARY TO COMPLETE THE RECALL WERE UNAVAILABLE.

Page 1 of 12

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2011 Ford Ranger.

Recalls for 2011 Ford Ranger

6 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2011 Ford Ranger. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

19V001000Jul 1, 2019
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

16V384000Invalid Date
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

11V352000Invalid Date
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

21V158000Oct 3, 2021
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

21E013000Invalid Date
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

21V081000Invalid Date
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

2011 Ford Ranger β€” FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2011 Ford Ranger reliable?β–Ύ

Severe Issues. The 2011 Ford Ranger has 234 NHTSA owner complaints, 9 crash-related, and 6 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Airbag Malfunctions (195 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.

What are the most common problems with the 2011 Ford Ranger?β–Ύ

#1: Airbag Malfunctions (195 complaints). #2: Headlight/Taillight Failures (9 complaints). #3: Structural Problems (8 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2011 Ford Ranger?β–Ύ

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2011 Ford Ranger?β–Ύ

The 2011 Ford Ranger has 9 crash-related complaints and 1 fire reports out of 234 total NHTSA complaints. 9 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2011 Ford Ranger have any recalls?β–Ύ

Yes β€” 6 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2011 Ford Ranger. The largest issue: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

Should I buy a 2011 Ford Ranger?β–Ύ

The 2011 Ford Ranger has severe issues β€” review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Airbag Malfunctions issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.

Wider context: See the full Ford Ranger reliability report with year-by-year comparison.

Check Your Specific 2011 Ford Ranger

Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.

2011 Ford Ranger Problems β€” 234 NHTSA Complaints | VinSpector AI