While not as large as an F-150, or as capable, the midsize Ford Ranger pickup is every bit as dependable. When maintained, there’s no reason a Ford Ranger shouldn’t last 200,000 miles or more.
Key Points
- The Ford Ranger’s utilitarian formula has made it one of the most reliable, sought-after used pickups available.
- Second-gen. Rangers see occasional engine issues but have automatic transmissions that can fail before 90,000 miles.
- Ford discontinued the midsize Ranger in 2011 but bought the pickup back in 2019 for its third generation.
- Rangers from 2019 to 2021 all share the same engine and transmission, which so far look to be dependable.
How Long will a Ford Ranger Pickup Last? Expect the Odometer to Pass 200,000 Miles Before Repair Bills Become a Problem
After an eight-year hiatus, Ford brought the midsize Ranger pickup back for 2019 and ended the year selling more units than it had since the mid-2000s. The third-generation Ranger generally looks to carry on the model’s reliable reputation.
So, how long will a Ford Ranger last? Owners across sites like Ranger Forums, Vehicle History, and Ford Trucks consistently boast over 200,000 miles in Rangers from 2000 to 2011. Most tend to get retired around 250,000 over rising repair costs. But, if you’re willing to pay for it, 300,000 or more is a possibility.
In most cases, routine maintenance is your best bet at surpassing 200,000 miles in a midsize Ranger pickup. Yet, some years are more likely to run into problems than others.
Powertrain Problems can Quickly Retire a Ford Ranger, but Routine Maintenance will Lean the Odds in Your Favor
According to Bankrate, insurance companies usually total a car if a claim reaches about 75 percent of its value.
Engine and transmission repairs tend to be the priciest. With an average Ford Ranger engine swap costing between $3,000 to $6,000, it doesn’t take long before an older unit just isn’t worth fixing anymore.
A base 2006 Ranger is a good example, which has a starting price per Kelley Blue Book of around $5,000. If the engine or transmission goes out, it may be best to invest the repair bill into a new pickup and sell the Ranger for parts.
To minimize these costly powertrain problems, on-time, regular maintenance is key. While there are several items on this list, at different mileage intervals, changing the oil and transmission fluid are two of the most vital.
If ignored, motor oil and tranny fluid will pick up contaminants, like metal particles, rust, dirt, etc. Over time, these can cause internal damage that ultimately leads to premature failure.
Other service items, like the oil filter, does a solid job of removing the grime, but even it needs changing every 3,000-5,000 miles or so.
Ranger Pickups from 2005-2011 have Reliable Engines, but the Transmission is Prone to Fail Before 90,000 Miles
Going back to the 2002 introduction of the second-gen. model, registered owner complaints made to the NHTSA show engine failure in the Ford Ranger is not a common issue. There are reports of unintended acceleration, excessive oil consumption, and various odd noises, but not so much natural failure.
Ford offered this generation Ranger with either a 2.3L inline-four cylinder engine or larger 3.0L and 4.0L V6 units.
The transmission is the problem-child of the midsize pickup, specifically the five-speed automatic used from 2001 to 2011. Regardless of engine, the unit tends to fail before 90,000 miles and costs about $1,800-$2,400 depending on if you rebuild or replace it.
Rough shifting is a common symptom that suggests the transmission is having issues, as is the O/D light flashing. By 2005, earlier powertrain problems had been fixed, making most model years reliable, up until the Ranger’s 2011 discontinuation.
Third-generation Ford Ranger Off to a Good Start, No Apparent Problem Areas as of Yet
Word of the Ranger’s return came many years before the third generation actually materialized. The 2019 Ranger doesn’t share a nut or a bolt with the second generation, but it does stick to the same utilitarian formula, albeit with a long-needed modern update.
Under the hood of any Ranger from 2019 to 2021 is an EcoBoost 2.3L four-cylinder that first debuted in the 2015 Lincoln MKC. The engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. No real problems have yet been reported with this powertrain, which appears to be dependable.
More time on the streets is needed to know just how long a third-gen. Ford Ranger will last, but things do appear to be off to a good start.
How Long will a Ford Ranger Really Last?
Few vehicles are as likely to reach 200,000 miles without mechanical issue as the Ford Ranger pickup. When maintained, and if you promptly look into any symptoms that suggest an issue is wrong with the vehicle, a midsize Ranger should see 200,000 to 250,000 miles.
If you’re willing to pay for the inevitable repairs, a Ford Ranger should be able to last 300,000 miles or more, though at one point you may be better off investing in a newer vehicle.
Photos: Ford
