The Ford Ranger is one of the most popular pick-up trucks on UK roads, and for good reason. It is tough, capable, and holds its value well. But like any vehicle that spends its working life towing trailers, crossing muddy fields, or hauling heavy loads on motorways, certain problems tend to crop up. Knowing what to expect can save you thousands in repair bills — or help you make a smarter decision about whether to fix or sell.
This guide covers the most common Ford Ranger problems reported by UK owners, with realistic repair costs and practical advice on what to do when things go wrong.
Wet Belt Failure — The Most Expensive Risk
If your Ford Ranger has the 2.0 EcoBlue engine (found in models from 2019 onwards), the single biggest risk is wet belt failure. Unlike traditional timing chains or external timing belts, the EcoBlue uses an oil-bathed timing belt that runs inside the engine. When this belt degrades — and it does, especially if oil changes are missed — it sheds debris into the oil system. That debris can block oil galleries and starve critical engine components of lubrication.
The result is often catastrophic engine damage. Early-stage wet belt failure, caught before the belt breaks, might cost between £3,000 and £5,000 to address with a belt replacement and oil system flush. If the belt has already failed and caused internal damage, you could be looking at £8,000 to £15,000 for a full engine rebuild or replacement.
We have written a detailed guide on this topic: Ford Ranger Wet Belt Failure — Full Guide.
Engine Problems
Beyond the wet belt, Ford Ranger engines can suffer from a range of issues depending on the generation and engine type.
Turbo Failure
Turbocharger problems are common across both the 2.2 TDCi and 3.2 TDCi engines, as well as the newer 2.0 EcoBlue. Symptoms include loss of power, excessive smoke from the exhaust, a whining noise under acceleration, and the engine entering limp mode. Turbo replacement typically costs between £1,500 and £3,500 depending on the engine variant and whether you use a new or remanufactured unit.
Injector Failure
Diesel injectors on the Ford Ranger are precision components that can fail over time, particularly if fuel quality is poor or servicing intervals have been stretched. Symptoms include rough idling, misfires, excessive smoke, and poor fuel economy. Replacing a single injector costs around £300 to £600, but if all four or five need doing (which is common once one fails), the bill can reach £1,500 to £2,500 including calibration and coding.
Oil Pump Failure
Oil pump failure is less common but far more destructive. If the oil pump fails, the engine can seize within minutes. This is more frequently reported on the 2.2 TDCi and often occurs with little warning. The cost of replacing an oil pump alone is modest — around £500 to £800 — but the consequential engine damage usually pushes the total bill into the thousands.
For a more detailed breakdown of engine-specific issues, see our guide: Ford Ranger Engine Problems.
DPF Problems
The Diesel Particulate Filter is a mandatory part of the emissions system on all modern Ford Rangers. It traps soot particles from the exhaust and periodically burns them off in a process called regeneration. Problems arise when the DPF cannot regenerate properly — usually because the vehicle does too many short journeys, spends too much time idling, or the regeneration process is repeatedly interrupted.
A blocked DPF triggers warning lights, puts the engine into limp mode, and can eventually cause further damage to the turbo and EGR system. Professional DPF cleaning costs between £300 and £500 and can resolve the problem in many cases. If the DPF is too far gone, replacement costs between £800 and £2,500 depending on whether you fit a genuine Ford part or an aftermarket alternative.
It is worth noting that DPF delete or removal is illegal for road vehicles in the UK and will result in an MOT failure.
Gearbox Problems
Both the automatic and manual gearboxes fitted to the Ford Ranger have known issues, though the problems differ between the two.
Automatic Transmission Faults
The six-speed automatic gearbox (and the ten-speed unit in later models) can suffer from rough or delayed shifting, torque converter shudder, and in severe cases, complete transmission failure. The torque converter shudder is particularly common and feels like a vibration or judder at low speeds. A full automatic gearbox rebuild or replacement typically costs between £3,000 and £6,000.
Manual Clutch Wear
Manual Rangers work hard, and clutch wear is a common issue — especially on vehicles used for towing or off-road work. A clutch replacement on a Ford Ranger costs between £800 and £1,500, though this rises if the dual-mass flywheel also needs replacing, which is often the case. Including a flywheel, the bill can reach £2,000 to £3,000.
Electrical Faults
Electrical problems on the Ford Ranger range from minor annoyances to expensive headaches.
ECU Issues
Engine Control Unit faults can cause a wide variety of symptoms including starting problems, limp mode, erratic idle, and warning lights appearing on the dashboard. ECU repair or replacement costs between £500 and £1,500. In some cases, a software update from a Ford dealer can resolve the issue for much less.
Wiring Harness and Connector Problems
Water ingress into wiring connectors is a known issue, particularly around the engine bay, tailgate, and under the bonnet. Corroded connectors can cause intermittent faults that are difficult and time-consuming to diagnose. The cost varies enormously depending on the location and severity, but diagnostic time alone can add up quickly at £80 to £120 per hour.
Alternator and Battery Drain
Some Rangers suffer from parasitic battery drain, where the battery goes flat overnight or after sitting for a few days. This is often caused by a faulty alternator, a module that fails to go to sleep, or an aftermarket accessory that has been poorly installed. Diagnosis and repair typically costs between £200 and £800.
When Is Repair Not Worth It?
This is the question every Ranger owner with a big repair bill eventually faces. As a general rule, if the cost of repair exceeds 50 per cent of what the vehicle is worth in good running condition (see our Ford Ranger depreciation guide), it is usually not worth fixing — particularly on older or higher-mileage trucks.
For example, if your 2017 Ford Ranger is worth £12,000 in good condition but needs £7,000 in engine work, the numbers simply do not add up. You will spend £7,000 to own a vehicle worth £12,000, and there is no guarantee something else will not fail shortly after.
We have written a dedicated guide on this topic: When Your Ford Ranger Is Not Worth Repairing.
Other factors to consider include the age and mileage of the vehicle, its service history, whether it has other underlying issues, and what your practical needs are. Sometimes selling a faulty Ranger and putting the money towards something newer is the smarter financial move.
What To Do If Your Ranger Has Problems
If your Ford Ranger has developed any of the problems described above, you have three realistic options:
- Repair it — if the cost is reasonable relative to the vehicle value and you plan to keep it long-term.
- Sell it privately — this can be slow and difficult with a faulty vehicle, and you must declare all known faults.
- Sell it to a specialist buyer — companies like RangerBuyer purchase Ford Rangers in any condition, including those with major mechanical faults.
We buy Ford Rangers with wet belt failure, engine problems, gearbox faults, DPF issues, and every other problem covered in this guide. We understand what these trucks are worth, even when they are not running.
Get a free, no-obligation quote for your Ford Ranger today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common problem with the Ford Ranger?
On newer models (2019 onwards), wet belt failure in the 2.0 EcoBlue engine is the most significant and costly issue. On older models, turbo failure and DPF problems are the most frequently reported faults.
Are Ford Rangers expensive to repair?
Ford Rangers can be expensive to repair because they use commercial-grade diesel engines and drivetrains. Labour rates are higher due to the size and weight of the vehicle, and genuine Ford parts are not cheap. Major repairs such as engine rebuilds or gearbox replacements can easily cost £3,000 to £10,000 or more.
How long do Ford Ranger engines last?
With proper maintenance, Ford Ranger engines can last 200,000 miles or more. However, skipped services, poor-quality fuel, and heavy use can significantly shorten engine life. The 2.0 EcoBlue in particular requires strict adherence to service intervals due to the wet belt system.
Should I buy a Ford Ranger with known problems?
It depends entirely on the problem, the price, and whether you have the budget for repairs. A Ranger with a minor electrical fault at a significant discount could be a bargain. A Ranger with wet belt failure or a blown engine is a much riskier proposition unless you can source a replacement engine at a good price.