repaired · 2023 Q1
Driver side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
2011 Ford RangerProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 235 owner complaints about the 2011 Ford Ranger, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 5 safety recalls, and for recall 16V-384 the manufacturer reports only 24% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through June 15, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2011 Ford Ranger has problems
235 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
196Air bags7 crash/fire/injury
9Exterior lighting
8Structure
8Service brakes
5Power train
5Electrical system
4Fuel/propulsion system
4Vehicle speed control
2Engine
1310 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 196 | 7 |
| Exterior lighting | 9 | 1 |
| Structure | 8 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 8 | 3 |
| Power train | 5 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 5 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 4 | 1 |
| Vehicle speed control | 4 | 1 |
| Engine | 2 | 0 |
| 10 other systems | 13 | 2 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
5 recalls
2011 Ford Ranger recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2022 Q4
Air bags: frontal
Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the frontal air bag, an inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other…
repaired · 2020 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Do not driveRisk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2019 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Do not driveRisk. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Show 1 more recall
no report yet
Exterior lighting: brake lights
Risk. NON-FUNCTIONING LIGHTS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Ford.
Mileage at failure
When do air bags problems start?
50kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 35 air bags complaints. 83% were reported before 100,000 miles.
Only 28% of complaints for this model year include a mileage.
6under 30k miles29under 100k miles6100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2011 vs. every other Ranger year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Ranger median. How we score
11122735508973105132189232438321413411576755670515346243405289272270326169156235111272131119391999469
'83'84'85'86'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'14'16'17'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2011 Ford Ranger safety ratings
2011 Ford Ranger Super Cab PU/EC 4x4 in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★Overall rating
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 3 stars (26.7% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What Ranger owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
I received a letter from FORD identifying my Ranger as in need of an airbag replacement under recall, for free installation and parts. I called the only Ford dealer in town, Capitol Ford, Santa Fe, NM, and was told they were unable to replace my airbag because they did not have the parts for it and…
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?
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, he had a crash…
Own a 2011 Ranger?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.