Ford Ranger vs Ram 1500
For 2005–2021 models, the Ford Ranger has 25.4 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 31.8 for the Ram 1500. Below: what each one’s owners report most, when it shows up, and what it costs to fix.
Both rates cover the same model years (2005–2021), counting each complaint once and dividing by US sales, so the more popular vehicle isn’t penalized for being popular. Years too new to judge are left out. How this is calculated.
Ford Ranger
25.4 complaints per 10,000 sold
20% fewer than the Ram 1500
- Complaints
- 2,126
- Sold
- 837,416
- Recall campaigns
- 33
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 2
Most complaints: 2008. Fewest: 2005, 2012 and 2020–2021. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 82,250 mi
-
Body and panel corrosion
Typically around 104,604 mi
-
Subframe, cradle and frame corrosion
Typically around 110,000 mi
-
Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting
Typically around 72,675 mi
-
Wiring harness, grounds and connectors
Typically around 85,500 mi
Ram 1500
31.8 complaints per 10,000 sold
1.3× the Ford Ranger’s rate
- Complaints
- 12,931
- Sold
- 4,070,255
- Recall campaigns
- 85
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 4
Most complaints: 2009. Fewest: 2007 and 2019–2021. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 32,000 mi
-
Electric power steering motor and module
Typically around 76,900 mi · repair $750–$2,230
-
ABS module and wheel speed sensors
Typically around 85,000 mi · repair $660–$1,260
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 48,500 mi
-
Power steering pump, rack and lines
Typically around 70,000 mi · repair $750–$2,230
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Ford Ranger or the Ram 1500?
For 2005–2021 models, the Ford Ranger has 25.4 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Ram 1500 has 31.8, counting the same model years for both.
What is the most common problem on the Ford Ranger?
The most-reported problem on the Ford Ranger is airbags, seatbelts and restraints, typically around 82,250 miles.
What is the most common problem on the Ram 1500?
The most-reported problem on the Ram 1500 is body control and other modules, typically around 32,000 miles.
Which Ford Ranger and Ram 1500 years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Ford Ranger: 2008; Ram 1500: 2009.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, recalls and investigations; US sales from public industry figures; repair costs from book labor hours and parts pricing at national rates. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. Problem lists cover each vehicle’s full history. This is not a recommendation to buy or avoid either vehicle.