Ford Ranger vs Toyota Tacoma
For 2005–2022 models, the Toyota Tacoma has 17.6 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 24.2 for the Ford Ranger. 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 (2005–2022), 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
24.2 complaints per 10,000 sold
1.4× the Toyota Tacoma’s rate
- Complaints
- 2,163
- Sold
- 894,403
- Recall campaigns
- 35
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 2
Most complaints: 2008. Fewest: 2012 and 2020–2022. 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
Toyota Tacoma
17.6 complaints per 10,000 sold
27% fewer than the Ford Ranger
- Complaints
- 3,674
- Sold
- 2,082,482
- Recall campaigns
- 24
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 0
Most complaints: 2005–2006 and 2008–2009. Fewest: 2020–2022. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Body and panel corrosion
Typically around 122,867 mi
-
Subframe, cradle and frame corrosion
Typically around 128,000 mi
-
Coil and leaf springs
Typically around 86,400 mi
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 76,000 mi
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 32,000 mi
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Ford Ranger or the Toyota Tacoma?
For 2005–2022 models, the Toyota Tacoma has 17.6 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Ford Ranger has 24.2, 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 Toyota Tacoma?
The most-reported problem on the Toyota Tacoma is body and panel corrosion, typically around 122,867 miles.
Which Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Ford Ranger: 2008; Toyota Tacoma: 2005–2006 and 2008–2009.
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.