Ford Ranger - long term reliability

[McLeadslinger]

The mindset that turbo engines won’t last is something of the past with old technology. The Ecoboost line of engines, specifically in our case the 2.3 have been proven to be reliable.

Sponsored

 

[McLeadslinger]

The 2.3 Ecoboost lasting on these things isn’t my concern, it’s the 10 speed tranny that worry me lol

The 10R80 is a stout transmission. The S550 mustang guys are making 800+ hp on them. Generally speaking, most of the 10R80’s are the same with minor internal differences. Makes me wish I got the 10 speed in my GT.

 

[JohnnyO]

Hi Bryan,

I recommend you follow the Maintenance schedule in the owner's manual, especially the oil change intervals for the 2.3L. This is the schedule used on the durability trucks and the program folks at Ford in agreement that this schedule ensures longevity.

Best,
Phil

Agree although on most of our vehicles I have always changed the fluids at half the recommended intervals, including coolant, trans, transfer case, and axles. My old Sport Trac ran like new until 212,000 miles when it blew a head gasket. Transmission had to be rebuilt at 132,000 but that particular transmission (5R55E) is on borrowed time after 100k miles whether you changed the fluid or not, almost all of them crap out between 100k and 150k.

 

[Bob902]

Truth. I will keep my Ranger!

 

[JeeperCreeper]

Truth. I will keep my Ranger!

That meme makes me want to buy a Toyota

 

[rcairflr]

I have 82k on mine and I haven’t had any mechanical issues .. my drivers heated seat quit working but that’s been the only issue i have had .. I change the oil when the iolm suggests and air filters at 30k plugs at 50k and plan on changing all other fluids at 100k .. just recently changed the factory tires and factory brakes are still looking really good

Regular 87 gas or premium?

 

[Scooter]

Since the Transmissions seems a bit finicky, I would drain the fluid more often then recommended.
Then changed the filter on the second change. Taking a look at the slug in the pan. I would avoid a tranny flush. I would find a pan with a drain plug.
My brother had an interesting story about flushing. The repair shop had the machine outside. Water got into it. Water destroys the friction plates.

 

[dondonbabyraptor]

Quick question, does Ford service check ups check everything off in the owner's manual? Or do I have to be a bit more proactive in monitoring certain things.

 

[AzScorpion]

Quick question, does Ford service check ups check everything off in the owner's manual? Or do I have to be a bit more proactive in monitoring certain things.

When you order the works package they have a large list they go through and check off for you. I'm not sure if it follows the owners manual as I've never read it but there is quite a large list they go through. You might even be able to Google the works package and see if that list is available to look at.

 

[dondonbabyraptor]

When you order the works package they have a large list they go through and check off for you. I'm not sure if it follows the owners manual as I've never read it but there is quite a large list they go through. You might even be able to Google the works package and see if that list is available to look at.

Going to take a look at that. Thank you Dave.

 

[AzScorpion]

Going to take a look at that. Thank you Dave.

Sure thing Brandon. Here's a description from Fords site but IIRC there's a lot more on the checklist than what's listed here.

https://fordservicecoupon.com/service/the-works-package/

 

[dondonbabyraptor]

Sure thing Brandon. Here's a description from Fords site but IIRC there's a lot more on the checklist than what's listed here.

https://fordservicecoupon.com/service/the-works-package/

Appreciate that. Have you ever used those ford coupons? That was a surprise to me, I never knew those existed.

 

[AzScorpion]

Appreciate that. Have you ever used those ford coupons? That was a surprise to me, I never knew those existed.

Yes, they use to send them in the mail all the time but now I think like most things they're digital now.

 

[Yaegerbomb89]

Who's got the highest mileage NA ranger here on the Forums? Anyone know?

BTW, I had a Tacoma and hated it. The Ranger is vastly superior in almost every regard. I had vibration issues, but that was caused after leveling and new tires so I can't blame the truck. The way I look at it, is if it ran fine stock and I did something to it and started having issues, it's not the truck.

In stock form it felt perfect, however I did always have the take off shudder that many have. I say before you buy TEST DRIVE and make sure you get one that doesn't have the shudder. Some do some don't. It will drive you crazy. I didn't notice the shudder during test drive because I did mostly highway test drives, and the dealership is literally right off the freeway so I didn't drive it around town. had I known I would have looked for it. That's my opinion.

whats the best way to recognize if a truck has this issue? I’m still waiting on my truck, but I’d like to make sure it doesn’t have this issue when it shows up prior to buying. Is it noticeable from a complete stop at city speeds only?

 

[meistreguy]

The ranger engine should last a long time. Definitely outlast most 1st owners. It's detuned from the Focus RS which is pushing 350 hp. Although the Ranger is heavier, the boost is pretty low. I think we need to get out of this cylinder count = reliability mindset. A lower stressed 4 cyl turbo with forged internals may last longer than a smaller displacement v6 that needs to rev out to make hp & torque. I think 99% of it is going to come down to which vehicle is maintained better and how its driven.

There are so many ecoboosts on the road now and outside of some freak issues like the bad headgaskets on Focus RS's, they have been very stout and reliable.

I also don't think the Tacoma v6 and auto trans is anything special or super reliable. Seems on par with most vehicles nowadays; if anything, it seems like the newer Tacomas are having a lot of reliability issues regarding the trans and engine. Just my 2 cents.

I agree with you. It is about maintenance and the metals used in the engine are top notch.

Sponsored