Question on actual quality issues

[MT19RANGER]

I'm just about to roll over 9000 miles in my truck, and I just had my first issue - the auto window function suddenly broke (window rolls down, but the auto function doesn't work). Besides that the truck has been great! It's not perfect, but I have no concerns regarding quality. I rolled the dice buying a brand new model knowing that there may be some minor annoyances, but I have been satisfied so far.

A few notes:

• Sometimes I get some rough trans shifts when engine is cold, but there has been a TSB trans update which I just need to get done at the dealer. Not an issue, but minor annoyance.
• I get excessive brake pedal travel before they bite.Some people early on had similar issues, maybe there was a bad batch of Rangers that got a bubble in the system. I'm not concerned about my safety, but I will get it looked at the dealer when I go in for the TSB trans update next week.
• Fuel economy has been stellar for me, but as with all turbocharged engines, mileage does vary. During the winter, I was getting 18-22 mpg, now that it's warm, I'm getting 22-26 mpg. My recent 1000 mile trip, I averaged 25.5 mpg @ 75 mpg and I really can't complain. Someone who is consistently heavy on throttle WILL see their fuel economy tank.
• I have the FX4 package, and I personally think that the front is too soft and the rear is too stiff - I'm sure there were good reasons for this (probably to get those leading tow figures?), but it's a little uncomfortable IMO. Haven't driven the normal 4x4 nor the 4x2.
• No issues with injectors, have not noticed the frame being lower on one side.

For your auto window function. Did you disconnect the battery for any reason prior to it not working? If so all you need to do is the re-learn steps and it will function again.

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[Ric]

Okay Folks,

Here is the approach at Ford. We develop vehicles with a mix of prototypes that encompass the product mix. That said the sample size of products is pretty small, as for a new vehicle in prototype can cost over $1 million each. What we always say is that during the development process...there is not such a thing as a Onzee. If there is a systemic problem, there will be more than one example of a defect, so the key is the frequency.....The injector problem seems to be a supplier quality issue with a batch of injectors. I can tell you that Ford Quality will be all over the supplier to fix and ship certified product...when this quality issue gets into the field, there is a decision as to be a recall or if it is self campaigning...ie the problem is so bad that the customer will take it back to the dealer...problem with this getting production parts to support the assembly plant and also supply the dealers for current vehicle owners....many suppliers cannot support both....This is why a dealer says they do not have parts. Long term the supplier likely losses the business and we switch suppliers to deliver quality parts. So you decision on purchase a new vehicle hinges on how systemic the problem is...a bad batch is quite small in reality and is likely contained, however like the Boeing 737 Max 8...the problem is huge as it is a design problem... The issues listed are pretty well batch related and in my opinion should not influence your decision to purchase a vehicle.

As head of Ranger Vehicle Engineering, I was determined to get it right out of the box (assembly plant) so that the vehicle did not have to be returned to the dealer for warranty work....

I love my new Ranger, but the hood fit on the left cowl is not good and I am going to have to adjust this myself....Shame on MIchigan Truck Assembly....This vehcile should have not made final inspection in my opinion...

best,
Phil Schilke
Ranger Vehicle Engineering
Ford Motor Co, retired.

Thank you for sharing your insights. Ric

 

[RCMUSTANG]

I'm just about to roll over 9000 miles in my truck, and I just had my first issue - the auto window function suddenly broke (window rolls down, but the auto function doesn't work). Besides that the truck has been great! It's not perfect, but I have no concerns regarding quality. I rolled the dice buying a brand new model knowing that there may be some minor annoyances, but I have been satisfied so far.

A few notes:

• Sometimes I get some rough trans shifts when engine is cold, but there has been a TSB trans update which I just need to get done at the dealer. Not an issue, but minor annoyance.
• I get excessive brake pedal travel before they bite.Some people early on had similar issues, maybe there was a bad batch of Rangers that got a bubble in the system. I'm not concerned about my safety, but I will get it looked at the dealer when I go in for the TSB trans update next week.
• Fuel economy has been stellar for me, but as with all turbocharged engines, mileage does vary. During the winter, I was getting 18-22 mpg, now that it's warm, I'm getting 22-26 mpg. My recent 1000 mile trip, I averaged 25.5 mpg @ 75 mpg and I really can't complain. Someone who is consistently heavy on throttle WILL see their fuel economy tank.
• I have the FX4 package, and I personally think that the front is too soft and the rear is too stiff - I'm sure there were good reasons for this (probably to get those leading tow figures?), but it's a little uncomfortable IMO. Haven't driven the normal 4x4 nor the 4x2.
• No issues with injectors, have not noticed the frame being lower on one side.

I felt the front is good but the rear was too stiff. I swapped on a set of Fabtechs and I feel it's balanced now.

 

[doug910]

For your auto window function. Did you disconnect the battery for any reason prior to it not working? If so all you need to do is the re-learn steps and it will function again.

Actually I did disconnect the battery. That's probably what caused it. What are the re-learn steps?

 

[doug910]

I felt the front is good but the rear was too stiff. I swapped on a set of Fabtechs and I feel it's balanced now.

I thought that the fabtech kit is a leveling kit? How did it affect the rear?

 

[RCMUSTANG]

I thought that the fabtech kit is a leveling kit? How did it affect the rear?

They make shocks too. I didn't say anything about any kits. Swapped rear shocks.

 

[doug910]

They make shocks too. I didn't say anything about any kits. Swapped rear shocks.

Ah good to know. Thanks for sharing.

 

[MT19RANGER]

Actually I did disconnect the battery. That's probably what caused it. What are the re-learn steps?

Pg 79 of version 3 owners manual pdf.

 

[Paul]

Well my brakes were chattering so I took it in at 1000 miles and they said the rotors were "moderately warped". The dealer was stunned that such a new truck would have that problem. I was too, but at least it was under warranty.

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