2007 Ford Ranger Problems & Recalls

2007 Ford Ranger Problems & Recalls

Looking to buy a used 2007 Ford Ranger? Here are some owner-reported problems and safety recalls to be aware of. These reports can help you know what to inspect, but they do not mean every Ranger will experience these issues.

Reported Problems

Steering Clunk

A clunking noise from the steering system has been reported on the 2007 Ranger. The existing reports describe dealerships replacing tie-rod ends to address the problem. Ford issued technical service information for this concern.

When inspecting a used Ranger, listen for clunks while turning the steering wheel or driving over uneven pavement. Inspect the steering linkage and tie-rod ends for wear or looseness.

Automatic Transmission Shifting Problems

Several types of automatic transmission problems have been reported, including:

• Transmission slams into gear when taking off
• Transmission shakes before the truck jumps forward
• Harsh downshifting
• Erratic shifting
• Loss of higher gears

One owner reported losing third, fourth, and fifth gears at approximately 18,000 miles. These are individual owner reports, not evidence that every 2007 Ranger automatic transmission is prone to failure.

During a test drive, pay attention to shift quality. Delayed engagement, harsh shifts, slipping, or unexpected gear changes should be investigated before buying.

Smoke on Startup

Smoke from the exhaust during startup has been reported. The color, duration, and frequency of the smoke can help determine whether it is related to oil consumption, coolant, or another engine issue.

A Ranger that produces persistent smoke should be inspected rather than assuming the condition is normal.

Airbag Did Not Deploy

There have been owner reports of airbags failing to deploy during crashes. An airbag not deploying does not automatically indicate a defect; deployment depends on crash severity, direction, and sensor conditions.

However, the 2007 Ranger is subject to several Takata airbag recalls. Verify that all applicable recall repairs have been completed.

Electrical and Instrument Cluster Problems

The existing problem reports include several electrical concerns:

• Anti-theft light flashes and the engine shuts off
• Anti-theft light flashes and the truck will not start
• Tachometer, speedometer, and odometer stop working while the engine continues running
• Dashboard lights flash and gauges behave erratically
• An owner reported a fire near the passenger-side airbag area

Some reports suggest moisture affecting electronic components or a loose connection beneath the dashboard. These are reported explanations, not confirmed causes for every incident.

When inspecting a truck, check the instrument cluster, warning lights, anti-theft system, and electrical accessories. Look for signs of water intrusion, damaged wiring, or previous electrical repairs.

2007 Ford Ranger Recalls

The following recalls and campaigns are important to check when buying or owning a 2007 Ranger. Recall applicability can depend on the vehicle’s VIN, geographic location, and repair history.

21V158 – Driver-Side Airbag Inflator

Ford recall 21S12 covers certain 2007–2011 Ford Rangers equipped with Takata driver-side airbag inflators.

The inflator may rupture during deployment due to propellant degradation after prolonged exposure to heat and humidity. A rupture can send metal fragments into the vehicle, potentially causing serious injury or death.

Ford’s remedy is to replace the affected driver-side airbag inflator or module free of charge.

NHTSA Recall Report – 21V158 (PDF)

21V081 – Airbag Inflator Replacement Parts

Ford recall 21S05 involves certain vehicles that may have received defective Takata airbag inflators as replacement service parts.

Affected vehicles may have a driver- or passenger-side frontal airbag inflator that could rupture during deployment. Ford’s remedy is to inspect the airbag module and replace the affected inflator or module, if necessary, at no cost.

This is not a blanket recall of every 2007 Ranger. Check the VIN to determine whether a specific truck is affected.

NHTSA Recall Report – 21V081 (PDF)

17V024 – Passenger-Side Airbag Inflator

Ford recall 17S01 covers certain 2007–2009 Ford Rangers in specified geographic zones.

The passenger-side frontal airbag inflator may rupture due to propellant degradation after prolonged exposure to heat and humidity. Metal fragments could strike vehicle occupants, potentially causing serious injury or death.

Ford’s remedy is to replace the affected passenger-side airbag inflator.

NHTSA Recall Report – 17V024 (PDF)

16V384 – Passenger-Side Airbag Inflator

Ford recall 16S26 covers certain 2007–2011 Rangers originally sold or registered in specified geographic zones.

The passenger-side frontal airbag inflator may rupture during deployment, potentially sending metal fragments into the vehicle and causing serious injury or death.

The recall is geographically limited. Texas is included in Zone A, and certain other states are included in Zone B. Check the VIN to determine whether a particular truck is affected.

NHTSA Recall Report – 16V384 (PDF)

11V352 – Multifunction Switch / Lighting

This recall involves certain 2011 Ford Rangers built between January 25, 2011, and April 25, 2011. It also concerns replacement service parts distributed for certain 2004–2011 Rangers.

The switch slider may deform, causing the turn signals, tail lights, hazard flashers, or brake lights to fail to activate.

The factory-built vehicle portion of this recall does not apply to a 2007 Ranger. However, a truck could be affected if it received an affected replacement service part.

NHTSA Recall Report – 11V352 (PDF)

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs)

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for the 2007 Ranger are official communications between Ford & their dealerships that describe processes for troubleshooting or fixing certain common problems. All vehicle manufacturers are required by U.S. law to make their TSBs available to the public.

For a list of the TSBs for the 2007 Ford Ranger check out: 2007 Ford Ranger TSBs

What to Check When Buying a Used 2007 Ford Ranger

When inspecting a 2007 Ranger, pay particular attention to:

• Steering: Listen for clunks and inspect tie-rod ends and steering linkage.
• Automatic transmission: Test for harsh shifts, slipping, delayed engagement, and erratic shifting.
• Engine: Check for smoke during startup and investigate persistent exhaust smoke.
• Electrical system: Verify that the gauges, warning lights, anti-theft system, and accessories work properly.
• Water intrusion: Look for signs of moisture around electronic components and beneath the dashboard.
• Airbags: Verify that applicable Takata recall repairs have been completed.
• Lighting: Check turn signals, brake lights, tail lights, and hazard flashers.

Check for Open Recalls

A model-year recall list does not tell you whether a specific truck has had its recalls completed. Use the VIN to check for outstanding recall repairs.

• NHTSA VIN Recall Lookup
• Ford Recall Lookup

Related Ford Ranger Information

• 1983–2011 Ford Ranger Buyer’s Guide
• The Ranger Station Technical Library
• The Ranger Station Forums
• Ford Ranger Brochures