How many 2020 Ford Ranger complaints involve the transmission?

NHTSA lists 48 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2020 Ranger, which is 38% of the 127 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a transmission recall for the 2020 Ford Ranger?

Yes. Recall 20V197000 covers 2020 Ranger, F-150, and certain Expedition police-package vehicles with 10-speed automatic transmissions for a shift cable locking clip issue. It is not a do-not-drive or park-outside recall.

At what mileage do 2020 Ranger transmission problems usually show up?

NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 80,000 at the time of failure for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2020 Ranger.

What transmission symptoms do 2020 Ranger owners report?

Owners describe hard or jerky shifting, hesitation or delay when accelerating from a stop, lunging when shifting from Park to Drive, and a "Power Train Malfunction" warning message at highway speeds.

Were there any crashes or injuries linked to these transmission complaints?

NHTSA data for this problem area on the 2020 Ranger lists 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries.

2020 Ford Ranger Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 48 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2020 Ford Ranger, 38% of its 127 total complaints, with median failure mileage of 80,000. A related recall (20V197000) covers a shift cable locking clip issue on the 10-speed automatic.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 48; 38% of 127
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 80,000 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Owners report hard or jerky shifting, including harsh upshifts and downshifts and gears slipping while in motion.
Some describe the truck lunging or slamming into gear when moving the shifter from Park to Drive, sometimes without foot pressure fully on the brake.
Several report hesitation or delay when accelerating from a stop, with the transmission failing to engage power for a few seconds before taking off.
Owners note rough shifting after the vehicle has sat overnight, especially when shifting from Park or between gears 2 and 4.
A number of complaints mention a dashboard "Power Train Malfunction, Reduce Speed" message appearing at highway speeds.
Some drivers say the issue began after an automatic software update, with jerking and hesitation getting worse over time.

When 2020 Ford Ranger transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Feb 6, 2021, latest Aug 28, 2026.

48 complaints filed with NHTSA from Feb 2021 to Aug 2026; peak Jan 2024 (3).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2020 Ford Ranger

NHTSA 20V197000Apr 3, 2020Transmission & Powertrain55,158 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission:gear position indication (prndl)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ranger and F-150 vehicles equipped with 10-speed automatic transmissions and certain 2020 Expedition vehicles equipped with a "police" package. The transmission shift cable lock clip may not be fully seated, allowing the transmission to actually be in a different gear than the gear shift position selected by the driver.
Risk: If the transmission selection does not match the indicated gear selection, and the parking brake is not applied, unintended vehicle movement can occur, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and correct the shift cable locking clip installation, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S18.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Ranger model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20101 (1%)
20115 (2%)
20140 (0%)
20160 (0%)
20170 (0%)
201992 (34%)
202048 (38%)
202157 (50%)
202217 (46%)
20235 (28%)
202432 (39%)
202514 (35%)

Frequently asked questions

How many 2020 Ford Ranger complaints involve the transmission?: NHTSA lists 48 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2020 Ranger, which is 38% of the 127 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a transmission recall for the 2020 Ford Ranger?: Yes. Recall 20V197000 covers 2020 Ranger, F-150, and certain Expedition police-package vehicles with 10-speed automatic transmissions for a shift cable locking clip issue. It is not a do-not-drive or park-outside recall.
At what mileage do 2020 Ranger transmission problems usually show up?: NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 80,000 at the time of failure for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2020 Ranger.
What transmission symptoms do 2020 Ranger owners report?: Owners describe hard or jerky shifting, hesitation or delay when accelerating from a stop, lunging when shifting from Park to Drive, and a "Power Train Malfunction" warning message at highway speeds.
Were there any crashes or injuries linked to these transmission complaints?: NHTSA data for this problem area on the 2020 Ranger lists 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries.