Ford Ranger Years to Avoid in Australia: Used Buyer’s Guide

The Ford Ranger is one of Australia’s most popular utes, and for good reason. It can tow, handle rough roads, carry serious loads and still work reasonably well as a family vehicle. But if we are shopping on the used market, some model years deserve considerably more scrutiny than others.

So, what are the Ford Ranger years to avoid in Australia?

Our biggest caution applies to early PX Rangers from roughly 2011 to 2014, particularly 2012 and 2013 examples with the 2.2-litre or 3.2-litre diesel, because of reported oil-pump, EGR, cooling and engine problems. Certain 2017–2019 Rangers also need careful checking because of an official transmission-fluid-pump recall, while early 2019 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo Rangers with the 10-speed automatic deserve additional transmission scrutiny.

The 2022 next-generation Ranger isn't necessarily a model we would automatically avoid, but being the first year of a new generation means checking its recall history is especially important.

The most important point is that we shouldn't reject a Ranger simply because of the year printed on the registration papers. Maintenance history, engine choice, transmission, towing history and whether recalls have been completed can matter even more.

Ford Ranger Years to Avoid Australia: Quick Answer

Here's how we would approach the Australian used Ranger market.

This table doesn't mean every 2013 Ranger is bad or every 2021 Ranger is perfect. It simply shows where we'd apply more caution.

2012–2014 Ford Ranger: The Years We Would Inspect Most Carefully

If someone asked us to identify the Ranger years that deserve the most attention before purchase, 2012, 2013 and 2014 would be near the top of the list.

These were early years of the PX generation and are now old enough that maintenance quality makes an enormous difference.

Australian used-car reports have documented 3.2-litre diesel engine failures in early PX Rangers, including some failures occurring at comparatively low kilometres.

2.2 and 3.2 Diesel Oil-Pump Problems

One particularly important issue concerns the variable-displacement vane-style oil pump used on some 2.2-litre and 3.2-litre PX diesel engines.

The design has an unusual characteristic: during an oil change, if the engine remains drained for too long, the pump can lose its prime.

Restarting the engine without oil pressure can cause catastrophic damage remarkably quickly.

CarsGuide has specifically highlighted the original vane-style pump fitted to 2.2 and 3.2 PX Rangers as a known problem area, with aftermarket gear-driven replacements being used by some owners.

For us, this makes service history especially important.

A 2013 Ranger that has been maintained by a Ranger specialist may actually be a safer purchase than a newer example with an incomplete service history.

EGR Cooler and Coolant Problems

The 3.2-litre five-cylinder diesel also deserves attention around its EGR cooling system.

Failure of the water-cooled EGR system can potentially cause coolant loss. If the driver continues driving without noticing the problem, overheating and serious engine damage can follow.

Australian automotive specialists have also reported situations where coolant entering the cylinder can cause much more serious internal engine problems.

Before purchasing an older 3.2 Ranger, we would look carefully for:

• unexplained coolant loss;
• coolant stains around the engine;
• overheating history;
• white exhaust smoke;
• rough starting;
• pressure in the cooling system;
• previous EGR cooler replacement;
• evidence of engine replacement or rebuilding.

Don't Assume a Replaced Engine Is Bad

Interestingly, an older Ranger with a properly documented replacement engine isn't necessarily something we'd reject.

If the replacement was carried out professionally, the cause of the original failure was corrected and the vehicle has subsequently travelled reliably, it could actually remove some uncertainty.

We would simply want invoices showing exactly what was done.

2011–2012 Ranger Transmission Recall

Early PX Rangers had another concern unrelated to the diesel engine.

Certain 2011–2012 Ford Rangers were recalled in Australia because an intermittent output-shaft-speed sensor failure could potentially cause an unintended downshift into first gear.

That sudden reduction in wheel speed could lead to the rear tyres sliding or locking and potentially result in loss of control.

If we're considering a Ranger from this period, checking the VIN against Australian recall records should therefore be part of the buying process.

Should We Avoid the 2013 Ford Ranger?

The 2013 Ranger is probably one of the years we would inspect most aggressively.

It isn't automatically a bad ute. There are plenty of high-kilometre Rangers from this period still working today.

But the combination of age, early-PX mechanical issues and known concerns surrounding the diesel oil pump means we wouldn't buy one without an independent mechanical inspection.

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Warning Signs on a 2013 Ranger

We'd be cautious if we find:

• incomplete servicing records;
• long gaps between oil changes;
• unexplained engine replacements;
• low oil-pressure incidents;
• coolant consumption;
• excessive crankcase pressure;
• blue or white smoke;
• injector noise;
• rough idle;
• turbo whine;
• evidence of overheating;
• transmission hesitation.

The cheaper purchase price of an early PX can quickly become irrelevant if we end up paying for an engine or transmission replacement.

What About the 2015 Ford Ranger?

The Ranger received significant updates around this period, but buyers shouldn't automatically assume the mechanical risks disappeared overnight.

The 2.2-litre and 3.2-litre diesel engines continued, meaning many of the general EGR, cooling and oil-system considerations still apply.

Manual-transmission Rangers from 2015–2016 also had an Australian recall involving the gearshift cable retaining clip. If incorrectly secured, the cable could contact the driveshaft, potentially causing difficulty changing gears or even loss of drive.

Again, completed recall work is more important than simply seeing that a vehicle falls inside a recalled production period.

2016–2018 Ford Ranger: Avoid or Buy?

This period becomes more complicated.

We wouldn't put all 2016–2018 Rangers on an avoid list. In fact, a well-maintained example can represent good value.

However, there are several things buyers should verify.

2016–2018 Brake Hose Recall

A major Australian recall affected tens of thousands of Rangers from this period.

Some 2016–2018 Rangers could have incorrectly assembled front flexible brake hoses. Under significant suspension movement, the hose could wear, potentially allowing brake fluid to leak and increasing stopping distances.

The official Australian recall covered 89,034 vehicles.

We wouldn't necessarily reject one because it was recalled. We would simply verify that the repair was completed.

Grass Fire Recall

Another large recall affected 2016–2018 Rangers because vegetation could accumulate near parts of the hot exhaust system.

When driven through long grass, accumulated vegetation could potentially ignite.

The Australian recall covered 72,939 Rangers and involved fitting protection designed to reduce the risk.

Australian buyers who use Rangers on farms, properties or off-road tracks should pay particular attention to this recall.

2017–2019 Ford Ranger Transmission Recall

This is especially important for anyone shopping for a Ranger in this age bracket.

Certain Australian 2017–2019 Rangers have been subject to a transmission-fluid-pump recall because the pump gears could fail.

Loss of hydraulic pressure could result in loss of drive.

Interestingly, this issue remains relevant today.

In July 2026, Australian authorities published a re-notification and extension of the previous recall affecting certain Rangers built between December 2017 and September 2019.

That makes checking the VIN especially important when purchasing a Ranger from these years.

Does a Recall Mean We Should Avoid the Vehicle?

Not necessarily.

Recalls exist specifically so manufacturers can correct safety or manufacturing defects.

A vehicle with documented recall repairs may be less concerning than one where the owner cannot confirm whether the work was ever completed.

2019 Ford Ranger: One Year to Watch

The 2019 model year is one we'd examine particularly closely because it coincided with wider availability of the 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo diesel and 10-speed automatic transmission.

Ford introduced this combination into Ranger XLT and Wildtrak variants alongside the existing 3.2-litre five-cylinder diesel.

The drivetrain brought improved performance and more gears, but early examples have attracted reports of transmission problems.

Ford Ranger 10-Speed Automatic Problems

Australian automotive reporting has identified issues involving some Ranger 10-speed transmissions, including reported torque-converter and front transmission oil-pump failures.

There were reports that particular batches of components could fail, potentially leaving the vehicle unable to transmit power.

When testing a 2019 Bi-Turbo Ranger, we'd pay attention to:

• delayed engagement into Drive or Reverse;
• harsh shifting;
• excessive gear hunting;
• shuddering under acceleration;
• transmission warning messages;
• loss of drive;
• abnormal noises;
• transmission repairs in the service history.

Not Every 10-Speed Ranger Is Problematic

This distinction matters.

Thousands of Rangers equipped with the 10-speed transmission operate without catastrophic problems.

So we wouldn't say, "Never buy a 2019 Ranger."

We'd say, "Never buy one without checking how the transmission behaves."

Is the 2020 Ford Ranger a Good Used Buy?

The 2020 Ranger can be a more attractive option because Ford had already been producing the PX platform for many years.

By this stage, buyers could choose from several well-established engines and trim levels.

We would still check the usual Ranger diesel components:

• EGR system;
• DPF;
• injectors;
• turbocharger;
• cooling system;
• transmission condition.

A late-model PX with complete service history is generally more appealing to us than a significantly cheaper early-PX model with unknown maintenance.

Is the 2021 Ford Ranger Reliable?

Similar logic applies to 2021.

These were among the final Rangers produced before the Australian launch of the next generation.

A properly maintained 2021 Ranger can therefore be one of the more interesting PX-generation purchases.

The main caveat is price.

Late PX Rangers often command strong used prices, so buyers should compare them against early examples of the newer-generation Ranger before committing.

Should We Avoid the 2022 Ford Ranger?

We wouldn't automatically avoid it.

However, 2022 marked the introduction of the next-generation Ranger in Australia, and first-year models deserve extra scrutiny simply because they introduce substantial new hardware, electronics and software.

There have also been Australian recalls affecting 2022 Rangers.

2022 Seatbelt Recall

In 2023, an Australian recall was issued covering 1,380 Ranger and Everest vehicles from the 2022 model year because some driver's seatbelts may have been assembled incorrectly.

Ranger Transmission Software Recall

A separate recall covered thousands of 2021–2023 Ranger and Everest vehicles.

Under certain circumstances involving a critically low battery charge, the transmission could shift into Park at speeds below 6 km/h, potentially causing the vehicle to stop suddenly without the brake lamps illuminating as intended.

An additional recall was published in February 2026 for a smaller group of 2022 vehicles requiring rectification even if previous recall work had been performed.

For that reason, we'd definitely perform a VIN recall check on a used 2022 Ranger.

Which Ford Ranger Years Are Best to Buy in Australia?

There isn't one perfect model year.

However, we generally prefer Rangers that fall into one of two categories.

Well-Maintained Later PX Rangers

A 2020 or 2021 Ranger with:

• complete servicing records;
• sensible kilometres;
• no major tuning;
• no questionable suspension modifications;
• clean transmission behaviour;
• documented recall completion;

would be high on our shopping list.

These vehicles benefited from many years of PX development while remaining considerably newer than the early 2011–2014 examples.

Well-Maintained 2016–2018 Rangers Can Still Be Good Value

We also wouldn't ignore a 2016–2018 Ranger purely because recalls exist.

If the recalls have been completed and an independent inspection finds no mechanical concerns, these years can offer an attractive balance between purchase price, features and capability.

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Ford Ranger 3.2: Is It Reliable?

The 3.2-litre five-cylinder Ranger diesel has developed a mixed reputation.

Many examples have accumulated substantial mileage, demonstrating that the engine can last when properly maintained.

At the same time, Australian reports have identified EGR cooler problems, cooling issues and potentially catastrophic consequences associated with oil-system problems.

For us, the service history matters more than mileage alone.

We'd rather purchase a 180,000 km Ranger with impeccable records than a 110,000 km vehicle with no evidence of regular servicing.

Ford Ranger 2.2: Should We Avoid It?

The 2.2-litre diesel isn't automatically a bad engine either.

However, it shares some of the oil-pump considerations associated with the 3.2-litre engine.

It also works harder because of its smaller displacement, particularly when the Ranger is heavily loaded or regularly towing.

We would therefore look closely at how the vehicle has been used.

What About DPF Problems?

DPF problems aren't unique to Ford Rangers.

Modern diesels depend on sufficiently long drives and appropriate exhaust temperatures to complete DPF regeneration.

Rangers repeatedly used for very short urban trips can potentially experience more DPF trouble than vehicles regularly driven at highway speeds.

When buying, we'd ask whether the Ranger has previously experienced:

• DPF warning lights;
• forced regenerations;
• limp mode;
• DPF cleaning;
• DPF replacement.

The 2.0-litre diesel can also experience the EGR, injector and DPF problems commonly associated with modern turbo-diesel engines.

How Towing Can Affect a Used Ranger

One of the reasons Australians buy Rangers is towing.

That's also why we need to know what a second-hand Ranger spent its life doing.

A ute that has spent years towing a heavy caravan around Australia may have experienced considerably more stress than one mainly driven empty to work.

Components to Check on a Former Tow Vehicle

We'd inspect:

• automatic transmission;
• transmission fluid condition;
• cooling system;
• rear suspension;
• differential;
• driveshaft;
• brakes;
• wheel bearings;
• towbar mounting points.

Heavy towing isn't automatically bad if servicing was adjusted accordingly.

Neglected heavy towing is the bigger concern.

Modified Ford Rangers Require Extra Caution

Australia has an enormous aftermarket industry for Rangers.

Bull bars, suspension lifts, larger tyres, GVM upgrades, long-range tanks, ECU tunes and towing accessories are extremely common.

Some upgrades are excellent.

Others can create problems.

ECU Tunes

A tuned diesel can produce substantially more torque than standard.

That may increase stress on:

• automatic transmissions;
• turbochargers;
• driveline components;
• cooling systems;
• DPF systems.

We generally prefer buying an unmodified Ranger and modifying it ourselves later.

Suspension and GVM Upgrades

Inspect modified Rangers for uneven tyre wear, driveline vibration and poor alignment.

A professionally engineered GVM upgrade is very different from an inexpensive suspension lift installed without considering the rest of the vehicle.

What to Check Before Buying a Used Ford Ranger

No matter which year we're considering, a pre-purchase inspection is essential.

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Service History

Look for consistent servicing rather than simply stamped books.

Invoices are even better because they show what was actually replaced.

Cold Start

Ask the seller not to warm up the vehicle before you arrive.

On a genuine cold start, listen for:

• knocking;
• excessive injector noise;
• rattling;
• abnormal smoke;
• uneven idle.

Cooling System

Check coolant level and condition.

Any evidence that the vehicle regularly requires coolant should be investigated.

Automatic Transmission

Drive the Ranger until it reaches operating temperature.

A five-minute drive around the block isn't enough.

Test:

• Reverse engagement;
• Drive engagement;
• gentle acceleration;
• hard acceleration;
• uphill shifting;
• low-speed shifting;
• highway cruising.

Scan the Computer

A professional diagnostic scan can reveal stored or historic fault codes even when no warning lights are currently showing.

Inspect Underneath

Rangers are commonly used off-road.

Look for:

• bent protection plates;
• damaged chassis components;
• oil leaks;
• mud packed into inaccessible areas;
• damaged suspension;
• rust;
• impact marks.

Check the VIN for Australian Recalls

This is one of the simplest steps we can take.

Don't assume a recall was completed merely because the previous owner serviced the Ranger at some point.

Several Ranger generations have been involved in Australian recall campaigns, including 2011–2012, 2015–2016, 2016–2018, 2017–2019 and newer-generation vehicles.

The VIN gives us a much more accurate answer than model year alone.

Are High-Kilometre Ford Rangers Worth Buying?

They can be.

Mileage doesn't tell the entire story.

A 250,000 km Ranger that spent its life driving long highway distances and receiving regular servicing could potentially be healthier than a 120,000 km example that repeatedly towed at maximum weight, was tuned aggressively and missed services.

Condition and maintenance history matter enormously.

Ford Ranger Years to Avoid: Our Final Verdict

If we're shopping for a used Ranger in Australia, the years we'd approach with the most caution are 2012–2014, especially early PX models equipped with the 2.2 or 3.2 diesel engines.

We wouldn't necessarily refuse to buy one, but we'd want outstanding maintenance records and a specialist inspection because oil-pump, EGR, cooling and engine problems can become extremely expensive.

Certain 2017–2019 Rangers also require careful VIN checks because of the transmission-fluid-pump recall, while 2019 2.0 Bi-Turbo models with the 10-speed automatic deserve a particularly thorough transmission test.

The 2022 next-generation Ranger isn't necessarily a year to avoid, but we'd verify that all applicable recall work has been completed.

For many buyers, a well-maintained 2020–2021 late-PX Ranger can represent an appealing compromise between age, price and refinement.

Ultimately, we'd rather buy the right example from a supposedly problematic year than the wrong example from a supposedly reliable one.

Maintenance history wins every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Ford Ranger years should I avoid in Australia?

We would be most cautious with 2012–2014 PX Rangers, particularly poorly maintained 2.2-litre and 3.2-litre diesels. Certain 2017–2019 Rangers also need recall verification, while early 2019 Bi-Turbo/10-speed Rangers deserve additional transmission checks.

What is the biggest problem with the Ford Ranger 3.2?

Important areas include the EGR cooling system and the engine's oil-pump arrangement. Coolant loss or loss of oil pressure can potentially result in extremely expensive engine damage, so service history and a professional inspection are critical.

Is the 2019 Ford Ranger a bad year?

Not necessarily. However, the 2019 model year deserves extra attention because the 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo/10-speed combination became widely available and some early vehicles have generated reports of transmission oil-pump and torque-converter problems. Certain 2017–2019 Rangers were also affected by an official transmission-fluid-pump recall.

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Is the 2022 Ford Ranger a year to avoid?

We wouldn't classify 2022 as an automatic avoid year. It was the first year of the next-generation Ranger in Australia, though, and several recalls have affected vehicles from this period. Check the VIN and make sure every applicable recall campaign has been completed.

What is the best used Ford Ranger to buy in Australia?

For buyers who want a PX-generation Ranger, we'd strongly consider a well-maintained 2020 or 2021 model with complete service history and a clean mechanical inspection. A properly maintained 2016–2018 example can also represent good value, provided all recalls have been completed and the engine, transmission and cooling system check out.