IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2017–2018 Ford Ranger (T6)

We've identified 5 known issues that can affect the 2017–2018 Ford Ranger (T6). 4 of these are serious faults that could be expensive to repair.

5
Known Issues
4
Serious
1
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

Oil Pump Loss of Prime

SeriousEngine

The variable-displacement vane-type oil pump on 2.2 and 3.2 Duratorq TDCi engines can completely lose its prime if the engine oil is allowed to drain for longer than 10 minutes during a service. Because the pump is mounted above the sump oil level, it cannot self-prime once dry. Starting the engine without priming the pump leads to zero oil pressure, rapid main bearing destruction, and catastrophic engine seizure within seconds.

Est. Repair Cost: £3,000–£6,000 (Engine rebuild)
Warning Signs:

Oil pressure warning light stays illuminated continuously following an oil change, Deep mechanical knocking or sudden engine seizure shortly after servicing, Total loss of oil pressure recorded on diagnostic monitoring equipment

What to Inspect:
  • Confirm servicing garage followed Ford mandatory technical guidance to refill oil within 10 minutes
  • Verify oil pressure warning lamp extinguishes within 3 seconds of initial cold startup
  • Check for documented records of oil pump replacement with upgraded geared pump assembly
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Turbocharger Failure (3.2)

SeriousEngine

The 3.2-litre 5-cylinder Duratorq TDCi engine relies on a variable-nozzle turbocharger that is prone to premature failure. Carbon build-up in the variable vane mechanism causes the electronic actuator to stick or burn out, while oil feed pipe sludging starves the turbo bearings. If the turbo seals fail, engine oil is drawn directly into the intake tract, creating a dangerous diesel runaway risk or sudden loss of boost pressure.

Est. Repair Cost: £800–£1,600
Warning Signs:

Loud whining, siren noise or whistling under turbo boost acceleration, Severe drop in engine pulling power and sudden activation of limp-home mode, Thick black or blue-grey smoke billowing from the exhaust under load, Oil pooling inside intercooler pipes and intake manifold

What to Inspect:
  • Listen for high-pitched whistling or dentist-drill noises during full-throttle acceleration
  • Inspect electronic turbo actuator arm for smooth, unhindered stroke movement
  • Remove turbo inlet hose to inspect compressor wheel blades for impact damage and shaft play
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Common-Rail Fuel Injector Failure and Recall

SeriousFuel System

Both early 2.2 and 3.2 Duratorq diesels and early 2.0 EcoBlue engines suffer from injector failure. In 2015, Ford recalled nearly 14,000 UK Rangers for faulty injector batches that caused engines to cut out without warning while driving. Failed injectors suffer from high leak-back rates or internal nozzle jamming, leading to cylinder bore wash, uneven fueling, violent knocking, and melted pistons.

Est. Repair Cost: £400–£1,800
Warning Signs:

Engine cutting out unexpectedly at highway cruising speeds or idle, Harsh metallic knocking or violent misfire shaking the entire vehicle cabin, Excessive black smoke emitted from the exhaust during hard throttle application, Powertrain warning light illuminated with fuel rail pressure fault codes

What to Inspect:
  • Verify with a Ford franchise or DVSA recall records that injector recall actions were completed
  • Check injector balance rates and fuel rail leak-back values using an OBD scan tool
  • Listen for irregular clatter at idle from cold startup up to operating temperature
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Chassis Box Section Corrosion and Rear Spring Hanger Rot

SeriousBodywork & Rust

The T6 Ranger features a fully boxed steel ladder chassis that readily traps road salt, farm slurry, and abrasive mud washed into internal frame openings. Without regular high-pressure flushing and cavity rustproofing, the metal corrodes from the inside out. Structural rot attacks the rear spring hanger brackets, spare wheel cross-member, and chassis rails around the fuel tank, causing catastrophic MOT structural failure.

Est. Repair Cost: £600–£2,000
Warning Signs:

Extensive flaking rust and perforating holes along the boxed rear chassis rails, Severe corrosion weakening the rear leaf spring mounting brackets and cross-members, MOT failure for structural rust within 30cm of safety-critical suspension mountings, Chassis drain slots choked with hardened mud and wet road debris

What to Inspect:
  • Get underneath with a torch and tap along the rear chassis rails and spring hangers with a mallet
  • Review UK MOT test history for recurring advisories on underbody rust or subframe corrosion
  • Verify whether the vehicle was treated under Ford anti-corrosion campaigns or rustproofed
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Manual and Automatic Transmission Shudder and Shift Faults

ModerateGearbox & Transmission

Manual T6 Rangers frequently suffer from stiff third-gear selection, worn synchromesh rings, and dual-mass flywheel rattle under heavy towing. Automatic variants (6R80 6-speed and later 10R80 10-speed) can exhibit harsh low-speed shifting, gear slip flare, and torque converter shudder. In addition, an official recall addressed gearshift selector cables that could unclip and foul the rear driveshaft.

Est. Repair Cost: £350–£1,500
Warning Signs:

Difficulty engaging third gear or audible synchromesh crunch on rapid upshifts, Harsh clunking or shift flare when changing from first to second gear on automatics, Transmission shudder under acceleration at 30–50 mph indicative of torque converter slip, Gearbox rattling noise in neutral that disappears when the clutch pedal is depressed

What to Inspect:
  • Test drive and row through all manual gears hot and cold, checking for third-gear notchiness
  • On automatic models, check for smooth shift execution and inspect transmission fluid condition
  • Inspect gear selector cable brackets underneath the chassis to ensure recall clips are fitted
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Buying Tips for 2017–2018 Ford Ranger (T6)

  • Ask about the '10-minute oil change rule': the variable flow oil pump can lose its prime if the oil is left to drain for too long.
  • Inspect the chassis rails for rust, especially at the rear where mud accumulates.
  • Check the turbocharger for whistling or lag, particularly on 3.2 models.
  • On later 2.0 EcoBlue models, the same Wet Belt concerns apply as the Transit.
20162019
Check a 2017–2018 Ford Ranger (T6) by Registration