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Ford Ranger 2016 Problems

Are you having problems with your 2016 Ford Ranger? Let our team of motoring experts keep you up to date with all of the latest 2016 Ford Ranger issues & faults. We have gathered all of the most frequently asked questions and problems relating to the 2016 Ford Ranger in one spot to help you decide if it's a smart buy.

What are the known problems for a 2016 Ford Ranger?

There are many things you should look out for before buying a second-hand workhorse like an XL 4x2 ute. Most never have an easy life.

Are there signs of abuse and/or neglect? How was the tray/load bed used, was it a tow vehicle and what does the type of wear and tear does it have?  Was the vehicle off the road at any time, and why? This may indicate a major accident.

Finding answers requires a level of trust and taking the vendor's word at face value, but you can back these up with service records and history. Are they complete, and carried out by a Ford dealer or specific Ford specialist? If the answer to either is no, then that should be a red flag. In our opinion, these vehicles require specialised Ford maintenance.

Furthermore, having 15,000km service intervals is a bit of a stretch for such hard-working vehicles, so skipped ones is especially worrying.

We also recommend taking the Ranger to an independent mechanic for inspection, especially to check the body and suspension underneath for signs of over-loading or off-roading

Since the PX generation was launched in 2011 Ford has issued many recalls for the Ranger, and some are serious, including for being a fire hazard over tall grass due to exposed exhaust. The car's service history will indicate whether all recalls have been carried. You can crosscheck them at this website: https://www.productsafety.gov.au/recalls 

Rangers are known to have issues with the automatic transmission, engine control module (ECM) failures (that send the truck into 'limp home mode' in hotter climates or after long-distance driving), air-conditioning, turbos and engine crank bearing. Most of these should be picked up by an experienced mechanical check-up before buying, or sorted out under warranty if you decide on a newer model.

This sort of advice applies to all used trucks. Fundamentally, the T6 Ranger is a solid, safe, durable, comfortable and enjoyable truck to own and drive, and remains the only one (along with the T6-based Mazda BT-50 from 2012 to mid-2020) that is designed, developed and engineered for Australian conditions, so don't be put off.

Just make sure it has history, ask pointed questions about how it's been used and don't be afraid to insist on a mechanic's report.

We hope this helps. Good luck.

Ford Ranger XLT 2016: Grinding noise when driving

Call back and ask what was done to ensure nothing else was affected. I would want them to tear the gearbox down, flush everything out, and check the internals before putting it back together and installing the new torque convertor.

Ranger Smart battery charging system

A number of owners seem to be having troubles that relate to the so-called Smart charging system. The system is designed to keep the battery charged to a sufficient level to keep the car going, but as you say there is little reserve and that can result in a flat battery. It’s also important when fitting accessories to the vehicle that connected in a way that allows the ECU to identify that there is greater draw on the system and the alternator needs to work harder. Ford can disable the system for you if that’s what you prefer, and lots of owners are doing that.

Why is the Instrument cluster on my '16 Ford Ranger not responding?

There’s possibly a problem with the body ECM or the ignition switch. Take it to your dealer and have it checked.

Ford Ranger, Mazda BT-50 recalled over fire hazard
Ford has been forced to recall approximately 59,000 examples of its popular Ranger pick-up due to a fire hazard relating to the vehicle’s diesel particulate filter (DPF).
Read the article
Nissan, Jeep, Ford, Mazda, Infiniti, Citroen models recalled
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has announced its latest round of safety recall notices, with models from Nissan, Jeep, Ford, Mazda, Infiniti and Citroen affected.
Read the article
Subaru, Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai, Ford, Mazda, Toyota models recalled
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has announced its latest round of safety recalls, with models from Subaru, Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai, Mazda, Toyota and Ford affected.
Read the article
2016 Ford Ranger shutting down while in motion

There is a glitch in the car’s computer system. Restarting it reboots the computer. If it’s not doing it when the car is at the dealer’s and nothing shows up on their diagnostic check it’s hard to trace and fix. It’s probably going to be a process of elimination until the cause is found.

Engine issues with 2016 Ford Ranger

Ford’s responsibility is to fix the problem. If you haven’t already contact Ford’s Customer Relationship Team (phone: 13 3673) and register your problem with them and give them the full picture of what’s happened to date. If you think the problem has gone beyond talking to Ford consider going to the Consumer Affairs people in Victoria.

Issues with 2016 Ford Ranger

There are no major issues with the Ranger engine or gearbox that should rule it out. Around the end of the financial year is often a good time to get a good deal, cars companies and dealers are looking to shift their stock at that time. Change of model is also a good time to swoop.

Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.
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Complete guide to Ford Ranger 2016
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