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Ford Ranger 2018 Problems

Are you having problems with your 2018 Ford Ranger? Let our team of motoring experts keep you up to date with all of the latest 2018 Ford Ranger issues & faults. We have gathered all of the most frequently asked questions and problems relating to the 2018 Ford Ranger in one spot to help you decide if it's a smart buy.

What parts are interchangeable between a 2018 Ford Ranger XL and Wildtrak?

Provided you're comparing apples with apples (dual-cabs with dual-cabs, for instance) the exterior panels, glass and much of the chassis and platform should be interchangeable between these two variants of what is essentially the same car.

The differences are likely to be cosmetic, such as the Wildtrak version having a chrome tailgate handle rather than a black plastic one on the base model Ranger. But even things like headlights can throw up big differences. for example, the Wildtrak had LED running lights and HID headlights, which won't fit on the lower-spec version thanks to mounting and wiring differences. The Wildtrak was also available in its own palette of exterior colours, so matching panels colours might be difficult.

Then there's the question of what engine was fitted to either version you're trying to swap parts with. The different powerplants would have had different wiring looms (for different sensors in different positions) and perhaps even differences in where major components were mounted under the bonnet. Even the wheels of different Ranger variants had different sizes and offsets. So, a simple bonnet or mudguard substitution might be viable, but some parts sharing will definitely not be as simple as it sounds.

Why does my 2018 Ford Ranger Wildtrak stutter when accelerating?

This gets a bit political, because Rangers delivered after May 1, 2018 carried a five-year factory warranty, but cars sold before that date had just three years of factory cover. Which means that if your car was sold new before May 1 2018, it will now be out of warranty and, if it was sold later than that, the problem is still Ford’s as the warranty should still apply. Even so, it would seem fair that Ford should offer some pro-rata cover for a car that was built in early 2018 and missed out on the five-year warranty by a quirk of the calendar. But don’t count on it.

As for the actual problem, have you noticed any warning lights on the dashboard? If so, that could be a clue to what’s going on. But unfortunately, there are many, many things that could be making a modern turbo-diesel engine run poorly. Rough running or stuttering, for instance, could be caused by anything from a blocked fuel filter, worn fuel pump, faulty fuel-injectors or a DPF system that is blocked. Or any of literally hundreds of other things.

The best advice is to have the car electronically scanned to see if the on-board computer throws up a fault code. From there, you can home in on the actual problem without a hit-and-miss approach. That said, I would have expected a Ford dealer to have tried this already, so maybe it’s time to try another dealer. And don’t forget to press them on the warranty situation.

Why is my 2018 Ford Ranger making a loud crunching noise?

While it might sound like your car is haunted, I have actually come across this problem before and it’s not as rare as you might think. The clicking/tapping noise is actually caused by the actuator motor for the cabin-ventilation’s recirculation flap.

If any dirt or grease contaminates the internal electrical contacts inside the actuator (which is a little electric motor that opens and closes the flap) the actuator cannot electronically detect (or find) its parked position. So, it continues to cycle the flap, searching in vain for the contact that tells it to switch off. That continual cycling is what you can hear.

You can replace the actuator or, if you’re keen and a bit handy, you can remove the actuator from under the dashboard (near the glove-box) take the unit apart and clean the contacts to that it all works properly again. Or take it to a Ford dealership, as a 2018 anger should still be covered by the factory warranty (Ford upgraded the warranty to five years in 2018).

Ford Ranger 2019: What is the noise coming from my car?

I’ve heard of this before, Sam, and it does seem that it’s caused by the lock-stops banging together and causing the noise you’re hearing. The lock-stop, meantime, is a simple, mechanical device that stops the front wheels turning too far, and to do that, it simply uses one piece of metal that literally bumps into another piece on full lock to prevent further movement. And that’s the noise you’re hearing. That it only happens on with the steering on full lock is the big clue here.

Greasing the bits of metal might quieten things down a bit, but I was under the impression that this model Ranger had little plastic caps on the metal parts to prevent the metal-on-metal contact and, therefore, the horrible noises. Either way, I’d be having an expert check the front suspension to make sure the noise isn’t coming for another, more sinister source. You can’t be too careful with this stuff and since the vehicle should still under warranty, what have you got to lose?

Toyota HiLux: Will off-road suspension make it ride better?

Both would be improved, but I wouldn’t necessarily think they would be the same. Talk to an off-road suspension specialist for a more definitive opinion.

Ford Ranger 2018: Is a vibration while driving a known problem with the Wildtrak?

Have the dealer justify the claim that it’s a characteristic of the Wildtrak, perhaps ask him to let you drive other Wildtraks to see for yourself, and don’t accept any explanation that doesn’t make sense. You could also contact Ford (13 3673) and ask for their help in resolving your complaint.

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Are Ford Rangers four-wheel drive or front-wheel drive?

Ford offer their Ranger commercial utes in 4x4 or two-wheel drive. The 2WD models are rear-wheel-drive, while the 4x4 models will drive around town using just their rear wheels, engaging all four wheels once 4WD is selected. There are no front wheel drive Rangers.

Are Ford Rangers good off-road?

Ford's 4x4 Ranger models have become quite well-regarded as off-road vehicles. Once fitted with a suspension lift, good off-road tyres, locked diffs, and other minor revisions they can go most places a traditional 4x4 (like a Patrol or LandCruiser) could go. Stock 4x4 Rangers are quite good on sand and in light off-road conditions, too.

Are Ford Rangers reliable?

Yes, no and maybe, all at once.

Ford's T6-generation Rangers are generally a reliable machine so long as they're treated with mechanical sympathy, and are serviced by the book. There have been a few issues reported by some owners, with engines and transmissions replaced under warranty.

However, compared to other vehicles in this class the Ranger is highly reliable and the best pick.

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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