2011 Ford Ranger
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2011 models.

- Class
- Small Pickup Trucks 2WD
- Body styles
- Reg Cab Styleside S/Box, Super Cab Styleside S/Box Sport/Xlt 4x, Super Cab Styleside S/Box Xl/Sport 4x2
- Engines
- 2.3L 4-cyl, 4.0L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 24 combined · 22 city / 27 hwy
- Length
- 187.4–201.6 in
- Curb weight
- 3,069–3,600 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 5 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 24 MPG combined — 26% better than the average 2011 small pickup truck (19.1 MPG).
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- "Do not drive" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2011 Ford Ranger is a small pickup truck offered with 2 engines (2.3L 4-cyl and 4.0L 6-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 187 inches long and 69 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,069 lb (Reg Cab Styleside S/Box).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 24 MPG combined (22 city / 27 highway), 26% better than the 2011 small pickup truck average of 19.1 MPG, for an estimated $2,800 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 223 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
What changed for 2011
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2010 Ranger — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2010; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2010 Ranger →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reg Cab Styleside S/Box | 187.4 in | 69.3 in | 63.8 in | 111.8 in | 58.7 / 57.5 in | 3,069 lb | 60/40 |
| Super Cab Styleside S/Box Sport/Xlt 4x | 201.6 in | 69.3 in | 67.7 in | 125.6 in | 58.7 / 57.5 in | 3,600 lb | 60/40 |
| Super Cab Styleside S/Box Xl/Sport 4x2 | 201.6 in | 69.3 in | 65 in | 125.6 in | 58.7 / 57.5 in | 3,234 lb | 60/40 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ranger 2WD | 2.3L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 22 / 27 / 24 | +26% | $2,800 | 370 |
| Ranger 2WD | 2.3L 4-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 23 / 20 | +5% | $3,350 | 444 |
| Ranger 2WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 21 / 18 | -6% | $3,700 | 494 |
| Ranger 2WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 20 / 17 | -11% | $3,950 | 523 |
| Ranger 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 15 / 19 / 17 | -4% | $3,950 | 523 |
| Ranger 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 15 / 18 / 16 | -10% | $4,200 | 555 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2011 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2011 Ford Ranger.
Similar 2011 small pickup trucks
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Ford Ranger (this car) | 24 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2011 Suzuki Equator | 21 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (5)
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module · Mar 10, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V158000 · 2,602,668 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2007-2011 Ranger, 2006-2012 Fusion, Lincoln Zephyr, Lincoln MKZ, 2006-2011 Mercury Milan, 2007-2010 Ford Edge, and Lincoln MKX vehicles. The driver's side air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
- Risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
- Fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver-side airbag inflator or module with an alternate one, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 9, 2021 for the passenger side, and November 14, 2022 for the driver side. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S12.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Feb 16, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V081000 · 1,067 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2005-2014 Mustang, 2004-2011 Ranger, 2009-2011 Mercury Milan, 2006 Ford GT, 2008-2012 Fusion, 2007-2010 Edge and Lincoln MKX, and 2009-2010 Lincoln MKZ vehicles. These vehicles may be equipped with a driver or passenger frontal air bag inflator used as a replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the frontal air bag, an inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver and passenger air bag module, and replace either the module or the inflator, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 17, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S05.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Jan 7, 2019 Do not drive
NHTSA campaign 19V001000 · 782,384 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 Ford Mustang vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Ford is recalling certain 2011 Ford Ranger and Mercury Milan vehicles, 2011-2012 Ford Fusion and Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ vehicles and 2011-2014 Ford Mustang vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Ford is also recalling certain 2010 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles, 2010-2011 Ford Ranger and Mercury Milan vehicles, 2010-2012 Ford Fusion and Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ vehicles, and 2010-2014 Ford Mustang vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- Risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Fix
- Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall 19S01.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · May 31, 2016 Do not drive
NHTSA campaign 16V384000 · 1,892,343 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Ford Ranger vehicles, 2006-2011 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ vehicles, 2007-2010 Ford Edge, Lincoln MKX vehicles, 2005-2006 Ford GT vehicles, and 2005-2011 Ford Mustang vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Ford is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 Ford Ranger, Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles, 2006-2008 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ vehicles, 2005-2006 Ford GT vehicles and 2005-2008 Ford Mustang vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Any vehicle not included in "Zone A", or "Zone B" is not included in the safety recall. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- Risk
- An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Fix
- Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. Ford mailed interim letters informing owners that parts are not yet available on July 15, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S01.
Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights · Jul 13, 2011
NHTSA campaign 11V352000 · 26,715 vehicles
- Problem
- FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 RANGER TRUCKS BUILT FROM JANUARY 25, 2011, THROUGH APRIL 25, 2011 AT THE TWIN CITIES ASSEMBLY PLANT, AND SERVICE PARTS DISTRIBUTED TO DEALERS FOR CERTAIN 2004 THROUGH 2011 MODEL YEAR RANGER TRUCKS, 2002 THROUGH 2005 MODEL YEAR EXCURSION VEHICLES, AND 2002 THROUGH 2007 MODEL YEAR F-250, F-350, F-450, AND F-550 TRUCKS FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WAS SHIPPED WITH A SUBCOMPONENT (SLIDER) THAT MAY EXPERIENCE DEFORMATION. A MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WITH A DEFORMED SLIDER MAY MALFUNCTION CAUSING THE TURN SIGNAL, TAIL LIGHTS, HAZARD WARNING SIGNAL FLASHERS AND/OR BRAKE LIGHTS NOT TO ACTIVATE.
- Risk
- NON-FUNCTIONING LIGHTS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Fix
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SWITCHES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 15, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.
Not every 2011 Ford Ranger is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2011 Ford Ranger buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
- Air Bags — 193 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Exterior Lighting — 8 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Structure › Body — 7 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 50,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2011 Ford Ranger. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Ranger years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Ranger | 23 | 210.6 in | Not rated | 8 | 8 |
| 2025 Ranger | 23 | 210.6 in | Not rated | 13 | 44 |
| 2024 Ranger | 22 | 210.6 in | Not rated | 13 | 95 |
| 2023 Ranger | 23 | 211 in | Not rated | 4 | 18 |
| 2022 Ranger | 23 | 211 in | Not rated | 5 | 38 |
| 2021 Ranger | 23 | 211 in | Not rated | 6 | 119 |
| 2020 Ranger | 23 | 211 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 130 |
| 2019 Ranger | 23 | 211 in | ★★★★★ | 11 | 270 |
| 2010 Ranger | 24 | 187.4 in | Not rated | 8 | 140 |
| 2009 Ranger | 23 | 187.4 in | Not rated | 6 | 152 |
| 2008 Ranger | 23 | 187.4 in | Not rated | 5 | 306 |
| 2007 Ranger | 23 | 187.4 in | Not rated | 5 | 243 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →