2005 Ford Ranger
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2005 models.

- Class
- Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD
- Body styles
- Reg Cab Flareside S/Box, Reg Cab Flareside S/Box 4X4, Reg Cab Styleside L/Box, Reg Cab Styleside L/Box 4X4
- Engines
- 2.3L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl, 4.0L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 21 city / 27 hwy
- Length
- 187.4–199.6 in
- Curb weight
- 3,069–3,510 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 9 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 23 MPG combined — 39% better than the average 2005 standard pickup truck (16.6 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 against 4 similar 2005 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2005 Ford Ranger is a standard pickup truck offered with 3 engines (2.3L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl and 4.0L 6-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-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 Flareside S/Box).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (21 city / 27 highway), 39% better than the 2005 standard pickup truck average of 16.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.
It has 9 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 182 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reg Cab Flareside S/Box | 187.4 in | 69.3 in | 63.8 in | 111.8 in | 58.7 / 57.5 in | 3,069 lb | 60/40 |
| Reg Cab Flareside S/Box 4X4 | 187.4 in | 70.1 in | 63.8 in | 111.8 in | 58.7 / 57.5 in | 3,069 lb | 60/40 |
| Reg Cab Styleside L/Box | 199.6 in | 69.3 in | 65 in | 117.3 in | 58.7 / 57.5 in | 3,069 lb | 60/40 |
| Reg Cab Styleside L/Box 4X4 | 199.6 in | 69.3 in | 68.1 in | 117.3 in | 58.7 / 57.5 in | 3,510 lb | 60/40 |
| 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 |
| Reg Cab Styleside S/Box 4X4 | 187.4 in | 69.3 in | 67.7 in | 111.8 in | 58.7 / 57.5 in | 3,408 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 Pickup 2WD | 2.3L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 / 27 / 23 | +39% | $2,900 | 386 |
| Ranger Pickup 2WD | 2.3L 4-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 24 / 21 | +27% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Ranger Pickup 2WD | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 21 / 18 | +8% | $3,700 | 494 |
| Ranger Pickup 2WD | 3.0L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 21 / 18 | +8% | $3,700 | 494 |
| Ranger Pickup 2WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 21 / 18 | +8% | $3,700 | 494 |
| Ranger Pickup 2WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 21 / 17 | +2% | $3,950 | 523 |
| Ranger Pickup 4WD | 3.0L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 / 19 / 17 | +9% | $3,950 | 523 |
| Ranger Pickup 4WD | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 / 19 / 16 | +3% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Ranger Pickup 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 18 / 16 | +3% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Ranger Pickup 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 17 / 15 | -4% | $4,450 | 592 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2005 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2005 Ford Ranger under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2005 standard pickup trucks
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 Ford Ranger (this car) | 23 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2005 Ford Explorer | 16 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Dodge Dakota Pickup | 17 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2005 Mazda B Pickup | 23 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Chevrolet SSR Pickup | 15 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (9)
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Apr 28, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V306000 · 231,942 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2004-2006 Ranger vehicles that received replacement front passenger air bag inflators under a previous recall. The replacement front passenger air bag inflators may have been installed incorrectly.
- Risk
- An incorrectly installed inflator may not properly inflate the passenger air bag, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and reinstall the front passenger air bag inflator, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S08. This recall expands and replaces previous recall number 23V-125.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Feb 24, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V125000 · 98,550 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2004-2006 Ranger vehicles that received replacement front passenger air bag inflators under a previous recall. The replacement frontal passenger air bag inflators may have been installed incorrectly.
- Risk
- An incorrectly installed inflator may not properly inflate the passenger air bag, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and reinstall the front passenger air bag inflator, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 5, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S08. This recall has been fully superseded by recall 23V-306.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Feb 17, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V076000 · 144,340 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2004-2006 Ranger vehicles that 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 · 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 · Dec 11, 2017 Do not drive
NHTSA campaign 17V788000 · 328,213 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is superseding a previous recall for certain 2004-2006 Ford Ranger trucks to implement a final repair. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants, potentially 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's frontal air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 16, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S42. Note: This recall supersedes recall 15V322 which was an interim repair. Vehicles that received a replacement air bag inflator under the previous campaign need to return to a dealer to have an alternate inflator installed. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S42.
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module · Dec 11, 2017 Do not drive
NHTSA campaign 17V787000 · 328,213 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is superseding a previous recall for certain 2004-2006 Ford Ranger trucks to implement a final repair. Upon deployment of the driver side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially 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 driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 16, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S42. Note: This recall supersedes recall 16V-036 which was an interim repair. Vehicles that received a replacement air bag inflator under the previous campaign need to return to a dealer to have an alternate inflator installed.
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module · Jan 25, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V036000 · 361,692 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 Ranger vehicles manufactured March 24, 2003, to May 4, 2006. Upon deployment of the driver side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
- Fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S03. Note: This recall supersedes 14V-343 and only applies to Rangers manufactured in North America.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · May 28, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V322000 · 362,327 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 Ranger trucks manufactured March 24, 2003, to May 4, 2006. The affected vehicles are equipped with a passenger side frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
- Fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on December 4, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S22. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 14V-787.
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 2005 Ford Ranger is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2005 Ford Ranger buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 9 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 — 126 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Structure › Body — 17 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Suspension — 16 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 90,000 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 2005 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 |
| 2011 Ranger | 24 | 187.4 in | Not rated | 5 | 223 |
| 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 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →