Makes›Ford›Ranger›2008

2008 Ford Ranger

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.

Ford Ranger
Pictured: 2011 Ford Ranger XLT -- NHTSA. Photo: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Small 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 / 26 hwy
Length
187.4–199.6 in
Curb weight
3,069–3,510 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
5 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 23 MPG combined — 22% better than the average 2008 small pickup truck (18.9 MPG).
  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints306 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 0 for similar models — most often about the air bags.
  • "Do not drive" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 5 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2008 Ford Ranger is a small 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 / 26 highway), 22% better than the 2008 small pickup truck average of 18.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.

It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 306 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.

What changed for 2008

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2007 Ranger — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 Ranger →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
Reg Cab Flareside S/Box187.4 in69.3 in63.8 in111.8 in58.7 / 57.5 in3,069 lb60/40
Reg Cab Flareside S/Box 4X4187.4 in70.1 in63.8 in111.8 in58.7 / 57.5 in3,069 lb60/40
Reg Cab Styleside L/Box199.6 in69.3 in65 in117.3 in58.7 / 57.5 in3,069 lb60/40
Reg Cab Styleside L/Box 4X4199.6 in69.3 in68.1 in117.3 in58.7 / 57.5 in3,510 lb60/40
Reg Cab Styleside S/Box187.4 in69.3 in63.8 in111.8 in58.7 / 57.5 in3,069 lb60/40
Reg Cab Styleside S/Box 4X4187.4 in69.3 in67.7 in111.8 in58.7 / 57.5 in3,408 lb60/40

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Ranger Pickup 2WD2.3L 4-cylManual 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive21 / 26 / 23+22%$2,900386
Ranger Pickup 2WD2.3L 4-cylAutomatic 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive19 / 24 / 21+11%$3,200423
Ranger Pickup 2WD3.0L 6-cylManual 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive16 / 22 / 18-5%$3,700494
Ranger Pickup 2WD4.0L 6-cylManual 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive15 / 20 / 17-10%$3,950523
Ranger Pickup 2WD3.0L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive15 / 20 / 17-10%$3,950523
Ranger Pickup 2WD4.0L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive15 / 20 / 17-10%$3,950523
Ranger Pickup 4WD3.0L 6-cylManual 5-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive15 / 20 / 170%$3,950523
Ranger Pickup 4WD3.0L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive14 / 19 / 16-6%$4,200555
Ranger Pickup 4WD4.0L 6-cylManual 5-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive15 / 19 / 16-6%$4,200555
Ranger Pickup 4WD4.0L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive14 / 17 / 15-12%$4,450592
Spend $2,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
18.9 MPG2008 Small Pickup Trucks 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Ford Ranger under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2008 small pickup trucks

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2008 Ford Ranger (this car)23 MPGNot rated5
2008 Ford Explorer16 MPGNot rated0
2008 Mazda B Pickup23 MPGNot rated0
2008 Isuzu i-290 Extended Cab20 MPGNot rated0
2008 Isuzu i-370 Crew Cab18 MPGNot rated0
2008 Isuzu i-370 Extended Cab18 MPGNot rated0

Recalls (5)

Safety advisory: 2 recalls for this model year carry a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
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 10, 2017 Do not drive

NHTSA campaign 17V024000 · 654,695 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012 Ford Fusion and Mustang and Lincoln Zephyr and MKZ 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 2009 Ford Ranger, Edge, Fusion and Mustang, Lincoln MKX, MKZ and Zephyr and Mercury Milan 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." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Ford is recalling certain 2007-2008 Ford Ranger, Edge and Lincoln MKX, 2006-2008 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, Lincoln Zephyr and MKZ, 2005-2008 Ford Mustang and 2005-2006 Ford GT vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, 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. Interim letters informing owners of the recall and that parts are not yet available began mailing March 1, 2017. 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.
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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2008 Ford Ranger is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

306Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
5Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
5Injuries reported
80,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Air Bags292
Structure › Body7
Electrical System4
Unknown Or Other4
Exterior Lighting3
Engine2
Steering1
Wheels1
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
18/05: 1418/06: 1118/07: 618/08: 118/09: 218/10: 218/11: 119/01: 119/05: 119/07: 119/08: 219/10: 119/12: 120/01: 220/08: 121/01: 121/05: 121/08: 221/12: 122/06: 122/09: 122/10: 123/06: 126/08: 218/0518/0818/1119/0719/1221/0121/1222/10max 14

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2008 Ford Ranger buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. 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.
  3. Air Bags — 292 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  4. Structure › Body — 7 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
  5. Electrical System — 4 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  6. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 80,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Ford Ranger. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Ranger years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Ranger23210.6 inNot rated88
2025 Ranger23210.6 inNot rated1344
2024 Ranger22210.6 inNot rated1395
2023 Ranger23211 inNot rated418
2022 Ranger23211 inNot rated538
2021 Ranger23211 inNot rated6119
2020 Ranger23211 in★★★★★7130
2019 Ranger23211 in★★★★★11270
2011 Ranger24187.4 inNot rated5223
2010 Ranger24187.4 inNot rated8140
2009 Ranger23187.4 inNot rated6152
2007 Ranger23187.4 inNot rated5243

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →