2011 Ford Ranger: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2011 Ford Ranger?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2011 Ford Ranger than on all cars registered in 2011.

• Rigid brake pipes5.1× usual
  Ford Ranger

  30.9% All 2011 cars

  6.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.8%, against 1% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Chassis rust or damage16× usual
  Ford Ranger

  16% All 2011 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, against 0.2% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Wheel bearings6.7× usual
  Ford Ranger

  12% All 2011 cars

  1.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.2%, against 0.7% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

• Steering boxnull× usual
  Ford Ranger

  9.3% All 2011 cars

  0%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Rear fog light8.1× usual
  Ford Ranger

  7.3% All 2011 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.1%, against 0.8% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

Common 2011 Ford Ranger MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2011 Ford Ranger MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  43% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Lights and electrics
  43% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Suspension
  31% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Rust and bodywork
  20% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Tyres
  19% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Steering
  13% of testsRough price £100–£450

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2011 Ford Ranger

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 5.1× as often on the 2011 Ford Ranger as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 16× as often on the 2011 Ford Ranger as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 6.7× as often on the 2011 Ford Ranger as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?