2012 Ford Ranger: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2012 Ford Ranger?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2012 Ford Ranger than on all cars registered in 2012.

• Rigid brake pipes3.7× usual
  Ford Ranger

  18.6% All 2012 cars

  5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 0.8% of all 2012 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.

• Ball joint dust cover4.9× usual
  Ford Ranger

  11.7% All 2012 cars

  2.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.6%, against 1.1% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Track rod ends2.7× usual
  Ford Ranger

  11.4% All 2012 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.8%, against 2.2% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

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

• Engine oil leaks1.9× usual
  Ford Ranger

  11.2% All 2012 cars

  5.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 0.1% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Chassis rust or damage10.8× usual
  Ford Ranger

  5.4% All 2012 cars

  0.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.1%, against 0.1% of all 2012 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.

Common 2012 Ford Ranger MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2012 Ford Ranger MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  41% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  32% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Brakes
  32% 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.

• Tyres
  18% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  14% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Exhaust and emissions
  10% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Known faults on the 2012 Ford Ranger

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Oil pump failure (3.2 diesel)

  3.2 diesel

  The most common problem: the 3.2 diesel's oil pump fails. Watch for ticking, low oil pressure or the engine light. Owners often fit a geared pump.

  At the viewing: Listen for ticking at idle and make sure the oil light goes out.

  Source: Autocar: Ford Ranger (2011-2022) used buying guide

• Chassis and wheel arch corrosion

  All engines

  Corrosion is common on the chassis and in the wheel arches.

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the chassis rails and in the arches.

  Source: Autocar: Ford Ranger (2011-2022) used buying guide

• Gearbox and turbo problems

  All engines

  Both manual and automatic gearboxes have had problems, and turbos can fail, shown by poor pulling and blue smoke.

  At the viewing: Feel for slipping and harsh changes, and look for blue smoke.

  Source: Autocar: Ford Ranger (2011-2022) used buying guide

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2012 Ford Ranger

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

1. Has the oil pump been replaced or upgraded?
2. Has the chassis had rust treatment or repairs?
3. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 3.7× as often on the 2012 Ford Ranger as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 4.9× as often on the 2012 Ford Ranger as on other cars the same age.)
5. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2012 Ford Ranger as on other cars the same age.)
6. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?