REDLINE ALLEYFord Ranger Raptor PX (2018 to 2022): buying guide, problems and NZ numbers
The Ford Ranger Raptor PX was built from 2018 to 2022 as a ute, with an automatic gearbox, four wheel drive and diesel power. Chassis code: PX. Redline has a curated guide to its 8 most reported weak points, from owner club and specialist sources.
Key facts
- Years
- 2018 to 2022
- Chassis codes
- PX
- Body types
- Ute
- Gearboxes
- Automatic
- Drive
- 4WD (four wheel drive)
- Fuel
- Diesel
On NZ roads
Counting every one on the NZ register. The first look can take up to 15 seconds.
Known weak points
Curated by Redline from owner club and specialist sources Commonly reported by owners and specialists for the Ford Ranger PX (PX1 to PX3) (2011 to 2022). Not every car has these; check this one.
3.2 oil pump losing prime
If the sump and oil pump are fully drained at a service, the 3.2 oil pump can lose its prime and not restore oil flow on restart, which can wreck the engine.
- Where to look
- The service invoices, and who did the oil changes
- How to test
- Ask who serviced it and whether there has ever been an oil pressure warning or knocking after a service. Listen for knocking on a cold start.
- Cost if it needs fixing
- High cost engine damage if it happens
Sources: 4x4australia.com.au (opens in a new tab), carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab)
3.2 number 4 cylinder under extreme load
Under extreme load the 3.2 five cylinder could burn the tip of the number 4 injector and potentially hole the piston.
- Where to look
- The 3.2 engine, and any tuning or heavy towing history
- How to test
- Ask whether it has been tuned or towed heavily. Watch for smoke and feel for a misfire under load.
- Cost if it needs fixing
- High cost piston and injector work
EGR cooler and coolant loss
EGR cooler leaks can drop the coolant fast and damage the engine, and on the 2.2 the exhaust gas regulator can split.
- Where to look
- The coolant expansion tank, and the EGR cooler at the back of the engine
- How to test
- Check the coolant is at the mark when cold and ask whether it needs topping up. Look for coolant crust round the EGR cooler.
- Cost if it needs fixing
- High cost EGR cooler, or engine damage if ignored
Sources: carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab), 4x4australia.com.au (opens in a new tab)
Dual mass flywheel and clutch (manuals)
The dual mass flywheel on manuals is prone to failure under heavy towing, and quick clutch wear and shudder are reported.
- Where to look
- The clutch and the flywheel between engine and gearbox
- How to test
- Pull away up a slope and feel for shudder or slip, and listen for rattles at idle and when switching off.
- Cost if it needs fixing
- High cost clutch and flywheel together
Sources: 4x4australia.com.au (opens in a new tab), carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab)
Turbo oil seals
Oil leaking past the turbo seals shows as exhaust smoke.
- Where to look
- The exhaust tailpipe at start up and under load
- How to test
- Watch the exhaust at start up and when accelerating for blue or grey smoke.
- Cost if it needs fixing
- High cost a replacement turbo
Sources: carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab)
6 speed auto shudder and towing heat
The auto can shudder on downchanges, and long distance towing can overheat it into limp home mode; a separate transmission cooler is suggested for towing.
- Where to look
- The automatic gearbox, felt from the driver seat
- How to test
- Feel for shudder as the gearbox changes down when slowing, and ask what it has towed and whether an extra cooler is fitted.
- Cost if it needs fixing
- High cost transmission repair
Sources: carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab)
2.0 bi turbo and 10 speed auto (PX3)
Early injector problems on the 2.0 bi turbo led to 2 field service campaigns, and the 10 speed had a widespread safety recall. Hesitant, clunky shifts are reported.
- Where to look
- The Ford dealer records for the VIN, and the 10 speed gearbox
- How to test
- Ask a Ford dealer to confirm the injector campaigns and gearbox recall are done, and feel for clunky shifts on the drive.
- Cost if it needs fixing
- High cost injectors or gearbox work
Recalls
There were 13 safety recalls across the PX series, including brake calipers that may crack, steering column welds, a rear seat catch and a fire risk driving through long grass.
- Where to look
- The recall record for the VIN
- How to test
- Ask a Ford dealer to confirm every recall has been done; do not assume earlier owners had them done.
- Cost if it needs fixing
- Low cost recall work is free at a Ford dealer
Sources: carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab), 4x4australia.com.au (opens in a new tab)
General guidance from owner and specialist sources. Check the specific car with an independent inspection. Researched 4 November 2026.
What the cost bands mean
- Low: a small job. Typically a few hundred dollars or less at an NZ workshop, often a DIY fix.
- Medium: a proper workshop job. Typically several hundred to a couple of thousand dollars.
- High: a major job. Typically several thousand dollars or more, enough to change what the car is worth.
Questions to ask the seller
- Is it the 2.2, 3.2 or 2.0 bi turbo, and manual or auto?
- Who did the oil changes, and has it ever had an oil pressure warning?
- Does it need coolant topping up?
- What has it towed, and has the dual mass flywheel or clutch been replaced?
- Have all 13 recalls and the PX3 injector campaigns been done where they apply?
- Has it been tuned?
New Zealand notes
- Many Mazda BT-50 parts for the 2.2 and 3.2 are the same as the Ranger parts and can be cheaper.
A PX Ranger suits a buyer who wants a strong towing ute and checks the coolant, service history and recall record.
US recalls
Looking up US recall data.
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