Some 2019-2020 Ranger vehicles built on or before 30-Jul-2020 may experience poor and/or no temperature change when the temperature is adjusted in the climate control system. There may also be a clicking/snapping noise from behind the instrument panel. Diagnostic trouble code (DTC) B1082 and/or B1081 may also be retrieved from the front controls interface module (FCIM). This may be due to an issue with the blend door and its controls. To avoid repeat repairs, replace the air distribution housing/heater assembly (service base part# 18478). Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 412-00. Do not replace the evaporator core for this condition. The WSM has been updated to reflect this change. For
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2020 Ford Ranger visibility problems
moderate Owners of the 2020 Ford Ranger have filed 8 NHTSA complaints about the visibility at roughly $350 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See visibility across all vehicles →
Complaints
8
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$350
| Model year | visibility complaints |
|---|---|
| 2019 Ranger | 15 |
| 2020 Ranger (this page) | 8 |
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering visibility on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Some 2019-2020 Ranger vehicles built on or before 30-Jul-2020 may experience poor and/or no temperature change when the temperature is adjusted in the climate control system. There may also be a clicking/snapping noise from behind the instrument panel. Diagnostic trouble code (DTC) B1082 and/or B1081 may also be retrieved from the front controls interface module (FCIM). This may be due to an issue with the blend door and its controls. To avoid repeat repairs, replace the air distribution housing/heater assembly (service base part# 18478). Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 412-00. Do not replace the evaporator core for this condition. The WSM has been updated to reflect this change. Use
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2019-2022 Ranger vehicles may experience condensation from the climate control system dripping on the driver's side floor and/or the driver's foot. This may be due to improper or poorly wrapped evaporator lines between the interior bulkhead and the climate control assembly case. Using a flashlight and a mirror, inspect the evaporator lines for being exposed or poorly wrapped. The cut ends of the mastic wrap should be on the top of the lines and have complete coverage. If an issue is found, cover the lines by manipulating the existing mastic wrap, or by adding more mastic to better insulate the lines and limit condensation.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2019-2021 Ranger vehicles built on or before 01-Sep-2021 may experience a lack of air conditioning (A/C) cooling performance condition and/or an A/C compressor engagement concern when using the remote start function (if equipped). This may be due to the software within the front controls interface module (FCIM). To correct the condition, reprogram the FCIM using the latest software level of the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. For claiming, use causal part 19980 and applicable labor operations in Section 12651D4 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual. After FCIM programing, check for A/C operation and correct as necessary.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Vehicle has 51,532 miles and a blend door actuator needs to be replaced - inconsistent air flow coming in. The desired air wanted whether it be hot or cold, is being diverted incorrectly, so we are not getting a consistent temperature out of the A/C system. This item was recalled previously In the 2019 Ford Ranger.
At one point, the heat/ac would blow air but would not heat or cool. This was about a month and a half ago., There was an electrical burning smell, and at that point the system would not heat or cool. The burning smell has since subsided. I took the truck to Santa Maria Ford to have it looked at and have my oil changed. I was told that it would cost 3500.00 to repair the issue. I looked the…
Had visibility trouble with your 2020 Ford Ranger?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the visibility problem on the 2020 Ford Ranger?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 8 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $350 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the visibility typically fail?
Based on the 8 complaints filed, visibility issues most often appear around 86,000 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $350 for visibility repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to visibility?
No active recalls currently cover visibility issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2020/Ford/Ranger.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.