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Ford

Ranger

PX MkI / MkII / MkIII (T6)· 2011-2022 ute
Price (AUD)
$18k-$50k
Body styles
Single Cab, Extra Cab, Dual Cab
Drivetrain
RWD, 4WD part-time
Origin
Australia
Built in
Thailand

Overview

Ford-Australia engineered T6 platform — designed in Melbourne, built in Thailand. Same generation across MkI (2011-2015), MkII (2015-2018), MkIII (2018-2022) but with progressive interior, safety and engine updates. The 3.2L P5AT 5-cylinder Duratorq is the signature engine with its distinctive offbeat sound — strong torque (470Nm), strong tow rating (3500kg from new), but the EGR cooler internal coolant leak is close to inevitable somewhere between 80-150k km. The 2.0 bi-turbo added from 2018 brought 10-speed auto and oil-dilution complaints. The 6-speed ZF 6R80 auto on the 3.2 has lockup-clutch shudder under heavy tow without an external trans cooler.

Engines & variants

3.2L P5AT (5-cylinder Duratorq turbo diesel)

Engine
5-cylinder
Config
I5 turbo
Displacement
3.2L
Power
147kW
Torque
470Nm
Drivetrain
RWD / Part-time 4WD
0–100
~10.4s
Economy
~9.0 L/100km combined
Tow (braked)
3500kg
Tow (unbraked)
750kg
Transmission
6MT, 6AT (ZF 6R80)
Timing chain / belt / gear
Chain-driven, inspect from 150,000km

Pros

  • No DPF on earliest examples
  • Strong torque (470Nm)
  • Massive parts supply
  • Distinctive 5-cyl sound
  • 3500kg tow from new
  • Well-regarded mechanically (apart from EGR)

Cons

  • EGR cooler issues are inevitable
  • Auto trans torque converter heat issues
  • Heavy front end
  • Several known failure points at 150k+

Known problems

high
EGR cooler internal coolant leak
EGR cooler develops internal cracks letting coolant into the intake. Coolant burns off causing white smoke, coolant loss with no visible leak, eventual engine damage. Close to inevitable on the 3.2.
Fix: Replacement EGR cooler (uprated aftermarket available). Many fit a bypass/delete kit. Check coolant level religiously.
From 80-150k km · ~$1500-2800
high
6-speed auto torque converter shudder
ZF 6R80 auto has torque converter shudder under heavy load. Trans fluid breaks down quickly when towing. Lockup clutch wears causing shudder at 60-80km/h.
Fix: Mandatory: external trans cooler. Fresh trans fluid every 60k. Lockup retrofit or rebuild if shudder present.
From 100k+ km, towing · ~$2500-5000
medium
Turbo VGT vane sticking
Variable geometry vanes carbon up and stick - lack of boost, limp mode, surging.
Fix: VGT clean or replacement.
From 120k+ km · ~$1500-3500
medium
Injector failure
Injectors fail individually or as a set. Hard cold start, white smoke, fuel in oil.
Fix: Replace injectors as set. Use quality fuel.
From 150k+ km · ~$2000-3500 set

2.0L Bi-Turbo (twin-turbo diesel)

Engine
Bi-turbo diesel
Config
I4 turbo
Displacement
2.0L
Power
157kW
Torque
500Nm
Drivetrain
RWD / Part-time 4WD
0–100
~10s
Economy
~7.4 L/100km combined
Tow (braked)
3500kg
Tow (unbraked)
750kg
Transmission
10AT (10R80)
Timing chain / belt / gear
Chain-driven, known weak point — see problems

Pros

  • Best fuel economy in the range
  • 10-speed auto when working well
  • Strong torque for the size
  • Modern cabin (MkIII)

Cons

  • Timing chain stretch/wear is well-documented
  • Oil dilution on short-trip use
  • 10-speed auto has its own gremlins
  • Less aftermarket support than 3.2

Known problems

high
2.0 Bi-Turbo timing chain wear
Timing chain stretch and tensioner failure on the 2.0. Eventually catastrophic.
Fix: Full timing chain kit. Use Ford-spec oil, don't extend service intervals.
From 80-120k km · ~$3500-6000
medium
2.0 oil dilution
Diesel dilutes oil during failed regens. Oil level rises, viscosity drops.
Fix: Highway runs, halve oil change interval if short-trip.
From Short trips · ~$0
medium
10-speed auto harsh shifts
Calibration issues caused harsh shifts on early 10R80. Torque converter complaints under heavy tow (transmission overheating).
Fix: TSB software flash. External trans cooler for towing.
From Any · ~$0-3000

Common problems (all variants)

high
6-speed ZF 6R80 auto torque converter shudder
On 3.2 examples. Lockup clutch wears causing shudder at 60-80km/h. Trans fluid breaks down quickly when towing. Trans overheating without an external cooler.
Fix: External trans cooler is mandatory for towing. Fresh trans fluid every 60k. Lockup clutch retrofit or full rebuild if shudder is established.
From 100k+ km, towing · ~$2500-5000
low
Front lower control arm bush wear
Standard ute pattern — bushes wear, vague steering.
Fix: Polyurethane or OEM bush kit replacement.
From 120k+ km · ~$200-400 DIY