1996 FORD RANGER

8 recalls — 533 complaints

09V399000 Oct 13, 2009
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Defect Description
FORD IS RECALLING MODEL YEARS 1995-2003 WINDSTAR, 2000-2003 EXCURSION DIESEL, 1993-1997 AND 1999-2003 F-250 SD THROUGH F-550 SD DIESEL, 1992-2003 E-150 THROUGH E-550, 1995-2002 EXPLORER, 1997 AND 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, 1995-1997 AND 2001-2003 RANGER, AND 1994 F53 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TEXAS ... Read more
Consequence
A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.
Remedy
FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS THAT DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS IN LINE WITH THE SCDS. ON 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH A LEAKING SCDS, DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR AND REPAIR AS NECESSARY. REPAIRS WILL BE COMPLETED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN... Read more
4,500,000 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
09E025000 May 11, 2009
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Defect Description
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES... Read more
Consequence
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
42,540 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: DOPE, INC.
09E012000 Apr 7, 2009
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Defect Description
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES... Read more
Consequence
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
16,270 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: SABERSPORT
08E050000 Aug 11, 2008
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Defect Description
K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND A... Read more
Consequence
WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.
1,921 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: K2 MOTOR CORPORATION
06E026000 Mar 23, 2006
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Defect Description
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE D... Read more
Consequence
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy
PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
61,944 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: PRO-A MOTORS, INC.
01X001000 May 22, 2001
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
Defect Description
THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: FORD IS REPLACING ALL FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT 15, 16, AND 17 INCH TIRES MOUNTED ON FORD TRUCKS AND SUVS. FORD REPORTS TREAD SEPARATION CAN... Read more
Consequence
SHOULD THE TREAD SEPARATE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.
Remedy
THE REPLACEMENT/REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM FOR THIS CAMPAIGN EXPIRED ON MARCH 31, 2002. HOWEVER, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT FORD AT 1-877-917-3673 OR GO ON-LINE TO WWW.FORD.COM FOR POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE.
13,000,000 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
00T005000 Aug 21, 2000
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
Defect Description
TIRE DESCRIPTION: FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT, SIZE P235/75R15, PRODUCED AT THE DECATUR, ILLINOIS TIRE PLANT AND ALL FIRESTONE RADIAL ATX AND RADIAL ATX II TIRES, SIZE P235/75R15. OPERATION OF THESE TIRES AT LOW INFLATION PRESSURES, HIGH SPEED, AND IN HOT WEATHER, CAN CONTRIBUTE TO SEPARATION OF THE T... Read more
Consequence
IF THE TREAD SEPARATES FROM THE TIRE, THE DRIVER CAN LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH CAUSING INJURY OR DEATH.
Remedy
THE REPLACEMENT/REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM FOR THIS CAMPAIGN EXPIRED ON AUGUST 29, 2001. HOWEVER, CUSTOMERS SHOULD CONTACT FIRESTONE CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-465-1904 FOR POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE.
14,400,000 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: BRIDGESTONE/FIRESTONE, INC.
96V161000 Aug 29, 1996
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Defect Description
THE CERTIFICATION LABELS ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES HAS INCORRECT REAR TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE DESIGNATIONS. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO. 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS."
Consequence
INCORRECT INFLATION PRESSURES COULD CAUSE PREMATURE WEAR OF THE REAR TIRES. .
Remedy
OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH CORRECT CERTIFICATION LABELS AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR INSTALLING THESE LABELS. DEALERS CAN INSTALL THIS LABEL IF THE OWNER SO DESIRES.
134,770 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Complaint Statistics

533 total complaints 53 crashes 22 fires 39 injuries 10 deaths

Top Reported Components

ComponentComplaints
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP33
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER29
TIRES:TREAD/BELT22
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL19
TIRES19
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL16
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE16
INTERIOR LIGHTING13
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE12
SEAT BELTS11
SEAT BELTS Feb 26, 2023
Incident date: Feb 26, 2005
Drivers side seat belt buckle does not work. The tongue on the long strap does not lock into the buckle at the seat. I think this may be a recall problem with other models and/or years, but not 1996 Ford Rangers.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Dec 6, 2022
Incident date: Dec 2, 2022
heading back from picking up meal at pizza hut when "POP" sound from front of truck and then cabin filled with smoke. within 20-30 seconds of exiting the car it was in flames (See attached photos) recall notification was never sent to current owner and current owner didnt own in 2009 when it was fir... Read more
Fire
SEAT BELTS Feb 9, 2022
Incident date: Jan 1, 2011
Drivers side seat belt buckle does not release. Broken about ten years. Currently using middle seat belt buckle.
STRUCTURE:BODY Oct 25, 2020
Incident date: Oct 15, 2020
MY 96 FORD RANGER HAS TREMENDOUS FRAME ROT ON THE DRIVE SIDE AT THE FRONT OF THE SPRING SHACKLES. SOMEONE HAD SPRAYED RHINO LINER LIKE MATERIAL ON THE ROT TO COVER IT UP OR TO TRY TO MAKE IT HOLD. THE REST OF THE FRAME IS IN OUTSTANDING CONDITION EXCEPT FOR IT BEING ALMOST BROKEN INTO AT THE GAS TAN... Read more
SUSPENSION Oct 25, 2020
Incident date: Oct 15, 2020
MY 96 FORD RANGER HAS TREMENDOUS FRAME ROT ON THE DRIVE SIDE AT THE FRONT OF THE SPRING SHACKLES. SOMEONE HAD SPRAYED RHINO LINER LIKE MATERIAL ON THE ROT TO COVER IT UP OR TO TRY TO MAKE IT HOLD. THE REST OF THE FRAME IS IN OUTSTANDING CONDITION EXCEPT FOR IT BEING ALMOST BROKEN INTO AT THE GAS TAN... Read more
ENGINE Jan 20, 2020
Incident date: Jan 19, 2020
NANO AND MICRO PARTICULATES/CONTAMINANTS HAVE BEEN SPRAYED FROM AN AIRLINER AND CAUSED SEVERE DAMAGE TO MY BODY AND MY VEHICLE; IT INCLUDES FLAKES, TUBULES AND HIGHLY REFLECTIVE PARTICLES AND METALS. THE VEHICLE HAS STALLED AND LOST TWO GEARS AS A RESULT. IT HAS A GAS LEAKING ISSUE CAUSED BY THE TEC... Read more
1 injured
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE Jan 20, 2020
Incident date: Jan 19, 2020
NANO AND MICRO PARTICULATES/CONTAMINANTS HAVE BEEN SPRAYED FROM AN AIRLINER AND CAUSED SEVERE DAMAGE TO MY BODY AND MY VEHICLE; IT INCLUDES FLAKES, TUBULES AND HIGHLY REFLECTIVE PARTICLES AND METALS. THE VEHICLE HAS STALLED AND LOST TWO GEARS AS A RESULT. IT HAS A GAS LEAKING ISSUE CAUSED BY THE TEC... Read more
1 injured
AIR BAGS Feb 12, 2019
Incident date: Feb 12, 2019
TAKATA RECALL. I CRASHED MY 1996 FORD RANGER IN 2010. BOTH AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. MY COLLISION SHOP REPLACED THE AIRBAGS WITH UNKNOWN YEAR FORD RANGER AIRBAGS, BUYING SOME NEW PARTS FROM FORD TO COMPLETE THE INSTALL. THERE IS NO WAY TO KNOW IF THESE ARE RECALLED TAKATA AIRBAGS WITHOUT AN INSPECTION. ... Read more
ENGINE Jan 31, 2019
Incident date: Dec 15, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1996 FORD RANGER. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, FLAMES APPEARED UNDER THE HOOD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS UNKNOWN. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TOWED, BUT WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THE MANUFACTURER WA... Read more
Fire
AIR BAGS Jan 24, 2018
Incident date: Jan 7, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD RANGER. WHILE DRIVING DOWN A HILL AT LESS THAN APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TREE. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR BRUISING, WHICH DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL TREATMENT. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTI... Read more
Crash 1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY Aug 2, 2017
Incident date: Jul 31, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED INSPECTION DUE TO EXTENSIVE RUST ON THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE. THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE F... Read more
SEAT BELTS Dec 28, 2016
Incident date: Dec 1, 2016
DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT WILL NOT STAY LATCHED INTO LATCHING MECHANISM
STRUCTURE:BODY Sep 20, 2016
Incident date: Sep 15, 2016
THE WHOLE UNDERBODY AND FRAME IS RUSTED AND ROTTED. THE LEAF SPRING SHACKLES HAVE RUSTED AND ROTTED AWAY.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Sep 20, 2016
Incident date: Sep 15, 2016
THE WHOLE UNDERBODY AND FRAME IS RUSTED AND ROTTED. THE LEAF SPRING SHACKLES HAVE RUSTED AND ROTTED AWAY.
SUSPENSION Sep 20, 2016
Incident date: Sep 15, 2016
THE WHOLE UNDERBODY AND FRAME IS RUSTED AND ROTTED. THE LEAF SPRING SHACKLES HAVE RUSTED AND ROTTED AWAY.
SERVICE BRAKES Jun 19, 2016
Incident date: May 28, 2016
TRUCK WAS PARKED ON THE GARAGE PAD FOR A WEEK. I OPENED THE HOOD AND CHECKED ALL FLUID LEVELS, AND FOUND THE BRAKE FLUID A LITTLE LOW. TOPPED OFF THE MASTER CYLINDER AND GOT BACK INTO THE TRUCK. STARTED ENGINE, AND PUSHED THE BRAKE PEDAL. IT WENT TO THE FLOOR, GOT OUT OF THE TRUCK AND HEARD FLUID DR... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES Jun 3, 2016
Incident date: Jan 3, 1998
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1996 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY FOR A FEW SECONDS. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY AND BECAME PERMANENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS HOWEVER, THE CONTAC... Read more
STRUCTURE:BODY May 4, 2016
Incident date: Jul 18, 2011
EXTENSIVE RUST DETERIORATION ON STRUCTURAL FRAME MEMBERS WHICH IS SPREADING RAPIDLY. VARIOUS LOCATIONS. I'M VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE RIGHT SIDE REAR LEAF SPRING MOUNT BREAKING LOOSE WHILE IN MOTION. THE REMAINDER OF THE TRUCK IS IN GENERALLY GOOD CONDITION. WHEN I BOUGHT IT FROM THE ORIGINAL OWNER 7... Read more
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Feb 8, 2016
Incident date: Oct 1, 2010
THE FRAME HAS EXPERIENCED SEVERE CORROSION INCLUDING THE SPARE TIRE MOUNT, CROSS MEMBERS, REAR BUMPER, LEAF SPRING SHACKLES, AND PERFORATIONS/RUST THROUGH OF THE MAIN FRAME RAILS.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER May 28, 2015
Incident date: Apr 16, 2015
THE REAR BUMPER FELL OFF WHILE DRIVING DUE TO RUSTED FRAME RAILS THAT IT WAS ATTACHED TO.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM Apr 1, 2015
Incident date: Mar 31, 2015
I HAVE A 1996 FORD RANGER AND WHEN I WAS FILLING UP THE GAS TANK I STARTED NOTICING A STRONG SMELL OF GAS THEN LATER CAME TO FIND OUT IT WAS LEAKING GAS. I HAVE COME TO FIND OUT THAT THIS IS A COMMON DEFECTED WITH THESE VEHICLES. I THINK THAT IT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED IF SOME... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Feb 2, 2015
Incident date: Aug 15, 2012
THE CONTROL CLUSTERS ON THE STEERING WHEEL HAVE BEEN AT A SUFFICIENTLY HIGH TEMPERATURE THAT THE PLASTIC COVERING OVER THE MICRO SWITCHES HAS DEFORMED AND ON OCCASION IT WILL STICK TO YOUR FINGERS. THE CENTER BUTTON ON THE LEFT SIDE HAS DISINTEGRATED TO THE POINT THAT THE ACTUAL MICRO BUTTON IS NO... Read more
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Feb 2, 2015
Incident date: Aug 15, 2012
THE CONTROL CLUSTERS ON THE STEERING WHEEL HAVE BEEN AT A SUFFICIENTLY HIGH TEMPERATURE THAT THE PLASTIC COVERING OVER THE MICRO SWITCHES HAS DEFORMED AND ON OCCASION IT WILL STICK TO YOUR FINGERS. THE CENTER BUTTON ON THE LEFT SIDE HAS DISINTEGRATED TO THE POINT THAT THE ACTUAL MICRO BUTTON IS NO... Read more
SEAT BELTS Sep 7, 2014
Incident date: Sep 6, 2014
IT TOOK SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO GET THE DRIVERS SEAT BELT TO LATCH. SHORTLY AFTER THE SEAT BELT CAME UNLATCHED AS I WAS DRIVING. AFTER THAT THE BELT WON'T STAY LATCHED. *TR
TIRES Aug 20, 2014
Incident date: Aug 14, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD RANGER EQUIPPED WITH MICHELIN GOODRICH RADIAL TIRES, SIZE P225/70/R14. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER ROTATING THE TIRES, A CRACK WAS DISCOVERED ON THE SIDE WALL OF THE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO SEE THE CRACK. THE VEHICLE WA... Read more
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE Aug 7, 2014
Incident date: Jun 5, 2014
RUBBER FUEL VAPOR HOSE BETWEEN FUEL VAPOR PURGE VALVE AND CHARCOAL CANISTER CAN'T BE REPAIRED BECAUSE FORD HAS MADE PART OBSOLETE. THIS HOSE IS NOT A NORMAL OFF THE SHELF BULK HOSE. IT IS RUBBER PERFORMED WITH A DIFFERENT INSIDE DIAMETER ON BOTH ENDS. FORD WON'T EVEN GIVE ME PART NUMBER! THREE PARTS... Read more
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM Jul 5, 2014
Incident date: Jun 10, 2014
TURNS OVER BUT WON'T START. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Jul 5, 2014
Incident date: Jun 10, 2014
TURNS OVER BUT WON'T START. *TR
SEAT BELTS Aug 4, 2013
Incident date: Aug 4, 2013
DRIVER'S SEAT BELT WILL NOT LATCH. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Jun 3, 2013
Incident date: Jun 3, 2013
THE TWO BUTTONS ON EITHER SIDE OF THE HORN, ON THE STEERING WHEEL, THAT CONTROL THE CRUISE CONTROL MELT IN THE HEAT AND EXPOSE THE CIRCUIT BOARDS. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR A FEW YEARS AND I FINALLY NEED TO REPORT THIS. *TR
SEAT BELTS Jun 3, 2013
Incident date: Jun 3, 2013
THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILS TO HOLD. *TR
STEERING Jun 3, 2013
Incident date: Jun 3, 2013
THE TWO BUTTONS ON EITHER SIDE OF THE HORN, ON THE STEERING WHEEL, THAT CONTROL THE CRUISE CONTROL MELT IN THE HEAT AND EXPOSE THE CIRCUIT BOARDS. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR A FEW YEARS AND I FINALLY NEED TO REPORT THIS. *TR
SEAT BELTS Mar 27, 2013
Incident date: Mar 5, 2013
I BOUGHT THIS FORD RANGER AS A USED CAR ABOUT A MONTH AND A HALF AGO. THE SEAT BELT WILL NOT LATCH INTO BUCKLE. I AM USING THE PASSENGERS SIDE BUCKLE FOR NOW. I AM AFRAID I WILL STRANGLE MYSELF IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT. I JUST WANT A REPLACEMENT PART AND NEED TO KNOW IF THIS PART WAS RECALLED SO I C... Read more
SEAT BELTS Mar 16, 2013
Incident date: Sep 7, 2006
DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE WON'T LATCH. *TR
SUSPENSION Sep 25, 2011
Incident date: Sep 25, 2011
RIGHT REAR SPRING SHACKLE RUSTED OUT AND BROKE, PUSHING THE SPRING UP AGAINST THE BED. THE WHOLE BACK END OF THE FRAME IS RUSTING OUT, WHICH WILL EVENTUALLY MAKE THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO OPERATE. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Sep 22, 2011
Incident date: Sep 1, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD RANGER. WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE BRAKES WOULD MAKE A LOUD GRINDING NOISE. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 161,200 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 162,000.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Sep 1, 2011
Incident date: Aug 31, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, SMOKE WAS EMITTED FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS MERGED ONTO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND AS THE HOOD WAS RAISED FLAMES STARTED TO RISE. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES AND NOTICED THAT THE WIRES FROM TH... Read more
Fire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE Aug 18, 2011
Incident date: Aug 11, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD RANGER. WHILE DRIVING, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK STRAPS FRACTURED, CAUSING THE FUEL TANK TO DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND THE MANUFACTURER DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS TO THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE W... Read more
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING Aug 18, 2011
Incident date: Aug 11, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD RANGER. WHILE DRIVING, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK STRAPS FRACTURED, CAUSING THE FUEL TANK TO DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND THE MANUFACTURER DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS TO THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE W... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Aug 17, 2011
Incident date: Aug 6, 2011
OVERNIGHT THE TRUCK CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED OUTSIDE WITHOUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. DAMAGE FROM THE FIRE WAS CONTAINED TO UNDER THE DASH THROUGHOUT THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS AS WELL AS DUCTWORK. IT RE-IGNITED AND BURNED AFTER BEING PUT OUT ONCE THEN AFTER THE BATTERY WAS SUCCESSFULLY DISCONNECTE... Read more
Fire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE May 10, 2011
Incident date: Apr 12, 2011
GAS TANK DROPPED BUT DIDN'T COME APART FROM VEHICLE DUE TO GAS TANK STRAP RUSTING THROUGH. WHEN INVESTIGATED I FOUND THAT THE OTHER STRAP WAS RUSTED THROUGH APPROXIMATELY 75% OF THE WAY. *TR
SEAT BELTS Apr 26, 2011
Incident date: May 26, 1996
1996 FORD RANGER XLT DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT WILL NOT STAY LATCHED. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Feb 24, 2011
Incident date: Aug 1, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD ACTIVATE INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING OBSTRUCTING HIS VIEW. ALSO, THE INTERIOR DOME LIGHT DOOR AJAR ALARM WOULD CONTINUE TO ILLUMINATE WHEN THE DOOR WAS BEEN CLOSED INTERMITTENTLY. HE ALSO NOTICED THAT THE EL... Read more
VISIBILITY Feb 24, 2011
Incident date: Aug 1, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD ACTIVATE INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING OBSTRUCTING HIS VIEW. ALSO, THE INTERIOR DOME LIGHT DOOR AJAR ALARM WOULD CONTINUE TO ILLUMINATE WHEN THE DOOR WAS BEEN CLOSED INTERMITTENTLY. HE ALSO NOTICED THAT THE EL... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Feb 21, 2011
Incident date: Nov 25, 2008
1. UNDERBODY CORROSION LEADING TO PERFORATION OF METAL BRAKE LINES 2. PARTIAL UP TO COMPLETE LOSS OF BRAKING FUNCTION. FIVE TIMES IN THREE YEARS. CATASTROPHIC LOSS OF BRAKING 3. REPLACEMENT OF BRAKE LINES - OLD CORRODED LINES AVAILABLE. *TR
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS Feb 21, 2011
Incident date: Dec 16, 2010
1. EXCESSIVE UNDERBODY CORROSION 2. SUSPENSION FAILURE DUE TO BREAKS IN SPRING TO FRAME MOUNTS AND SHACKLES; THREE TIMES IN TWO YEARS. LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL WHEN BODY DROPPED ONTO WHEEL 3. NEW SPRING MOUNTS HAD TO BE WELDED ONTO FRAME. *TR
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE Aug 2, 2010
Incident date: May 27, 2010
GAS OVERFLOW FROM UNDERNEATH THE TRUCK, NOT THRU THE NOZZLE. *TR
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE May 27, 2010
Incident date: May 1, 2010
FILLING MY FORD RANGER WITH GAS OFTEN LEADS TO OVERFLOWS ONTO THE GROUND FROM UNDERNEATH THE TRUCK; I.E. IT DOES NOT OVERFLOW THROUGH THE NOZZLE WHERE GAS IS PUMPED IN. *TR
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY Apr 19, 2010
Incident date: May 15, 2009
TL*-THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT WAS DISPENSING FUEL INTO THE FUEL TANK, AND THERE WAS A LEAKAGE OF FUEL DUE TO A CRACK IN THE FUEL TANK HOSE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND THEY STATED THAT THE COST OF REPAIR PART WAS $400.00. THE PART WAS ORDERED FOR FUTURE REPAIR. THE CONTACT DIS... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Feb 4, 2010
Incident date: Feb 4, 2010
MY 1996 FORD RANGER HAS A RECURRING PROBLEM OF THE FRONT BRAKES STICKING. THIS OCCURS MOST OFTEN IN WET WEATHER BUT ISN'T STRICTLY LIMITED TO THAT. I NOTICED A FORD RANGER THAT HAD SLID INTO ANOTHER CAR ON A SANDED CORNER AND RECALLED THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO ME A FEW YEARS AGO AS MY BRAKES LOCK... Read more

Showing 50 of 533 complaints.

NHTSA Safety Investigations — FORD RANGER

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

PE05066 Opened: Dec 5, 2005 — Closed: Mar 24, 2006
PE — Closed — Model Year: 2003
BRAKE LIGHTS INOPERATIVE
THIS PE WAS OPENED BASED ON TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) #05-6-19 ISSUED BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND SERVICE BULLETIN #09-008/5 ISSUED BY MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION TO ADDRESS CONCERNS OF THE CENTER HIGH MOUNTED STOP LIGHT (CHMSL) WIRING HARNESS CHAFFING. THE TSB'S AFFECTED THE FORD SUPER CAB AND MAZ... Read more
DP00005 Opened: Oct 2, 2000 — Closed: May 15, 2001
DP — Closed — Model Year: 1997
FRONT SEAT BELT
There is no summary currently available
PE99045 Opened: Jul 6, 1999 — Closed: Oct 29, 1999
PE — Closed — Model Year: 1997
STEERING KNUCKLE SEPARATIONS
There is no summary currently available
RQ97015 Opened: Oct 29, 1997 — Closed: Apr 1, 1999
RQ — Closed — Model Year: 1990
PARKING PAWL
WHEN THE AUTOMATIC SHIFT LEVER IS PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION, THE PARKING PAWL DOES NOT ALWAYS ENGAGE THE PARK GEAR.THIS CAN LEAD TO THE VEHICLE JUMPING OUT OF GEAR UNINTENTIONALLY AND CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO START ROLLING INADVERTENTLY
PE93045 Opened: May 7, 1993 — Closed: Aug 31, 1993
PE — Closed — Model Year: 1993
STEERING GEAR BOLT BROKEN
There is no summary currently available
PE92084 Opened: Oct 23, 1992 — Closed: Feb 26, 1993
PE — Closed — Model Year: 1991
FRONT SEAT TRACK FAILURE
There is no summary currently available
PE92029 Opened: Mar 16, 1992 — Closed: Aug 31, 1992
PE — Closed — Model Year: 1991
WHL SEPARATION/TORQUE LOSS
There is no summary currently available
EA90016 Opened: Mar 23, 1990 — Closed: Oct 23, 1990
EA — Closed — Model Year: 1986
GEAR SHIFT LEVER FAILS
There is no summary currently available
PE89129 Opened: Jun 7, 1989 — Closed: Mar 23, 1990
PE — Closed — Model Year: 1986
GEARSHIFT LEVER BREAKS
SUMMARY: CONSUMERS ALLEGE THAT GEAR SHIFT LEVER IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLESEQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION MAY FRACTURE, RESULTING IN INABILITYTO SHIFT GEARS.ADDITIONALLY, FRACTURE MAY OCCUR AT A LOCATION WHICHALLOWS TRUNNION PIN TO FALL INTO GEARSHIFT MECHANISM, POSSIBLY LOCKING UPTHE TRANSMISSION AN... Read more
PE87012 Opened: Dec 19, 1986 — Closed: May 15, 1987
PE — Closed — Model Year: 1986
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
SUMMARY OF INFORMATION FROM MANUFACTURER:INSTANCES WERE FOUND WHERESPRING LOCK COUPLINGS FAILED CAUSING GASOLINE TO BE RELEASED THROUGHOUTTHE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUSING FIRES. FAILURE OF THE COUPLINGS CAN TAKEPLACE AFTER COMPLIANCE WITH A FORD RECALL CAMPAIGN, ON NEWLY DELIVEREDVEHICLES FROM THE FAC... Read more
DP85020 Opened: Apr 11, 1985 — Closed: Jun 6, 1985
DP — Closed — Model Year: 1985
STALLING WHEN COLD
STALLING WHEN COLD
DP85008 Opened: Jan 4, 1985 — Closed: Apr 26, 1985
DP — Closed — Model Year: 1984
STALLING
STALLING

FORD RANGER — All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the FORD RANGER across all model years (1983–2026).

928 Total Recalls
10,371 Total Complaints
12 Investigations
972 Reported Crashes
386 Reported Fires
46 Reported Deaths

FORD RANGER — Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year Recalls Complaints
2026 10 1 View
2025 34 24 View
2024 37 70 View
2023 5 19 View
2022 9 49 View
2021 21 135 View
2020 38 139 View
2019 20 327 View
2017 0 1 View
2016 0 1 View
2014 0 1 View
2011 77 259 View
2010 80 170 View
2009 79 178 View
2008 77 340 View
2007 77 282 View
2006 74 316 View
2005 73 353 View
2004 74 462 View
2003 5 310 View
2002 7 449 View
2001 9 685 View
2000 8 849 View
1999 10 966 View
1998 11 744 View
1997 7 536 View
1996 (current) 8 533
1995 7 451 View
1994 11 531 View
1993 10 272 View
1992 6 231 View
1991 6 145 View
1990 5 141 View
1989 3 88 View
1988 2 117 View
1987 5 58 View
1986 5 50 View
1985 3 33 View
1984 8 12 View
1983 7 13 View
1979 0 1 View
1978 0 1 View

Other FORD Models

Model Recalls Complaints
MUSTANG 1,104 11,600 View
F-350 SD 776 2,363 View
F-150 692 46,142 View
F-450 SD 692 624 View
F-250 SD 638 3,635 View
EXPLORER 624 42,549 View
F-550 SD 578 603 View
EXPEDITION 555 11,534 View