RoadVitals

1990 Ford Ranger Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
105
Latest Jul 12, 2019
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
17
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
24

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1990 Ford Ranger, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

18
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHEN VEHICLE IS EITHER STATIONARY OR IN MOTION THE PASSENGER HEAD LAMP MELTS, SOMETHING IS CAUSING THAT ONE LIGHT TO OVER HEAT AND HAS MELTED THE ENTIRE HEAD UNIT. I HAVE VERY LITTLE VISIBILITY WITH HEAD LAMPS ON. BATTERY IS CONSTANTLY CORRODED, NO MATTET HOW MUCH I CLEAN IT. AC/DEFROST DOES NOT WORK. RIGHT BLINKER DOES NOT STAY ON, SHUTS OFF WITH THE SLIGHTEST MOVEMENT OF STEERING WHEEL. GAUGES DO NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY NOR DO THE LIGHT INDICATORS. CHECK ENGINE LINE COMES ON AFTER EXCEEDING 30MPH AND WHEN I HAVE IT CHECKED IT'S ONLY THE O2 SENSOR. TRUCK GETS HOT BUT DOES NOT OVER HEAT AND ALL FLUIDS ARE TOPPED OFF. WHEN IN MOTION I CAN SMELL THE EXHAUST AND CAN FEEL THE HEAT FROM THE ENGINE COMING THROUGH THE GEAR SHIFT MANIFOLD. AT TIMES DOES NOT WANT TO SHIFT IN REVERSE. PASSENGER SIDE DOOR DOES NOT SHUT PROPERLY, I BELIEVE IT WAS WRECKED AND THE DOOR WAS POINT OF IMPACT. I BOUGHT THE TRUCK FROM PREVIOUS OWNER FOR $1,100 AND HE WAS UNABLE TO TELL ME ANYTHING REGARDING THE VEHICLE EXCEPT THAT IT DIDNT HAVE A SPARE OR OWNER MANUAL. MY FUEL IS LEAKING AND I CAN'T SEEM TO FIND THE POINT OF ESCAPE. I'VE ALREADY HAD TO REPLACE THE STARTER AND SOLENOID TWICE BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT START. AFTER REPLACING THOSE ITEMS IT STILL WOULDN'T START UNTIL I HAD PULLED BY A U-HAUL AND I HAD TO POP THE CLUTCH TO GET IT TO START. I HAVE BOUGHT OVER 6 HEAD LAMPS IN TWO WEEKS ALONE. I WORK AT NIGHT AND IM CONSTANTLY GETTING PULLED OVER; SO I EXPLAIN TO THE OFFICERS WHAT'S HAPPENING. I HAVE HAD THE TRUCK SINCE FEBRUARY AND DIDNT KNOW WHAT TO DO UNTIL I TALKED TO A MECHANIC. THE TAILGATE DOES NOT OPEN AND I HAD TO TIE MY MUFFLER UP BECAUSE IT CAME DETACHED FROM THE FRAME AND DRAGS THE GROUND. I CAN'T AFFORD TO BUY ANOTHER VEHICLE AND I DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO.

NHTSA ID 11231208 · filed Jul 12, 2019

PICK-UP GAUGE SHOWED HOT. GOT HELP AT NEAREST STATION AND REPLACED LOST COOLENT. SEEMED TO HAVE COOLED DOWN. DROVE ABOUT FOUR (4) MILES AND NOTICED SMOKE COMMING INTO CAB DOWN BY THE GEAR SHIFT IN FLOOR BOARD. IMMEDDIATELY PULLED IN TO A SCHOOL PARKING LOT AWAY FROM OTHER CARS. GOT OUT AND LOOKED UNDER THE PICKUP. SMOKE WAS POURING OUT BY THEN. WITHIN ABOUT 5 MIN. AT THE MOST A FIRE STARTED UNDERNEATH AND WITHIN MIN. THE WHOLE TRUCK WENT UP IN FLAMES. FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD ONLY 6 MILES AT THE MOST TO TRAVEL AND RESPONDED QICKLY BUT IT WAS COMPLETELY LOST BY THEN. WHAT COULD HAVE MADE IT DO THIS JUST BY GETTING HOT? HAS ANYTHING LIKE THIS BEEN REPORTED BEFORE ON L990 FORD RANGER PICKUPS? I WAS TRAVELING ALONE AND GOT OUT SAFELY BUT I WAS VERY SCARED AND COULDN'T BELIEVE THAT IT COULD HAVE BURNT UP SO FAST. AND GOT OUT.*AK

NHTSA ID 765397 · filed Aug 8, 2002
All 18 reports naming electrical

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

14
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE TREAD ON MY TIRE CAME OFF AND SENT ME SIDEWAYS AND ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT AND WHEN I FINELY GOT STOPPED AND LOOKED AT MY TRUCK IT HAD CAVED MY BACK RIGHT REAR QUARTER PANEL IN AND RIPPED OUT THE PLASTIC LINING THAT GOES UNDER THE FENDER AND I WOULD LIKE SOMONE TO TAKE CARE OF MY PROBLEM SINCE IT WAS A FIRESTONE ATX IT JUST WASNT THE SIZE YOU GUYS ANNOUNCED IT IS A 215/75R/15. IT HAD HAPPENED TO ME TWICE I STILL HAVE MY TIRES IF YOU WHAT TO SEE THEM. COULD YOU PLEASE REPLY A.S.A.P NORMA HOLDEN. *AK (TIRESIZE: 215/75R/15)

NHTSA ID 759023 · filed Mar 6, 2002

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK

NHTSA ID 741173 · filed Feb 19, 2001
All 14 reports naming tires & wheels

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

14
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING CLUTCH PEDAL FAILURE IN THE VEHICLE. HE WAS UNABLE TO SWITCH GEARS WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE REAPIR SHOP THEY STATED THAT THE PUSH ROD FALLS OFF OF THE PEDAL, WHICH PREVENTS THE VEHICLE FROM SWITCHING GEARS. THE MECHANIC REPLACED IT WITH A NEW MASTER CYLINDER WITH A PUSH ROD. THE REPLACEMENT PART MET FACTORY REQUIREMENTS, BUT HAD A PLASTIC PUSH ROD. THE CONTACT WAS SKEPTICAL OF THE METAL PUSH ROD BEING REPLACED WITH A PLASTIC PUSH ROD. HE BELIEVES THAT THIS IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT THAT SHOULD BE RECALLED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 60,000. UPDATED 2/2/09 *CN UPDATED 02/04/09. *JB

NHTSA ID 10251793 · filed Dec 15, 2008

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 FORD RANGER. THE PART FOR RECALL NUMBER 05S28 IS UNAVAILABLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PART SHOULD ARRIVE IN MARCH OF 2008, BUT IT IS NOT DEFINITE. THE CONTACT FELT THIS EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WERE NOT CONCERNED IF THE CONTACT IS INCONVENIENCED WITHOUT THE USE OF THE CRUISE CONTROL. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 101,758.

NHTSA ID 10211159 · filed Dec 7, 2007
All 14 reports naming driver assistance

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

CONSUMER HAS TO DRIVE IN LOW SPEED DUE TO WIND MOVING THE SIDE MIRRORS WHERE IT IS DIFFICULT TO SEE OTHER VEHICLES. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION.*AK

NHTSA ID 892806 · filed Jul 13, 2001

FORD'S SIDE-VIEW MIRRORS BLOW IN, SOMETIMES AS LOW AS 40 MPH. I COMPLAINED TO FORD AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY'D NEVER HEARD OF THAT PROBLEM, BUT THE MORE EARLY 90'S RANGERS I SEE, THE MORE BLOWN MIRRORS IN I NOTICE. I HAVE REPLACED THE MIRRORS ON MY TRUCK THREE TIMES IN TWO YEARS.*AK

NHTSA ID 731165 · filed Sep 12, 2000
All 12 reports naming visibility

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

SERPINTINE BELT BROKE OFF REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE, FIRESTONE TIRES HAD TO BE REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE, PAINT FADED HAD TO BE REPAINTED AT MY EXPENSE THEN THE PAINT FADED AGAIN, BRAKES STOPED WORKING HAD TO REPLACE ALL BRAKE PARTS AT MY EXPENSE, WATER PUMP FAILED PAID BY FORD UNDER WARANTY BUT FORD TRIED TO SAY NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE PUMP, I HAD TO SHOW THE MECHANIC THE CHECK HOLE WAS LEAKING. WINDOWS HAVE NOT WORKED FOR YEARS, GOT THEM FIXED AT MY EXPENSE BUT WINDOWS STILL FAIL TO OPERATE, DRIVER SIDE DOOR HANDLE HAS BEEN BROKEN FOR YEARS CANOT OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE INSIDE, DOOR LOCKS WILL NOT OPEN MUST LEAVE DOORS UNLOCKED, TRUCK HAS HAD A SLIGHT OIL LEAK FOR YEARS, FUEL PUMP STARTED LEAKING GAS, FUEL PUMP IS LOCATED IN THE GAS TANK, GAS TANK HAD TO BE REMOVED TO FIX AT MY EXPENSE, FUEL GAUGE DIDNT WORK FOR YEARS UP UNTILL FUEL PUMP WAS FIXED. *CN

NHTSA ID 10213661 · filed Jan 4, 2008

FORD RANGER MID 1990. STATE TROOPERS SAID THAT THE FUEL SHUT OFF DID NOT WORK, AFTER MY BROTHERS TRUCK HIT TWO SMALL TREES, AND THEN WENT ACROSS THE ROAD AND HIT A BAIL OF HAY, WHICH IS WHERE THEY SAID THE FIRE STARTED. I HAVE PICTURES, AND POSSESSION OF THE TRUCK IN OHIO. *AK

NHTSA ID 10148825 · filed Jan 27, 2006
All 12 reports naming fuel system

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHEN VEHICLE IS EITHER STATIONARY OR IN MOTION THE PASSENGER HEAD LAMP MELTS, SOMETHING IS CAUSING THAT ONE LIGHT TO OVER HEAT AND HAS MELTED THE ENTIRE HEAD UNIT. I HAVE VERY LITTLE VISIBILITY WITH HEAD LAMPS ON. BATTERY IS CONSTANTLY CORRODED, NO MATTET HOW MUCH I CLEAN IT. AC/DEFROST DOES NOT WORK. RIGHT BLINKER DOES NOT STAY ON, SHUTS OFF WITH THE SLIGHTEST MOVEMENT OF STEERING WHEEL. GAUGES DO NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY NOR DO THE LIGHT INDICATORS. CHECK ENGINE LINE COMES ON AFTER EXCEEDING 30MPH AND WHEN I HAVE IT CHECKED IT'S ONLY THE O2 SENSOR. TRUCK GETS HOT BUT DOES NOT OVER HEAT AND ALL FLUIDS ARE TOPPED OFF. WHEN IN MOTION I CAN SMELL THE EXHAUST AND CAN FEEL THE HEAT FROM THE ENGINE COMING THROUGH THE GEAR SHIFT MANIFOLD. AT TIMES DOES NOT WANT TO SHIFT IN REVERSE. PASSENGER SIDE DOOR DOES NOT SHUT PROPERLY, I BELIEVE IT WAS WRECKED AND THE DOOR WAS POINT OF IMPACT. I BOUGHT THE TRUCK FROM PREVIOUS OWNER FOR $1,100 AND HE WAS UNABLE TO TELL ME ANYTHING REGARDING THE VEHICLE EXCEPT THAT IT DIDNT HAVE A SPARE OR OWNER MANUAL. MY FUEL IS LEAKING AND I CAN'T SEEM TO FIND THE POINT OF ESCAPE. I'VE ALREADY HAD TO REPLACE THE STARTER AND SOLENOID TWICE BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT START. AFTER REPLACING THOSE ITEMS IT STILL WOULDN'T START UNTIL I HAD PULLED BY A U-HAUL AND I HAD TO POP THE CLUTCH TO GET IT TO START. I HAVE BOUGHT OVER 6 HEAD LAMPS IN TWO WEEKS ALONE. I WORK AT NIGHT AND IM CONSTANTLY GETTING PULLED OVER; SO I EXPLAIN TO THE OFFICERS WHAT'S HAPPENING. I HAVE HAD THE TRUCK SINCE FEBRUARY AND DIDNT KNOW WHAT TO DO UNTIL I TALKED TO A MECHANIC. THE TAILGATE DOES NOT OPEN AND I HAD TO TIE MY MUFFLER UP BECAUSE IT CAME DETACHED FROM THE FRAME AND DRAGS THE GROUND. I CAN'T AFFORD TO BUY ANOTHER VEHICLE AND I DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO.

NHTSA ID 11231208 · filed Jul 12, 2019

SERPINTINE BELT BROKE OFF REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE, FIRESTONE TIRES HAD TO BE REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE, PAINT FADED HAD TO BE REPAINTED AT MY EXPENSE THEN THE PAINT FADED AGAIN, BRAKES STOPED WORKING HAD TO REPLACE ALL BRAKE PARTS AT MY EXPENSE, WATER PUMP FAILED PAID BY FORD UNDER WARANTY BUT FORD TRIED TO SAY NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE PUMP, I HAD TO SHOW THE MECHANIC THE CHECK HOLE WAS LEAKING. WINDOWS HAVE NOT WORKED FOR YEARS, GOT THEM FIXED AT MY EXPENSE BUT WINDOWS STILL FAIL TO OPERATE, DRIVER SIDE DOOR HANDLE HAS BEEN BROKEN FOR YEARS CANOT OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE INSIDE, DOOR LOCKS WILL NOT OPEN MUST LEAVE DOORS UNLOCKED, TRUCK HAS HAD A SLIGHT OIL LEAK FOR YEARS, FUEL PUMP STARTED LEAKING GAS, FUEL PUMP IS LOCATED IN THE GAS TANK, GAS TANK HAD TO BE REMOVED TO FIX AT MY EXPENSE, FUEL GAUGE DIDNT WORK FOR YEARS UP UNTILL FUEL PUMP WAS FIXED. *CN

NHTSA ID 10213661 · filed Jan 4, 2008
All 11 reports naming engine

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

SERPINTINE BELT BROKE OFF REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE, FIRESTONE TIRES HAD TO BE REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE, PAINT FADED HAD TO BE REPAINTED AT MY EXPENSE THEN THE PAINT FADED AGAIN, BRAKES STOPED WORKING HAD TO REPLACE ALL BRAKE PARTS AT MY EXPENSE, WATER PUMP FAILED PAID BY FORD UNDER WARANTY BUT FORD TRIED TO SAY NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE PUMP, I HAD TO SHOW THE MECHANIC THE CHECK HOLE WAS LEAKING. WINDOWS HAVE NOT WORKED FOR YEARS, GOT THEM FIXED AT MY EXPENSE BUT WINDOWS STILL FAIL TO OPERATE, DRIVER SIDE DOOR HANDLE HAS BEEN BROKEN FOR YEARS CANOT OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE INSIDE, DOOR LOCKS WILL NOT OPEN MUST LEAVE DOORS UNLOCKED, TRUCK HAS HAD A SLIGHT OIL LEAK FOR YEARS, FUEL PUMP STARTED LEAKING GAS, FUEL PUMP IS LOCATED IN THE GAS TANK, GAS TANK HAD TO BE REMOVED TO FIX AT MY EXPENSE, FUEL GAUGE DIDNT WORK FOR YEARS UP UNTILL FUEL PUMP WAS FIXED. *CN

NHTSA ID 10213661 · filed Jan 4, 2008

OUR 1990 FORD RANGER WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY ON THE EVENING OF NOVEMBER 5. ON SATURDAY MORNING, NOVEMBER 6TH, WE DISCOVERED THE INTERIOR OF THE TRUCK DESTROYED BY FIRE. THE CLUSTER OF GAUGES WAS COMPLETELY MELTED AND GONE. THE DASH SUNK IN OVER THE STEERING COLUMN. THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED WHERE THE FLAME APPARENTLY VENTED THROUGH THE DEFROSTER VENT ON THE DASH. THE HEADLINER IS BLACK. THE SEAT AND STEERING WHEEL PELTED WITH DROPS OF HARDENED PLASTIC. POLICE CAME TO INVESTIGATE AND SAID IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. THIS TRUCK HAS NEVER BEEN ALTERED IN ANY WAY. NO AFTER MARKET RADIO OR CD PLAYER OR ANY ELECTRICAL DEVISE HAS EVER BEEN INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE. IT SIMPLY CAUGHT ON FIRE ON ITS OWN WHICH IS CLEARLY A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT WE IN NO WAY CAUSED. WE HAVE NOT TRIED TO REPLACE ANYTHING AT THIS POINT. WE WERE ALSO NEVER NOTIFIED OF ANY RECALL TO CORRECT WHAT APPEARS TO BE AN EXPERIENCE MANY OTHER OWNERS OF THIS VEHICLE HAVE ENDURED BASED ON THE COMPLAINTS ON THIS SITE. THE TRUCK IS SITTING IN OUR GARAGE AWAITING ANY POSSIBLE ACTION AS A RESULT OF THIS COMPLAINT. *JB

NHTSA ID 10098707 · filed Nov 11, 2004
All 8 reports naming interior & seats

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING CLUTCH PEDAL FAILURE IN THE VEHICLE. HE WAS UNABLE TO SWITCH GEARS WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE REAPIR SHOP THEY STATED THAT THE PUSH ROD FALLS OFF OF THE PEDAL, WHICH PREVENTS THE VEHICLE FROM SWITCHING GEARS. THE MECHANIC REPLACED IT WITH A NEW MASTER CYLINDER WITH A PUSH ROD. THE REPLACEMENT PART MET FACTORY REQUIREMENTS, BUT HAD A PLASTIC PUSH ROD. THE CONTACT WAS SKEPTICAL OF THE METAL PUSH ROD BEING REPLACED WITH A PLASTIC PUSH ROD. HE BELIEVES THAT THIS IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT THAT SHOULD BE RECALLED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 60,000. UPDATED 2/2/09 *CN UPDATED 02/04/09. *JB

NHTSA ID 10251793 · filed Dec 15, 2008

TRUCK ROLLED WHEN IN PARK. *AK

NHTSA ID 765470 · filed Aug 10, 2002

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

SERPINTINE BELT BROKE OFF REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE, FIRESTONE TIRES HAD TO BE REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE, PAINT FADED HAD TO BE REPAINTED AT MY EXPENSE THEN THE PAINT FADED AGAIN, BRAKES STOPED WORKING HAD TO REPLACE ALL BRAKE PARTS AT MY EXPENSE, WATER PUMP FAILED PAID BY FORD UNDER WARANTY BUT FORD TRIED TO SAY NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE PUMP, I HAD TO SHOW THE MECHANIC THE CHECK HOLE WAS LEAKING. WINDOWS HAVE NOT WORKED FOR YEARS, GOT THEM FIXED AT MY EXPENSE BUT WINDOWS STILL FAIL TO OPERATE, DRIVER SIDE DOOR HANDLE HAS BEEN BROKEN FOR YEARS CANOT OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE INSIDE, DOOR LOCKS WILL NOT OPEN MUST LEAVE DOORS UNLOCKED, TRUCK HAS HAD A SLIGHT OIL LEAK FOR YEARS, FUEL PUMP STARTED LEAKING GAS, FUEL PUMP IS LOCATED IN THE GAS TANK, GAS TANK HAD TO BE REMOVED TO FIX AT MY EXPENSE, FUEL GAUGE DIDNT WORK FOR YEARS UP UNTILL FUEL PUMP WAS FIXED. *CN

NHTSA ID 10213661 · filed Jan 4, 2008

DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45-50 MPH THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE SUDDENLY AND THEN STARTED TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. THERE WAS A BURNING SMELL AND THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER. IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THERE WAS A FISHING LINE WRAPPED AROUND THE BRAKE PADS, ROTOR AND DRUM WHICH NEEDED TO BE REMOVED. A MONTH AND A HALF LATER WHILE TRAVELING 45-50MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE AND THERE WAS A BURNING SMELL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS WITH THE ACCELERATER PEDAL DEPRESSED THE VEHICLE ACCELERATES WITHOUT EFFORT. TO CONTROL THE SPEED THE BRAKE PEDAL HAS TO BE DEPRESSED HOWEVER THE BACK WHEELS BEGIN TO SPIN WITHOUT GRIPPING AND LUNGES FORWARD. TO MAKE THE VEHICLE STOP THE IGNITION HAS TO BE TURNED OFF. THERE IS A RECALL #89V234000 PERTAINING TO FUEL THROTTLE LINKAGES AND CONTROL. THE VIN IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.

NHTSA ID 10163727 · filed Jul 27, 2006

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

SERPINTINE BELT BROKE OFF REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE, FIRESTONE TIRES HAD TO BE REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE, PAINT FADED HAD TO BE REPAINTED AT MY EXPENSE THEN THE PAINT FADED AGAIN, BRAKES STOPED WORKING HAD TO REPLACE ALL BRAKE PARTS AT MY EXPENSE, WATER PUMP FAILED PAID BY FORD UNDER WARANTY BUT FORD TRIED TO SAY NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE PUMP, I HAD TO SHOW THE MECHANIC THE CHECK HOLE WAS LEAKING. WINDOWS HAVE NOT WORKED FOR YEARS, GOT THEM FIXED AT MY EXPENSE BUT WINDOWS STILL FAIL TO OPERATE, DRIVER SIDE DOOR HANDLE HAS BEEN BROKEN FOR YEARS CANOT OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE INSIDE, DOOR LOCKS WILL NOT OPEN MUST LEAVE DOORS UNLOCKED, TRUCK HAS HAD A SLIGHT OIL LEAK FOR YEARS, FUEL PUMP STARTED LEAKING GAS, FUEL PUMP IS LOCATED IN THE GAS TANK, GAS TANK HAD TO BE REMOVED TO FIX AT MY EXPENSE, FUEL GAUGE DIDNT WORK FOR YEARS UP UNTILL FUEL PUMP WAS FIXED. *CN

NHTSA ID 10213661 · filed Jan 4, 2008

THE PAINT IS COMING OFF IN 2-6 INCH SPOTS.

NHTSA ID 712156 · filed Sep 26, 1999

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

AS INDICATED ABOVE, BOTH SIDE MIRRORS COLLAPSED, POSSIBLY FOR OVER A YEAR. I HAVE NOTICED THREE OTHER RANGERS JUST IN MY AREA THAT HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE HAS INDICATED IT IS NOT A RECALL PROBLEM WHEN I CONTACTED VIA TELEPHONE ON 10/15/99. I STATED I WANTED IT ON RECORD THAT I ASK CUSTOMER SERVICE TO INFORM WHOMEVER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR INITIATING A RECALL TO BE INFORMED OF THE MATTER AND THAT I WOULD BE CONTACTING APPROPRIATE NATIONAL SAFETY BOARD. *AK

NHTSA ID 713428 · filed Oct 17, 1999

FAILED MODULATOR VALVE.

NHTSA ID 500886 · filed Jan 8, 1996

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

LEFT REAR AXLE BROKE, INCLUDING WHEEL ASSEMBLY COMING OFF TRUCK WHILE BEING DRIVEN 50 MPH. LEAF SPRINGS HIT THE ASPHALT, CAUSING TRUCK TO ROLL.*AK THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER AND CAME TO A REST ON ITS TOP. THE VICTIM, DRIVER WAS EJECTED FROM THE VEHICLE AND CAME TO REST SEVERAL FEET FROM THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER TRIED TO CORRECT THE VEHICLE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SKID LEFT. THIS IS WHAT CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ROLL. *JG

NHTSA ID 8016895 · filed Aug 21, 2002

INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET/SPEED SENSOR/LEFT AND RIGHT AXLE SEALS FAILED. *AK

NHTSA ID 517822 · filed Jun 19, 1997

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

SOON AFTER PURCHASING THE TRUCK IN 1996 I NOTICED THE DRIVER'S SIDE SAFETY BELT DIDN'T SEEM TO LOCK WELL WHEN MANUALLY JERKED. IT HAS BEEN AN ON AND OFF CONCERN FOR MANY YEARS SINCE THEN. RETRACTION OF THE BELT HAS BECOME ALMOST NONEXISTENT. RECENTLY I NOTICED THAT NOT ONLY DOES THE DRIVER'S SIDE BELT NOT LOCK AT ALL BUT NEITHER DOES THE PASSENGER'S SIDE. AS IT STANDS ANY SIGNIFICANT COLLISION WILL RESULT IN INJURIES OR DEATH TO BOTH DRIVER AND FRONT SEAT PASSENGER. PLEASE SEE SIMILAR COMPLAINT NHTSA ID NUMBER: 976257. THANK YOU.

NHTSA ID 10567312 · filed Mar 4, 2014

TRW SEAT BELT LATCH BROKE. IT APPEARS TO BE AN INTERNAL SPRING. I WENT TO A SALVAGE YARD TO GET A REPLACENT LATCH AND FOUND MANY OTHERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I BELIEVE THAT THIS IS A SERIOUS DEFECT THAT COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. THE YEARS OF THE VEHICLES VARIED FORM THE LATE 80'S TO 1996 WHERE I FOUND DEFECTIVE LATCHES.

NHTSA ID 701937 · filed Jan 6, 1999

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE DRIVING 45MPH STEERING WHEEL CAME OFF & FELL INTO DRIVER'S LAP. NO VEHICLE CONTROL. WENT UP SMALL EMBANKMENT. HIT BARBED WIRE FENCE AND LANDED IN A DITCH. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DRIVER'S BACK & SHOULDER WERE INJURED. EMERGENCY ROOM TREATMENT & RELEASE. *AK

NHTSA ID 841167 · filed Jun 25, 1999

WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH STEERING WHEEL DETACHED BY ITSELF AND CAME OFF. VEHICLE WAS NOT CONTROLLABLE AND WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH. DEALER CONTACTED, AND COULD NOT REMEDY PROBLEM. PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

NHTSA ID 836480 · filed Apr 5, 1999

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Heating & air conditioning

Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

FUEL REGULATOR RUPTURED, RESULTING IN FUEL SPEWING. TT

NHTSA ID 964700 · filed May 1, 1995

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

WHEN VEHICLE IS EITHER STATIONARY OR IN MOTION THE PASSENGER HEAD LAMP MELTS, SOMETHING IS CAUSING THAT ONE LIGHT TO OVER HEAT AND HAS MELTED THE ENTIRE HEAD UNIT. I HAVE VERY LITTLE VISIBILITY WITH HEAD LAMPS ON. BATTERY IS CONSTANTLY CORRODED, NO MATTET HOW MUCH I CLEAN IT. AC/DEFROST DOES NOT WORK. RIGHT BLINKER DOES NOT STAY ON, SHUTS OFF WITH THE SLIGHTEST MOVEMENT OF STEERING WHEEL. GAUGES DO NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY NOR DO THE LIGHT INDICATORS. CHECK ENGINE LINE COMES ON AFTER EXCEEDING 30MPH AND WHEN I HAVE IT CHECKED IT'S ONLY THE O2 SENSOR. TRUCK GETS HOT BUT DOES NOT OVER HEAT AND ALL FLUIDS ARE TOPPED OFF. WHEN IN MOTION I CAN SMELL THE EXHAUST AND CAN FEEL THE HEAT FROM THE ENGINE COMING THROUGH THE GEAR SHIFT MANIFOLD. AT TIMES DOES NOT WANT TO SHIFT IN REVERSE. PASSENGER SIDE DOOR DOES NOT SHUT PROPERLY, I BELIEVE IT WAS WRECKED AND THE DOOR WAS POINT OF IMPACT. I BOUGHT THE TRUCK FROM PREVIOUS OWNER FOR $1,100 AND HE WAS UNABLE TO TELL ME ANYTHING REGARDING THE VEHICLE EXCEPT THAT IT DIDNT HAVE A SPARE OR OWNER MANUAL. MY FUEL IS LEAKING AND I CAN'T SEEM TO FIND THE POINT OF ESCAPE. I'VE ALREADY HAD TO REPLACE THE STARTER AND SOLENOID TWICE BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT START. AFTER REPLACING THOSE ITEMS IT STILL WOULDN'T START UNTIL I HAD PULLED BY A U-HAUL AND I HAD TO POP THE CLUTCH TO GET IT TO START. I HAVE BOUGHT OVER 6 HEAD LAMPS IN TWO WEEKS ALONE. I WORK AT NIGHT AND IM CONSTANTLY GETTING PULLED OVER; SO I EXPLAIN TO THE OFFICERS WHAT'S HAPPENING. I HAVE HAD THE TRUCK SINCE FEBRUARY AND DIDNT KNOW WHAT TO DO UNTIL I TALKED TO A MECHANIC. THE TAILGATE DOES NOT OPEN AND I HAD TO TIE MY MUFFLER UP BECAUSE IT CAME DETACHED FROM THE FRAME AND DRAGS THE GROUND. I CAN'T AFFORD TO BUY ANOTHER VEHICLE AND I DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO.

NHTSA ID 11231208 · filed Jul 12, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE DRIVING 45MPH STEERING WHEEL CAME OFF & FELL INTO DRIVER'S LAP. NO VEHICLE CONTROL. WENT UP SMALL EMBANKMENT. HIT BARBED WIRE FENCE AND LANDED IN A DITCH. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DRIVER'S BACK & SHOULDER WERE INJURED. EMERGENCY ROOM TREATMENT & RELEASE. *AK

NHTSA ID 841167 · filed Jun 25, 1999

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

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