RoadVitals

1993 Ford Ranger

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

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.
232
Latest Jul 28, 2019
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
10
Latest May 11, 2009
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
2
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.
46
24 injuries, 2 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 232 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1993 Ford Ranger, most frequently naming the brakes, tires & wheels and driver assistance categories. 10 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 2 NHTSA investigations name it; and 94 manufacturer communications are on file.

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

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

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

Safety recalls

10 campaigns cover this model year

View all 10

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
09E025000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

May 11, 2009
42,540 units potentially affected
The defect: 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, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The 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.
DOPE, INC.View on NHTSA.gov
09E012000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Apr 7, 2009
16,270 units potentially affected
The defect: 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, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The 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.
SABERSPORTView on NHTSA.gov
08E050000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Aug 11, 2008
1,921 units potentially affected
The defect: 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 ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
The risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The 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.
K2 MOTOR CORPORATIONView on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA95018ClosedEngineering Analysis

SEPARATION OF MASTER CYLINDER

Opened Jun 19, 1995
Closed Apr 2, 1996

FORD CONTINUES TO SUDY THE PROBLEM ATTEMPTING TO DETERMINE WHY STUD FRACTURES ARE NOT FREQUENTLY OCCURRING IN OTHER PARTS OF THE COUNTRY.LIKEWISE, ODI CONTINUES GATHERING INFORMATION TO ASCERTAIN WHETHER THE RECALL SCOPE SHOULD INCLUDE OTHER GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS.IF EVIDENCE INDICATES THE SCOPE SHOULD BE EXPANDED, ODI WILL REOPEN THE INVESTIGATION AS WARRANTED.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICLed to recall 96V024001
PE93045ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

STEERING GEAR BOLT BROKEN

Opened May 7, 1993
Closed Aug 31, 1993

There is no summary currently available

STEERING

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 232
Driver assistanceEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Jul 28, 2019

THROTTLE STUCK AT HIGH RPMS AND GAS PEDAL STUCK TO THE FLOOR HAD TO TURN OFF THE IGNITION BEFORE IT BLEW UP MY TRUCK. THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO HAVE BEEN REPAIRED IN JANUARY BY FORD IN VENTURA AND NOW IT IS HAPPENING AGAIN THIS HAS HAPPENED TO SO MANY RANGERS AND ONE OF US OWNERS OF WILL WIND UP KILLED. FIX THIS PLEASE

NHTSA ID
11240149
Incident
Jul 27, 2019
Fuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Aug 7, 2017

GAS TANK CRACKED AT 86000 MILES CAN'T HOLD MORE THEN HALF A TANK. TRANSMISSION WEARING OUT AND DRIVEN LIGHTLY NEVER USED THE BED OF TRUCK TO CARRY THINGS MAINLY FREEWAY MILES

NHTSA ID
11013297
Incident
Jul 5, 2017
Mileage
86,000 mi
Body & structureSuspension
Filed Sep 6, 2016

HOW CAN THE FRAME OF MY TRUCK RUST OUT FASTER THAN THE BED OR CAB. THE CAB MOUNTS ARE GONE. THE SHACKLES OF THE LEAF SPRINGS ARE PAPER THIN AND READY TO COLLAPSE. WHEN I DRIVE DOWN THE ROAD AND HIT A BUMP IT SOUNDS LIKE THE CAB IS GOING FALL TO THE GROUND. I AM AFRAID ONE OF THESE DAYS , I'LL GET IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE ENTIRE CAB IS GOING TO FLY OFF THE TRUCK. THE MOTOR HAS OUTLASTED THE FRAME. MAKE LAUGH.

NHTSA ID
10904264
Incident
Apr 15, 2010
Mileage
139,000 mi
Suspension
Filed Jul 22, 2015

1993 FORD RANGER SEVERE FRAME / SUSPENSION RUST. ON THE REAR LEAF SPRING HAVE HAD TO REPLACE FRONT AND REAR HANGERS / SHACKLES. THE OEM ONES RUSTED COMPLETELY THROUGH AND LET THE LEAF SPRINGS BREAK LOOSE. ONLY CONTACT WAS ON THE SPRING EYELET HITTING THE BOTTOM FOR THE TRUCK BED. HAVE ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE CAB MOUNTS, ALSO RUSTED COMPLETELY THROUGH SO THAT THE REAR OF THE CAB WAS SITTING ON THE FRAME. THE FRAME IS ALSO SHOWING SEVERE CORROSION. THE FARTHER BACK THE WORSE IT IS.

NHTSA ID
10735765
Incident
Jun 12, 2013
Mileage
130,000 mi
Steering
Filed Apr 16, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED, THE MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE STEERING COUPLER WAS FRACTURED IN MULTIPLE PLACES AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 176,000.

NHTSA ID
10583194
Incident
Apr 13, 2014
Mileage
176,000 mi
Driver assistance
Filed Nov 21, 2013

THE GOVERNOR FOR THE 90 MPH GOVERNOR WAS RECALLED BY THE CONSUMER AGENCY RESPONSIBLE FOR RECALLS. THE PROBLEM WAS THAT IT WAS A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD. I CALLED UPON FORD SEVERAL TIMES OVER A PERIOD OF YEARS, AS WELL AS WENT BY THE FORD SHOP AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS NOT PERTAINING TO MY 1993 FORD RANGER. NOT UNTIL AFTER THE TRUCK BROKE AND WOULD NOT SHIFT DID FORD PRETEND TO FIX THE PROBLEM AS A RECALL, BUT, ALSO CHARGED 1000 DOLLARS. THE TRUCK DID NOT FILL LIKE IT WAS FIXED PROPERLY I APPROACHED THE LANDERS FORD COLLIERVILLE OF COLLIERVILLE TENNESSEE AND HE STATED IT WAS FIXED. THEY THEN TRIED TO SELL ME ANOTHER TRUCK. ANY WAY THE TRUCK DID NOT GO ANOTHER 500 MILES BEFORE BREAKING AND GETTING REAR ACCIDENT BY A HIT AND RUN DRIVER. FORD TOOK MY 1000 DOLLARS AND DID NOT FIX MY TRUCK AND ARE STILL IGNORANT TO THE DAY ABOUT MY TRUCK AND RECALL. I AM A COMMERCIAL TRUCK DRIVER AND IN THE PERIOD OF 11 YEARS HAVE NOT PUT BUT 57000 MILES AND DO NOT NEED A NEW TRUCK FROM FORD THEN OR NOW OR EVER WITH SUCH BUSINESS TACTICS. *TR

NHTSA ID
10553240
Incident
Dec 24, 2012
Mileage
56,790 mi
Tires & wheels
Filed Sep 4, 2012
Crash reported1 injury reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 FORD RANGER WITH FIRESTONE TIRES, SIZE: P225/70/R14. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A HIGHWAY DIVIDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
10473785
Incident
Sep 1, 2012
Mileage
93,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jun 30, 2012

WAS DRIVING AROUND 50 TO 55 MPH WHEN I SEEN SMOKE COMING FROM TRUCK SO I PULLED OVER TO SEE WHAT WAS WRONG AND SEEN TRANSMISSION FLUID POURING OUT OF TRANSMISSION ONTO EXHAUST PIPE THIS HAS HAPPEN TWICE NOW DON,T KNOW WHY COMING FROM FRONT OF TRANSMISSION AUTO 3.0 ENGINE ONLY WHEN I KICK IT IN OVERDRIVE IT HAPPENS. *TR

NHTSA ID
10463657
Incident
Feb 14, 2012
Mileage
120,251 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

03148

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES

NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER - SERVICE TIPS. 2003 ESCORT AND SUPER DUTY F SERIES INCLUDED. *TT

02142

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION AND A 4.0L OHV ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT A NOISE / VIBRATION, NO DRIVE, UNUSUAL NOISE DURING CRANKING OR A NO CRANK CONDITION. *TT

01212

EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L OHV ENGINES MAY EXHIBIT A LOUD A/C CLUTCH ENGAGEMENT. *TT

01B77

TIRES

OWNER NOTIFICATION PROGRAM SUPPLEMENT 7 REVISED INFORMATION - REGARDING REPLACEMENT OF WILDERNESS AT TIRES. *TT

01197

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 4.0L OHV ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT AN ENGINE NOISE WHICH MAY BE PERCEIVED BY THE CUSTOMER AS A PISTON / ONNECTING ROD BEARING KNOCK. *TT

01186

EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

INFORMATION ON CLIMATE CONTROL, LOUD A/C CLUTCH CYCLING NOISE.*JB

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Ford Ranger by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026460—
20253313062.0
20246813058.8
2023184058.5
2022375056.7
20211116064.1
20201257163.7
201926311059.1
2018000—
2017100—
2016100—
2015000—
2014100—
2013000—
2012000—
20112356053.5
20101569053.2
20091688051.6
20083256158.3
20072706159.9
200627112052.1
200528911362.3
200440412365.5
20032435160.5
20023467056.0
20015159263.3
20006708056.3
199975510056.2
199857611161.4
19974117261.3
19964138055.9
19953217157.9
199443811161.3
1993Viewing23210264.6
19921896163.9
19911326467.5
19901055366.3
1989733163.0
1988892266.4
1987505471.3
1986355775.0
1985273167.6
1984128169.0
1983117057.4
1979100—
1978100—

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.