1995 Ford Ranger Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1995 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
- Visibility6315.4%
- Brakes6215.2%
- Interior & seats409.8%
- Tires & wheels297.1%
- Electrical235.6%
- Fuel system235.6%
- Body & structure215.1%
- Suspension215.1%
- Driver assistance204.9%
- Transmission194.7%
- Airbags184.4%
- Seat belts174.2%
- Engine163.9%
- Exterior lighting133.2%
- Steering92.2%
- Heating & air conditioning51.2%
- Powertrain (other)51.2%
- Other / unspecified41.0%
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
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
SOMETIMES THEY WOULD NOT WORK AT ALL, OTHER TIMES THEY WOULD COME ON BY THEM SELVES, NOW THEY DON'T WORK AT ALL. ON THE NUMBER OF FAILURES I LOST COUNT.
I AM AN OWNER OF TWO FORD RANGER PICK UPS AND HAD OWNED ANOTHER RANGER IN THE PAST. ALL T HERE VEHICLES HAVE HAD THE SAME ELECTRICAL PROBLEM DOOR CHIMES DINGING NON STOP, DOME LIGHT FAILURE, RADIO POWER FAILURE AND WINDSHIELD WIPERS TURNING ON AND OFF ALL BY THEMSELVES WITHOUT THE KEY BEING IN THE IGNITION. I MADE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS TO FORD AND WAS TOLD TO STOP HARASSING THEM. MY DEALERSHIP SAID AND I QUOTE "YOU'RE JUST BEING A WOMAN." WELL THIS AFTER NOON THE PROBLEM TOOK A VERY SERIOUS TURN. RETURNING HOME FROM A VACATION MY 1995 FORD RANGER EX CAB XLT 2.3 LITER ENGINE. BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE A ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE. IT STARTED WITH POWER LOSE TO THE RADIO THEN A POWER SURGE TO THE WIPERS, AND THROUGHOUT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND THOSE AREAS OF PERSISTENT CONCERNS. THEN THEY ALL STOPPED. I NOW HAVE A COMPLETE FAILURE OF BRAKE LIGHTS, SPEED CONTROL, ODOMETER (LET'S TRUST THAT READ OUT),INTERIOR LIGHTS, RADIO AND SEVERAL OTHER SYSTEMS. I ATTEMPTED TO FIND A FUSE OR RELAY TO REPAIRS THEM BUT ALL OF THOSE WERE INTACT AND REPLACEMENT MADE NO CHANGE. ESTIMATED DAMAGER AND REPAIR COST IS WELL ABOVE A GRAND. I COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS ISSUE SINCE 1996 AND HAVE BEEN IGNORED BY FORD. *LA
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS DRIVING AT WORK GOING FROM POINT A TO POINT B AND I HEARD THE REAR BRAKES GRINDING, METAL TO METAL SOUND, WAS GOING ABOUT 40 MPH, SLOW DOWN AND MADE IT TO POINT B, ABOUT 1 MILE, IN TOWN.... PARKED AND CHECKED UNDER THE TRUCK.... AND DISCOVERED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLE WAS STRETCHED TIGHT... CRAWLED UNDER TRUCK AND DISCOVERED THAT FRAME WAS RUSTED IN HALF (BROKEN ALL THE WAY THRU) ON DRIVER'S SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE WAS ALMOST AS BAD.... ALSO A CROSS MEMBER WAS RUSTED AWAY... AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE SHOCK WAS HANGING DOWN (BRACKET RUSTED AWAY) TRUCK IS NOW PARKED AT HOME CAN'T FIX IT.... HAD TO BUY A USED VAN FROM MY BOSS SO I COULD GET TO WORK..... I WILL HAVE TO JUNK THE TITLE IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS.... TRUCK RUNS FINE BUT JUST CAN'T FIX A RUSTED OUT FRAME... NOT SAFE FOR ANYONE TO DRIVE... BY THE WAY THE END OF THE FRAME WHERE THE REAR BUMPER ATTACHES RUSTED ABOUT 18 MONTHS AGO AND HAD TO PUT 1/2 INCH STEEL IN TO REATTACH IT.... THE FRAME WAS A LITTLE RUSTY AT THAT TIME BUT NO HOLES OR BREAKS.... I THINK FORD SHOULD COMPENSATE ALL RANGER OWNERS FOR RUSTED OUT FRAMES, I HAVE READ BLOGS AND THERE ARE A LOT OF THESE RANGER FRAMES RUSTED OUT... I HAVE PICTURES IF NEEDED... *TR
IN 2011, I WAS INFORMED BY LETTER THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON MY VEHICLE. I WENT INTO THE DEALER IN FORT WALTON BEACH FL. AND THEY INSTALLED A WIRE CONNECTION TO THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER AREA ON THE ABS CONTROL. THEY SAID EVERYTHING WAS OK. IN SPRING OF 2013 THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON AS IT DOES EVERY TIME I START THE CAR. THIS TIME IT STAYED ON AND DOES NOT GO OUT EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND MUST BE RESOLVED. THIS LIGHT INDICATES A FAILURE IN THE BRAKING SYSTEM. *JS
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
I OWN A 1995 FORD RANGER. I STARTED HAVING TROUBLE WHEN I SAT DOWN IN THE DRIVERS SEAT ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO. WHEN I SAT DOWN AND LEANED BACK, THE SEAT WOULD FALL BACKWARDS. I FOUND OUT FROM A MECHANIC THAT A BOLT HAD BROKEN IN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE SEAT. HE SHOWED THE BROKEN BOLT TO ME WHICH I STILL HAVE. I HAVE SINCE BRACED THE SEAT UP WITH A 2"X10" SO I CAN DRIVE THE VEHICLE.*AK
I AM AN OWNER OF TWO FORD RANGER PICK UPS AND HAD OWNED ANOTHER RANGER IN THE PAST. ALL T HERE VEHICLES HAVE HAD THE SAME ELECTRICAL PROBLEM DOOR CHIMES DINGING NON STOP, DOME LIGHT FAILURE, RADIO POWER FAILURE AND WINDSHIELD WIPERS TURNING ON AND OFF ALL BY THEMSELVES WITHOUT THE KEY BEING IN THE IGNITION. I MADE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS TO FORD AND WAS TOLD TO STOP HARASSING THEM. MY DEALERSHIP SAID AND I QUOTE "YOU'RE JUST BEING A WOMAN." WELL THIS AFTER NOON THE PROBLEM TOOK A VERY SERIOUS TURN. RETURNING HOME FROM A VACATION MY 1995 FORD RANGER EX CAB XLT 2.3 LITER ENGINE. BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE A ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE. IT STARTED WITH POWER LOSE TO THE RADIO THEN A POWER SURGE TO THE WIPERS, AND THROUGHOUT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND THOSE AREAS OF PERSISTENT CONCERNS. THEN THEY ALL STOPPED. I NOW HAVE A COMPLETE FAILURE OF BRAKE LIGHTS, SPEED CONTROL, ODOMETER (LET'S TRUST THAT READ OUT),INTERIOR LIGHTS, RADIO AND SEVERAL OTHER SYSTEMS. I ATTEMPTED TO FIND A FUSE OR RELAY TO REPAIRS THEM BUT ALL OF THOSE WERE INTACT AND REPLACEMENT MADE NO CHANGE. ESTIMATED DAMAGER AND REPAIR COST IS WELL ABOVE A GRAND. I COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS ISSUE SINCE 1996 AND HAVE BEEN IGNORED BY FORD. *LA
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY FORD RANGER IS A VERY DANGEROUS VEHICLE. IT IS BUILT UNSTABLE/BALANCED, IT VIBRATES AND ALSO SHAKES UNCONTROLLABLY. IT HAS ALMOST TAKEN MY LIFE TWICE! YES I DRIVE AT THE SPEED LIMIT, AND TUNE MY CAR UP ON A REGULAR BASES. THE 2003-4 MODEL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS, BUT IRONICALLY THE TOYOTA TACOMA HAS NO PROBLEMS AT ALL THAT ARE RELATED TO THESE OF THE FORD RANGER. I HAVE ALREADY CONTACTED FORD BUT NO REPLY, I AM ALSO GOING TO CONTACT MY CONGRESS PERSON TO PRESENT THESE ISSUES AND MORE WITH GOVERNED BODIES TO SEE IF THE FEDERAL TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION CAN BE IMPROVED, ANOTHER ASPECT TO THIS HAZARDOUS CAUSE OF THE FORD MIGHT BE THAT THE U.S DOESN'T USE EUROPEAN STANDARDS IN AUTOMOTIVE. YOU DON'T REALLY SEE BMW, OR OTHER CARS OF A EUROPEAN DECENT WITH THOSE PROBLEMS. *JB
GOODYEAR TIRES WORE OUT PREMATURELY, CAUSING VIBRATION IN THE VEHICLE WHEN DRIVING. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. GOODYEAR P225/70R14. *AK
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS PULLING A SMALL TRAILER GOING ABOUT 15MPH OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AND FELT THE TRAILER DROP OFF OF THE VEHICLE I STOPPED AND GOT OUT AND NOTICED THAT THE LAST 2 FEET OF THE REAR FRAME RAILS FELL OUT TAKING THE LICENSE PLATE LIGHTS AND BUMPER WITH IT. AFTER I REALIZED THAT THE REAR FRAME RUSTED OUT, I INSPECTED THE WHOLE VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT THE RADIUS ARM BRACKET HAS HOLES IN IT, I HAD TO REPLACE ALL OF THE SHACKLES, THE DRIVER SIDE CAB MOUNT RUSTED OUT AND NOW HAS FALLEN OUT OF THE VEHICLE, I ALSO HAVE NOTICED THAT THERE IS A RATHER LARGE HOLE IN THE FRAME IN BETWEEN THE CAB AND THE BED OF THE TRUCK, MY GAS TANK STRAPS HAVE RUSTED OFF AND I NOW HAVE IT RATCHET STRAPPED IT IN BECAUSE THE MOUNT FOR THE STRAP RUSTED OUT OF THE FRAME. I BELIEVE THAT SINCE THE TRUCK IS STILL IN GOOD WORKING ORDER MINUS THE FRAME AND RUST ISSUES AND SINCE IT STILL HAS MODERATE TO LOW MILES I BELIEVE THAT THE FORD COMPANY SHOULD MAKE IT RIGHT WITH THEIR VALUED CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE VEHICLE OR AT LEAST REPAIR IT TO WHERE IT IS STREET WORTHY. RANGERS ARE GREAT TRUCKS BUT THE FRAME WAS COMPLETELY MANUFACTURED WRONG. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHIME BOX IN THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL WOULD EMIT A VERY LOUD NOISE THAT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN OFF. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE OVERHEAD LIGHTS TO REMAIN ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND THEY WERE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE ONLY REMEDY WAS TO REPLACE THE CHIME BOX. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 175,000.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ONE OF THE FUEL TANK STRAPS WERE CORRODED AND THE OTHER ONE WAS FOUND TO BE BROKEN. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 11V385000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FUEL TANK STRAPS WAS REPLACED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 112,000. UPDATED 08/27/13*LJ
RUSTED OUT GAS TANK STRAPS BOTH FRONT AND BACK STRAPS ARE RUSTED OUT. *TR
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE REAR HALF OF THE TRUCK FRAME IS ROTTED TO PIECES. THE BRACKETS THAT ARE SUPPOSED TO HOLD THE SHOCKS ARE RUSTED OFF AND MISSING..
CHASSIS FRAME IS RUSTING AWAY. ALL ENAMEL PAINT IS GONE AND CHUNKS OF RUSTED METAL IS FLAKING OFF
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE REAR HALF OF THE TRUCK FRAME IS ROTTED TO PIECES. THE BRACKETS THAT ARE SUPPOSED TO HOLD THE SHOCKS ARE RUSTED OFF AND MISSING..
1995 FORD RANGER. MY NEPHEW WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE RIGHT REAR SHACKLE LET LOOSE AND HE LOST STABILITY. I REPLACED BOTH RIGHT SIDE FRONT AND REAR SHACKLES. I PULLED THE BED OFF TO REPLACE THE SENDING UNIT AND FOUND BOTH LEFT SIDE SHACKLES ROTTED, LEFT SIDE FRAME ROTTED IN HALF, CROSS MEMBER, GAS TANK SPLASH PAN AND STRAPS, ALONG WITH ALL CAB MOUNTS ROTTED COMPLETELY. I PARKED THE TRUCK AND HAVE NOT DROVE IT SCIENCE 2012. THE BODY IS BEAUTIFUL, AND ALL THE MECHANICS HAVE BEEN KEPT UP. I DON'T WANT TO GIVE UP ON THIS TRUCK.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
CHASSIS FRAME IS RUSTING AWAY. ALL ENAMEL PAINT IS GONE AND CHUNKS OF RUSTED METAL IS FLAKING OFF
1995 FORD RANGER. CONSUMER STATES LOST OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE DUE TO A FIRE IN THE BRAKE SYSTEM *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS DECLARED A LOSS, HE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL REGARDING THE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM. *JB
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
!) DRIVING 1995 FORD RANGER ON DESERTED STRETCH OF ROAD. ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT GEARS. ) THE CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER CAME LOOSE FROM ITS MOUNTING BRACKET, DISABLING GEAR SHIFTING. NO WRECK OR OTHER DAMAGE DUE TO BEING ALONE ON ROAD. TRUCK DISABLED IN ROAD. HAD TO BE TOWED TO DEALER SHOP. ) DEALER NOT OPEN NEXT DAY ( SATURDAY). I EXAMINED REPAIR MANUAL AND FOUND THAT CYLINDER TWISTS INTO PLACE AND SHOULD BE HELD IN PLACE BY RECESSES IN MOUNTING BRACKET. I RE-INSERTED CYLINDER INTO MOUNT AND CLUTCH WAS RESTORED. BUT CYLINDER WOULD NOT STAY IN MOUNTING RECESSES AND APPEARED LIKELY TO COME LOOSE AGAIN. RETURNED TO DEALER 5 DAYS LATER. THEY TIGHTENED MOUNT BRACKET (DIDN'T SEEM LOOSE TO ME), BUT CANNOT UNDERSTAND INCIDENT, SAY THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO, AND THAT IT SHOULD NOT RECUR. CYLINDER STILL APPEARS SLIGHTLY UNSEATED FROM MOUNT. DESIGN APPEARS MARGINAL TO ME. 45 DEGREE ROTATION OF CYLINDER DETACHES IT FROM MOUNT. THE RECESSES TO RETAIN CYLINDER IN POSITION ARE VERY SHALLOW. IT IS ALREADY PARTLY ROTATED DUE TO CONNECTORS' STRAIN. I WOULD NOT BE SURPRISED TO FIND THIS SITUATION IN OTHER TRUCKS. ENTIRE CLUTCH SYSTEM, INCLUDING MASTER CYLINDER, WAS REPLACED LESS THAN 4 MONTHS AGO. *AK
WHEN SHIFTING GEARS, THE ENGINE REVS UP TO VERY HIGH RPMS...HOLDS FOR A FEW (5) SECONDS AND THEN DROPS DOWN TO IDLE AT APPROX. 1600 RPMS. SEEMS TO HAPPEN MOST FREQUENTLY AFTER TRUCK HAS BEEN DRIVEN A WHILE. HAVE TAKEN TO TWO MECHANICS BUT TO NO AVAIL. *LA
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1995 FORD RANGER. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER FAILED TO OPERATE AS INTENDED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT SUFFERED A FRACTURED C7 AND T5 VERTEBRAE. THE CONTACT WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE LOCAL HOSPITAL AND THEN TO UVA MEDICAL CENTER TO SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT FACILITY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE OFFICE OF CHIEF COUNSEL WOULD RESPOND WITHIN 15 DAYS. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
BRAKES LOCKED UP A 50 MPH, HIT LARGE GRASS/DIRT BANK AT 40 MPH APROX. AND AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1995 FORD RANGER. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER FAILED TO OPERATE AS INTENDED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT SUFFERED A FRACTURED C7 AND T5 VERTEBRAE. THE CONTACT WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE LOCAL HOSPITAL AND THEN TO UVA MEDICAL CENTER TO SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT FACILITY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE OFFICE OF CHIEF COUNSEL WOULD RESPOND WITHIN 15 DAYS. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT IS DIFFICULT TO LATCH AND INTERMITTENTLY AND WITHOUT WARNING CAN DISENGAGE WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE. *TR
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN I SMELLED SMOKE AND SAW FLAMES COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND THE POWER TO THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO CUT OUT MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO MOVE OR STEER THE TRUCK TO SAFETY I THEN EXITED THE VEHICLE AND FLAMES WERE COMING OUT OF THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE GOOD AND HEADLIGHT. SO I CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND THEY CAME AND SPRAYED THE TRUCK PUTTING THE FLAMES OUT. AND CUTTING THE WIRES TO THE BATTERY
MY PROBLEM IS THAT MY L995 FORD RANGER DIES IN TRAFFIC FOR NO APPARENT REASON AND OFTEN WILL NOT RESTART AT ONCE. AFTER A PERIOD OF TIME (FEW MINUTES TO COUPLE OF DAYS) THE ENGINE WILL START. THIS FAILURE TO RESTART HAPPENS MORE OFTEN WHEN TRYING TO START THE ENGINE. IF THE ENGINE IS HOT OR COLD DOES NOT SEEM TO MATTER, BUT HAPPENS MORE OFTEN WITH A WARM ENGINE, I.E., BUYING GAS CAN BE A LONG-TIME AFFAIR BECAUSE I HAVE TO WAIT UP TO AND HOUR OR MORE TO START AND MOVE MY VEHICLE. I DAILY HAVE TO MAKE A THREE MILE TRIP ACROSS A BRIDGE WITH HEAVY AND FAST TRAFFIC. STALLING OUT ON THE BRIDGE IS A GREAT FEAR OF MINE. MY RANGER IS CURRENTLY IN THE SERVICE SECTION OF WORLD FORD BECAUSE IT DIED FRIDAY MORNING, THREE BLOCKS FROM WHERE I HAD LEFT MY OFFICE. IT IS STILL IN GHE SERVICE SECTION BECAUSE THEY CANNOT FIGURE OUT WHAT IS CAUSING THE PROBLEM, WHICH HAPPENED TO ONE OF THEIR WORKERS AS HE WAS TRYING TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE TO LUNCH. THEY SAY THAT FORD IS NOT RESPONSIBLE AND THAT MY EXTENDED WARRENTY DOES NOT COVER MAKING A REPAIR UNTIL IT (THE TRUCK) IS TOTALLY UNABLE TO OPERATE. I AM AT A LOSS OF WHAT TO DO. I HATE TO TRADE OFF THE TRUCK KNOWING THAT SOMEONE ELSE WILL BE BUYING TROUBLE, BUT I CANNOT AFFORD THE LONG WAITS FOR THE VEHICLE TO START, AND I FEAR FOR MY LIFE SHOULD THE VEHICLE DIE IN HEAVY AND FAST TRAFFIC, AS THE THREE MILE BRIDGE.*AK
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN I SMELLED SMOKE AND SAW FLAMES COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND THE POWER TO THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO CUT OUT MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO MOVE OR STEER THE TRUCK TO SAFETY I THEN EXITED THE VEHICLE AND FLAMES WERE COMING OUT OF THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE GOOD AND HEADLIGHT. SO I CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND THEY CAME AND SPRAYED THE TRUCK PUTTING THE FLAMES OUT. AND CUTTING THE WIRES TO THE BATTERY
I WAS PULLING A SMALL TRAILER GOING ABOUT 15MPH OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AND FELT THE TRAILER DROP OFF OF THE VEHICLE I STOPPED AND GOT OUT AND NOTICED THAT THE LAST 2 FEET OF THE REAR FRAME RAILS FELL OUT TAKING THE LICENSE PLATE LIGHTS AND BUMPER WITH IT. AFTER I REALIZED THAT THE REAR FRAME RUSTED OUT, I INSPECTED THE WHOLE VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT THE RADIUS ARM BRACKET HAS HOLES IN IT, I HAD TO REPLACE ALL OF THE SHACKLES, THE DRIVER SIDE CAB MOUNT RUSTED OUT AND NOW HAS FALLEN OUT OF THE VEHICLE, I ALSO HAVE NOTICED THAT THERE IS A RATHER LARGE HOLE IN THE FRAME IN BETWEEN THE CAB AND THE BED OF THE TRUCK, MY GAS TANK STRAPS HAVE RUSTED OFF AND I NOW HAVE IT RATCHET STRAPPED IT IN BECAUSE THE MOUNT FOR THE STRAP RUSTED OUT OF THE FRAME. I BELIEVE THAT SINCE THE TRUCK IS STILL IN GOOD WORKING ORDER MINUS THE FRAME AND RUST ISSUES AND SINCE IT STILL HAS MODERATE TO LOW MILES I BELIEVE THAT THE FORD COMPANY SHOULD MAKE IT RIGHT WITH THEIR VALUED CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE VEHICLE OR AT LEAST REPAIR IT TO WHERE IT IS STREET WORTHY. RANGERS ARE GREAT TRUCKS BUT THE FRAME WAS COMPLETELY MANUFACTURED WRONG. *TR
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE RH. RADIUS ARM FRACTURED WITH SEVERE PULLING WITH NEAR TOTAL LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE ON A COUNTRY ROAD. FURTHER INVESTIGATION INDICATED A 85 % RUST THROUGH OF FRAME NEAR COIL SPRING AND RADIUS ARM ATTACHMENT. ALSO THE RH REAR LEAF SPRING IS RUSTED 90% THROUGH, ANY ONE OF THESE FAILURES WOULD CAUSE A DEADLY CRASH. I WORKED AS A PARTS MANAGER FOR 23 YEARS FOR A FORD DEALERSHIP AND HAVE NEVER WITNESSED ANYTHING LIKE THIS. *TR
COMPLETELY RUSTED FRONT RADIAL ARM BROKE IN HALF WHEN BREAKING FOR A TRAFFIC LIGHT; RESULTING IN THE VEHICLE SWERVING COMPLETELY INTO THE ONCOMING LANE; FORTUNATELY NO ONE APPROACHING. I HAD TO CREEP HOME AT 10 MPH WITH TRUCK JERKING THIS WAY AND THAT AS THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL WENT HAYWIRE. IN THE PAST YEAR ALL FOUR LEAF SPRING SUPPORTS SEPARATELY GAVE WAY BECAUSE OF RUSTED SUPPORTING BRACKETS. IF THE TRUCK HAD BEEN LOADED IT WOULD LIKELY HAVE OVERTURNED OR MADE THE TRUCK GO OUT OF CONTROL! RUSTED FRONT AND REAR BRAKES LINES TWO YEARS AGO BLEW OUT AND NEARLY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. THIS TRUCK NEVER PLOWED SNOW AND ONLY ONCE IN MANY YEARS WAS EVER FULLY LOADED. OTHER FRAME MEMBERS ARE OUTRAGEOUSLY RUSTED AND MIGHT BE DANGEROUS.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR MAIN SHAFT BROKE OFF AND FELL INTO ENGINE COMPARTMENT HITTING THE FAN. IF I WAS TRAVELLING AT HIGHWAY SPEED WHILE THIS HAPPEND, IT WOULD HAVE STALLED THE ENGINE. I ASKED FORD WHY THIS HAPPENED & THEY SAID IT HAPPENS SOMETIMES. THIS SEEMS TO BE A DEFECT IN THE SHAFT OF THE THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT. IT COULD NOT BE REPAIRED EXCEPT FOR REPLACING THE WHOLE A/C UNIT. THIS HAS COST ME $858.21
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAVE HAD A VERY BAD EXPERIENCE WITH THE SUSPENSION ON MY 1995 RANGER. I WAS DRIVING AND HAD A PASSENGER WITH ME WHEN THE REAR SPRING BRACKETS GAVE OUT ON ME, DROPPING MY REAR END DOWN AND I ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER STOPPING THE TRUCK, I SAW THAT BOTH FRONT AND REAR LEAF SPRING BRACKETS HAD SHEARED AND WAS NOW IN TWO PIECES. THE ONLY BRACKET NOT DESTROYED WAS THE PASSENGER FRONT. ALL THE BRACKETS WERE RUSTED OUT AND GAVE WAY. I HAVE OWNED OTHER RANGERS AND THIS WAS THE FIRST ONE THAT HAS DONE THIS TO ME. I HAD TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE BRACKETS AND REAR SHACKLES. I FEEL THAT I SHOULD NOT HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THEM. THE METAL WAS THIN AND OF VERY LOW QUALITY. I HAVE BEEN IN THE AUTOMOTIVE FIELD FOR OVER 40 YEARS. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL AND THE DEFECTIVE UNITS REPLACED, BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED DUE TO THE FAILURE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AT HIGH FREEWAY SPEEDS. THIS IS A DANGEROUS CONDITION AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. I FEEL THAT IT FALLS WITHIN THE SAME AREA AS THE STICKING ACCELERATOR CABLE ON THE IMPORTS. LOOKING FORWARD TO HEARING ANY FOLLOWUPS ON THIS PROBLEM. *TR
WHEN STARTING VEHICLE CHIME STAYS ON, INTERIOR LIGHTS AS WELL AS WINDSHIELD WIPERS START. WHEN TAKING FUSE OUT TO STOP, SPEEDOMETER WILL NOT WORK.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN I SMELLED SMOKE AND SAW FLAMES COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND THE POWER TO THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO CUT OUT MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO MOVE OR STEER THE TRUCK TO SAFETY I THEN EXITED THE VEHICLE AND FLAMES WERE COMING OUT OF THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE GOOD AND HEADLIGHT. SO I CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND THEY CAME AND SPRAYED THE TRUCK PUTTING THE FLAMES OUT. AND CUTTING THE WIRES TO THE BATTERY
MY FORD RANGER IS A VERY DANGEROUS VEHICLE. IT IS BUILT UNSTABLE/BALANCED, IT VIBRATES AND ALSO SHAKES UNCONTROLLABLY. IT HAS ALMOST TAKEN MY LIFE TWICE! YES I DRIVE AT THE SPEED LIMIT, AND TUNE MY CAR UP ON A REGULAR BASES. THE 2003-4 MODEL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS, BUT IRONICALLY THE TOYOTA TACOMA HAS NO PROBLEMS AT ALL THAT ARE RELATED TO THESE OF THE FORD RANGER. I HAVE ALREADY CONTACTED FORD BUT NO REPLY, I AM ALSO GOING TO CONTACT MY CONGRESS PERSON TO PRESENT THESE ISSUES AND MORE WITH GOVERNED BODIES TO SEE IF THE FEDERAL TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION CAN BE IMPROVED, ANOTHER ASPECT TO THIS HAZARDOUS CAUSE OF THE FORD MIGHT BE THAT THE U.S DOESN'T USE EUROPEAN STANDARDS IN AUTOMOTIVE. YOU DON'T REALLY SEE BMW, OR OTHER CARS OF A EUROPEAN DECENT WITH THOSE PROBLEMS. *JB
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
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .