RoadVitals

2006 Ford Ranger

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

NHTSA has issued a “do not drive” advisory affecting this model year.

Campaign 18V023000. Confirm whether your specific vehicle is covered using its VIN before acting on this.

Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov
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.
271
Latest Apr 1, 2025
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.
12
Latest Apr 28, 2023
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.
0
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.
16
10 injuries, 4 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 271 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2006 Ford Ranger, most frequently naming the airbags, body & structure and suspension categories. 12 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 15 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

12 campaigns cover this model year

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

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Apr 28, 2023
231,942 units potentially affected
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2004-2006 Ranger vehicles that received replacement front passenger air bag inflators under a previous recall. The replacement front passenger air bag inflators may have been installed incorrectly.
The risk: An incorrectly installed inflator may not properly inflate the passenger air bag, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will inspect and reinstall the front passenger air bag inflator, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S08. This recall expands and replaces previous recall number 23V-125.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 23S08View on NHTSA.gov

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Feb 24, 2023
98,550 units potentially affected
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2004-2006 Ranger vehicles that received replacement front passenger air bag inflators under a previous recall. The replacement frontal passenger air bag inflators may have been installed incorrectly.
The risk: An incorrectly installed inflator may not properly inflate the passenger air bag, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will inspect and reinstall the front passenger air bag inflator, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 5, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S08. This recall has been fully superseded by recall 23V-306.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 23S08View on NHTSA.gov

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL; AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE; AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Feb 17, 2021
144,340 units potentially affected
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2004-2006 Ranger vehicles that may be equipped with a driver or passenger frontal air bag inflator used as a replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
The risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the frontal air bag, an inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver and passenger air bag module, and replace either the module or the inflator, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 17, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S05.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 21S05View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

Airbags
Filed Apr 1, 2025
Crash reported1 injury reported

The contact owned a 2006 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while at a stop light, a crash occurred involving two other vehicles. During the crash, one of the other vehicles crashed into the contact’s vehicle, causing severe damages to the front-end of the vehicle; however, the air bags failed to deploy. The Fire Department was called to the scene and removed the front driver’s side door to free the contact from the vehicle. The contact sustained a neck injury and was later taken by her daughter to seek medical attention. A Police report was filed at the scene. The vehicle was destroyed and towed away. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V081000 (AIR BAGS). The contact was concerned that after the recall repair was performed, the air bag failed to deploy during the crash. The failure mileage was 98,000.

NHTSA ID
11651972
Incident
Feb 11, 2025
Mileage
98,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Mar 11, 2025
Crash reported2 injuries reported

The contact owns a 2006 Ford Ranger. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V788000 (Air Bags). The contact stated that while stopped at a red light, both driver and passenger front air bags deployed without impact. The contact lost control and the vehicle then crashed into the rear of another vehicle. The contact received shoulder and neck injuries, medical attention was needed. The second vehicle occupant also sustained a back injury and medical attention was sought. A police report was filed but the information was not available. The contact cut the air bags out with a pocket knife and the vehicle was taken to the resident. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the dealer refused to diagnose or repair the vehicle under the recall until the SRS system and passenger seat belt were repaired since it was locked. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and was transferred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 220,000.

NHTSA ID
11647594
Incident
May 6, 2017
Mileage
220,000 mi
ElectricalFuel system
Filed Jul 12, 2023

Problem with fuel pump city switch keeps burning up and causing my truck to to die while I’m driving it. I have got it checked by a mechanic shop and the problem keeps happening. The fuel pump, the cut off switch and the connector and wires have all been replaced and it still continues to happen. This has been happening for years and is causing me to almost get in a car accident.

NHTSA ID
11531945
Incident
Jul 12, 2023
Airbags
Filed Jun 26, 2023

My truck has been to the dealer on a number of occasions. The dealership (Access Ford, Corpus Christi, Texas) claims that the air bag was replaced. I brought the truck to the dealership in for the airbag issue in January 2017. When I kept receiving notices about the recall and checking the data bases (data bases noted the recall as not completed) I brought the truck back to the dealership in April 2023. Again a check of the recall data bases noted that the recall was not completed. During the April 2023 visit the dealership stated that it was a documentation issue and would recheck the air bag part and ID number and reenter it into the system. Checked the data bases recently and found that the recall was still in effect. Called Ford corporate customer service and they referred me to the dealership. Spoke to a service writer [XXX] at the dealership on June 20,2023 and she stated that there was some issues with their warranty person and would look into the issue and try and get my recall data updated accordingly. As of today (June 26, 2023) checked the data bases and the airbag recall has not been completed. My insurance company is believes that failure to prove that the recall was completed may have a negative effect on my vehicle insurance if an accident occurs. Can this confusion be rectified or do I need to take the truck in again to the dealer? (Copy of receipts for work done attached.) INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID
11528851
Incident
Jan 5, 2017
Airbags
Filed Jun 23, 2023
Crash reported1 injury reported

2006 FORD RANGER- Consumer states "2021 I was driving and my air bag deployed as I slightly turned my wheel while driving. It’s hard to remember but The airbag total incapacitated me causing me to hit a tree head on. I am now disabled suffering a traumatic brain injury, and multiple injuries, I am now disabled unable to work and had to leave college. I talked to ford and they ignored me. This isn’t a legal request, it’s not for a law suit, I didn’t file against takata, but my 3 year old son was with me , he wasn’t hurt but it greatly effected him, and my ability to be a father. I need all reports and data involving accidents caused by the takata air bag deploying while driving, I specifically only want reports involving the 2004-2006 ford ranger with the air bag defect. Is that something you can help me with? This is so important. I know there has been deaths and vehicle was a ford ranger, and rangers have been in countless accidents due to air bag. This research is for myself, and I’ve been trying but I can’t find the reports, specially only ones involving ford rangers. "

NHTSA ID
11528523
Incident
Nov 5, 2021
Filed Aug 31, 2022

Frame front and rear are rusted to the point the vehicle is no longer roadworthy. The truck only has 68,410 miles on it.

NHTSA ID
11482273
Incident
Aug 31, 2022
Airbags
Filed Jul 19, 2022
Crash reported1 injury reported1 death reported

Takata Recall. The contact was a Florida Highway Patrolman who was filing a complaint on behalf of the deceased owner of a 2006 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that the driver of the vehicle was involved in a minor traffic collision; however, the driver suffered fatal injuries due to the driver's side air bag deployment. The driver was pronounced deceased at the scene of the collision. A police report was filed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The caller related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V023000 (Air Bags). The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID
11474675
Incident
Jul 7, 2022
Body & structure
Filed Jun 24, 2022

Frame prematurely rotting out in critical areas near fuel tank/middle of vehicle frame

NHTSA ID
11470908
Incident
Jun 24, 2022

Manufacturer communications

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

22B05 S1

AIR BAGS

Certain 2005-2014 Mustang, 2005-2006 GT, 2004-2011 Ranger, 2006-2012 Fusion and MKZ/Zephyr, 2006-2011 Milan, and 2007-2010 Edge & MKX Vehicles Driver & Passenger Airbag Module Quality Control Inspection REASON FOR THIS SUPPLEMENT • Updated Ranger Technical Information to include images of a pass and fail airbag inflator inspection for 2007-2011 model years.

22B05

AIR BAGS

Certain 2005-2014 Mustang, 2005-2006 GT, 2004-2011 Ranger, 2006-2012 Fusion & MKZ/Zephyr, 2006-2011 Milan, and 2007-2010 Edge & MKX Vehicles Driver & Passenger Airbag Module Quality Control Inspection: Ford Motor Company has determined that some vehicles claimed by dealers as repaired under Takata Airbag Safety Recalls 15S21, 17S42, 18S02, 19S01, and 21S12 may not have received the claimed repairs. The propellant in certain Takata airbag inflators can experience an alteration over time with exposure to certain climate conditions. A combination of time, high temperature fluctuations, and humidity contribute to the degradation of the propellant in the inflators. This degradation can cause the propellant to burn too quickly, creating high pressure inside the inflator, and in extreme cases causing the inflator to rupture in the event of a crash necessitating airbag deployment. A ruptured inflator can send inflator parts toward vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death. Additional information regarding Takata recalls can be found at www.nhtsa.gov and www.safercar.gov.

SSM 47013

AIR BAGS

Please check FSA Vin Lists for vehicles involved in 18S02. Contact owners affected immediately to schedule an appointment.

SSM 47013

EQUIPMENT

Please check FSA Vin Lists for vehicles involved in 18S02. Contact owners affected immediately to schedule an appointment.

SSM 46085

ENGINE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSES/LINES/PIPING/FITTINGS; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OTHER FUEL TYPES:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV); ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE); ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

The Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual has been revised for diagnosing electronic throttle bodies (ETBs). The ETC_ACT and ETC_DSD PIDs should not used to diagnose possible ETB concerns. The IDS has a limited refresh rate when reading these PIDs and cannot display quickly enough to validate a concern. The PCM automatically monitors these inputs more accurately and will set diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) when appropriate. Using these PIDs for diagnostics will lead to inaccurate results and improper ETB replacements. If a concern is intermittent and no DTCs are present, refer to historical DTCs and the PC/ED, Section 3 No DTCs Present Index chart for further information.

0612

VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR

LIMITED OR RESTRICTED INWARD MOVEMENT OF EXTERIOR REAR VIEW MIRROR GLASS. *TT

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
2006Viewing27112052.1
200528911362.3
200440412365.5
20032435160.5
20023467056.0
20015159263.3
20006708056.3
199975510056.2
199857611161.4
19974117261.3
19964138055.9
19953217157.9
199443811161.3
199323210264.6
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.