Ford Ranger 1998–2011 problems by year and mileage
3rd generation · Ford Ranger (US), Mazda B-Series twin
NHTSA data through 18 October 20265,226 complaints, 2,050 with mileageMethod
A DO NOT DRIVE recall covers part of this generation — check the VIN before driving it home.
Which year is yours? Tap it to see what breaks on it.
- 1998100kmedian
- 199989kmedian
- 200082kmedian
- 200182kmedian
- 200256kmedian
- 200356kmedian
- 200467kmedian
- 200558kmedian
- 200670kmedian
- 200765kmedian
- 200865kmedian
- 200936kmedian
- 201052kmedian
- 201149kmedian
The 1998 Ford Ranger
Close- Median failure report
- 100,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 576
- Recalls naming this year
- 5
Most reported on the 1998
- Tyres136 reports
- Throttle and speed control71 reports
- Transmission and driveline60 reports
Recall areas Vehicle speed control · Power train — automatic transmission · Equipment — other
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 1999 Ford Ranger
Close- Median failure report
- 89,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 755
- Recalls naming this year
- 4
Most reported on the 1999
- Tyres178 reports
- Body structure89 reports · median 111,000 mi
- Hydraulic brake circuit80 reports
Recall areas Vehicle speed control · Power train — automatic transmission · Fuel system, gasoline — fuel injection system
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2000 Ford Ranger
Close- Median failure report
- 82,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 670
- Recalls naming this year
- 3
Most reported on the 2000
- Tyres139 reports
- Body structure105 reports · median 108,000 mi
- Suspension72 reports · median 90,000 mi
Recall areas Vehicle speed control · Seat belts · Engine and engine cooling — cooling system
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2001 Ford Ranger
Close- Median failure report
- 82,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 515
- Recalls naming this year
- 4
Most reported on the 2001
- Body structure112 reports · median 98,000 mi
- Suspension87 reports · median 106,000 mi
- Airbag system62 reports
Recall areas Vehicle speed control · Seat belts — front · Structure — body
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2002 Ford Ranger
Close- Median failure report
- 56,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 346
- Recalls naming this year
- 3
Most reported on the 2002
- Transmission and driveline61 reports · median 52,000 mi
- Throttle and speed control51 reports
- Body structure49 reports · median 97,000 mi
Recall areas Vehicle speed control · Power train — driveline
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2003 Ford Ranger
Close- Median failure report
- 56,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 243
- Recalls naming this year
- 1
Most reported on the 2003
- Body structure43 reports · median 86,000 mi
- Throttle and speed control40 reports · median 54,000 mi
- Hydraulic brake circuit29 reports
Recall areas Vehicle speed control
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2004 Ford Ranger
Close- Median failure report
- 67,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 404
- Recalls naming this year
- 10
Most reported on the 2004
- Airbag system189 reports · median 89,000 mi
- Body structure46 reports · median 85,000 mi
- Suspension29 reports
Recall areas Air bags — frontal · Exterior lighting — brake lights · Structure — frame and members
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2005 Ford Ranger
Close- Median failure report
- 58,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 289
- Recalls naming this year
- 9
Most reported on the 2005
- Airbag system132 reports
- Body structure34 reports
- Fuel system29 reports
Recall areas Air bags — frontal · Exterior lighting — brake lights
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2006 Ford Ranger
Close- Median failure report
- 70,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 272
- Recalls naming this year
- 12
Most reported on the 2006
- Airbag system175 reports
- Body structure26 reports
- Suspension20 reports
Recall areas Air bags — frontal · Exterior lighting — brake lights · Visibility — windshield wiper/washer
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2007 Ford Ranger
Close- Median failure report
- 65,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 270
- Recalls naming this year
- 5
Most reported on the 2007
- Airbag system236 reports · median 75,000 mi
- Body structure13 reports
- Electrical system5 reports
Recall areas Air bags — frontal · Exterior lighting — brake lights
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2008 Ford Ranger
Close- Median failure report
- 65,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 326
- Recalls naming this year
- 5
Most reported on the 2008
- Airbag system295 reports · median 79,000 mi
- Body structure10 reports
- Electrical system7 reports
Recall areas Air bags — frontal · Exterior lighting — brake lights
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2009 Ford Ranger
Close- Median failure report
- 36,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 169
- Recalls naming this year
- 7
Most reported on the 2009
- Airbag system144 reports
- Engine3 reports
- Engine and its cooling system3 reports
Recall areas Air bags — frontal · Exterior lighting — brake lights · Suspension — multiple axle
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2010 Ford Ranger
Close- Median failure report
- 52,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 156
- Recalls naming this year
- 8
Most reported on the 2010
- Airbag system128 reports
- Body structure6 reports
- Engine4 reports
Recall areas Air bags — frontal · Exterior lighting — brake lights · Fuel system, gasoline — delivery
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2011 Ford Ranger
Close- Median failure report
- 49,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 235
- Recalls naming this year
- 5
Most reported on the 2011
- Airbag system196 reports · median 50,000 mi
- Exterior lighting9 reports
- Brakes8 reports
Recall areas Air bags — frontal · Exterior lighting — brake lights
Check the VIN at NHTSA
Tiles: each year’s median failure mileage. Latest: the 1998; earliest: the 2009, and the 1998 is 11 years older (part of the gap is age).
The short answer
“Is the 1998–2011 Ford Ranger reliable?”
- Median of reported failures
- 70,000 mi
- 90% of reports came by
- 150,000 mi
- Reports with mileage
- 2,050
- Recalls
- 33
Most reported
- Airbag system34.4% of complaints · median 68,000 mi
- Body structure11.3% of complaints · median 100,000 mi
- Tyres10.9% of complaints · median 40,000 mi
Owners filed 5,226 complaints with NHTSA about the 1998–2011 Ford Ranger; the airbag system leads with 34.4% of them, and half of the 2,050 that record an odometer reading came by 70,000 miles — complaints, not a failure rate.
No single peak: the middle half runs 37,000 to 111,000 miles.
Before-you-buy checklist ↓At your mileage ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
How many miles does a 1998–2011 Ford Ranger last?
On the 1998–2011 Ford Ranger, half of the 2,050 complaints that record an odometer reading were filed by 70,000 miles and 90% by 150,000 miles (why that is not a lifespan).
223 reports came in past 150,000 miles and 65 past 200,000 — each one proof that a Ranger reached that mileage, not that it failed there.
Figure 1 · Ford Ranger 1998–2011 · 2,050 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
5,000-mile bins, 0 to 200,000 miles, linear scale; tallest bar 126 complaints
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 65 complaints (3.2%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 12,000
- 25%
- 37,000
- Median
- 70,000
- 75%
- 111,000
- 90%
- 150,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–5,000 | 126 | 6.1% |
| 5,000–10,000 | 56 | 2.7% |
| 10,000–15,000 | 51 | 2.5% |
| 15,000–20,000 | 49 | 2.4% |
| 20,000–25,000 | 58 | 2.8% |
| 25,000–30,000 | 58 | 2.8% |
| 30,000–35,000 | 71 | 3.5% |
| 35,000–40,000 | 84 | 4.1% |
| 40,000–45,000 | 70 | 3.4% |
| 45,000–50,000 | 79 | 3.9% |
| 50,000–55,000 | 96 | 4.7% |
| 55,000–60,000 | 76 | 3.7% |
| 60,000–65,000 | 83 | 4.0% |
| 65,000–70,000 | 68 | 3.3% |
| 70,000–75,000 | 54 | 2.6% |
| 75,000–80,000 | 58 | 2.8% |
| 80,000–85,000 | 76 | 3.7% |
| 85,000–90,000 | 80 | 3.9% |
| 90,000–95,000 | 57 | 2.8% |
| 95,000–100,000 | 53 | 2.6% |
| 100,000–105,000 | 68 | 3.3% |
| 105,000–110,000 | 39 | 1.9% |
| 110,000–115,000 | 53 | 2.6% |
| 115,000–120,000 | 46 | 2.2% |
| 120,000–125,000 | 48 | 2.3% |
| 125,000–130,000 | 35 | 1.7% |
| 130,000–135,000 | 43 | 2.1% |
| 135,000–140,000 | 34 | 1.7% |
| 140,000–145,000 | 35 | 1.7% |
| 145,000–150,000 | 23 | 1.1% |
| 150,000–155,000 | 38 | 1.9% |
| 155,000–160,000 | 16 | 0.8% |
| 160,000–165,000 | 15 | 0.7% |
| 165,000–170,000 | 16 | 0.8% |
| 170,000–175,000 | 16 | 0.8% |
| 175,000–180,000 | 13 | 0.6% |
| 180,000–185,000 | 15 | 0.7% |
| 185,000–190,000 | 9 | 0.4% |
| 190,000–195,000 | 11 | 0.5% |
| 195,000–200,000 | 9 | 0.4% |
| 200,000+ | 65 | 3.2% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
Common Ranger problems, and when they happen
Figure 2 · Ford Ranger 1998–2011
When each system fails
Bar: middle half of reports · notch: median · proportional (log) scale (how to read it)
- Tyres571 reportsmedian 40,000middle half 13,000–63,000
- Hydraulic brake circuit327 reportsmedian 40,000middle half 23,000–60,000
- Transmission and driveline375 reportsmedian 50,000middle half 28,000–87,000
- Throttle and speed control369 reportsmedian 65,000middle half 32,000–104,000
- Airbag system1,797 reportsmedian 68,000middle half 40,000–111,000
- Suspension423 reportsmedian 95,000middle half 58,000–127,000
- Body structure589 reportsmedian 100,000middle half 69,000–131,000
- Your odometer, once entered below
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first.
All systems in a table
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag system | 1,797 | 34.4% | 68,000 | 40,000–111,000 |
| Body structure | 589 | 11.3% | 100,000 | 69,000–131,000 |
| Tyres | 571 | 10.9% | 40,000 | 13,000–63,000 |
| Suspension | 423 | 8.1% | 95,000 | 58,000–127,000 |
| Transmission and driveline | 375 | 7.2% | 50,000 | 28,000–87,000 |
| Throttle and speed control | 369 | 7.1% | 65,000 | 32,000–104,000 |
| Hydraulic brake circuit | 327 | 6.3% | 40,000 | 23,000–60,000 |
| Engine and its cooling system | 264 | 5.1% | 46,000 | 15,000–81,000 |
| Electrical system | 231 | 4.4% | 56,000 | 34,000–105,000 |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 179 | 3.4% | 93,000 | 63,000–127,000 |
Known problems with the 1998–2011 Ranger
Airbags 2004–2006
Takata frontal airbag inflators. The 2004-2006 Ranger carries the highest-risk inflator population outside the Ranger's own class: Ford issued a do-not-drive advisory for vehicles with open recalls 15S21, 17S42 and 19S01, and NHTSA issued urgent consumer warnings after fatalities in these trucks. Both driver and passenger inflators are implicated; propellant degradation causes the inflator housing to rupture and spray metal fragments.
Engine 2001–2005
4.0L SOHC V6 timing chain cassette failure. The engine uses three chains with plastic guide cassettes and hydraulic tensioners; the guides embrittle and break, producing the characteristic cold-start rattle from the rear of the engine. Left unrepaired the chain can jump time or break, destroying the engine. The rear cassette is behind the engine, so the repair requires engine removal. Ford made incremental design improvements through roughly 2005, after which failures drop off markedly.
Before you buy a 1998–2011 Ranger: the 3-minute check
Generated from 2,050 mileage-tagged complaints, 33 recall campaigns, 2 documented problem areas.
- A DO NOT DRIVE recall covers part of this generation. Run the VIN before you drive it home — the fix is free at an authorized dealer.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 33 campaigns cover this generation.
- Check airbags on 2004–2006 cars. What each looks like: Known problems.
- Check engine on 2001–2005 cars.
- Years differ here: from 156 to 755 complaints a year — compare them by model year.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car.
Ranger problems by mileage: where your car sits
Type your odometer, or read the table.
| System | Middle half of reports, mi | At 60k mi43% below | At 90k mi63% below | At 120k mi78% below | At 150k mi89% below | At 200k mi97% below |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag system | 40,000–111,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Body structure | 69,000–131,000 | later | in window | in window | earlier | earlier |
| Tyres | 13,000–63,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Suspension | 58,000–127,000 | in window | in window | in window | earlier | earlier |
| Transmission and driveline | 28,000–87,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Throttle and speed control | 32,000–104,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Hydraulic brake circuit | 23,000–60,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
Figure 3 · Ford Ranger 1998–2011 · 2,050 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Steps at bin edges (how to read it)
- 60,000 mi — 43% of reports below
- 90,000 mi — 63% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 78% of reports below
- 150,000 mi — 89% of reports below
- 200,000 mi — 97% of reports below
- Median (the 50% line)
- Your odometer, once entered
Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
1998–2011 Ford Ranger recalls (33)
NHTSA records 33 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation (what a recall is).
8 of these carry a severe advisory — do not drive or park outside; check those first by VIN.
The campaigns cluster around the airbag system (15), the fuel system (3), throttle and speed control (3) (why one area can repeat).
Apr 2023 · 2004–2006 · Air BagsAn incorrectly installed inflator may not properly inflate the passenger air bag, increasing the risk of…
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.
What can happen. An incorrectly installed inflator may not properly inflate the passenger air bag, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The free fix. 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…
Feb 2023 · 2004–2006 · Air BagsAn incorrectly installed inflator may not properly inflate the passenger air bag, increasing the risk of…
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.
What can happen. An incorrectly installed inflator may not properly inflate the passenger air bag, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The free fix. 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…
Mar 2021 · 2007–2011 · Air BagsAn inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2007-2011 Ranger, 2006-2012 Fusion, Lincoln Zephyr, Lincoln MKZ, 2006-2011 Mercury Milan, 2007-2010 Ford Edge, and Lincoln MKX vehicles. The driver's side air bag inflator may explode due to propellant…
What can happen. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver-side airbag inflator or module with an alternate one, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 9, 2021 for the…
Feb 2021 · 2004–2006 · Air BagsIn the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the frontal air bag, an inflator explosion may result in…
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…
What can happen. 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…
The free fix. 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…
Feb 2021 · 2004–2011 · Air BagsIn the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the frontal air bag, an inflator explosion may result in…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2005-2014 Mustang, 2004-2011 Ranger, 2009-2011 Mercury Milan, 2006 Ford GT, 2008-2012 Fusion, 2007-2010 Edge and Lincoln MKX, and 2009-2010 Lincoln MKZ vehicles. These vehicles may be equipped with a driver or…
What can happen. 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…
The free fix. 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…
Jan 2019 · 2010–2011 · Air Bags do not driveAn inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 Ford Mustang vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern…
What can happen. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The free fix. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The…
Jan 2018 · 2009–2010 · Air Bags do not driveAn inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013 Ford Mustang vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern…
What can happen. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The free fix. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. Owners…
Jan 2018 · 2006 · Air Bags do not driveIn the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2006 Ford Ranger trucks. Ford is requesting owners NOT TO DRIVE these vehicles until they have been repaired. On January 11, 2018, Ford Motor Company (Ford) notified NHTSA that they are recalling 2,700 model year…
What can happen. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with sharp metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants, potentially resulting in…
The free fix. Ford will notify owners instructing them to not drive their vehicles, and dealers will replace the front driver side air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall for the…
Jan 2018 · 2006 · Air Bags do not driveIn the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2006 Ford Ranger trucks. Ford is requesting owners NOT TO DRIVE these vehicles until they have been repaired. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the…
What can happen. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with sharp metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants, potentially resulting in…
The free fix. Ford will notify owners instructing them to not drive their vehicles, and dealers will replace the passenger side air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall for the…
Dec 2017 · 2004–2006 · Air Bags do not driveIn the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is superseding a previous recall for certain 2004-2006 Ford Ranger trucks to implement a final repair. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
What can happen. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants, potentially resulting in serious…
The free fix. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger's frontal air bag inflator with an alternate…
Dec 2017 · 2004–2006 · Air Bags do not driveIn the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is superseding a previous recall for certain 2004-2006 Ford Ranger trucks to implement a final repair. Upon deployment of the driver side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
What can happen. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious…
The free fix. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternate inflator…
Jan 2017 · 2007–2009 · Air Bags do not driveAn inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012 Ford Fusion and Mustang and Lincoln Zephyr and MKZ vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico…
What can happen. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The free fix. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. Interim…
May 2016 · 2007–2011 · Air Bags do not driveAn inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Ford Ranger vehicles, 2006-2011 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ vehicles, 2007-2010 Ford Edge, Lincoln MKX vehicles, 2005-2006 Ford GT vehicles, and 2005-2011 Ford Mustang…
What can happen. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The free fix. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. Ford…
Jan 2016 · 2004–2006 · Air BagsIn the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 Ranger vehicles manufactured March 24, 2003, to May 4, 2006. Upon deployment of the driver side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
What can happen. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious…
The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number…
May 2015 · 2004–2006 · Air BagsIn the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could…
The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 Ranger trucks manufactured March 24, 2003, to May 4, 2006. The affected vehicles are equipped with a passenger side frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over…
What can happen. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious…
The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on December 4, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at…
Jul 2011 · 2004–2011 · Exterior LightingNon-functioning lights could increase the risk of a crash.
The defect. Ford is recalling certain model year 2011 Ranger trucks built from january 25, 2011, through april 25, 2011 at the twin cities assembly plant, and service parts distributed to dealers for certain 2004 through 2011 model year Ranger trucks, 2002 through 2005…
What can happen. Non-functioning lights could increase the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the switches free of charge. The safety recall began on august 15, 2011. Owners may contact Ford motor company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.
Feb 2011 · 2010 · Fuel System, GasolineA sufficient fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
The defect. Ford is recalling certain model year 2010 Ford Ranger trucks manufactured from october 15, 2009, through may19, 2010. The engine fuel line in the area of the throttle body shield may not have a protective convolute (cover) properly installed. If the…
What can happen. A sufficient fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
The free fix. Dealers will trim the throttle body shield away from the fuel line and inspect the fuel line for wear, and replace the line if necessary free of charge. The safety recall began on march 4, 2011.…
May 2010 · 2010 · Parking BrakeA manual transmission vehicle parked in neutral without a fully applied parking brake may have unintended…
The defect. Ford is recalling certain model year 2010 Ranger vehicles manufactured from june 8, 2009 through february 2, 2010 equipped with manual transmission. It is possible for the parking brake cable to become disconnected from the right rear actuator during cold…
What can happen. A manual transmission vehicle parked in neutral without a fully applied parking brake may have unintended movement which may cause a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will install a revised right rear parking brake actuator to prevent cable disconnection free of charge. The safety recall began on may 21, 2010. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.
Oct 2009 · 2001–2003 · Vehicle Speed ControlA vehicle fire could occur with or without the engine running.
The defect. 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…
What can happen. A vehicle fire could occur with or without the engine running.
The free fix. 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…
Feb 2009 · 2009 · SuspensionIf a spindle fractures, the wheel may separate from the vehicle increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. Ford is recalling 11,134 my 2009 4x2 Ranger vehicles. Some front wheel spindles were improperly manufactured creating the risk that a spindle may fracture during the normal useful life of the truck.
What can happen. If a spindle fractures, the wheel may separate from the vehicle increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the front spindle if necessary free of charge. The recall began on february 27, 2009. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.
Aug 2007 · 1998–2002 · Vehicle Speed ControlThis could result in an underhood fire.
The defect. On certain pickup trucks, passenger vehicles, sport utility vehicles, and motor homes chassis, the speed control deactivation switch may, under certain conditions, leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn.
What can happen. This could result in an underhood fire.
The free fix. Dealers will install a fused wiring harness. Owners of the passenger cars included in this campaign will be instructed to return their vehicles to their dealers to have the speed control deactivation…
Nov 2005 · 2006 · VisibilityAfter a period of continuous use on the high speed setting, lack of grease on the output shaft gear may cause…
The defect. On certain trucks, passenger cars and sport utility vehicles, the windshield wiper motor may have been produced without grease being applied to the output shaft gear.
What can happen. After a period of continuous use on the high speed setting, lack of grease on the output shaft gear may cause the gear to distort or fracture during operation resulting in a loss of wiper function.…
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the wiper motor for the presence of grease and grease the wiper motor gears if necessary. The recall began on november 22, 2005. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673 or…
Jul 2004 · 2004 · StructureIn the event of a side impact crash, the frame rail scould puncture the fuel tank, resulting in a fuel leak.
The defect. On certain pickup trucks, the frame may have a center rail section flange that was not formed properly.
What can happen. In the event of a side impact crash, the frame rail scould puncture the fuel tank, resulting in a fuel leak. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the frame to determine whether the frame was incorrectly manufactured. If there is a problem, the vehicle will not be repaired. Ford and the dealer will replace the vehicle. The…
Feb 2002 · 2002 · Power TrainDifferential fractures could potentially result in wheel lock-up.
The defect. On some manual transmission trucks equipped with the fx4 package, the rear axle differential case could fracture under a high torque event such as when customers accelerate rapidly from a stop or when a spinning tire suddenly gains traction.
What can happen. Differential fractures could potentially result in wheel lock-up.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the rear axle assembly. Owner notification began march 29, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free…
Jul 2001 · 2001 · Seat BeltsIn the event of a crash, the restraint system may not provide adequate occupant protection, increasing the…
The defect. Vehicle description: passenger and sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks, and minivans. Equipped with seat belts supplied by trw. It is possible that the driver's and/or front passenger's outboard seat belt buckle may not fully latch. Ford crown victoria…
What can happen. In the event of a crash, the restraint system may not provide adequate occupant protection, increasing the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the front outboard seat belt buckles and if the buckle fails the inspection process, it will be replaced. Owner notification began july 25, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles…
Nov 2000 · 2001 · StructureA hood fly-up while the vehicle is being operated could result in reduced driver visibility.
The defect. Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles with steel hoods and certain pickup trucks equipped with sheet molding compound hoods. A wire formed hood striker could be susceptible to fatigue fractures. If the hood striker fractures, the hood could fly open…
What can happen. A hood fly-up while the vehicle is being operated could result in reduced driver visibility.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the hood striker.
Aug 2000 · 2000 · Seat BeltsIn the event of a vehicle crash, the occupant may not be properly restrained.
The defect. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles, light duty trucks, sport utility vehicles, and MINI vans equipped with trw seat belt buckle assemblies. The buckle base of these seat belt assemblies were not properly heat treated and therefore do not pass the load…
What can happen. In the event of a vehicle crash, the occupant may not be properly restrained.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the date code on certain seat belt buckles of your vehicle and replace all seat belt buckles that fall within the suspect date code range. Owner notification began october 26…
Mar 2000 · 2000 · Engine and Engine CoolingAs a result of no heat in the heater circuit, defrost performance is compromised.
The defect. Vehicle description: pickup trucks equipped with 2.5L ohc engines. Engine coolant circulation through the heater circuit is prevented because of a plugged heater return tube (water pump inlet tube) at the water pump. These vehicles do not comply with the…
What can happen. As a result of no heat in the heater circuit, defrost performance is compromised.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the plugged heater water return tubes.
Jul 1999 · 1998–1999 · Power TrainIf the park mechanism does not engage and the vehicle operator has not applied the parking brake, the vehicle…
The defect. Vehicle description: electric vehicles. The transaxle may have been manufactured with the park detent spring misaligned. If the spring is misaligned, the park mechanism may not engage when the shift lever is placed in the park position.
What can happen. If the park mechanism does not engage and the vehicle operator has not applied the parking brake, the vehicle could roll free as if in neutral.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the transaxle and any with misaligned park detent springs will be replaced.
Mar 1999 · 1998–1999 · Vehicle Speed ControlIf the cruise control is used and this condition is present, a stuck throttle could result, which could…
The defect. Vehicle description: certain 1997-1999 rhd explorer equipped with 4.0L ohv/sohc engines and cruise control built from may 29, 1996 through march 4, 1999; 1998-1999 explorer/mountaineers equipped with 4.0L ohv/sohc or 5.0L engines or 1998-1999 rangers equipped…
What can happen. If the cruise control is used and this condition is present, a stuck throttle could result, which could potentially result in a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the cruise control cables. At the present time, the replacement cables are not available. Customers are being advised not to use the cruise control system until a replacement can…
Sep 1998 · 1999 · Fuel System, GasolineIn the presence of an ignition source, a fire can result from fuel leakage.
The defect. Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks with 3.0L engine. An 'o'-ring seal in the fuel injection pulse damper to fuel rail joint could be damaged allowing fuel leakage.
What can happen. In the presence of an ignition source, a fire can result from fuel leakage.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the pulse damper.
Feb 1998 · 1998 · EquipmentThe 16" tires could not be inflated on the specified 15x7.0J rim.
The defect. Vehicle description: light duty four-wheel drive pickup trucks equipped with off-road option. The tire and rim identification information is incorrect on these vehicles. This does not comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 120, "Tire selection and rims for…
What can happen. The 16" tires could not be inflated on the specified 15x7.0J rim.
The free fix. Owners will be sent a safety certificaiton label partial overlay which will contain the correct rim size, and instructions for affixing this label to the vehicle. If an owner so desires, their Ford…
Oct 1997 · 1998 · Fuel System, GasolineThis could potentially result in damage to the fuel line, or in some cases, cause a fuel leak.
The defect. Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks equipped with 4.0L engines. The flexible section of the chassis mounted fuel line that connects to the engine was routed too close to the exhaust manifold. The line could contact the manifold.
What can happen. This could potentially result in damage to the fuel line, or in some cases, cause a fuel leak. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
The free fix. Dealers will install an additional clip to hold the fuel line in the intended design position.
Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported
Out of 5,226 complaints against this generation, owners also reported:
- Crashes
- 506 (9.7%)
- Fires
- 100
- Injury reports
- 317
- Fatality reports
- 22
Ranger problems by model year
The 1999 drew the most complaints of this generation, 755, most of them about the tyres, and the 2010 the fewest, 156. A typical year drew about 308.
That makes the 1999 stand out at roughly 2.5 times a typical year (what a yearly count can and cannot say).
| Year | Complaints | With mileage | Median miles | Most reported | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 576 | 109 | 100,000 | Tyres (136) | 5 |
| 1999 | 755 | 213 | 89,000 | Tyres (178) | 4 |
| 2000 | 670 | 282 | 82,000 | Tyres (139) | 3 |
| 2001 | 515 | 281 | 82,000 | Body structure (112) | 4 |
| 2002 | 346 | 220 | 56,000 | Transmission and driveline (61) | 3 |
| 2003 | 243 | 185 | 56,000 | Body structure (43) | 1 |
| 2004 | 404 | 218 | 67,000 | Airbag system (189) | 10 |
| 2005 | 289 | 152 | 58,000 | Airbag system (132) | 9 |
| 2006 | 272 | 106 | 70,000 | Airbag system (175) | 12 |
| 2007 | 270 | 63 | 65,000 | Airbag system (236) | 5 |
| 2008 | 326 | 71 | 65,000 | Airbag system (295) | 5 |
| 2009 | 169 | 38 | 36,000 | Airbag system (144) | 7 |
| 2010 | 156 | 46 | 52,000 | Airbag system (128) | 8 |
| 2011 | 235 | 66 | 49,000 | Airbag system (196) | 5 |
What Ranger owners reported
The contact owns a 2006 Ford Ranger. Before purchasing the vehicle, the vehicle was involved in a crash and the driver's side air bag had deployed. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 17V787000 (Air Bags) and 17V788000 (Air Bags). In 2019, the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall…
2006 · 116,000 miles · Airbag system
The contact owned a 2010 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while the son was driving uphill at approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle crashed into the rear passenger side of a boat trailer, causing the vehicle to roll over and slide approximately 20 ft. During the crash, the front of the vehicle was severely damaged…
2010 · 175,000 miles · Airbag system
The contact owns a 2001 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop. The contact stated that there was smoke coming from underneath the hood. The brakes and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was…
2001 · 226,000 miles · Engine
The contact owns a 2004 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving on the highway in rainy weather at 60 MPH, she lost control of the vehicle and drove off the road. The contact stated that she could not recount what happened moments after she drove off the road; she did recall that she pulled up to a stop…
2004 · 270,000 miles · Airbag system
Built from 2,050 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-10-20 · open data · how it is built
Other Ranger generations
- Ranger 1993–1997 339 reports with mileage, most about the hydraulic brake circuit
- Ranger 2019–2023 174 reports with mileage, most about the transmission and driveline