1992 Ford Ranger

High concern

Owners filed 189 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the electrical system. It has been recalled 6 times.

Not among the Ford Ranger years to avoid. Which Ford Ranger years to avoid →

Most common 1992 Ford Ranger problems

37 of the 189 complaints (20%) are about the electrical system.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices › Exterior15
000
Suspension › Front15
100
Electrical System › Ignition › Switch12
090
Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under Dash11
0110
Tires › Tread/Belt9
101
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine7
000
Tires6
001
Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs6
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · brakes6
200
Power Train › Manual Transmission · transmission6
000

6 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Exterior Lighting06E026000
Filed Mar 23, 200661,944 vehiclesPro-A Motors, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy. PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

Tires › Tread/Belt01X001000
Filed May 22, 200113,000,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: FORD IS REPLACING ALL FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT 15, 16, AND 17 INCH TIRES MOUNTED ON FORD TRUCKS AND SUVS. FORD REPORTS TREAD SEPARATION CAN OCCUR DUE TO A COMBINATION OF THE SENSITIVITY OF THE TIRE DESIGN TO STRESS, AGING, AND MANUFACTURING DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PLANTS. FORD IS REPLACING THESE TIRES TO PREVENT POSSIBLE PREMATURE TIRE FAILURE. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: THE VEHICLES LISTED BELOW MAY HAVE BEEN ORIGINALLY EQUIPPED WITH FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES OR MAY HAVE HAD WILDERNESS AT TIRES INSTALLED DURING THE FIRESTONE RECALL LAUNCHED IN AUGUST 2000. CERTAIN 1991 THROUGHT 2002 FORD EXPLORER CERTAIN 2001 THROUGHT 2002 EXPLORER SPORT, AND SPORT TRAC CERTAIN 1997 THROUGH 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER CERTAIN 1991 THROUGH 2001 RANGER CERTAIN 1999 THROUGH 2001 EXPEDITION CERTAIN 1991 THROUGH 1994, AND 1997 MODEL YEAR F-SERIES CERTAIN 1991 THROUGH 1994 BRONCO NOTE: BOTH ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT AND REPLACEMENT TIRES ARE AFFECTED.

Risk. SHOULD THE TREAD SEPARATE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy. THE REPLACEMENT/REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM FOR THIS CAMPAIGN EXPIRED ON MARCH 31, 2002. HOWEVER, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT FORD AT 1-877-917-3673 OR GO ON-LINE TO WWW.FORD.COM FOR POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE.

Tires › Tread/Belt00T005000
Filed Aug 21, 200014,400,000 vehiclesBridgestone/Firestone, Inc.

Defect. TIRE DESCRIPTION: FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT, SIZE P235/75R15, PRODUCED AT THE DECATUR, ILLINOIS TIRE PLANT AND ALL FIRESTONE RADIAL ATX AND RADIAL ATX II TIRES, SIZE P235/75R15. OPERATION OF THESE TIRES AT LOW INFLATION PRESSURES, HIGH SPEED, AND IN HOT WEATHER, CAN CONTRIBUTE TO SEPARATION OF THE TIRE TREAD.

Risk. IF THE TREAD SEPARATES FROM THE TIRE, THE DRIVER CAN LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH CAUSING INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy. THE REPLACEMENT/REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM FOR THIS CAMPAIGN EXPIRED ON AUGUST 29, 2001. HOWEVER, CUSTOMERS SHOULD CONTACT FIRESTONE CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-465-1904 FOR POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE.

Service Brakes, Air › Disc › Rotor98E010000
Filed Apr 8, 199823,500 vehiclesAimco Products Inc.

Defect. EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: AFTERMARKET BRAKE ROTORS FOR USE ON CERTAIN FORD AND MAZDA TRUCKS. CRACKED CASTINGS CAUSED CRACKS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER DIAMETER OF THE ROTOR HAT OR AROUND THE STUD HOLE.

Risk. LOSS OF BRAKING CAN RESULT.

Remedy. AIMCO WILL REIMBURSE CONSUMERS/INSTALLERS FOR THE COST OF REPLACEMENT ROTORS AND INSTALLATION. CONSUMERS ARE REQUESTED TO RETURN TO THE LOCATION WHERE THE ROTORS WERE ORIGINALLY PURCHASED/INSTALLED FOR REPLACEMENT.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Hydraulic96V024001
Filed Feb 5, 1996108,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. THE STUDS WHICH ATTACH THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER TO THE POWER BRAKE VACUUM BOOSTER ASSEMBLY CAN DEVELOP STRESS CORROSION CRACKING AFTER BEING OPERATED FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME IN THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LOCATION.

Risk. IF A CRACK OCCURS, IT COULD RESULT IN ONE OR BOTH STUDS FRACTURING. THE MASTER CYLINDER COULD THEN SEPARATE FROM THE VACUUM BOOSTER, WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED, PREVENTING THE SERVICE BRAKES FROM ACTIVATING INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POWER BRAKE VACUUM BOOSTER ASSEMBLY.

Structure › Body › Door92V006000
Filed Jan 14, 1992190,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. WATER CAN ENTER THE DOOR LATCH RELEASE CABLE. IF THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED IN BELOW FREEZING TEMPERATURES, THE WATER IN THE DOOR LATCH RELEASE CABLE CAN FREEZE AND CAUSE THE LATCH MECHANISM TO MALFUNCTION.

Risk. THE MALFUNCTION OF THE DOOR LATCH RELEASE CAN RESULT INTHREE DIFFERENT PROBLEMS: 1) THE DOOR WILL NOT BE ABLE TO BE RELATCHED, 2) THEINSIDE DOOR HANDLE CAN BECOME INOPERATIVE, AND 3) THE DOOR COULD APPEAR TO BELATCHED WHEN IT IS NOT, ALLOWING THE DOOR TO OPEN UNEXPECTEDLY IF IT IS JARRED,AND INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE ADJACENT SEAT OCCUPANT.

Remedy. REVISED DOOR RELEASE CABLES AND WATER SHIELDS WILL BE INSTALLED.

All 6 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Engine
Filed Jul 30, 2015122,000 milesMD

OIL PRESSURE SUDDENLY WENT TO ZERO.ENGINE BEGAN TO CLATTER.I RETURNED HOME.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Sep 6, 2011108,000 milesPA

WHEN VEHICLE STARTED IN NEUTRAL, IT WAS PUT IN REVERSE AND THROTTLE WENT TO FLOOR WITHOUT ANYONE TOUCHING IT, VEHICLE TOOK OFF IN REVERSE , FRONT WHEEL HIT BUILDING BENDING AXLE AND OTHER COMPONENTS THIS HAPPENED ABOUT 30 DAYS PRIOR WITHOUT ANY DAMAGE. *TR

Suspension › FrontCrash
Filed Sep 6, 2010118,000 milesPA

I HAVE A 1992 FORD RANGER THE PASSENGER SIDE SPRING TOWER MOUNT IS COMPLETELY RUSTED AND THE FRONT SHOCK AND SPRING HAVE DROPPED MAKING THE TRUCK UNSAFE TO DRIVE THE BRAKE LINE WAS SMASHED WHEN IT GAVE WAY. MY BOYFRIEND ALSO HAD A 1992 FORD RANGER THAT THIS HAPPENED TO CAUSING HIM TO WRECK AND TOTAL THE TRUCK SO WE HAD TO JUNK IT. I WISH I WOULD HAVE KNOWN IT WAS A COMMON THING FOR THE 1992'S ONLY ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. IT MUST BE PRETTY COMMON AS FORD HAS MADE A REPLACEMENT PART!!!! *TR

Visibility
Filed Jun 28, 200988,910 milesPA

TRUCK WAS WARMING UP WITH ME IN IT AROUND JANUARY. I WENT TO OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE INSIDE, THEIR WAS NO RESPONSE AND WAS STUCK IN TRUCK. EVENTUALLY, I WAS ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE REAR SLIDING WINDOW. I WAS AND AM NEVER ABLE TO USE MY PASSENGER DOOR AGAIN, FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. *TR

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jan 26, 2009124,000 milesRI

WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM MY COAST GUARD DUTY MY TRUCK STARTED TO FILL WITH SMOKE. I PULLED OVER AND LOOKED IN MY DASH AGAINST THE STEERING COLUMN AND SAW FLAMES COMING OUT. IT WAS A TOTAL LOSS ENGULFING MY TRUCK IN FLAMES. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jun 26, 200851,697 milesCA

JUST THIS PAST TWO WEEKS, WE TRADED TRUCKS. WE RECEIVED A 1992 FORD RANGER. DURING THE SMOG TEST IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE FUEL FILLER NECK WAS CRACKED AND REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. THE PART COST $241 , LABOR $175 WHICH WAS A COSTLY SMOG CHECK. WE HAVE FOUND OUT THAT THIS TYPE OF REPAIR IS VERY COMMON IN FORD RANGERS, ESPECIALLY THE OLDER ONES. THE FORD CO. HAS NOW REDESIGNED THE PART, AND THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALL OR OFFER OF HELP TO THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE THE POORLY DESIGNED FUEL FILLER NECK. YOU ASKED HOW OFTEN THIS OCCURS - QUITE OFTEN - THE TWO TIMES I WAS IN THE OFFICE OF THE REPAIR SHOP, I ENCOUNTERED 3 OTHER CUSTOMERS THAT WERE IN THERE FOR THE SAME REASON !! I WOULD SAY THAT IS TOO OFTEN. AND, I WOULD LIKE TO ASK THE FORD CO TO REPLACE THE POORLY DESIGNED FUEL FILLER NECKS AND PAY FOR THE LABOR INVOLVED. ADDITIONALLY, I THINK THAT THIS INFORMATION NEEDS TO BE MADE KNOWN TO THE PUBLIC, SO THAT THEY WILL NOT BE DRIVING AROUND WITH A POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FUEL VAPOR LEAK, AND THAT THEY CAN GET SOME FINANCIAL HELP WHEN IT IS TIME TO SMOG THEIR TRUCK AND THIS PROBLEM IS DISCOVERED. CAROLYN NEUMAN *TR

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Oct 12, 2007142,415 milesAZ

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 FORD RANGER. THE VEHICLE HAS FUTURA GLS SUPER SPORT, SIZE P225/60R15 TIRES. THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE HAD TREAD SEPARATION. THE TIRE WAS ALSO BUBBLING, SPLITTING, AND HAD CRACKS ON THE SIDE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRES BOUNCED AND SQUEAKED MORE WHILE DRIVING GREATER THAN 40 MPH. THE OTHER THREE TIRES ON THE VEHICLE WERE EXPERIENCING THE SAME FAILURE, BUT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE WAS THE WORST. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000. THE VEHICLE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 145,415 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 142,415.

Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs
Filed May 29, 200781,000 milesMD

OVER THE COURSE OF ABOUT TWO DAYS, I NOTICED A SCRAPING NOISE COMING FROM THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL. ON THE SECOND DAY, I NOTICED UPON APPROACHING THE TRUCK THAT THE RIGHT FRONT FENDER WAS ALMOST TOUCHING THE TIRE. REMOVING THE WHEEL, I DISCOVERED THAT THE UPPER SPRING SEAT HAD DETERIORATED TO THE POINT THAT THE COIL SPRING WAS THIRTY DEGREES FROM ITS ORIGINAL POSITION. THE SHEET METAL IN THE SEAT CRUMBLED IN MY HAND WHEN I TOOK HOLD OF IT, AND THE HOUSING WAS TORN 75% OF THE WAY THROUGH FROM FRONT TO BACK. AT HIGH SPEED, THIS VEHICLE WOULD HAVE BEEN A DEATH TRAP. I NOTE 15 SIMILAR COMPLAINTS IN YOUR DATABASE. LEFT SIDE SPRING SEAT IS PERFECT AND INTACT. *TR

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Nov 21, 200699,000 milesCA

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH THROUGH AN ALLEYWAY, A FIRE ERUPTED FROM UNDERNEATH THE LEFT FRONT DRIVER SIDE DASH PANEL AREA WITHOUT WARNING. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ALERTED, AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED MODERATE FIRE DAMAGE; AN INSURANCE ADJUSTOR DEEMED THE VEHICLE TOTALED. THE POLICE WERE ALERTED, AND A REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, AND DETERMINED THE FIRE WAS ELECTRICAL IN NATURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Nov 13, 200683,000 milesOR

TRUCK OIL PRESSURE SUDDENLY DROPPED VERY LOW. TRUCK BEGAN MAKING KNOCKING SOUND COMING FROM ENGINE HEAD AREA. DISASSEMBLY OF OIL PAN, OIL PUMP, AND OIL PUMP TUBE SCREEN REVEALED COMPLETE BLOCKAGE OF SCREEN FROM OIL PAN GASKET MATERIAL. *NM

Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise ControlFire
Filed Jul 31, 2006125 milesMO

MY 1992 FORD RANGER SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUSTED ON THE MORNING OF JUNE 6, 2006. THE CRUISE CONTROL WENT OUT UNEXPECTEDLY AND WOULDN'T START. I LEFT IT OVERNIGHT AND RECEIVED A PHONE CALL FROM THE POLICE AT 5 A.M IN THE MORNING SAYING MY TRUCK WAS ON FIRE. APPARENTLY IT HAD CAUGHT FIRE (WHILE IT WAS OFF) AND COMPLETELY TOTALED THE ENTIRE VEHICLE, LEAVING ME AT A COMPLETE LOSS (INSURANCE DID NOT COVER THIS TYPE OF CLAIM). BEING A 19 YEAR OLD IN COLLEGE THIS CAME AS A COMPLETE NIGHTMARE FINANCIALLY. FORD HAS REFUSED TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I WILL NEVER DRIVE A FORD AGAIN. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A NEARBY JUNKYARD, WHERE THE BRAND NEW 1,000 CLUTCH AND NEW TIRES WERE REMOVED AND SOLD FOR SOMEONE ELSE'S PROFIT. I GOT NOTHING. *NM

Vehicle Speed ControlCrash1 injured
Filed Mar 30, 200591,649 milesTN

THE CONSUMER WAS PULLING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN HE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION, AND CRASHED INTO TWO OTHER VEHICLES AND A BRICK WALL. *AK *NM *SC *JB

Electrical System › Starter Assembly › Solenoid
Filed Oct 18, 2004100,000 milesOK

THE STARTER SOLENOID CLIP CONNECTOR FAILED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE WILL NOT START UP AGAIN UNTIL PART IS REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB

Tires
Filed Dec 23, 2003106,291 milesLA

WHILE DRIVING AT 70MPH, MY REAR TIRE CAME APART AND TOTALLED THE BED OF MY TRUCK AND BROKE THE BRAKE LINE AND NEARLY CAUSED A ROLLOVER. THIS WAS THE FOURTH OF THE SET OF TIRES TO COME APART OR DEVELOP A BUBBLE.

Electrical System › IgnitionFire
Filed Oct 10, 200339,781 milesND

1992 FORD RANGER HAD FIRE IN IGNITION WIRING HARNESS, BELOW DASH AND MOUNTED TO STEERING COLUMN. *LA

Seats
Filed Sep 17, 200371,470 milesNE

RIGHT FRONT UPPER SPRING SEAT BRACKET (PART NO. 5A318) HAS PREMATURELY RUSTED THROUGH ALLOWING BODY TO DROP ONTO FRONT TIRE. IT APPEARS AS THOUGH A THICK PLASTIC COATING ON THE PART ALLOWED MOISTURE TO BE TRAPPED CAUSING PREMATURE RUSTING. UPPER PART OF SPRING SEAT BRACKET PUSHED THROUGH FENDER LINER INTO ENGINE COMPARTMENT. IN VIEWING THE COMPLAINTS FOR THIS MODEL YEAR TRUCK THERE APPEAR TO BE NUMEROUS SIMILAR EVENTS ON THE APPARENT DEFECTIVE RIGHT FRONT UPPER SPRING SEAT BRACKET. *JB

Electrical System › Wiring › Front UnderhoodFire
Filed Sep 3, 200353,645 milesAZ

WHILE DRIVING AND/OR IDLING SMOKE COMES FROM BOTH THE STEERING COLUMN AND UNDER THE HOOD. NO FIRES AS OF YET BUT I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THE PROBLEM RESOLVED BEFORE THE TRUCK BURNS DOWN.*AK

Electrical System › Ignition › SwitchFire
Filed Jul 13, 200374,000 milesAK

IGNITION SWITCH CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE DRIVING. *AK

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch
Filed Jun 17, 2003OK

DRIVER SIDE DOOR HANDLE SNAPPED OFF FROM THE INSIDE CABLE. WHILE OPENING THE DOOR TO THE VEHICLE. *AK

Structure › Body › Door
Filed Jun 17, 200382,000 milesOK

INSIDE DOOR HANDLE NO LONGER WORKS DUE TO A BROKEN CABLE LINKAGE DURING COLD WEATHER. FORD SAYS MY VIN IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL GROUP. OTHER PEOPLE THAT HAVE HAD THE RECALL PERFORMED HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM OCCUR AGAIN. IF MY VEHICLE IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL GROUP IT WOULD MEAN THAT IT HAS THE UPDATED CABLE, YET THIS "UPDATED" CABLE ALSO HAS A HISTORY OF BREAKING. WHY NOT A RECALL ON THE UPDATED CABLE THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO FIX THE PROBLEM AND DIDN'T? *JB

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed May 20, 2003102,680 milesVA

I OWN 92 FORD RANGER. LAST THURSDAY,5/15/2003, WHILE DRIVING TO WORK I NOTICED MY PASSENGER SIDE FRONT LOWER THAN THE REST OF THE TRUCK. AFTER I PARKED AT WORK I INVESTIGATED AND NOTICED THAT THE SHOCK/SPRING TOWER WAS RUSTED SO BAD THAT IT WAS ALMOST READY TO FALL OFF. THE SPRING WAS BENT BACKWARDS AND THE SHOCK WAS BROKEN AT THE BOTTOM. AT THE FORD DEALER, THE MECHANIC SAID HE HAD NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THAT. HE ALSO TOLD ME THAT THEY ONLY MAKE THAT PART FOR THE RIGHT SIDE? THE LEFT SIDE LOOKS LIKE BRAND NEW. APPARENTLY ONLY THE RIGHT ( PASSENGER ) SIDE RUSTS OUT AND NOT THE LEFT. IT SEEMS THAT METAL IS INFERIOR AND CAN CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. FORD MUST KNOW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE THEY ONLY MAKE THE PART FOR ONE SIDE AND NOT THE OTHER. I CAN'T FIND ANY RECALL INFO ON THIS. BESIDES THE $800.00 COST TO REPAIR, THIS CAN CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. *NLM

Wheels
Filed May 20, 2003VI

THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. *JB

Suspension › Front
Filed May 19, 2003VA

WHILE DRIVING THE LEFT LEAF SPRING AND SHOCK ABSORBER FELL APART DUE TO RUSTED MOUNT ATTACHMENTS. *NLM

Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner
Filed May 13, 2003VA

WHILE DRIVING MY 1992 FORD RANGER XLT PICK-UP TRUCK THE DRIVERS SEAT MECHANISM WITHOUT WARNING OR ANY ACTION TO INITIATE THE FAILURE EMITTED A NOISE AND SUDDENLY FAILED. MY TORSO IMMEDIATELY FELL BACKWARDS AS THE DRIVERS SEAT RECLINED COMPLETELY. FORTUNATELY I WAS ABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE AND AVOID ANY ACCIDENT, COLLISION OR INJURY SAVE FOR A BIT OF A STRAIN ON MY ABDOMINAL MUSCLES WHICH WAS NOT SERIOUS. THE SEAT WILL NOT RETURN AND STAY IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION NOR WILL IT LATCH DOWN SECURELY (TO PREVENT FROM SLIDING FORWARDS AND BACKWARDS). THE FAILURE HAS RENDERED THE VEHICLE UNUSABLE WITHOUT REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF THE DRIVERS SEAT. I AM CONCERNED THAT SHOULD THE FAILURE HAVE OCCURRED AT ANY OTHER TIME I MIGHT NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE AND SERIOUS INJURY OR DAMAGE COULD HAVE OCCURRED. IF THIS EVENT CAN HAPPEN IN OTHER SUCH VEHICLES OWNERS SHOULD BE WARNED TO INSPECT THIS MECHANISM FOR WEAR OR WHATEVER CAUSED IT TO FAIL. ALSO I AM RELUCTANT TO HAVE IT REPAIRED BY REPLACING IT WITH A USED SEAT SINCE A USED PART MAY BE JUST AS UNRELIABLE. I UNDERSTAND THAT NEW PARTS ARE NO LONGER AVAILABLE FROM FORD IN ORDER TO REPLACE THE INOPERATIVE DRIVERS SEAT. *JB

Wheels
Filed Apr 22, 2003IL

THE PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WAS RUSTED. *JB

Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs
Filed Apr 4, 200395,000 milesOH

MY WIFE WAS DRIVING TO WORK WHEN SHE HEARD A LOUD NOISE IN THE RIGHT FRONT OF THE TRUCK. THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE TRUCK DROPPED DOWN. ON HER WAY HOME, THE BRAKE AND ABS LIGHTS CAME ON. BY THAT TIME SHE WAS HOME AND TOLD ME WHAT HAPPENED. I CHECKED THE MASTER CYLINDER AND IT WAS EMPTY. LOOKED UNDER THE TRUCK AND SAW THE BRACKET HOLDING THE RIGHT COIL SPRING HAD RUSTED AWAY. THE BRACKET ON THE LEFT SIDE WAS OK. HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP. THE VEHICLE IS STILL IN THE REPAIR SHOP. *JB

Suspension › Front
Filed Feb 17, 2003101,700 milesGA

SUSPENSION FAILURE. RIGHT FRONT SPRING SEAT ON MY 1992 FORD RANGER HAS COMPLETELY CORRODED. COIL SPRING AND SHOCK ABSORBER HAVE BROKEN THROUGH FAILED SPRING SEAT CAUSING VEHICLE TO SAG CONSIDERABLY ON THE RIGHT AND PULL TO THE RIGHT WHEN DRIVING. ADDITIONALLY, THE FRAME ARM WHERE THE SPRING SEAT IS RIVETED HAS ALSO CORRODED TO THE POINT WHERE FORD REFUSES TO ATTEMPT A REPAIR DUE TO FEAR OF LIABILITY. FORD DEALER CONFIRMS THAT THE LEFT SPRING SEAT IS NOT CORRODED AND APPEARS NORMAL IN APPEARANCE AND FUNCTION.

Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs
Filed Nov 21, 2002IL

WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER HEARD A NOISE FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE SHORTLY AFTER THE NOISE THE BRAKES FAILED. CONSUMER HAD VEHICLE SERVICED. THE CAUSE OF THE BRAKE FAILURE WAS AS A RESULT OF THE FRONT COIL SPRING UPPER MOUNT RUSTING AND BREAKING OFF WHICH CAUSE THE BRAKE LINE TO BRAKE ALSO. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE DETAILS. TS

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery
Filed Sep 6, 2002CO

FUEL ODORS ARE INSIDE AND THE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER INSPECTED VEHICLE, AND DETERMINED THAT FUEL LINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK THE CONSUMER FEELS THAT THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW. THE LEAK IS ACTIVE WHEN STOPPED, AND AFTER STOPPING, THE LEAK CONTINUES UNTIL THE PRESSURE IS RELIEVED ON THIS HIGH PRESSURE FUEL INJECTION LINE. THE LEAKS ARE LOCATED WHERE THE POWER STEERING HOSE RUBS AGAINST THE GAS LINES. *SCC

Electrical System › IgnitionFire
Filed Sep 6, 2002CA

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

Suspension › Front
Filed Aug 27, 2002KY

FAILURE OF THE RIGHT SUSPENSION, COLLAPSED. UPPER SPRING SEAT AND SHOCK MOUNTING BRACKET RUSTED OUT AND BROKE OFF. DEALER ASSESSED THE FAILURE ALONG WITH A FORD FIELD ENGINEER. CONCLUSION WAS THAT THERE IS NO HISTORY OF THIS TYPE OF FAILURE IN FORD'S RECORDS AND NO RECALLS. BLAMED THE FAILURE ON ACCIDENT DAMAGE THAT WAS EVIDENT BY NEW FENDER ON THE TRUCK. DEALER WAS ADVISED THAT NO SUSPENSION OR FRAME DAMAGE WAS SUSTAINED IN THE ACCIDENT AND WAS ADVISED THAT THE REPAIRING SHOP COULD BE CONTACTED FOR THAT ASSESSMENT. DEALER ADVISED THAT INSURANCE COMPANY SHOULD BE CONTACTED FOR POSSIBLE COVERAGE.

Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices › Exterior
Filed Aug 7, 2002CA

WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH AND WITHOUT WARNING, EXTERIOR MIRRORS WILL FOLD IN, CONSUMER WOULD BE UNABLE TO VIEW OR USE THE MIRRORS.*AK *SLC

Electrical System › WiringFire
Filed Aug 6, 2002TX

A FIRE STARTED ON RIGHT FRONT WHEEL WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH. VEHICLE TOWED TO A REPAIRSSHOP FOR REPAIRS. MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs
Filed Jul 1, 2002MO

FRONT COIL SPRINGS BRACKET BROKE AFTER CONSUMER PARKED THE VEHICLE. CONTACTED DEALER, AND THE DEALER WASAWARE OF PROBLEM, BUT HAD NOT REMEDY.*AK

Electrical System › IgnitionFire
Filed May 28, 2002CO

WHILE DRIVING, THE IGNITION SWITCH WIRES LOCATED IN THE STEERING COLUMN CAUGHT FIRE. THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT WAS FILLED WITH SMOKE, BUT I WAS ABLE TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A SAFE STOP. AFTER 3 OR 4 MINUTES, THE SMOKE CLEARED. IGNITION AT THIS POINT WAS "FROZEN" AND THE KEY COULD NOT BE MOVED. WHEN TAKEN IN FOR REPAIRS, THEY INDICATED THIS SHOULD BE UNDER A RECALL. FURTHER INVESTIGATION INDICATED IT WAS NOT, BUT THAT 12 OTHER FORD/LINCOLN/MERCURY MODELS WERE UNDER RECALL FOR THIS EXACT SAME THING (CAMPAIGN NO 96V071000). MY VEHICLE FALLS WITHIN THE SAME YEARS. WHY IS MY RANGER NOT INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL? THANK YOU.*AK

Suspension › Front › Shock Absorber
Filed May 3, 2002IL

SPRING TOWER DETERIORATED PREMATURELY AND COLLAPSED WHILE DRIVING ALONG HIGHWAY, CAUSING VEHICLE TO SWERVE ALMOST LOSING CONTROL. THERE WAS NO WARNING OF WHAT WAS HAPPENING. I EVEN HAD THE VEHICLE SERVICED THE DAY BEFORE, AND NO APPEARENT DEFECT WAS DETECTED. WHEN I CONFRONED THE SERVICE WRITER AT THE FORD DEALERSHIP ,HE TOLD ME THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR THIS TRUCK. FURTHER EXPLAINED THAT THE CONDENSATION FROM THE AC DRIPS ON THIS PART CAUSING IT TO RUST AND FAIL SOONER. HE INFORMED ME THE PARTS WERE IN STOCK. THE PRICE WAS ABOUT $100. FOR THE PART AND APROX 200. FOR LABOR. HE ALSO RECOMENDED ANOTHER SHOP WHERE I COULD GO AND HAVE DONE A LITTLE CHEEPER. SO I CHECKED WITH THEM , THEY ALSO TOLD ME THIS WAS A COMMON OCCURANCE WITH THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE. LATELY THE'VE DONE SEVERAL. I THINK THIS NEEDS SOME INVESTIGATION. I THINK I WAS FORTUNATE NOT TO HAVE CRASHED. THIS ARE A LARGE NUMBER OF THIS VEHICLE ON THE STREETS. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME (708) 417-8104 OR (708)422-1699 THANK YOU. AK

Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under DashFire
Filed May 2, 2002TX

WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED SAW SMOKE COMING FROM INSIDE OF VEHICLE. CONSUMER SAW FLAMES COMING FROM UNDER DASH. SOUND LIKE THE BLOWER MOTOR WAS RUNNING. VEHICLE COMPLETELY BURNED ON INSIDE. PLEASE ADD VIN.*JB

Tires1 injured
Filed Mar 20, 2002VI

WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN RIGHT TIRE FELL OFF. CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO TRAVEL. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN, FRONT RIGHT TIRE ROLLED OFF AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO HIT POLE AND DAMAGED SOME PART OF THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS ONE INJURY. *YH

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Feb 14, 2002KY

CONSUMER STATED THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE FRAME DROPPED FROM THE VEHICLE CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SHOCK, THE PART FAILED DUE TO EXCESSIVE RUST.*JB

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Jan 29, 2002VT

TIRE TREAD SEPARATED.*AK (TIRESIZE: P215/75R15)

Trailer Hitches2 injured
Filed Oct 30, 2001OR

IN JULY OF 2001, WE WERE GIVEN A 92 FORD RANGER, TO GIVE TO OUR OLDEST SON WHEN HE GOT OLDER, BY MY MOTHER IN-LAW (WHO WAS HIS W HOLE WORLD) THAT PASSED AWAY AT THE END OF THAT MONTH. WE DECIDED TO MOVE TO IDAHO IN AUGUST, SO WE WENT TO UHAUL TO GET A TRAILER TO HAUL OUR STUFF. UHAUL ATTACHED A 6'X12' TRAILER TO THE TRUCK AND SAID OUR TRUCK WOULD BE ABLE TO PULL IT FROM VANCOUVER, WASHINGTON TO BOISE, IDAHO WITH NO PROBLEM. WE LEFT FOR IDAHO AUGUST 17, 2001. WE TOOK I-84 EAST AND BROKE DOWN JUST BEFORE DEAD MANS PASS ON THE HILLS JUST EAST OF PENDLETON, OREGON. UHAUL TOWED IT TO BOISE AND WE HAD TO CALL REPUBLIC WESTERN INSURANCE INC. WHO REPRESENTS UHAUL. WE TRIED DESPERATELY TO WORK WITH OUR ADJUSTER, BRIAN VANNEN, AND THE VICE PRESIDENT OF THE COMPANY, TOM LATUSH. WE ASKED TO HAVE OUR TRUCK FIXED BY AL'S CAR CARE IN BOISE. AT FIRST THEY TOWED IT THERE. HOWEVER, WHEN AL'S CAR CARE MECHANICS SAID THAT IT NEEDED A NEW ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION, AND POSSIBLE A NEW RADIATOR, AS A RESULT OF THE TRAILER IT WAS PULLING, THEY SENT THE TRUCK TO HOMEDALE AUTO SALVAGE IN HOMEDALE, IDAHO WITH OUT OUR PERMISSION ON AUGUST 28TH. THEN THEY TOLD US THEY WOULD NOT MOVE IT SOMEWHERE ELSE DESPITE OUR REJECTION TO THE SHOP IT WAS AT AND THEY WERE GOING TO PUT A ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION IN THE TRUCK THAT HAD 14,000 MILES ON IT, THE TRUCK WOULD ONLY TAKE 7-10 DAYS TO FIX, AND IT WOULD HAVE A 1 YEAR WARRANTY. THREE WEEKS LATER, SEPTEMBER 18TH, THEY SAID IT WAS DONE, AND WE COULD GET IT BACK. WHEN WE

Suspension
Filed Sep 26, 2001OH

WINDSHIELD LEAKS & FRAME RUSTING. SUSPENSION BOWED MAIN STRUCTOR ARMS. ENGINE PASSING OIL FROM DAY ONE OF OWNERSHIP. INTERIOR DOOR PLASTIC FRAME CRACKING. DIMMER AND TURN SIGNAL SWITCH SHORTS.

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Sep 19, 2001PA

THE VEHICLES FIRESTONE TIRE HAD TRADE SEPARATED AND THE CONSUMER WANTS REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPLACING THEM, TIRES WERE NOT COVERED BY FORD'S REPLACEMENT PROGRAM OR ANY FIRESTONE RECALL. ( TIRE SIZE P195/70R14) *YH

Suspension
Filed Sep 13, 2001OH

TIE RODS ARE BENT. ALSO, VEHICLE IS OUT OF LINE, AND WILL NOT GO STRAIGHT ON ROAD. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices
Filed Aug 31, 2001TX

MIRRORS FLOP OVER DUE TO WIND / SLIPSTREAM; BAD DESIGN; MANY CLOSE CALLS CHANGING LANES ON FREEWAY; CANNOT FIND A BETTER SUBSTITUTE THAT WILL FIT THIS MODEL. *AK

Suspension › Front
Filed Aug 28, 2001NE

HOUSING FOR SHOCK AND COIL SPRING BROKEN ON FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. *AK

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Tailgate › Latch
Filed Jul 18, 2001IN

TAILGATE ON THIS RANGER AND 4 OTHER PEOPLES DO NOT OPEN ON.

Air Bags › FrontalCrash1 injured
Filed Jun 5, 2001FL

A SMALL TOYOTA CAR WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH AND IMPACTED DRIVERS SIDE OF CONSUMER'S VEHICLE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO ROLL TWO TIMES.FRONT END SUFFERED SEVERE DAMAGE, AND DRIVER'S FRONTAL AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. DRIVER SUFFERED LEG/ARM, AND NECK INJURIES AS WELL AS BROKEN RIBS. *AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed May 20, 2001PA

ABS COMPUTER FAILED AGAIN AFTER FORD DEALER REPLACED ORIGINAL. UPPER SHOCK/SPRING MOUNT COMPLETELY RUSTED AWAY CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING AND SUSPENSION. LOCAL DEALER REFUSED TO REVIEW FOR POSSIBLE MANUFATURERS DEFECTS. *AK

Suspension
Filed May 3, 2001MA

CONSUMER WAS PARKED AT HIS DRIVEWAY AND NOTICED THAT RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE AND WHEEL WERE TILTING OUT FROM VEHICLE, THE PART NUMBER IS E3TZ*5A306*B, CONSUMER STATES THIS PART WAS ALMOST TOTALLY BROKEN AND THE SHOCK WAS OPEN 3-4 INCHES. *SLC

Complaints 1-50 of 189, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1999
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20269800Routine
2025451300Routine
2024961300Routine
202318410Do not drive
202238500Routine
2021119630Routine
2020130710Routine
20192711120Above average
20171000Routine
20161000Routine
20141000Routine
2011235610Do not drive
2010156900Do not drive
2009169801Do not drive
2008326611Do not drive
2007270610Do not drive
20062721224Do not drive
20052891150Do not drive
20044051232Do not drive
20032435111Fatalities reported
20023467122Fatalities reported
2001515994Fatalities reported
20006708122Fatalities reported
199975510140High concern
199857611297Fatalities reported
1997411781Fatalities reported
199641381810Fatalities reported
1995321791Fatalities reported
199443811151Fatalities reported
199323210152Fatalities reported
1992 — this page1896320High concern
19911326210High concern
19901055152Fatalities reported

Compare every Ranger year →

Reading this record

A high number of complaints describe fires or crashes.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Mar 23, 2006. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.