1996 Ford Ranger

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 1994 F53 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS). THE SCDS MAY LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.

Risk. A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.

Remedy. 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 CONNECTOR AND REPAIR AS NECESSARY. REPAIRS WILL BE COMPLETED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.

Defect. DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

Defect. SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Defect. K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.

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.

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.

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.

Defect. THE CERTIFICATION LABELS ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES HAS INCORRECT REAR TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE DESIGNATIONS. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO. 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS."

Risk. INCORRECT INFLATION PRESSURES COULD CAUSE PREMATURE WEAR OF THE REAR TIRES. .

Remedy. OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH CORRECT CERTIFICATION LABELS AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR INSTALLING THESE LABELS. DEALERS CAN INSTALL THIS LABEL IF THE OWNER SO DESIRES.

INFORMATION FOR SERVICING AND DIAGNOSING BRAKE VIBRATION, BRAKE INSPECTION, AND BRAKE FRICTION MATERIAL REPLACEMENT. *TT

ALL VEHICLES WITH ANTILOCK BRAKE MODULE CONCERNS THAT REQUIRE A MODULE REPLACEMENT, THE TECHNICIAN MUST CALL FOR APPROVAL BEFORE REMOVING AND / OR REPLACING THE MODULE. *TT

CONCERNS WITH FALSE ABS ACTIVATION WHILE LIGHT BRAKING AT LOW SPEEDS. *YC

THE USE OF PETROLEUM-BASED GREASE AS A LUBRICANT IN SERVICING DISC BRAKES IS NO LONGER ACCEPTABLE. *YC

A GRABBING AND/OR STICKING CONDITION DURING THE FIRST FEW BRAKE APPLICATIONS WHEN THE BRAKES ARE COLD OR IN THE MORNING AFTER AN OVERNIGHT RAIN MAY OCCUR ON SOME VEHICLES. *YC

AVAILABILITY OF HUB-MOUNT BRAKE ROTOR MACHINING EQUIPMENT. *YC

Drivers side seat belt buckle does not work. The tongue on the long strap does not lock into the buckle at the seat. I think this may be a recall problem with other models and/or years, but not 1996 Ford Rangers.

Heading back from picking up meal at pizza hut when "POP" sound from front of truck and then cabin filled with smoke. within 20-30 seconds of exiting the car it was in flames (See attached photos) recall notification was never sent to current owner and current owner didnt own in 2009 when it was first recalled. Ford customer service informed that auto insurnace would be required to handle loss of vehicle, but current owner doesnt have comprehensive coverage so insurance company is unable to payout for loss due to fire. This recall should have been communicated to titled owner after purchase.

Drivers side seat belt buckle does not release. Broken about ten years. Currently using middle seat belt buckle.

MY 96 FORD RANGER HAS TREMENDOUS FRAME ROT ON THE DRIVE SIDE AT THE FRONT OF THE SPRING SHACKLES. SOMEONE HAD SPRAYED RHINO LINER LIKE MATERIAL ON THE ROT TO COVER IT UP OR TO TRY TO MAKE IT HOLD. THE REST OF THE FRAME IS IN OUTSTANDING CONDITION EXCEPT FOR IT BEING ALMOST BROKEN INTO AT THE GAS TANK STRAP AND FRONT SHACKLES. I HAVE REPLACED EVERY FRONT END PART ON THIS TRUCK THINKING IT WAS IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION. WHEN DRIVING IT RUNS OUT OF LINE FROM THE REAR AND THE FRAME IS STARTING TO BEND.

NANO AND MICRO PARTICULATES/CONTAMINANTS HAVE BEEN SPRAYED FROM AN AIRLINER AND CAUSED SEVERE DAMAGE TO MY BODY AND MY VEHICLE; IT INCLUDES FLAKES, TUBULES AND HIGHLY REFLECTIVE PARTICLES AND METALS. THE VEHICLE HAS STALLED AND LOST TWO GEARS AS A RESULT. IT HAS A GAS LEAKING ISSUE CAUSED BY THE TECHNOLOGY. I HAVE HAD TO GO TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM. MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN CONTAMINATED, DAMAGED AND SABATAGED AS WELL AS MY FAMILY MEMBERS VEHICLES, PERSONS AND PROPERTY. IT'S OCCURING ON AND OFF HIGHWAY. IT'S HAPPENING TO OTHER VEHICLES AS WELL. OIL AND BATTERY INTERIOR AND EXTERIORS AS WELL AS BODILY HARM, RISK AND INJURY. THE TECH AND PARTICULATES ARE HIGHLY DANGEROUS AND DESTRUCTIVE. [XXX] IS THE OFFENDING PARTY THAT CAUSED IT TO HAPPEN WITH THE FEDERAL AGENCIES. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

TAKATA RECALL. I CRASHED MY 1996 FORD RANGER IN 2010. BOTH AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. MY COLLISION SHOP REPLACED THE AIRBAGS WITH UNKNOWN YEAR FORD RANGER AIRBAGS, BUYING SOME NEW PARTS FROM FORD TO COMPLETE THE INSTALL. THERE IS NO WAY TO KNOW IF THESE ARE RECALLED TAKATA AIRBAGS WITHOUT AN INSPECTION. MY LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP, VARSITY FORD IN ANN ARBOR MI, IS REFUSING TO DO ANYTHING WITHOUT A RECALL NOTICE. ANY INSPECTION, EVEN IF THESE ARE RECALLED AIRBAGS, WILL BE AT MY COST BECAUSE THIS IS A 1996 TRUCK. I CALLED FORD'S RECALL LINE AND EXPLAINED THE SITUATION, AND THEY REFERRED ME TO MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP. THERE SEEMS TO BE NO PLAN TO TRACK DOWN DANGEROUS TAKATA AIRBAGS INSTALLED AFTER MANUFACTURE, EVEN IF THEY WERE ORIGINALLY INSTALLED IN ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1996 FORD RANGER. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, FLAMES APPEARED UNDER THE HOOD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS UNKNOWN. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TOWED, BUT WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND OPENED A CASE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 300,000. *TR *JS *BF CONSUMER STATED BOTH ODI 11173289 AND 11173291 HAD MANUFACTURER DEFECT THAT CAUSED THE FIRE.*JB

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD RANGER. WHILE DRIVING DOWN A HILL AT LESS THAN APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TREE. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR BRUISING, WHICH DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL TREATMENT. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE MONTHS LATER. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED INSPECTION DUE TO EXTENSIVE RUST ON THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE. THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,000.

DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT WILL NOT STAY LATCHED INTO LATCHING MECHANISM

THE WHOLE UNDERBODY AND FRAME IS RUSTED AND ROTTED. THE LEAF SPRING SHACKLES HAVE RUSTED AND ROTTED AWAY.

TRUCK WAS PARKED ON THE GARAGE PAD FOR A WEEK. I OPENED THE HOOD AND CHECKED ALL FLUID LEVELS, AND FOUND THE BRAKE FLUID A LITTLE LOW. TOPPED OFF THE MASTER CYLINDER AND GOT BACK INTO THE TRUCK. STARTED ENGINE, AND PUSHED THE BRAKE PEDAL. IT WENT TO THE FLOOR, GOT OUT OF THE TRUCK AND HEARD FLUID DRIPPING. I LOOKED UNDER THE TRUCK AND SAW A PUDDLE OF BRAKE FLUID NEAR THE LEFT REAR WHEEL. I ASKED MY WIFE TO PUSH THE PEDAL DOWN AND I SAW BRAKE FLUID SPRAYING FROM THE MAIN STEEL BRAKE LINE. COULD HAVE BEEN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT AS THE TRUCK WAS USED ONE WEEK PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT TO HAUL A FULL LOAD OF FIRE WOOD.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1996 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY FOR A FEW SECONDS. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY AND BECAME PERMANENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN OF THE REQUIRED REPLACEMENT PART. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILALBE. THE CONTACT NO LONGER OWNED THE VEHICLE.

EXTENSIVE RUST DETERIORATION ON STRUCTURAL FRAME MEMBERS WHICH IS SPREADING RAPIDLY. VARIOUS LOCATIONS. I'M VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE RIGHT SIDE REAR LEAF SPRING MOUNT BREAKING LOOSE WHILE IN MOTION. THE REMAINDER OF THE TRUCK IS IN GENERALLY GOOD CONDITION. WHEN I BOUGHT IT FROM THE ORIGINAL OWNER 7/11, SOME FRAME BRACKETS HAD BEEN REPLACED, BUT THE FRAME APPEARED SOUND. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY.

THE FRAME HAS EXPERIENCED SEVERE CORROSION INCLUDING THE SPARE TIRE MOUNT, CROSS MEMBERS, REAR BUMPER, LEAF SPRING SHACKLES, AND PERFORATIONS/RUST THROUGH OF THE MAIN FRAME RAILS.

THE REAR BUMPER FELL OFF WHILE DRIVING DUE TO RUSTED FRAME RAILS THAT IT WAS ATTACHED TO.

I HAVE A 1996 FORD RANGER AND WHEN I WAS FILLING UP THE GAS TANK I STARTED NOTICING A STRONG SMELL OF GAS THEN LATER CAME TO FIND OUT IT WAS LEAKING GAS. I HAVE COME TO FIND OUT THAT THIS IS A COMMON DEFECTED WITH THESE VEHICLES. I THINK THAT IT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED IF SOMEONE HAS NOT GOTTEN KILLED YET. *TR

THE CONTROL CLUSTERS ON THE STEERING WHEEL HAVE BEEN AT A SUFFICIENTLY HIGH TEMPERATURE THAT THE PLASTIC COVERING OVER THE MICRO SWITCHES HAS DEFORMED AND ON OCCASION IT WILL STICK TO YOUR FINGERS. THE CENTER BUTTON ON THE LEFT SIDE HAS DISINTEGRATED TO THE POINT THAT THE ACTUAL MICRO BUTTON IS NOW OPERATED DIRECTLY THROUGH THE MISSING PORTION OF THE ORIGINAL COVERING. ONE OF THE MICRO BUTTONS ON THE RIGHT SIDE IS IN THE SAME CONDITION AND BOTH CONTROL CLUSTERS HAVE BROKEN LOOSE FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. WITH THE PROBLEMS FORD HAS HAD WITH FIRES I THOUGHT THEY WOULD OFFER SOME ASSISTANCE IN REPAIRING THIS DEFECT BUT BOTH THE LOCAL DEALERS I HAVE TAKEN IT TO HAVE INDICATED NO ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE, I GUESS WE WILL WAIT FOR THE FIRE THAT SPREADS THROUGH THE GARAGE AND TAKES DOWN THE WHOLE HOUSE. DEALERS THAT TURNED ME DOWN ARE BLUE BONNET IN NEW BRAUNFELS, TX AND GRIFFITH IN THE KYLE, TX AREA. THE CONTROL STILL ACTUALLY FUNCTIONS IF YOU CAN HOLD IT ALL TOGETHER LONG ENOUGH TO ACTIVATE THE MICRO SWITCHES AND YOU DON'T MIND GETTING STICKY BLACK GOOP ON YOUR FINGERS. *TR

IT TOOK SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO GET THE DRIVERS SEAT BELT TO LATCH. SHORTLY AFTER THE SEAT BELT CAME UNLATCHED AS I WAS DRIVING. AFTER THAT THE BELT WON'T STAY LATCHED. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD RANGER EQUIPPED WITH MICHELIN GOODRICH RADIAL TIRES, SIZE P225/70/R14. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER ROTATING THE TIRES, A CRACK WAS DISCOVERED ON THE SIDE WALL OF THE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO SEE THE CRACK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000 AND THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.

RUBBER FUEL VAPOR HOSE BETWEEN FUEL VAPOR PURGE VALVE AND CHARCOAL CANISTER CAN'T BE REPAIRED BECAUSE FORD HAS MADE PART OBSOLETE. THIS HOSE IS NOT A NORMAL OFF THE SHELF BULK HOSE. IT IS RUBBER PERFORMED WITH A DIFFERENT INSIDE DIAMETER ON BOTH ENDS. FORD WON'T EVEN GIVE ME PART NUMBER! THREE PARTS VENDORS WERE RECOMMENDED TO MAYBE FIND PART. THE VENDORS ALL WANT PART NUMBER THOUGH-SO THAT DOESN'T HELP ME. THE VEHICLE CONSTANTLY LEAKS GASOLINE FUMES. I'M NOT EXPECTING FORD TO FIX IT BECAUSE OF AGE OF TRUCK. SOMETHING OUGHT TO DONE BY FORD TO MAKE PART AVAILABLE TO CONSUMER. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. TRUCK COULD EASILY CATCH ON FIRE! *TR

TURNS OVER BUT WON'T START. *TR

DRIVER'S SEAT BELT WILL NOT LATCH. *TR

THE TWO BUTTONS ON EITHER SIDE OF THE HORN, ON THE STEERING WHEEL, THAT CONTROL THE CRUISE CONTROL MELT IN THE HEAT AND EXPOSE THE CIRCUIT BOARDS. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR A FEW YEARS AND I FINALLY NEED TO REPORT THIS. *TR

THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILS TO HOLD. *TR

I BOUGHT THIS FORD RANGER AS A USED CAR ABOUT A MONTH AND A HALF AGO. THE SEAT BELT WILL NOT LATCH INTO BUCKLE. I AM USING THE PASSENGERS SIDE BUCKLE FOR NOW. I AM AFRAID I WILL STRANGLE MYSELF IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT. I JUST WANT A REPLACEMENT PART AND NEED TO KNOW IF THIS PART WAS RECALLED SO I CAN GO TO THE DEALERSHIP AND HAVE THEM FIX IT. *TR

DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE WON'T LATCH. *TR

RIGHT REAR SPRING SHACKLE RUSTED OUT AND BROKE, PUSHING THE SPRING UP AGAINST THE BED. THE WHOLE BACK END OF THE FRAME IS RUSTING OUT, WHICH WILL EVENTUALLY MAKE THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO OPERATE. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD RANGER. WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE BRAKES WOULD MAKE A LOUD GRINDING NOISE. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 161,200 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 162,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, SMOKE WAS EMITTED FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS MERGED ONTO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND AS THE HOOD WAS RAISED FLAMES STARTED TO RISE. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES AND NOTICED THAT THE WIRES FROM THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL STARTED THE FIRE. AS A RESULT, THE WIRES FOR THE MASTER CYLINDER SWITCH MELTED AND ALL OF THE BRAKE FLUID LEAKED OUT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOT NOTIFIED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED HOME. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD RANGER. WHILE DRIVING, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK STRAPS FRACTURED, CAUSING THE FUEL TANK TO DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND THE MANUFACTURER DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS TO THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 96,000. UPDATED 09/30/11*LJ THE FUEL TANK STRAP WERE REPLACED AT THE CONSUMERS EXPENSE. UPDATED 10/05/11

OVERNIGHT THE TRUCK CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED OUTSIDE WITHOUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. DAMAGE FROM THE FIRE WAS CONTAINED TO UNDER THE DASH THROUGHOUT THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS AS WELL AS DUCTWORK. IT RE-IGNITED AND BURNED AFTER BEING PUT OUT ONCE THEN AFTER THE BATTERY WAS SUCCESSFULLY DISCONNECTED, DID NOT CATCH FIRE AGAIN. *KB

GAS TANK DROPPED BUT DIDN'T COME APART FROM VEHICLE DUE TO GAS TANK STRAP RUSTING THROUGH. WHEN INVESTIGATED I FOUND THAT THE OTHER STRAP WAS RUSTED THROUGH APPROXIMATELY 75% OF THE WAY. *TR

1996 FORD RANGER XLT DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT WILL NOT STAY LATCHED. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD ACTIVATE INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING OBSTRUCTING HIS VIEW. ALSO, THE INTERIOR DOME LIGHT DOOR AJAR ALARM WOULD CONTINUE TO ILLUMINATE WHEN THE DOOR WAS BEEN CLOSED INTERMITTENTLY. HE ALSO NOTICED THAT THE ELECTRONIC OVERDRIVE LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE INTERMITTENTLY. ALL THREE ELECTRICAL FAILURES BEGAN SEPTEMBER 2010. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 107,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

1. UNDERBODY CORROSION LEADING TO PERFORATION OF METAL BRAKE LINES 2. PARTIAL UP TO COMPLETE LOSS OF BRAKING FUNCTION. FIVE TIMES IN THREE YEARS. CATASTROPHIC LOSS OF BRAKING 3. REPLACEMENT OF BRAKE LINES - OLD CORRODED LINES AVAILABLE. *TR

1. EXCESSIVE UNDERBODY CORROSION 2. SUSPENSION FAILURE DUE TO BREAKS IN SPRING TO FRAME MOUNTS AND SHACKLES; THREE TIMES IN TWO YEARS. LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL WHEN BODY DROPPED ONTO WHEEL 3. NEW SPRING MOUNTS HAD TO BE WELDED ONTO FRAME. *TR

GAS OVERFLOW FROM UNDERNEATH THE TRUCK, NOT THRU THE NOZZLE. *TR

FILLING MY FORD RANGER WITH GAS OFTEN LEADS TO OVERFLOWS ONTO THE GROUND FROM UNDERNEATH THE TRUCK; I.E. IT DOES NOT OVERFLOW THROUGH THE NOZZLE WHERE GAS IS PUMPED IN. *TR

TL*-THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT WAS DISPENSING FUEL INTO THE FUEL TANK, AND THERE WAS A LEAKAGE OF FUEL DUE TO A CRACK IN THE FUEL TANK HOSE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND THEY STATED THAT THE COST OF REPAIR PART WAS $400.00. THE PART WAS ORDERED FOR FUTURE REPAIR. THE CONTACT DISAGREED WITH THE COST OF THE PART AND STATED THERE SHOULD BE A REDUCTION IN THE COST. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 117,000.

MY 1996 FORD RANGER HAS A RECURRING PROBLEM OF THE FRONT BRAKES STICKING. THIS OCCURS MOST OFTEN IN WET WEATHER BUT ISN'T STRICTLY LIMITED TO THAT. I NOTICED A FORD RANGER THAT HAD SLID INTO ANOTHER CAR ON A SANDED CORNER AND RECALLED THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO ME A FEW YEARS AGO AS MY BRAKES LOCKED UP ON THE GRAVEL CAUSING THE TRUCK TO SLIDE SIDEWAYS AND I ONLY MISSED RUNNING INTO THE CAR IN THE OTHER LANE BY LETTING OFF THE BRAKE AND TWISTING THE STEERING WHEEL. THAT POOR MAN PROBABLY GOT A TICKET FOR GOING TOO FAST BUT IT IS A DESIGN FLAW, NOT A MATTER OF SPEED. I BELIEVE THE TRUCK IS SUPPOSED TO HAVE ANTILOCK BRAKES, BUT THAT IS NOT HOW ANTILOCK BRAKES ARE SUPPOSED TO PERFORM. MECHANICS HAVE VERIFIED TO ME THIS BEHAVIOR PROBLEM FOR RANGER'S SO IT SEEMS THAT IT IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE. HAD MY BRAKES REWORKED A COUPLE YEARS AGO WITH NO CHANGE. YESTERDAY THEY LOCKED UP AGAIN AND SEEING AN ARTICLE IN THE NEWSPAPER ABOUT TOYOTA I FINALLY OUT WHO TO REPORT THIS TO. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD RANGER. WHILE ENTERING THE DRIVEWAY AT 3 MPH, THE LID FOR THE GAS TANK SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION HE NOTICED THAT THE SPRINGS HAD CORROSION. A TECHNICIAN FROM THE DEALER RECOMMENDED REPLACEMENT OF THE SPRINGS. HOWEVER THE PARTS FOR THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO OPERATE AND HAS NOT OPERATED SINCE. THIS FORD RANGER HAS THE SAME WIRING HARNESS AS THE RECALLED FORD F-150 WIRING HARNESS. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD RANGER. WHEN HE ENTERED HIS VEHICLE HE FOUND THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL OFF AND ON SWITCH MELTED. THE DEALER STATED THEY HAVE NEVER SEEN THIS OCCUR. RECALL 09V399000 REPAIR WAS PERFORMED; HOWEVER, THEY DID NOT REPAIR THE SWITCH. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD RANGER. AFTER THE FUEL TANK WAS FILLED IN THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT OBSERVED AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF FUEL UNDERNEATH THE CAB OF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, HE SMELLED A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNINGS PRIOR TO THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE FUEL FILLER PIPE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 108,000. UPDATED 03/24/09. *LJ THE FILLER NECK HAD BUSTED DUE TO AGE. UPDATED 03/24/09.*JB

UPON ENTERING THE VEH TO GO TO WORK WE FOUND THAT ONE SIDE OF THE STEERING COLUMN HAD MELTED AND A BURNT ODOR WAS DETECTED IN THE VEH. THIS OCCURRED ON THE SIDE OF THE STEERING COLUMN THAT THE CRUISE FEATURE IS LOCATED. WE TALKED WITH ANOTHER OWNER OF A RANGER AND HE ADVISED US THERE HAD BEEN A RECALL ON THE RANGER TRUCK. WE HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY NOTIFICATION AS TO THE RECALL AND WE BOUGHT THE VEH NEW IN 1995. IT IS A 1996 MODEL. THIS VEH WAS IN GOOD CONDITION BEFORE THIS HAPPENED AND I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THIS CAN BE FIXED AND WHAT STEPS TO TAKE IN ORDER TO TAKE CARE OF THIS PROBLEM. *TR

1996 FORD RANGER TRUCK HAD EQUIPMENT FAILURE AND WAS UNABLE TO SLOW DOWN. THE DRIVER SWERVED TO THE RIGHT BERM AND GOT WEDGED BETWEEN ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THE BRIDGE WALL. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED HIS BRAKES FAILED. WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO SLOW DOWN, THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0535-91)*JB LETTER UPDATED 03/17/10*BF

FUEL LINE FAILURE 1996 FORD RANGER DRIVEN WEEKLY. TRAVELING ON A TWO LANE PAVED ROAD AT POSTED SPEED. "CHECK GAUGES" WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. FUEL GAUGE BELOW EMPTY (HAD STARTED TRIP 40 MINUTES EARLIER WITH 2/3 TANK). PULLED OVER AT FIRST SAFE OPPORTUNITY AND STEPPED OUT OF TRUCK. STRONG SMELL OF FUEL AND GAS POURING ON THE GROUND. STOPPED ENGINE AND THE FUEL STOPPED POURING. HAD LOCAL TIRE STORE DROP THE TANK. THEY FOUND A CRACK AT A 90 DEGREE BEND IN THE PLASTIC HOSE LEADING TO THE FUEL SENDING UNIT. THE HOUSE APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN RUBBING AGAINST SOME SURFACE BETWEEN THE TOP OF THE TANK AND THE BODY. NEW ASSEMBLY ORDERED FROM FORD ($128) WITH AN INSTALLED PRICE OF $416. I RETAINED THE OLD FUEL LINE ASSEMBLY. FUEL WAS BEING PUMPED ONTO THE TOP OF THE TANK AND ON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE TRUCK. I FEEL VERY LUCKY TO HAVE AVOIDED A FIRE. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD RANGER. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IDLING OR PLACED INTO NEUTRAL WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL NOT DEPRESSED, THE BRAKE LIGHTS DO NOT ILLUMINATE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN REAR ENDED FOUR TIMES IN FIVE YEARS. THE MOST RECENT CRASH OCCURRED IN MARCH OF 2008 AND THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED. THE CONTACT HAS PICTURES. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 165,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000. UPDATED 06/25/08. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE DOES NOT HAVE A FEATURE TO KEEP THE BRAKE LIGHTS ON WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN NEUTRAL AND THE CLUTCH BRAKE IS NOT PRESSED.UPDATED 06/25/08

AFTER SMELLING A STRONG FUEL ODOR I FOUND THE FUEL FILLER HOSE HAS MANY SMALL CRACKS WHERE IT FITS ON TO THE FUEL TANK, AND LEAKS FUEL WHEN GAS TANK IS FILLED. I HAVE REPLACED THE FUEL FILLER HOSE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM, I DO HAVE THE OLD HOSE AVAILABLE. *TR