2004 Ford Ranger

Do not drive

Owners filed 405 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the airbags. It has been recalled 12 times.

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

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
66,803 milesMedian miles at failure

219 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.

Most common 2004 Ford Ranger problems

187 of the 405 complaints (46%) are about the airbags.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags · airbags184
20017
Structure › Body · body and frame34
002
Suspension13
101
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration10
302
Electrical System10
011
Unknown or Other9
000
Tires9
100
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission9
110
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine8
000
Power Train · transmission7
010

2004 Ford Ranger airbags problems

46% of all complaints

187 of the 405 complaints are about the airbags. This is what owners describe:

  • did not deploy its airbags in a crash7% · 14
  • shows an airbag warning light5% · 9
  • sets off warning lights on the dash4% · 8

Share of the 187 airbags complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
93,000 mi
median of 48 reports
Peak year of filing
2018
71 airbags complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
22 · 0 · 20
in these complaints
“My husband was involved in a single-vehicle accident where he left the highway at around45 mph, went downhill for 50+ feet where he crashed into a concrete culvert, front impact. The airbags did not deploy. We bought the Ranger from friends, who believed that the Takata recall was completed before we bought it. There have been no accidents since the recall. The truck remains at the service lot where it was towed.”
Owner complaint, filed Nov 2, 2023
“The contact owned a 2004 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that his daughter was involved in a head-on collision; however, the air bags failed to deploy. The contact's daughter sustained injuries to her knee and received medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure.”
Owner complaint, filed Jan 30, 2023

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
2003: 1 complaints, 0 about the airbags'032004: 27 complaints, 4 about the airbags2005: 23 complaints, 1 about the airbags'052006: 27 complaints, 0 about the airbags2007: 13 complaints, 1 about the airbags'072008: 9 complaints, 2 about the airbags2009: 11 complaints, 2 about the airbags'092010: 22 complaints, 1 about the airbags2011: 10 complaints, 0 about the airbags'112012: 4 complaints, 0 about the airbags2013: 11 complaints, 1 about the airbags'132014: 12 complaints, 3 about the airbags2015: 19 complaints, 12 about the airbags'152016: 58 complaints, 50 about the airbags2017: 29 complaints, 22 about the airbags'172018: 82 complaints, 71 about the airbags2019: 15 complaints, 4 about the airbags'192020: 11 complaints, 2 about the airbags2021: 6 complaints, 2 about the airbags'212022: 4 complaints, 1 about the airbags2023: 3 complaints, 3 about the airbags'232024: 3 complaints, 3 about the airbags2025: 3 complaints, 2 about the airbags'252026: 2 complaints, 0 about the airbagsRecall 04V331000 (body and frame)Recall 06E065000 (headlights)Recall 09E025000 (headlights)Recall 11V352000 (headlights)Recall 15V322000 (airbags)Recall 16V036000 (airbags)Recall 17V788000 (airbags)Recall 17V787000 (airbags)Recall 21V081000 (airbags)Recall 21V076000 (airbags)Recall 23V125000 (airbags)Recall 23V306000 (airbags)NHTSA investigation EA15001NHTSA investigation PE14016NHTSA investigation PE05066
All complaintsAbout the airbagsRecall (red: the airbags)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 2004 Ranger peaked in 2018, with 82 filed that year. Owners had filed 19 complaints about the airbags before the first recall that covers it, 15V322000 in May 2015; 168 more have come in since. In 2026 owners filed 2 so far.

12 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module23V306000
Filed Apr 28, 2023231,942 vehiclesFord Motor Company

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.

Risk. An incorrectly installed inflator may not properly inflate the passenger air bag, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will inspect and reinstall the front passenger air bag inflator, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S08. This recall expands and replaces previous recall number 23V-125.

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module23V125000
Filed Feb 24, 202398,550 vehiclesFord Motor Company

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.

Risk. An incorrectly installed inflator may not properly inflate the passenger air bag, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will inspect and reinstall the front passenger air bag inflator, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 5, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S08. This recall has been fully superseded by recall 23V-306.

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module21V076000
Filed Feb 17, 2021144,340 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2004-2006 Ranger vehicles that may be equipped with a driver or passenger frontal air bag inflator used as a replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the frontal air bag, an inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver and passenger air bag module, and replace either the module or the inflator, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 17, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S05.

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module21V081000
Filed Feb 16, 20211,067 vehiclesFord Motor Company

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 passenger frontal air bag inflator used as a replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the frontal air bag, an inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver and passenger air bag module, and replace either the module or the inflator, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 17, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S05.

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module17V788000Do not drive
Filed Dec 11, 2017328,213 vehiclesFord Motor Company

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.

Risk. 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 injury or death.

Remedy. 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 inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 16, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S42. Note: This recall supersedes recall 15V322 which was an interim repair. Vehicles that received a replacement air bag inflator under the previous campaign need to return to a dealer to have an alternate inflator installed. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S42.

Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module17V787000Do not drive
Filed Dec 11, 2017328,213 vehiclesFord Motor Company

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.

Risk. 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 injury or death.

Remedy. 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, free of charge. The recall began January 16, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S42. Note: This recall supersedes recall 16V-036 which was an interim repair. Vehicles that received a replacement air bag inflator under the previous campaign need to return to a dealer to have an alternate inflator installed.

Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module16V036000
Filed Jan 25, 2016361,692 vehiclesFord Motor Company

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.

Risk. 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 injury or death.

Remedy. 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 for this recall is 16S03. Note: This recall supersedes 14V-343 and only applies to Rangers manufactured in North America.

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module15V322000
Filed May 28, 2015362,327 vehiclesFord Motor Company

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 time, could cause the inflator to rupture.

Risk. 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 injury or death.

Remedy. 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 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S22. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 14V-787.

Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights11V352000
Filed Jul 13, 201126,715 vehiclesFord Motor Company

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 MODEL YEAR EXCURSION VEHICLES, AND 2002 THROUGH 2007 MODEL YEAR F-250, F-350, F-450, AND F-550 TRUCKS FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WAS SHIPPED WITH A SUBCOMPONENT (SLIDER) THAT MAY EXPERIENCE DEFORMATION. A MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WITH A DEFORMED SLIDER MAY MALFUNCTION CAUSING THE TURN SIGNAL, TAIL LIGHTS, HAZARD WARNING SIGNAL FLASHERS AND/OR BRAKE LIGHTS NOT TO ACTIVATE.

Risk. NON-FUNCTIONING LIGHTS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. 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.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights09E025000
Filed May 11, 200942,540 vehiclesDope, Inc.

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.

Exterior Lighting06E065000
Filed Jul 17, 20063,593 vehiclesAj Motorsport

Defect. CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk. LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. AJ MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AJ MOTORSPORT AT 626-618-2026.

Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields04V331000
Filed Jul 14, 20041,395 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, THE FRAME MAY HAVE A CENTER RAIL SECTION FLANGE THAT WAS NOT FORMED PROPERLY.

Risk. 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.

Remedy. 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 RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 19, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

All 12 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 3 name the 2004 Ranger.

Air Bag Inflator RuptureEngineering analysis EA15001Open
Opened Feb 24, 2015Led to recall 14V668airbags

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.During the course of PE14-016, ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. No evidence of field …

Air Bag Inflator RupturePreliminary evaluation PE14016Closed
Opened Jun 11, 2014Closed Mar 2, 2015Led to recall 13V172000airbags

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.During the course of PE14-016, ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. No evidence of field …

BRAKE LIGHTS INOPERATIVEPreliminary evaluation PE05066Closed
Opened Dec 5, 2005Closed Mar 24, 2006headlights

This pe was opened based on technical service bulletin (tsb) #05-6-19 issued by FORD motor company and service bulletin #09-008/5 issued by mazda motor corporation to address concerns of the center high mounted stop light (chmsl) wiring harness chaffing. The tsb's affected the FORD super cab and mazda cab plus vehicles only.service technicians contacted the FORD hotline because it was difficult for the technicians to diagnose and locate the cause of the inoperative brake lights.FORD and mazda issued the tsb's to aid technicians in the identification and repair of the wire chafe condition.of …

Technical service bulletins

55 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2004 Ranger. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

engine 17transmission 10electrical system 7airbags 4seat belts 2body and frame 2visibility 2brakes 2
04B22Service campaignMay 27, 2005transmission

IMPROPERLY FORMULATED TRANSMISSION FLUID THAT, OVER TIME, MAY CAUSE DELAYED/HARSH REVERSE ENGAGEMENTS. CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM 04B22. 5R55S/E & 5R44E TRANSMISSION FLUID ADDITIVE. *TT SUPPLEMENT #1. *TT SUPPLEMENT #2. *TT SUPPLEMENT #3. *TT

22B05 S1Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJul 27, 2023airbags

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

22B05Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMar 28, 2022airbags

Certain 2005-2014 Mustang, 2005-2006 GT, 2004-2011 Ranger, 2006-2012 Fusion & MKZ/Zephyr, 2006-2011 Milan, and 2007-2010 Edge & MKX Vehicles Driver & Passenger Airbag Module Quality Control Inspection: Ford Motor Company has determined that some vehicles claimed by dealers as repaired under Takata Airbag Safety Recalls 15S21, 17S42, 18S02, 19S01, and 21S12 …

14B04Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsOct 22, 2014airbags

FORD: 2005-2006 FORD GT, 2005-2008 MUSTANG, AND 2004-2005 RANGER VEHICLES OPERATED IN FLORIDA, HAWAII, PUERTO RICO, OR THE U.S VIRGIN ISLANDS ARE IN NEED OF AN AIRBAG INFLATOR REPLACEMENT. 06/11/15 *TA.

05616Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsApr 1, 2005airbags

SQUEAK OR RATTLE FROM THE PASSENGER AIR BAG. *TT

What owners reported

Newest filings
Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Speedometer/Odometer
Filed Oct 20, 2026273,000 milesOH

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2004 Ford Ranger on September 11, 2026. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of the purchase, the vehicle mileage was reported at 74,000.The contact stated that while the vehicle was being serviced at O'Reilly Auto Parts, the contact was informed that the odometer was rolled back. The contact was informed that the odometer was last reported at 273,000 miles. The VIN was unavailable.

Tires
Filed Mar 10, 2026KS

After driving for 45 minutes on smooth highway, my front driver's side tire blew while I was going 75mph. Had I been closer to the vehicle I had just passed, there could have easily been a bad wreck as I had little control of the vehicle. I was fortunately able to pull over and slam on my brakes safely. The tires have under 40,000 miles on them and showed no signs of low pressure or issues prior to the blowout. I was told by Discout Tire that they would refund me for a replacement tire, but that the Falken Wildpeak R15s on my vehicle have not been recalled, a different size of this tire model have though. There was no reason for the sidewalls of this tire to blow. The air pressure was fine and there was plenty of life left on the tread. Based on the recall on the other size of this tire model, I would guess this size is defective in the sidewalls as well.

Unknown or Other
Filed Nov 19, 2025CA

Since 2020 i have owned this ford ranger edge and have replaced drivers side exterior door handle 4 times, interior drivers side door handle 2 times and exterior passenger door handle 2 times. they keep breaking at the clip on the left side. It has been so bad that i actually had drivers side interior and exterior door handles break and could not get in on drivers side. It has caused me to be late for work, terminated from one service job, and a lot of stress. I have ordered handles a total of 5 times. Not any have been of quality to be called "Built Ford Tough"

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Nov 19, 2025270,000 milesCA

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 sign and her air bags had deployed. The police arrived at the scene and assisted the contact with moving the vehicle out of the road; a police report was not filed. The contact did not seek medical attention but suffered burns to her right arm and chest. The contact also sustained bruising to her face. The vehicle was towed the next day to an independent mechanic, where the vehicle remained in the possession of the mechanic and had yet to be repaired. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that the vehicle was under recall for NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V306000(Air Bags). The failure mileage was approximately 270,000.

Air Bags
Filed May 23, 2025PA

The contact owned a 2004 Ford Ranger. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V788000 (Air Bags) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were contacted.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 1, 2024TX

I dropped the vehicle off in April, Bought it off facebook marketplace in March. Since then, I have dropped the vehicle off at Big Star Ford in Pearland texas, and it has been there until today [XXX]. They FINALLy called me to tell me they cannot get parts for this 2017, or the 2023 recall that must be performed, and that I was "Free to come pick my vehicle up from them" It has been over six months with lack of communication, and me sacrificing time to complete in person visits, this is insane. I cannot believe they are still allowed to service vehicles INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Air Bags
Filed Mar 14, 2024OH

See attached document for complaint

Air Bags
Filed Mar 14, 2024SC

See attached document for complaint

Air Bags
Filed Nov 22, 2023CO

The contact owns a 2004 Ford Ranger. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V0810000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Air BagsCrash
Filed Nov 2, 2023IN

My husband was involved in a single-vehicle accident where he left the highway at around45 mph, went downhill for 50+ feet where he crashed into a concrete culvert, front impact. The airbags did not deploy. We bought the Ranger from friends, who believed that the Takata recall was completed before we bought it. There have been no accidents since the recall. The truck remains at the service lot where it was towed. It appears to be a total loss.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Jan 30, 2023TX

The contact owned a 2004 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that his daughter was involved in a head-on collision; however, the air bags failed to deploy. The contact's daughter sustained injuries to her knee and received medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Nov 18, 2022PA

The since weld behind the cab on drivers side frame completely rotted the frame away this was verified as a defect from a reputable welding shop since then I've not driven it as they said it could snap and cause a very bad accident or cause death or multiple deaths

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Oct 4, 2022120,000 milesTX

The contact owned a 2004 Ford Ranger. The contact stated while driving at 10-15 MPH and making a right turn, a vehicle from the opposite lane crashed into the driver's side of the vehicle and the vehicle rolled over about 10 ft in the air, rolled over in a ditch, and landed on its wheel. The air bags did not deploy. The emergency units were unable to assist the contact out of the vehicle as the roof had caved in and was resting on her head. The contact crawled out of the vehicle and was transported to the hospital. The contact sustained a concussion and severe pain in the neck between her shoulder blade which has limited her movements. Additionally, the contact sustained damaged nerves on the left hand and left leg, and chronic lower back pain. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot where it was totaled. A police report was filed. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V081000 (Air Bags). The manufacturer also informed the contact that she did not receive a recall notification because recall notifications were not sent to each vehicle owner of the affected vehicles. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

Engine
Filed Apr 30, 2022PA

TRUCK SURGED FORWARD WHILE BRAKING AT RED LIGHT IF SOME ONE WAS IN FRONT OF ME I WOULD HAVE HIT THEM.

Structure
Filed Feb 12, 2022CT

Rear frame rusted and rotted..spare tire fell off entire evap can also..both sides rear frame shock and spring shackles rotted and broke off. Entire frame rotted and broke while driving ..on rear driver side frame rusted rotted and broke ..value of truck is not worth what estimates are ..gas tank hangers rusted and rotted many other pieces of frame rusted rotted through..truck is now unsafe to drive an probably unsellable due to broken rusted rotted frame..

Structure
Filed Oct 15, 2021129,000 milesNJ

The contact owns a 2004 Ford Ranger. The contact stated while doing routine maintenance at a local mechanic, the mechanic found that the rear sub-frame assembly was rusted through and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V331000 (Structure) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 30, 2021NY

Rotted sub-frame-will not pass NY State inspection-This truck has 27,817 miles

Structure › Body
Filed Apr 21, 2021NJ

RUSTED AND ROTTEN OUT FRAME. THE REST OF THE VEHICLE IS IN REAL GOOD CONDITION. FRAME IS CRACKED THRU IN A FEW PLACES AND CLOSE TO WERE THE SPRING IS MOUNTED TO THE FRAME.

Structure › Body
Filed Apr 2, 2021212,000 milesNC

2004 FORD RANGER EDGE HAS RUSTED ROTTEN REAR FAME, SHACKELS RUSTED, SHOCKS RUSTED, BED RUSTED UNDER BEDLINER BUMPER FELL OFF. BEAUTIFUL TRUCK WITH NO BODY RUST. THE REAR SECTION OF FRAME IS ROTTEN. FRAME WILL CERTAINLY BREAK DOWN TO MAKE THE TRUCK NOT DRIVEABLE SHORTLY. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO FIND A USED FRAME IN THE SALVAGE YARD, BECAUSE THEY ARE ALREADY RUSTED THROUGH. HELP!!!!

Air Bags
Filed Mar 25, 2021160,000 milesNC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V081000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO STEARNS FORD INC., (602 ALAMANCE RD, BURLINGTON, NC 27215) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 160,000.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 23, 2021NV

AFTER RECEIVING SEVERAL RECALL NOTICES, WE MADE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE RECALL PERFORMED. THE ONLY APPOINTMENT AVAILABLE WAS SEVERAL MONTHS OUT. WHEN THE TIME CAME, WE WENT TO DROP OFF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER, CORWIN FORD IN RENO, NV DIDN'T HAVE THE PARTS AND HADN'T EVEN ORDERED THEM. SERVICE WRITER MICHAEL MCNALLY SAID THAT THEY WOULD ORDER PARTS AND WE WOULD NEED TO BRING VEHICLE BACK. WE EXPRESSED DISPLEASURE THAT THEY HADN'T NOTIFIED US OF A DELAY. WE WERE TOLD THAT THEY WOULDN'T DO THE RECALL AND WE WOULD NEED TO TAKE IT TO ANOTHER DEALER. WE NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER, FORD, BUT RECEIVED NO RESPONSE. WE FEEL THAT THIS IS A DENIAL OF THE RECALL.*DT*JB

Structure › Body
Filed Sep 30, 2020119,000 milesOH

THE FRAME BROKE IN TWO ON SAID VEHICLE.

Suspension
Filed Aug 18, 2020110,000 milesGA

FRONT SUBFRAME CROSSMEMBER THAT HOLDS SUSPENSION COMPONENTS HAS BROKEN DUE TO RUST.

Suspension
Filed Aug 18, 2020110,000 milesGA

THEFRONT SUBFRAME THAT HOLDS ALL THE SUSPENSION COMPONENTS HAS BROKEN DUE TO RUST.

Suspension
Filed Aug 14, 2020110,000 milesGA

THE FRONT SUBFRAME WHERE THE LOWER CONTROL ATTACHES HAS SEPARATED OR BROKEN DUE TO RUST. I WAS HEADED HOME FROM WORK, UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS, WITH NO EXTRA LOAD ON VEHICLE. I HIT A BUMP GOING THRU PARKING LOT N HEARD A POP. I HAD STOPPED AT GAS STATION N SEEN THAT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL N TIRE WERE NOT STRAIGHT UP N DOWN, IT WAS AT A DEGREE OR ANGLE. GOT UNDERNEATH N SEEN THAT SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED ALL THE WAY THRU WHERE LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS ATTACHED

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 22, 202083,000 milesOH

INCREDIBLE AMOUNTS OF PREMATURE RUST ON FRAME AND SUSPENSION PARTS, SHACKLE BRACKETS RUSTED AWAY COMPLETELY AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. FRAME IS RUSTING AT AN UNPRECEDENTED PACE!?

Air Bags
Filed Jul 20, 2020VA

THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL ON THESE FOR SEVERAL YEARS, BEEN TO DEALER ON APPOINTMENTS AT LEAST 3 TIMES. THEY WILL NOT DO THE REPAIR, TELL ME IT'S BACKORDERED, NO PARTS, THEY'LL CALL ME WHEN IT'S THERE...

Structure › Body
Filed May 22, 202021,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT SOLOMON FORD, LLC (502 NATIONAL PIKE W, BROWNSVILLE, PA 15417 (724) 785-5500), THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED AND MAY DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE SOON. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 21,000.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Apr 30, 2020120,000 milesNM

FORD RECALLED THE AIR BAGS TO GET FIXED ON MY TRUCK. I TOOK THE TRUCK IN TO A LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP, THEY SUPPOSEDLY FIXED THE RECALL. MY SON WAS INVOLVED IN ROLL OVER CRASH AND THE AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. I HAVE A POLICE REPORT AND PHOTOS TO PROVE THAT. I ALSO HAVE THE PAPERWORK FROM THE DEALERSHIP SHOWING THE REPAIR. MY SON SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. I AM UPSET AND I WANT ANSWERS. FORD SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE, ESPECIALLY IN A SAFETY MATTER.THIS OCCURRED IN ALBUQUERQUE, NM.

Structure › Body
Filed Apr 26, 2020PA

EXCESSIVE FRAME RUST. RAILS AND CROSS BED SUPPORTS. 2 OF THE BED MOUNTING BOLTS RUSTED OFF AND ALSO THE RUST ATE THROUGH WHATEVER WAS HOLDING THE SPARE TIRE ON. NOT SURE WHERE OR WHEN THAT FELL OFF. I WAS READING MANY ARTICLES ABOUT THE 04 FORD RANGER WITH THE SAME FRAME ROT ISSUES.

Structure › Body
Filed Apr 23, 2020226,000 milesNC

THE ENTIRETY OF THE FRAME AND UNDERCARRIAGE IS COVERED IN RUST AND CORROSION. THE SIDES OF THE BED OF THE TRUCK ARE RUSTING OUT. THE FRONT SUSPENSION IS RUSTED THROUGH. THIS TRUCK HAS NEVER BEEN FLOODED OR EXPOSED TO EXCESS WATER OR MOISTURE ASIDE FROM RAIN.

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 11, 202060,000 milesWI

HEAVY RUST ON THE FRAME. TODAY THE SPARE TIRE FELL OFF WHILE GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY DUE TO HEAVY RUST. NO INJURY TO PROPERTY OR PEOPLE FROM THE INCIDENT.

Unknown or Other
Filed Nov 20, 2019115,500 milesCT

FRAME IS ROTTING AWAY, LARGE HOLES IN THE REAR HALF OF THE FRAME CAN BE FOUND, YOU CAN PUSH YOUR FINGERS THRU THE FRAME IN SPOTS. THE REAR SHACKLE BRACKETS CAME COMPLETELY OFF WITH THE FRAME. CAN MOUNTS AND BED MOUNTS ARE RUSTING/ FALLING OFF. SPARE TIRE WELL FELL OFF WITH SPARE TIRE WHILE DRIVING. CHARCOAL FILTER FELL OFF DURING DRIVING. FRAME IS CRACKED ON PASSENGER SIDE BETWEEN CAN AND BED. TRUCK ONLY HAS 115770 MILES AND THE REAR HALF OF THE FRAME FROM THE CAB BACK IS LITERALLY FALLING APART.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 14, 2019VT

I AM LOOKING TO SEE THE REPAIRS ARE COMPLETED. LAMOILLE VALLEY FORD WAS TO HAVE COMPLETED REPLACEMENT ON 9/6/19.

Unknown or Other
Filed Nov 2, 201975,000 milesWV

FRAME IS RUSTING COMPLETELY THRU IT HAS ONLY 75000 MILES ON IT AND HAS BEEN GARAGE KEPT .I PURCHASED IT FROM A DEALER IN PA AND LIVE IN WV PURCHASED IT IN 2018

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 28, 2019246,000 milesIN

FRAME RUSTED OUT ON PASSENGER SIDE BEHIND FRONT LEAF SPRINF MOUNT. ALSO THE CROSS MEMBER HOLDING FUEL TANK WHERE IT CONNECTS TO THE FRAME IS RUSTED OUT. ITS ONLY THE BACK HALF OF THE TRUCK RUSTING OUT THIS BAD. WHERE THE SPARE TIRE GOES IS ALSO COMPLETLY RUSTED OUT AND FELL OFF. THIS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING ON SMOOTHLY PAVED ROADS TO AND FROM WORK

Air BagsCrash
Filed Oct 22, 2019FL

THIS VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN INTERSECTION ROLL-OVER ACCIDENT ON 21 DEC 2009. USAA DECLARED THE TRUCK A TOTAL LOSS.I OBVIOUSLY NO LONGER OWN OR DRIVE THIS TRUCK. I CHECKED THE BOX NO LONGER OWN THIS VEHICLE SEVERAL YEARS AGO AND MAILED IT BACK BUT STILL GET MY MONTHLY REMINDERS TO HAVE MY AIR BAGS REPLACED. BY THE WAY, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 26, 2019MA

REAR LEAF SPRING BRACKET RUSTED OFF FROM FRAME, WHILE LOADED AND ON ROUTE HOME FROM TREE NURSERY. REAR FRAME SECTIONS ROTTED AND CRACKED ON VEHICLE WITH ONLY 72000 MILES, FOUND WHEN TRYING TO REPLACE BLOWN BRAKE LINE IN REAR DRIVERS SIDE (RUSTED).

Structure › Body1 injured
Filed Aug 15, 2019180,000 milesMI

WHILE DRIVING, THE SPARE TIRE STARTED TO FALL OFF DUE TO RUSTING AWAY OF THE MOUNTING APPARATUS. LUCKILY I NOTICED IT WHEN I STOPPED FOR GAS (IT WAS HANGING BY ONLY A BIT OF STILL ATTACHED RUSTED METAL BELOW THE TRUCK) SO I CUT THE CABLE WITH SOME BOLT CUTTERS TO REMOVE THE SPARE AND PREVENT AN ACCIDENT WHILE DRIVING. DRIVER'S SIDE CAB MOUNT SEPARATED DUE TO EXCESSIVE RUST. DRIVER'S SIDE FLOOR BOARD FELL OUT DUE TO EXCESSIVE RUST - MY FOOT WENT THROUGH THE FLOOR. FRAME CRACKED NEAR REAR SHACKLE DUE TO EXCESSIVE RUST. FRAME CRACKED NEAR DRIVER'S SIDE REAR SHOCK MOUNT DUE TO EXCESSIVE RUST - EXCESSIVE PLAY AND NOISES CAUSED BE TO DISCOVER THIS. BED RUSTED COMPLETELY OUT - ABOVE WHEEL WELLS ON BOTH SIDES, CENTER OF BED, FRONT CORNERS. IT CAME OFF THE TRUCK IN SEVERAL PIECES AFTER I PUT MY FOOT RIGHT THROUGH THE CENTER. THE FRAME RUST ISSUES AND SPARE TIRE FALLING OFF COULD BE SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEMS. I HAVE DRIVEN A NUMBER OF VEHICLES FOR MANY YEARS AND NEVER EXPERIENCED RUST ISSUES LIKE ON THIS TRUCK. WAY BEYOND WHAT IS REASONABLE AND EXPECTED.

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 13, 2019MA

REAR END OF FRAME COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. LEAF SPRINGS BROKEN. SPRING SHACKLE BROKE OFF. BROUGHT THE TRUCK IN FOR SERVICE UNAWARE THERE WAS SO MUCH IRREPARABLE DAMAGE. DAMAGES OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET. PIECES OF THE BODY WERE MISSING. EXACT DATE DAMAGES OCCURRED IS UNKNOWN.

Power Train
Filed May 28, 2019144,000 milesMA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS FAULTY AND THE VEHICLE HESITATED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD AND ALMOST STRUCK OTHER VEHICLES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 144,000.

Structure › Body
Filed May 1, 201985,000 milesTN

I PURCHASED THIS 2004 FORD RANGER THIS PAST WINTER IN HOPES TO PULL MY BOAT TO THE LAKE WITH IT. YESTERDAY. I PULLED MY SMALL BASS BOAT TO LAKE CHICKAMAUGA AND BACK WHICH IS ABOUT A 40 MINUTE DRIVE. IT WAS A STRAIGHT DRIVE ON A HIGHWAY ONLY GOING 50 MPH. WHEN I GOT BACK MY HITCH, BUMPER AND ALL WAS HANGING. THE FRAME IS SO RUSTED IT BROKE IN HALF. HAD I NOT INSTALLED AN AFTER MARKET HITCH ON THIS TRUCK MY WHOLE BUMPER WOULD HAVE COME OFF ALONG WITH THE BOAT THAT WAS ATTACHED AND PROBABLY WOULD HAVE KILLED WHOEVER WAS BEHIND ME OT NOT MYSELF. I CANT IMAGINE WHAT WOUOD HAVE HAPPENED OF I WAS ON THE INTERSTATE AT HIGHER SPEEDS.THE ONLY THING HOLDING IT ALL TOGETHER WAS THE FRONT BOLT ON THE HITCH WHEN I GOT HOME. THIS IS ABSOLUTELY UNSAFE AND I KNOW THERE ARE MANY OTHERS THAT HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THIS SAME VEHICHLES FRAME THAT HAVE NOT TAKEN THE TIME OIT OF THEIR BUSY SCHEDULE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT.

Suspension
Filed Apr 24, 2019170,000 milesMA

FRAME RAIL NOT FORMED CORRECTLY DEFECTIVE.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 8, 2019CA

[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TT

Suspension
Filed Apr 2, 2019146,900 milesKY

THE PASSENGER SIDE FRAME RAIL RUSTED OUT.

Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 6, 2019150,000 milesMA

MY REAR FRAME IS ROTTED TO POINT WHERE MY REAR SPARE TIRE FELL OFF WHILE DRIVING.

Air Bags
Filed Feb 19, 201917,400 milesTX

TAKATA RECALL. FORD HAS SENT ME NOTICES FOR YEARS ON THIS RECALL. I CALL EVERY FORD DEALERSHIP IN TOWN EVERY TIME I GET ONE, ALL CLAIM THEY DON'T HAVE PARTS, AND CAN'T GET THEM, AND WILL CALL ME WHEN THEY DO. THEY NEVER CALL. I CALLED NUMBER PROVIDED ON RECALL CARD, "AGENT" FOR FORD TOLD ME TO CALL THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP. I EXPLAINED I HAD JUST FINISHED DOING THAT AGAIN AND GOT THE SAME RESPONSE AS I ALWAYS GET AND THE AGENT JUST TOLD ME TO CALL THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP. FORD SEEMS TO BE TRYING TO CIRCUMVENT THIS RECALL.

Structure › Body
Filed Dec 21, 201866,930 milesPA

TOOK TRUCK FOR STATE INSPECTION AND GARAGE CALLED 2 DAYS LATER,SAID THEY CAN'T INSPECT IT DUE TO FRAME BEING CRACKED IN 2 PLACES AND FRAME IS ROTTED AWAY. TRUCK ONLY HAS 66930 MILES ON IT AND LOOKS IN VERY GOOD SHAPE. I WAS SHOCKED WHEN THEY POINTED OUT THE PROBLEMS. I CALLED FORD MOTOR CO AND THEY WON'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. TRUCK HAS BEEN DRIVEN UP TO THAT POINT.

Structure › Body
Filed Dec 7, 2018240,000 milesVT

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHILE WORKING ONE DAY LAST SUMMER AND THE REAR CROSSMEMBER COMPLETELY ROTTED AWAY AND FELL OFF MY TRUCK TAKING THE EVAP EMISSIONS CANISTER WITH IT WHEN IT WENT I WAS GOING 45 AND LUCKILY I SAW IT AND HEARD IT AND NO ONE WAS BEHIND ME BUT THE FRAME IN THIS VEHICLE HAS COMPLETELY ROTTED AWAY THE CROSSMEMBERS ARE ALL CRACKED OR GONE THE FRAME RAILS ARE SPLIT AND IT WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION THIS YEAR AND I ALSO LOST THE STAIR TIRE MOUNT WHILE DRIVING THE REAR EXHAUST AND THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER HEAT SHIELD ALL WHILE DRIVING SOME ON THE HIGHWAY I AM DISABLED RECENTLY AND CAN'T AFFORD A NEW VEHICLE OR REPAIRS AND THERE'S NO REASON THIS SHOULD HAVE HAPPENED AT ALL I NEED THE VEHICLE TO MAKE MY PHYSICAL THERAPY AND DOCTORS APPOINTMENT WEEKLY PLEASE HELP IF YOU CAN THANK YOU

Air Bags
Filed Dec 4, 2018FL

TAKATA RECALL - LOCAL FORD DEALER, BARTOW FORD, HAS FAILED TO REPAIR THE REPAIR AFTER TWO PHONE CALLS.

Complaints 1-50 of 405, 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
2004 — this page4051232Do not drive
20032435111Fatalities reported
20023467122Fatalities reported
2001515994Fatalities reported
20006708122Fatalities reported
199975510140High concern
199857611297Fatalities reported
1997411781Fatalities reported
199641381810Fatalities reported
1995321791Fatalities reported
199443811151Fatalities reported
199323210152Fatalities reported
19921896320High concern
19911326210High concern
19901055152Fatalities reported

Compare every Ranger year →

2004 Ford Ranger: questions buyers ask

Is the 2004 Ford Ranger a good car?

It is not among the Ranger years to avoid. Owners filed 405 complaints, against about 271 for a typical Ranger year. The most common complaint is about the airbags (46%).

What is the most common problem with the 2004 Ford Ranger?

The airbags: 187 of the 405 complaints (46%) are about it. Owners most often say it did not deploy its airbags in a crash (7%), shows an airbag warning light (5%) and sets off warning lights on the dash (4%). The typical report comes at 93,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2004 Ford Ranger have?

12 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Apr 28, 2023. 2 of them carry a do-not-drive or park-outside warning. The largest, 15V322000, covered 362,327 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 2004 Ford Ranger problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 66,803 miles. For the airbags the midpoint is 93,000 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 2004 Ford Ranger?

Yes, 3 times. The latest, EA15001 ("Air Bag Inflator Rupture"), was opened Feb 24, 2015 and is still open.

Are there service bulletins for the 2004 Ford Ranger?

The manufacturer filed 55 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the engine (17), the transmission (10) and the electrical system (7). They include a service campaign, 04B22, filed May 27, 2005. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

NHTSA has issued a do-not-drive warning for a recall on this vehicle.

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: Apr 28, 2023. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.