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Ford Ranger 1998–2011

3rd generation · Ford Ranger (US), Mazda B-Series twin

NHTSA data through 13 August 20266,372 complaints, 2,653 with mileageMethod

A DO NOT DRIVE recall covers part of this generation — check the VIN before driving it home.

Reports with mileage
2,653
Median of reported failures
70,000 mi
Most-reported system
Airbag system (28.3%)
Recalls
18

Before-you-buy checklist ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗

On this generation, failures are spread across the mileage range, with the middle half between 37,000 and 114,000 miles.

Figure 1 · Ford Ranger 1998–2011 · 2,653 reports with mileage

Mileage at failure

Complaints per 5,000-mile bin, 0 to 200,000 miles, equal bins on a linear scale. Tallest bar = 165 complaints.

Mileage at failure, Ford Ranger 1998–2011Histogram of 2,653 owner-reported failures by mileage, in 5,000-mile bins from 0 to 200,000. The tallest bin is 0 to 5,000 miles with 165 complaints, 6.2 percent of the total. Failures are spread across the mileage range, with the middle half between 37,000 and 114,000 miles. A further 86 complaints, 3.2 percent, were reported above 200,000 miles and are shown as a separate detached bar. Median mileage at failure is 70,000.
  • Rest of the range
  • Median
  • 200,000+ — 86 complaints (3.2%), plotted separately
10%
11,500
25%
37,000
Median
70,000
75%
114,000
90%
151,500

Tallest bin: 165 complaints between 0 and 5,000 miles. Based on 2,653 complaints that record mileage. Bin width 5,000 miles.

Show the numbers
Complaints by mileage bin
MileageComplaintsShare
0–5,0001656.2%
5,000–10,000712.7%
10,000–15,000642.4%
15,000–20,000632.4%
20,000–25,000752.8%
25,000–30,000702.6%
30,000–35,000933.5%
35,000–40,0001104.1%
40,000–45,000853.2%
45,000–50,000933.5%
50,000–55,0001184.4%
55,000–60,0001074.0%
60,000–65,0001064.0%
65,000–70,000923.5%
70,000–75,000682.6%
75,000–80,000662.5%
80,000–85,000973.7%
85,000–90,000993.7%
90,000–95,000632.4%
95,000–100,000672.5%
100,000–105,000923.5%
105,000–110,000552.1%
110,000–115,000762.9%
115,000–120,000592.2%
120,000–125,000652.5%
125,000–130,000532.0%
130,000–135,000542.0%
135,000–140,000481.8%
140,000–145,000421.6%
145,000–150,000341.3%
150,000–155,000532.0%
155,000–160,000240.9%
160,000–165,000250.9%
165,000–170,000180.7%
170,000–175,000180.7%
175,000–180,000190.7%
180,000–185,000190.7%
185,000–190,000140.5%
190,000–195,000150.6%
195,000–200,000120.5%
200,000+863.2%

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain. Complaint counts reflect what owners reported and are not a measure of failure rate per vehicle sold.

What this can and cannot tell you: these are complaints owners chose to file, not a failure rate. Popular models accumulate more of them simply by being common. How this is built.

Owners filed 6,372 complaints with NHTSA about the 1998–2011 Ford Ranger, and 2,653 of them record the mileage at which the failure happened. That is enough to show not just what fails, but when.

Failures are spread across the mileage range, with the middle half between 37,000 and 114,000 miles. The median is 70,000 miles.

The most-reported areas are the airbag system (28.3% of complaints, typically around 68,000 miles), the tyres (9.5% of complaints, typically around 40,000 miles), body structure (9.4% of complaints, typically around 100,000 miles).

18 recall campaigns cover this generation. 8 of them carry a severe NHTSA advisory.

If you arrived asking “is it reliable?” — this page answers the version of that question the data can support: which problems owners reported, and at what mileage.

How many miles does a 1998–2011 Ford Ranger last?

Half of the failure reports on the 1998–2011 Ford Ranger were filed by 70,000 miles and 90% by 152,000 miles — figures drawn from 2,653 NHTSA complaints that record an odometer reading, so they time reported failures, not the cars whose owners never filed one.

86 reports (3.2%) came in past 200,000 miles — each one proof a Ranger reached that mileage, not that it died there.

Before you buy a 1998–2011 Ranger: the 3-minute check

Generated from 2,653 mileage-tagged complaints, 18 recall campaigns, 2 documented problem areas. Print this page — the checklist survives print.

  1. A DO NOT DRIVE recall covers part of this generation. Run the VIN before you drive it home — the fix is free at any dealer.
  2. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 18 campaigns cover this generation; an open recall is a free repair you can make the seller's problem.
  3. Check airbags on 2004–2006 cars. Takata frontal airbag inflators. The 2004-2006 Ranger carries the highest-risk inflator population outside the Ranger's own class: Ford issued a do-not-drive advisory for vehicles with open recalls 15S21, 17S42 and…
  4. Check engine on 2001–2005 cars. 4.0L SOHC V6 timing chain cassette failure. The engine uses three chains with plastic guide cassettes and hydraulic tensioners; the guides embrittle and break, producing the characteristic cold-start rattle from the…
  5. Complaint reports are not spread evenly across model years here — see the by-model-year table below before you settle on a year.
  6. End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car. Aggregate data describes the population; the example in front of you has its own history.

For a buyer, failures on this generation are spread rather than concentrated: the middle half falls between 37,000 and 114,000 miles, with a median of 70,000. There is no single mileage threshold to watch, which means condition and maintenance records are more informative than the odometer.

On inspection, the airbag system and the tyres are where this generation's reports concentrate, so those are the areas worth a specific look. The tyres in particular shows a median failure mileage of 40,000, which gives a concrete number to compare against the odometer of any car you are considering.

None of this is a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on the individual car. Aggregate patterns describe a population; the example in front of you has its own history.

What fails, and when

Figure 2 · Ford Ranger 1998–2011

When each system fails

Bar spans the middle half of reports; the notch inside each bar is the median. Miles at failure on a proportional scale — equal distances are equal ratios, not equal miles.

  1. Tyres603 reports40,00017,000–63,000Tyres: 603 reports, median 40,000 miles, middle half 17,000 to 63,000 miles.
  2. Hydraulic brake circuit374 reports40,00023,000–60,000Hydraulic brake circuit: 374 reports, median 40,000 miles, middle half 23,000 to 60,000 miles.
  3. Transmission and driveline405 reports50,00025,000–86,000Transmission and driveline: 405 reports, median 50,000 miles, middle half 25,000 to 86,000 miles.
  4. Throttle and speed control375 reports66,00032,000–105,000Throttle and speed control: 375 reports, median 66,000 miles, middle half 32,000 to 105,000 miles.
  5. Airbag system1,805 reports68,00040,000–110,000Airbag system: 1,805 reports, median 68,000 miles, middle half 40,000 to 110,000 miles.
  6. Suspension439 reports92,00056,000–127,000Suspension: 439 reports, median 92,000 miles, middle half 56,000 to 127,000 miles.
  7. Body structure599 reports100,00069,000–135,000Body structure: 599 reports, median 100,000 miles, middle half 69,000 to 135,000 miles.
  • Your odometer — appears after you enter it in “Where your car sits”

Ordered by median mileage, earliest first. The first 12,000 miles are shaded: that is the boundary this site uses between a manufacturing defect and ordinary wear, not a property of the world.

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.

Complaints by vehicle system
SystemComplaintsShareMedian25–75%
Airbag system1,80528.3%68,00040,000–110,000
Tyres6039.5%40,00017,000–63,000
Body structure5999.4%100,00069,000–135,000
Suspension4396.9%92,00056,000–127,000
Transmission and driveline4056.4%50,00025,000–86,000
Throttle and speed control3755.9%66,00032,000–105,000
Hydraulic brake circuit3745.9%40,00023,000–60,000
Engine and its cooling system2704.2%45,00015,000–81,000
Electrical system2383.7%56,00034,000–105,000
Problems owners could not categorise1782.8%93,00063,000–127,000

Where your car sits

Failure reports by the odometer reading they were filed at. Pick the anchor nearest your car — or type the exact mileage: your marker lands on this curve and on the timing chart above.

Figure 3 · Ford Ranger 1998–2011 · 2,653 reports with mileage

Share of reports below each mileage

Share of mileage-tagged reports filed at or below each odometer reading. Steps rise only at bin edges, by exact counted shares.

Cumulative share of reports by mileage, Ford Ranger 1998–2011Of 2,653 reports that record mileage, the share filed below each odometer reading, rising in steps at each 5,000-mile bin edge. 42 percent below 60,000 miles. 62 percent below 90,000 miles. 77 percent below 120,000 miles. Median 70,000 miles.
  • 60,000 mi — 42% of reports below
  • 90,000 mi — 62% of reports below
  • 120,000 mi — 77% of reports below
  • Median — the staircase crosses the 50% line here
  • Your odometer — appears after you enter it below

The staircase tops out at 97%: the remaining 3.2% of reports (86) came above 200,000 miles.

Nothing is smoothed or interpolated. Linear axis, same as Figure 1.

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.

At 60,000 miles

42% of the failure reports on this generation came below this mileage. That describes reports, not your odds.

In the reporting window

  • Airbag system — middle half 40,000–110,000 mi
  • Tyres — middle half 17,000–63,000 mi
  • Suspension — middle half 56,000–127,000 mi
  • Transmission and driveline — middle half 25,000–86,000 mi
  • Throttle and speed control — middle half 32,000–105,000 mi
  • Hydraulic brake circuit — middle half 23,000–60,000 mi

Mostly reported later

  • Body structure — middle half 69,000–135,000 mi

At 90,000 miles

62% of the failure reports on this generation came below this mileage. That describes reports, not your odds.

Reported earlier than this mileage — ask for repair records

  • Tyres — median 40,000 mi
  • Transmission and driveline — median 50,000 mi
  • Hydraulic brake circuit — median 40,000 mi

In the reporting window

  • Airbag system — middle half 40,000–110,000 mi
  • Body structure — middle half 69,000–135,000 mi
  • Suspension — middle half 56,000–127,000 mi
  • Throttle and speed control — middle half 32,000–105,000 mi

At 120,000 miles

77% of the failure reports on this generation came below this mileage. That describes reports, not your odds.

Reported earlier than this mileage — ask for repair records

  • Airbag system — median 68,000 mi
  • Tyres — median 40,000 mi
  • Transmission and driveline — median 50,000 mi
  • Throttle and speed control — median 66,000 mi
  • Hydraulic brake circuit — median 40,000 mi

In the reporting window

  • Body structure — middle half 69,000–135,000 mi
  • Suspension — middle half 56,000–127,000 mi

Which systems, and when

Complaints about this generation are not spread evenly across the vehicle, and the systems that generate the most of them do not all fail at the same point in a car's life. The median failure across all systems here is 70,000 miles; the figures below show which parts of the car run ahead of that and which run behind.

The airbag system accounts for 28.3% of complaints (1,805 reports, 369 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 68,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 40,000 and 110,000 miles.

A single system taking 28.3% of all complaints is a concentration worth noting. It means that for this generation, most of what owners reported came back to one area of the car rather than being distributed across many small faults.

The tyres account for 9.5% of complaints (603 reports, 88 of them with a mileage figure), and they fail early — a median of 40,000 miles, well before the vehicle's overall median. Failures clustered this far below the rest of the car usually point to a design or manufacturing problem rather than wear, because wear does not selectively target one system on low-mileage examples. The middle half of these reports falls between 17,000 and 63,000 miles.

Body structure accounts for 9.4% of complaints (599 reports, 468 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 100,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 69,000 and 135,000 miles.

The suspension accounts for 6.9% of complaints (439 reports, 297 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 92,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 56,000 and 127,000 miles.

The transmission and driveline accounts for 6.4% of complaints (405 reports, 189 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 50,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 25,000 and 86,000 miles.

Throttle and speed control accounts for 5.9% of complaints (375 reports, 151 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 66,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 32,000 and 105,000 miles.

Differences between model years

Within this generation, complaint volume is not constant across model years. The 1999 model year drew the most — 966 complaints — while 2010 drew the fewest at 171. The median year sits at 347.

That makes 1999 an outlier: roughly 2.8 times the median year of this generation. A single year standing that far apart usually reflects either a first-year issue that was later corrected, or a component change introduced for that year. Anyone shopping this generation has a straightforward reason to prefer a different year, all else being equal.

Recalls and what they cover

NHTSA records 18 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation. A recall means the manufacturer or the regulator concluded there was a safety defect or a standard was not met, and that a free remedy is owed to owners — including second and later owners.

8 of these carry a severe advisory — NHTSA's do not drive or park outside warnings, which the agency applies only when it considers the risk immediate. If you own one of these vehicles, that is the first thing to check by VIN.

The campaigns cluster around the airbag system (15), the exterior lighting (1), the fuel system (1). Repeated recalls against the same area of the car generally mean the first remedy did not fully resolve the underlying problem.

Recall status is specific to the individual vehicle, not the model. Checking a VIN against NHTSA's lookup is free and takes under a minute, and it is the only way to know whether a particular car has had the work done.

Reported severity

What owners reported alongside the failure itself, out of 6,372 complaints against this generation:

Crashes
629 (9.9%)
Fires
124
Injury reports
389
Fatality reports
24

These flags are self-reported by complainants and unverified by NHTSA; one report can carry several flags, so the counts overlap and do not sum to a total. They are not adjusted for how many of these vehicles are on the road. No chart is drawn here on purpose: overlapping counts spanning very different magnitudes cannot be honestly encoded as lengths.

Documented problems

Airbags 2004–2006

Takata frontal airbag inflators. The 2004-2006 Ranger carries the highest-risk inflator population outside the Ranger's own class: Ford issued a do-not-drive advisory for vehicles with open recalls 15S21, 17S42 and 19S01, and NHTSA issued urgent consumer warnings after fatalities in these trucks. Both driver and passenger inflators are implicated; propellant degradation causes the inflator housing to rupture and spray metal fragments.

Engine 2001–2005

4.0L SOHC V6 timing chain cassette failure. The engine uses three chains with plastic guide cassettes and hydraulic tensioners; the guides embrittle and break, producing the characteristic cold-start rattle from the rear of the engine. Left unrepaired the chain can jump time or break, destroying the engine. The rear cassette is behind the engine, so the repair requires engine removal. Ford made incremental design improvements through roughly 2005, after which failures drop off markedly.

By model year

Complaints by model year
YearComplaintsWith mileage
1998744146
1999966281
2000849367
2001687375
2002449293
2003310237
2004462259
2005353206
2006316146
200728670
200834184
200917846
201017158
201126085

Recalls (18) — is your car included?

Recalls are fixed free of charge at any dealer, for any owner. Check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The text below is NHTSA’s own wording.

  1. May 2023 · 2004–2006 · Air BagsAn incorrectly installed inflator may not properly inflate the passenger air bag, increasing the risk of…

    The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2004-2006 Ranger vehicles that received replacement front passenger air bag inflators under a previous recall. The replacement front passenger air bag inflators may have been installed incorrectly.

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

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

    NHTSA campaign 23V306000, reported 2023-05-22.

  2. Apr 2023 · 2004–2006 · Air BagsAn incorrectly installed inflator may not properly inflate the passenger air bag, increasing the risk of…

    The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2004-2006 Ranger vehicles that received replacement front passenger air bag inflators under a previous recall. The replacement frontal passenger air bag inflators may have been installed incorrectly.

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

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

    NHTSA campaign 23V125000, reported 2023-04-05.

  3. Apr 2021 · 2007–2011 · Air BagsAn inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting…

    The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2007-2011 Ranger, 2006-2012 Fusion, Lincoln Zephyr, Lincoln MKZ, 2006-2011 Mercury Milan, 2007-2010 Ford Edge, and Lincoln MKX vehicles. The driver's side air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

    What can happen. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

    The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver-side airbag inflator or module with an alternate one, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 9, 2021 for the passenger side, and November 14, 2022 for the driver side. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S12.

    NHTSA campaign 21V158000, reported 2021-04-09.

  4. Mar 2021 · 2004–2011 · Air BagsIn the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the frontal air bag, an inflator explosion may result in…

    The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2005-2014 Mustang, 2004-2011 Ranger, 2009-2011 Mercury Milan, 2006 Ford GT, 2008-2012 Fusion, 2007-2010 Edge and Lincoln MKX, and 2009-2010 Lincoln MKZ vehicles. These vehicles may be equipped with a driver or 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.

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

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

    NHTSA campaign 21V081000, reported 2021-03-17.

  5. Mar 2021 · 2004–2006 · Air BagsIn the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the frontal air bag, an inflator explosion may result in…

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

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

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

    NHTSA campaign 21V076000, reported 2021-03-17.

  6. Feb 2019 · 2010–2011 · Air Bags do not driveAn inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in…

    The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 Ford Mustang vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Ford is recalling certain 2011 Ford Ranger and Mercury Milan vehicles, 2011-2012 Ford Fusion and Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ vehicles and 2011-2014 Ford Mustang vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia,

    What can happen. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

    The free fix. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall 19S01.

    NHTSA campaign 19V001000, reported 2019-02-13.

  7. May 2018 · 2009–2010 · Air Bags do not driveAn inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in…

    The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013 Ford Mustang vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Ford is recalling certain 2010 Ford Edge, Fusion, Mustang and Ranger, Lincoln MKX and Zephyr/MKZ, and Mercury Milan vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Mi

    What can happen. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

    The free fix. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S01.

    NHTSA campaign 18V046000, reported 2018-05-21.

  8. Feb 2018 · 2007–2009 · Air Bags do not driveAn inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury…

    The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012 Ford Fusion and Mustang and Lincoln Zephyr and MKZ vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Ford is recalling certain 2009 Ford Ranger, Edge, Fusion and Mustang, Lincoln MKX, MKZ and Zephyr and Mercury Milan vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, De

    What can happen. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

    The free fix. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners of the recall and that parts are not yet available began mailing March 1, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S01.

    NHTSA campaign 17V024000, reported 2018-02-14.

  9. Feb 2018 · 2007–2011 · Air Bags do not driveAn inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury…

    The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Ford Ranger vehicles, 2006-2011 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ vehicles, 2007-2010 Ford Edge, Lincoln MKX vehicles, 2005-2006 Ford GT vehicles, and 2005-2011 Ford Mustang vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Ford is recalling certain mode

    What can happen. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

    The free fix. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. Ford mailed interim letters informing owners that parts are not yet available on July 15, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S01.

    NHTSA campaign 16V384000, reported 2018-02-02.

  10. Jan 2018 · 2006 · Air Bags do not driveIn the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode…

    The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2006 Ford Ranger trucks. Ford is requesting owners NOT TO DRIVE these vehicles until they have been repaired. On January 11, 2018, Ford Motor Company (Ford) notified NHTSA that they are recalling 2,700 model year 2006 Ranger vehicles built with driver-side air bag inflators . As of February 9, 2018, Ford is expanding the recall to a total of 33,310 model year 2006 Ranger vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.

    What can happen. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with sharp metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants, potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

    The free fix. Ford will notify owners instructing them to not drive their vehicles, and dealers will replace the front driver side air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall for the original population began on January 16, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S02.

    NHTSA campaign 18V023000, reported 2018-01-16.

  11. Jan 2018 · 2006 · Air Bags do not driveIn the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could…

    The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2006 Ford Ranger trucks. Ford is requesting owners NOT TO DRIVE these vehicles until they have been repaired. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode. On January 11, 2018, Ford Motor Company (Ford) notified NHTSA that they are recalling 2,700 model year 2006 Ranger vehicles built with passenger-side air bag inflators. As of February 9, 2018, Ford is expanding the recall to a total of 33,310 model year 2006 Ranger vehicles built with passenger-side air bag inflators.

    What can happen. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with sharp metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants, potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

    The free fix. Ford will notify owners instructing them to not drive their vehicles, and dealers will replace the passenger side air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall for the original population began on January 16, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S02.

    NHTSA campaign 18V022000, reported 2018-01-16.

  12. Jan 2018 · 2004–2006 · Air Bags do not driveIn the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture…

    The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is superseding a previous recall for certain 2004-2006 Ford Ranger trucks to implement a final repair. Upon deployment of the driver side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

    What can happen. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

    The free fix. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the 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.

    NHTSA campaign 17V787000, reported 2018-01-16.

  13. Dec 2017 · 2004–2006 · Air Bags do not driveIn the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could…

    The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is superseding a previous recall for certain 2004-2006 Ford Ranger trucks to implement a final repair. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

    What can happen. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants, potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

    The free fix. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger'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

    NHTSA campaign 17V788000, reported 2017-12-22.

  14. Feb 2016 · 2004–2006 · Air BagsIn the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture…

    The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 Ranger vehicles manufactured March 24, 2003, to May 4, 2006. Upon deployment of the driver side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

    What can happen. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

    The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S03. Note: This recall supersedes 14V-343 and only applies to Rangers manufactured in North America.

    NHTSA campaign 16V036000, reported 2016-02-26.

  15. Dec 2015 · 2004–2006 · Air BagsIn the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could…

    The defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 Ranger trucks manufactured March 24, 2003, to May 4, 2006. The affected vehicles are equipped with a passenger side frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.

    What can happen. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

    The free fix. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on December 4, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S22. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 14V-787.

    NHTSA campaign 15V322000, reported 2015-12-04.

  16. Aug 2011 · 2004–2011 · Exterior LightingNon-functioning lights could increase the risk of a crash.

    The defect. Ford is recalling certain model year 2011 Ranger trucks built from january 25, 2011, through april 25, 2011 at the twin cities assembly plant, and service parts distributed to dealers for certain 2004 through 2011 model year Ranger trucks, 2002 through 2005 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 de

    What can happen. Non-functioning lights could increase the risk of a crash.

    The free fix. Dealers will replace the switches free of charge. The safety recall began on august 15, 2011. Owners may contact Ford motor company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.

    NHTSA campaign 11V352000, reported 2011-08-15.

  17. Mar 2011 · 2010 · Fuel System, GasolineA sufficient fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.

    The defect. Ford is recalling certain model year 2010 Ford Ranger trucks manufactured from october 15, 2009, through may19, 2010. The engine fuel line in the area of the throttle body shield may not have a protective convolute (cover) properly installed. If the protective convolute on the fuel line is not assembled in the proper position, the edge of the shield may contact the fuel line. Over time this contact may chafe the fuel line, resulting in a fuel odor and a potential fuel leak.

    What can happen. A sufficient fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.

    The free fix. Dealers will trim the throttle body shield away from the fuel line and inspect the fuel line for wear, and replace the line if necessary free of charge. The safety recall began on march 4, 2011. Owners may contact the Ford motor company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.

    NHTSA campaign 11V126000, reported 2011-03-04.

  18. May 2010 · 2010 · Parking BrakeA manual transmission vehicle parked in neutral without a fully applied parking brake may have unintended…

    The defect. Ford is recalling certain model year 2010 Ranger vehicles manufactured from june 8, 2009 through february 2, 2010 equipped with manual transmission. It is possible for the parking brake cable to become disconnected from the right rear actuator during cold weather. This may occur when the parking brake is released if wet parking brake shoes have frozen in the applied position. If the right rear parking brake cable becomes disconnected, the pedal will have extended travel and may not fully apply the parking brake.

    What can happen. A manual transmission vehicle parked in neutral without a fully applied parking brake may have unintended movement which may cause a crash.

    The free fix. Dealers will install a revised right rear parking brake actuator to prevent cable disconnection free of charge. The safety recall began on may 21, 2010. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.

    NHTSA campaign 10V202000, reported 2010-05-21.

What owners reported

Purchased truck used in may 1999 with 15,000 miles on it. Problem started after having 25,000 odometer miles on truck. Vehicle would accelerate upon stopping or slowing. Had idle adjusted next scheduled maintenance (30k). As of this date, august 19, 2005, vehicle still accelerates on very rare occasions. After a few…

1998 · 25,000 miles · Fuel system

While driving with headlights on at night the headlights go out intermittently. The consumer must turn the headlight switch several times to get the headlights to operate again. *Ak when the consumer placed the high beams on, they would fail to go back to dim. The switch on the dash sometimes failed to bring the…

1998 · 30,000 miles · Exterior lighting

While driving with headlights on at night, the headlights suddenly went out. The consumer had to turn the headlight switch several times to get the headlights to operate again. *Ak the lights went out again and the consumer had to move the switch on the steering column back and forth to get the lights back on. The…

1998 · 31,000 miles · Electrical system

The plastic headlight lens are severely cloudy, a lot worse as time time goes on....Years ago, when i bought the truck they were clear, now they are very - very opac, cloudy, so bad that you can't even see the headlight bulb ! There are many vehicles that have the same problem! So many, in fact that the part store…

1998 · 40,000 miles · Exterior lighting

Built from 2,653 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-08-18 · open data · reproduce this page

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