1992 Ford Ranger
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Ford › Ranger › 1992
These records cover every 1992 Ford Ranger. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
6 recalls name the 1992 Ford Ranger. Newest first.
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 and remedy
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
Equipment description: aftermarket brake rotors for use on certain ford and mazda trucks. cracked castings caused cracks to appear on the outer diameter of the rotor hat or around the stud hole.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Loss of braking can result.
Remedy
Aimco will reimburse consumers/installers for the cost of replacement rotors and installation. consumers are requested to return to the location where the rotors were originally purchased/installed for replacement.
The studs which attach the brake master cylinder to the power brake vacuum booster assembly can develop stress corrosion cracking after being operated for an extended period of time in the southern california location.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If a crack occurs, it could result in one or both studs fracturing. The master cylinder could then separate from the vacuum booster, when the brakes are applied, preventing the service brakes from activating increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the power brake vacuum booster assembly.
Water can enter the door latch release cable. If the vehicle IS operated in below freezing temperatures, the water in the door latch release cable can freeze and cause the latch mechanism to malfunction.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The malfunction of the door latch release can result inthree different problems: 1) the door will not be able to be relatched, 2) theinside door handle can become inoperative, and 3) the door could appear to belatched when it IS not, allowing the door to open unexpectedly if it IS jarred,and increasing the risk of injury to the adjacent seat occupant.
Remedy
Revised door release cables and water shields will be installed.
Owner complaints
189 complaints13 involved a crash32 involved a fire16 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine
Oil pressure suddenly went to zero.engine began to clatter.i returned home.
- Engine and engine cooling · Vehicle speed control
When vehicle started in neutral, it was put in reverse and throttle went to floor without anyone touching it, vehicle took off in reverse , front wheel hit building bending axle and other components this happened about 30 days prior without any damage. *tr
- Suspension › Front
I have a 1992 ford ranger the passenger side spring tower mount IS completely rusted and the front shock and spring have dropped making the truck unsafe to drive the brake line was smashed when it gave way. my boyfriend also had a 1992 ford ranger that this happened to causing…
I have a 1992 ford ranger the passenger side spring tower mount IS completely rusted and the front shock and spring have dropped making the truck unsafe to drive the brake line was smashed when it gave way. my boyfriend also had a 1992 ford ranger that this happened to causing him to wreck and total the truck so we had to junk it. I wish I would have known it was a common thing for the 1992's only on the passenger side. it must be pretty common as ford has made a replacement part!!!! *Tr
- Visibility
Truck was warming up with me in it around january. I went to open the door from the inside, their was no response and was stuck in truck. Eventually, I was able to get out of the rear sliding window. I was and am never able to use my passenger door again, from the inside or outside. *Tr
- Electrical system
While driving home from my coast guard duty my truck started to fill with smoke. I pulled over and looked in my dash against the steering column and saw flames coming out. it was a total loss engulfing my truck in flames. *Tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
Just this past two weeks, we traded trucks. we received a 1992 ford ranger. during the smog test it was discovered that the fuel filler neck was cracked and required replacement. the part cost $241 , labor $175 which was a costly smog check. we have found out that this type of repair IS very…
Just this past two weeks, we traded trucks. we received a 1992 ford ranger. during the smog test it was discovered that the fuel filler neck was cracked and required replacement. the part cost $241 , labor $175 which was a costly smog check. we have found out that this type of repair IS very common in ford rangers, especially the older ones. the ford co. Has now redesigned the part, and there has been no recall or offer of help to the people who have the poorly designed fuel filler neck. you asked how often this occurs - quite often - the two times I was in the office of the repair shop, I encountered 3 other customers that were in there for the same reason !! I would say that IS too often. and, I would like to ask the ford co to replace the poorly designed fuel filler necks and pay for the labor involved. additionally, I think that this information needs to be made known to the public, so that they will not be driving around with a potentially hazardous fuel vapor leak, and that they can get some financial help when it IS time to smog their truck and this problem IS discovered. carolyn neuman *tr
- Tires › Tread/belt
Tl*the contact owns a 1992 ford ranger. the vehicle has futura GLS super sport, size p225/60r15 tires. the front driver side tire had tread separation. the tire was also bubbling, splitting, and had cracks on the side. the contact stated that the tires bounced and squeaked more while driving…
Tl*the contact owns a 1992 ford ranger. the vehicle has futura GLS super sport, size p225/60r15 tires. the front driver side tire had tread separation. the tire was also bubbling, splitting, and had cracks on the side. the contact stated that the tires bounced and squeaked more while driving greater than 40 mph. the other three tires on the vehicle were experiencing the same failure, but the front driver side tire was the worst. the purchase date was unknown. the tire failure mileage was 15,000. the vehicle current mileage was 145,415 and failure mileage was 142,415.
- Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil springs
Over the course of about two days, I noticed a scraping noise coming from the right front wheel. on the second day, I noticed upon approaching the truck that the right front fender was almost touching the tire. removing the wheel, I discovered that the upper spring seat had deteriorated to the…
Over the course of about two days, I noticed a scraping noise coming from the right front wheel. on the second day, I noticed upon approaching the truck that the right front fender was almost touching the tire. removing the wheel, I discovered that the upper spring seat had deteriorated to the point that the coil spring was thirty degrees from its original position. the sheet metal in the seat crumbled in my hand when I took hold of it, and the housing was torn 75% of the way through from front to back. at high speed, this vehicle would have been a death trap. I note 15 similar complaints in your database. left side spring seat IS perfect and intact. *Tr
- Electrical system
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 5 mph through an alleyway, a fire erupted from underneath the left front driver side dash panel area without warning. the fire department was alerted, and extinguished the fire. the vehicle sustained moderate fire damage; an insurance adjustor deemed the…
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 5 mph through an alleyway, a fire erupted from underneath the left front driver side dash panel area without warning. the fire department was alerted, and extinguished the fire. the vehicle sustained moderate fire damage; an insurance adjustor deemed the vehicle totaled. the police were alerted, and a report was taken. the fire department inspected the vehicle, and determined the fire was electrical in nature. the manufacturer was alerted.
- Engine and engine cooling
Truck oil pressure suddenly dropped very low. truck began making knocking sound coming from engine head area. disassembly of oil pan, oil pump, and oil pump tube screen revealed complete blockage of screen from oil pan gasket material. *nm
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch · Vehicle speed control › Cruise control
My 1992 ford ranger spontaneously combusted on the morning of june 6, 2006. the cruise control went out unexpectedly and wouldn't start. I left it overnight and received a phone call from the police at 5 a.m in the morning saying my truck was on fire. apparently it had caught fire (while it was…
My 1992 ford ranger spontaneously combusted on the morning of june 6, 2006. the cruise control went out unexpectedly and wouldn't start. I left it overnight and received a phone call from the police at 5 a.m in the morning saying my truck was on fire. apparently it had caught fire (while it was off) and completely totaled the entire vehicle, leaving me at a complete loss (insurance did not cover this type of claim). being a 19 year old in college this came as a complete nightmare financially. ford has refused to do anything about it. I will never drive a ford again. vehicle was towed to a nearby junkyard, where the brand new 1,000 clutch and new tires were removed and sold for someone else's profit. I got nothing. *nm
- Vehicle speed control
The consumer was pulling out of a driveway when all of a sudden he experienced sudden acceleration, and crashed into two other vehicles and a brick wall. *ak *nm *sc *jb
- Electrical system › Starter assembly › Solenoid
The starter solenoid clip connector failed. As a result, the vehicle will not start up again until part IS replaced. please provide additional information. *jb
- Tires
While driving at 70mph, my rear tire came apart and totalled the bed of my truck and broke the brake line and nearly caused a rollover. this was the fourth of the set of tires to come apart or develop a bubble.
- Electrical system › Ignition
1992 ford ranger had fire in ignition wiring harness, below dash and mounted to steering column. *la
- Seats
Right front upper spring seat bracket (part no. 5A318) has prematurely rusted through allowing body to drop onto front tire. it appears as though a thick plastic coating on the part allowed moisture to be trapped causing premature rusting. upper part of spring seat bracket pushed through fender…
Right front upper spring seat bracket (part no. 5A318) has prematurely rusted through allowing body to drop onto front tire. it appears as though a thick plastic coating on the part allowed moisture to be trapped causing premature rusting. upper part of spring seat bracket pushed through fender liner into engine compartment. in viewing the complaints for this model year truck there appear to be numerous similar events on the apparent defective right front upper spring seat bracket. *jb
- Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
While driving and/or idling smoke comes from both the steering column and under the hood. No fires as of yet but I would like to have the problem resolved before the truck burns down.*ak
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Ignition switch caught on fire while driving. *Ak
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
Driver side door handle snapped off from the inside cable. While opening the door to the vehicle. *ak
- Structure › Body › Door
Inside door handle no longer works due to a broken cable linkage during cold weather. ford says my vin IS not part of the recall group. other people that have had the recall performed have had the same problem occur again. if my vehicle IS not part of the recall group it would mean that it has…
Inside door handle no longer works due to a broken cable linkage during cold weather. ford says my vin IS not part of the recall group. other people that have had the recall performed have had the same problem occur again. if my vehicle IS not part of the recall group it would mean that it has the updated cable, yet this "updated" cable also has a history of breaking. why not a recall on the updated cable that was supposed to fix the problem and didn't? *jb
- Wheels
The right front wheel separated from the vehicle. *jb
- Structure › Frame and members · Suspension
I own 92 ford ranger. Last thursday,5/15/2003, while driving to work I noticed my passenger side front lower than the rest of the truck. After I parked at work I investigated and noticed that the shock/spring tower was rusted so bad that it was almost ready to fall off. The spring was bent…
I own 92 ford ranger. Last thursday,5/15/2003, while driving to work I noticed my passenger side front lower than the rest of the truck. After I parked at work I investigated and noticed that the shock/spring tower was rusted so bad that it was almost ready to fall off. The spring was bent backwards and the shock was broken at the bottom. At the ford dealer, the mechanic said he had never seen anything like that. He also told me that they only make that part for the right side? The left side looks like brand new. Apparently only the right ( passenger ) side rusts out and not the left. It seems that metal IS inferior and can cause a serious accident. Ford must know about this problem because they only make the part for one side and not the other. I can't find any recall info on this. Besides the $800.00 cost to repair, this can cause a serious accident. *nlm
- Suspension › Front
While driving the left leaf spring and shock absorber fell apart due to rusted mount attachments. *nlm
- Seats › Front assembly › Recliner
While driving my 1992 ford ranger xlt pick-up truck the drivers seat mechanism without warning or any action to initiate the failure emitted a noise and suddenly failed. my torso immediately fell backwards as the drivers seat reclined completely. fortunately I was able to control the vehicle and…
While driving my 1992 ford ranger xlt pick-up truck the drivers seat mechanism without warning or any action to initiate the failure emitted a noise and suddenly failed. my torso immediately fell backwards as the drivers seat reclined completely. fortunately I was able to control the vehicle and avoid any accident, collision or injury save for a bit of a strain on my abdominal muscles which was not serious. the seat will not return and stay in the upright position nor will it latch down securely (to prevent from sliding forwards and backwards). the failure has rendered the vehicle unusable without repair or replacement of the drivers seat. I am concerned that should the failure have occurred at any other time I might not have been able to control the vehicle and serious injury or damage could have occurred. if this event can happen in other such vehicles owners should be warned to inspect this mechanism for wear or whatever caused it to fail. also I am reluctant to have it repaired by replacing it with a used seat since a used part may be just as unreliable. I understand that new parts are no longer available from ford in order to replace the inoperative drivers seat. *Jb
- Wheels
The passenger side wheel was rusted. *jb
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Separation of master cylinder
Ford continues to sudy the problem attempting to determine why stud fractures are not frequently occurring in other parts of the country.likewise, odi continues gathering information to ascertain whether the recall scope should include other geographical areas.if evidence indicates the scope should be expanded, odi will reopen the investigation as warranted.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10003748New transmission cooler flusher - service tips. 2003 escort and super duty f series included.
- 6091931Some vehicles may exhibit an engine noise which may be perceived by the customer as a piston / connecting rod bearing knock.
- 6090087Information on identifying non-approved / alternate refrigerants which could cause safety, and performance concerns if installed in ford a/c systems.
- 6090051Service tip information on revised oil pan gasket replacement procedure.
- 6089681Subject on a wire harness terminal repair kit available for repairing electrical wiring harnesses.
- 635982Some vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission and a 4.0L ohv engine may exhibit a noise / vibration, no drive, unusual noise during cranking or a no crank condition.
- 628153Owner notification program supplement 7 revised information - regarding replacement of wilderness at tires.
- 627752Some vehicles equipped with the 4.0L ohv engine may exhibit an engine noise which may be perceived by the customer as a piston / onnecting rod bearing knock.
- 623988Information regarding transmission fluid usage charts. *Slc
- 623944Some vehicles may exhibit heater core leaks. *Slc
- 622665On some vehicles, engine oil may continue to leak from the engine oil pan gasket area after an engine oil pan gasket repair has been performed.
- 616522Subject regarding contamination from prior transmission concerns or excess wear may be trapped in the transmission fluid cooling system.
- 612203Information regarding the new transmission cooler flusher- service tip. *Mjs
- 610793Some vehicles equipped with manual transmission may exhibit neutral gear rollover noise (a light metallic rattling sound from the transmission) which occurs at idle with transmission in neutral clutch engaged (clutch pedal up).
- 610704Some vehicles may exhibit an audible pinging or creaking noise that may be heard from the driveline when engine torque IS initially applied to the driveline.
- 609688Vehicles equipped with manual transmission may exhibit neutral gear rollover noise which occurs at idle with transmission in neutral and clutch engaged.
- 608921Some vehicles may exhibit an engine noise which may be perceived by the customer as a piston / connecting rod bearing knock.
- 608431Information on the new flush and fill tool available through rotunda.
- 607369Concerns with axle wind-up and / or clunking, popping, ratcheting type noises when making cornering maneuvers.
- 606945Information on maintaining tire pressure.
- 606937Some vehicles may experience axle wind up and / or clunking, popping, ratcheting type noises when making cornering maneuvers on vehicles equipped with a four wheel drive hi or low range mode.
- 606460Experiencing a whine / buzz type noise in the speakers of the entertainment radio or two-way radio on vehicles with an in-tank electric fuel pump.
- 606420Ford motor company now recommends sae 5W-30 viscosity grade for servicing any ford gasoline-powered vehicle regardless of model year.
- 605577Information regarding comprehensive pull and drift diagnostic procedure developed to assist technicians with vehicle service.
- 605573Subject regarding a new service center support that uses a thrust bearing (#3 and #4) in place of thrust washers has been released.
- 604059Ford motor company has released a new electrical grease ( F8AZ - 19g208-aa ) to reduce the possibility of moisture corrosion at the terminals.
- 603724Mass air flow (maf)- sensor contamination- service tip.
- 601312Information on a buzzing or rattle noise from the exhaust system.
- 601290Information on tire company telephone numbers for customer assistance.
- 601269Announcing the ford oem air conditioning retrofit kit availability.
- 601238Information on a new transmission fluid usage chart.
- 601043A 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.
- 601025A comprehensive pull and drift diagnostic procedure has been developed to assist technicians with vehicle service.
- 601012The use of petroleum-based grease as a lubricant in servicing disc brakes IS no longer acceptable.
- 601010Recommended guidelines for towing behind recreational vehicles.
- 53668Concerns with "pinging" or "creaking" being heard from the driveline when shifting from park to drive or reverse, between drive and reverse, or when engaging the clutch.
- 52810Authorized warranty part replacement of brake pads to correct excessive brake noise.
- 51987Fuel economy- customer expectations versus vehicle usage.
- 51945Fluid- transmission fluid usage charts.
- 51689Frame- rivet replacement with bolts- service tips.
Every Ford Ranger model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.