1994 Ford Ranger
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Ford › Ranger › 1994
These records cover every 1994 Ford Ranger. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
11 recalls name the 1994 Ford Ranger. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
Sabersport IS recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. these headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. the safety recall began on may 11, 2009. owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.
K2 motor IS recalling 1,921 aftermarket headlamps of various models sold for use on the above listed vehicles. these headlamps are missing the amber side reflex reflector which fails to conform with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Risk and remedy
Risk
Without the amber side reflex reflectors, the lighting visibility may be affected, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
K2 motor will notify owners and offer a full refund. the recall began on decemeber 17, 2008. owners may contact K2 motor at 1-909-839-2992.
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.
During extreme cold, northern climate winter conditions, ice can form in the throttle body of the engine causing the throttle plate to remain in the highway cruising position after the accelerator IS released or the speed control IS deactivated.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The vehicle stopping distances can be increased possibly resulting in an accident.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the air intake duct and valve assembly with revised units.
The parking brake control self-adjust pawl does not line up properly with the self-adjust rachet causing the pawl to slip over one or more teeth in the rachet.
Risk and remedy
Risk
When the above occurs, it can result in parking brake system ineffectiveness. The parking brake will not hold the vehicle, causing the vehicle to roll freely, if the transmission IS not left in gear.
Remedy
A wedge will be installed which will serve to lock the parking brake self-adjust mechanism pawl into engagement with the rachet. Also, owners will be advised to release and reapply the parking brake whenever tooth skip occurs and will be reminded to always turn off the engine and leave the vehicle in gear when the vehicle IS parked.
The front fuel lines have a section of flexible hose that IS susceptible to cracking which can allow fuel leakage.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Leaking fuel can result in a fire when exposed to a source of ignition.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the front fuel line assembly.
Owner complaints
438 complaints53 involved a crash15 involved a fire26 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Structure › Body · Suspension · Unknown or other
The frame and suspension IS rotting here IS a rust hole in my frame where the coil spring goes. The truck body has no other signs of rust and has never been abused or neglected.
- Tires
Drove my truck one day all was fine. Drove it the next day and felt a strange vibration. While driving I noticed the truck wanted to keep pulling hard to the right. Inspection of tires revealed the left front tire was was not touching the completely in contact with the road. Tread IS good. Looks like belt failure. Scarry. Have pictures. It IS a cornell 1000. P215-70r14.
- Structure
1994 ford ranger. Consumer writes in regards to rusted frame on vehicle. *Ld the consumer stated the frame rusted and broke releasing the gas tank from the vehicle, while driving. The consumer requested to be reimbursed or replace the frame. updated 10/25/2017*js
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 1994 ford ranger. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 20 mph, there was a strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The contact observed from the front driver mirror side a trail. In addition, there was fuel leaking from the vehicle. An independent mechanic…
TL* the contact owns a 1994 ford ranger. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 20 mph, there was a strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The contact observed from the front driver mirror side a trail. In addition, there was fuel leaking from the vehicle. An independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle, where it was determined that there was a crack in the fuel line. The vehicle was not repaired. The vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 94v111001 (fuel system/gasoline). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 123,000.
- Structure › Body
Frame IS rusted completely parts falling off and motor mounts have rusted apart. Rear bumber almost rusted away and falling off.
- Structure › Body
Passenger side frame rusted just behind the front wheel. This IS a potential safety issue and will cause the truck to fail the state safety inspection rendering the truck useless. Unless it brakes before that time. Drivers side in better condition.
- Service brakes · Steering · Suspension
Noticed a clunking noise if the right front of the vehicle during turning, stopping and going over small bumps. figured it would be something simple and took it to my mechanic. He said it was a rusted frame mount and to take it to a body shop. So I did and the second opinion was that the frame was…
Noticed a clunking noise if the right front of the vehicle during turning, stopping and going over small bumps. figured it would be something simple and took it to my mechanic. He said it was a rusted frame mount and to take it to a body shop. So I did and the second opinion was that the frame was rusted completely in two just if front of the right shock mount. I climbed under the vehicle and it truly IS rusted completely into two pieces. I don't know what IS keep the front right wheel where it belongs. Unsafe to drive. Parked for now. where do I turn now? No pun intended.
- Structure · Suspension
Rear left spring shackle and mount rusted off. Big rust hole in the frame beside fuel tank on left side. *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system
Since approximately 2000 I have been unable to fill the truck with gas. I can not fill the tank, if I do the fuel will just spill on the ground. hose from fuel fill to tank must be cracked. *tr
- Tires
Fuzion touring tires p195/70r14 91T tread separating at <14kmiles. I bought this set of tires and rims used from a friend who had bought the set of tires from on online tire retailer, in early 2013 (tire dot code jefj can 4412 made in china). the rims and tires were installed on a 1996 ford…
Fuzion touring tires p195/70r14 91T tread separating at <14kmiles. I bought this set of tires and rims used from a friend who had bought the set of tires from on online tire retailer, in early 2013 (tire dot code jefj can 4412 made in china). the rims and tires were installed on a 1996 ford ranger 2WD initially and then on my 1994 ford ranger xlt 2WD. front two tires began to feel wobbly and vibrate excessively. upon inspection, the tires were disfigured and out of round. upon closer inspection both front tires appeared as if the inner belts had peaked in the center of the tire on the tread surface (like the tread surface had been folded around the perimeter of the tire), but not all the way around the tires. this was the obvious cause of the vibration. tires replaced and everything was fine. the replacement tires were put on the rear and the two remaining fuzion tires were moved to the front. a couple of months later, one of the fuzion tires now on the front repeated the same problem I had with the other two. obviously there IS a defect in the tires for 3 of 4 to go bad in exactly the same way with in such a close time range. the 4TH tire appears to be ok, however due to the problem with the other three, I am replacing it too. if you have these tires and experience vibration, immediately investigate the shape of the tire tread surface for disfigurement - if you find any, immediately replace the tire. I can provide photos as needed. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling · Power train · Steering · Suspension
Jm auto sales at 12248 n. 600 e. Demotte, in 46310, sold me an unsafe vehicle, he assured me that he services all his vehicles before he sells them because he wants his customers happy, when I took the truck to my mechanic he told me that it needs a new transmission, center links, wheel alignment…
Jm auto sales at 12248 n. 600 e. Demotte, in 46310, sold me an unsafe vehicle, he assured me that he services all his vehicles before he sells them because he wants his customers happy, when I took the truck to my mechanic he told me that it needs a new transmission, center links, wheel alignment, and exhaust flange manifold, its unfair for this business to sell a vehicle that IS unsafe for the road, this should fall under the unsafe and deceptive acts and practices act. If he services the vehicle he would know what's wrong with them and not put them for sale. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
I left my truck for inspection on 12/9/13. it would not inspect because of a small leak in one of the flexible fuel line cables that lead from the main fuel line to the engine. this part was supposedly on recall at some past date. the nhtsa recall IS #94v111001. I never received any…
I left my truck for inspection on 12/9/13. it would not inspect because of a small leak in one of the flexible fuel line cables that lead from the main fuel line to the engine. this part was supposedly on recall at some past date. the nhtsa recall IS #94v111001. I never received any correspondence on this recall. unfortunately, ford informs me that the part IS discontinued, and my mechanic IS unable to find a replacement part anywhere. I am currently trying to find a machine shop that can make the part. my question IS "do I have any options that I could pursue against ford". *tr
- Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields · Suspension
Purchased a very nice 1994 ford ranger xlt with approx. 63,709 original miles the frame perches and leaf spring purchases are like swiss cheese the scale on the frame IS terrible the mechanic could not safely put this truck on a lift looks like truck underneath was dipped in rust any information or reply would be appreciated. *tr
- Suspension
Premature severe rust on under body of frame and just about every component connected to the frame itself, including body mounts, leaf spring brackets, steering components. Without proper knowledge of this active and aggressive rust can lead to loss of steering, control, and shifting loads as rear…
Premature severe rust on under body of frame and just about every component connected to the frame itself, including body mounts, leaf spring brackets, steering components. Without proper knowledge of this active and aggressive rust can lead to loss of steering, control, and shifting loads as rear leaf spring bracket has already failed after hitting a pothole. Body mounts have rusted leaving the cab with potential to fall off, or shift during a simple driving maneuver . Frame has pancakes of rust flaking off at this time in it's age (now 18 years). this IS a well known issue to internet ford truck club members with severe rust that directly affects the safety and integrity of the frame and it's components attached to it. *tr
- Electrical system
Complaint: high risk of accident due to engine shut down. subject: ignition module safety complaint. 6 out of 7 bad comments: problem: 1994 ford ranger pickup dies frequently and sporadically after ignition module replacement by auto mechanic. First 2 oem modules from advance auto test bad at…
Complaint: high risk of accident due to engine shut down. subject: ignition module safety complaint. 6 out of 7 bad comments: problem: 1994 ford ranger pickup dies frequently and sporadically after ignition module replacement by auto mechanic. First 2 oem modules from advance auto test bad at parts dealer. Third module IS ford motor craft and IS assumed good. Several new parts installed including crank sensor, fuel filter, fuel relay, timing belt, eec (computer), water pump, eec relay. Sporadic dying continues. Ford module tested at auto zone and fails, but new auto zone duralast module IS tested for comparison and passes. Mechanic returns module and orders new one from advance auto. It fails test in store. Mechanic orders another that passes at advance but fails at auto zone on duralast test. I install module and it fails a quarter mile from house. Mechanic gets another motor craft module from ford that passes at advance and fails at auto zone. I don't install it. That makes 4 oem modules that failed and 2 motor craft. Finally, I install auto zone module that passed test at auto zone. No failure for 4 days and counting. Local ford dealer tried twice to find the problem after the first motor craft module was installed and did not locate the problem. They did not have an out of vehicle analyzer. My conclusion: there IS a strong possibility that other people will encounter the same problem. My vehicle died on the order of several dozen times over a six month period (almost daily). Luckily I live in a rural area and am quick at hitting the emergency blinker. After awhile,i bought a used car and only drove the truck to test it. Safety hazard: unexpected dying on busy highway or at intersection could result in serious injury or death. Please let me know that your doing something. Ford won't. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
I applied my brake pedal and it was fine one second and then lost pressure and went to the floor with a popping feeling on the right front wheel and then I turn my wheel into the other lane to avoid hitting the car in front of me and a car came from no where in the other direction and hit my 1994 ranger on the right rear wheel and bedside . *Tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
TL* the contact owns a 1994 ford ranger. The contact stated that fuel fumes entered the vehicle. After inspecting the vehicle, he noticed that fuel was leaking from the hard fuel line to the radiator fan, which was blowing the fuel back under the engine. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The…
TL* the contact owns a 1994 ford ranger. The contact stated that fuel fumes entered the vehicle. After inspecting the vehicle, he noticed that fuel was leaking from the hard fuel line to the radiator fan, which was blowing the fuel back under the engine. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included in any recalls. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 85,000. updated 7/28/15*cn
- Structure › Frame and members
1994 ford ranger with frame rot hidden by front right coil spring mount , unsafe ! *tr
- Parking brake
TL* the contact owns a 1994 ford ranger. The contact stated hat while the vehicle was parked on a level road surface with the emergency brake engaged, the vehicle unexpectedly rolled for a few seconds. There was a recall associated with the nhtsa campaign ID number 94v169001 (parking brake…
TL* the contact owns a 1994 ford ranger. The contact stated hat while the vehicle was parked on a level road surface with the emergency brake engaged, the vehicle unexpectedly rolled for a few seconds. There was a recall associated with the nhtsa campaign ID number 94v169001 (parking brake: conventional); however the recall expired and the vin was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the faulty emergency brake. The contact planned to repair the vehicle himself. The approximate failure mileage was 270,000.
- Electrical system
Our 1994 ford ranger started on fire while sitting in are driveway, for and hour. It burnt all electrical harness. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
1994 ford ranger, has a cracked fuel filler hose that causes fuel to spill out when filling the tank, during warm weather you can get to 3/4 of a tank before fuel spillage starts, in winter just a little over 1/2 tank. when I approached the dealer about getting parts to repair I was told they are…
1994 ford ranger, has a cracked fuel filler hose that causes fuel to spill out when filling the tank, during warm weather you can get to 3/4 of a tank before fuel spillage starts, in winter just a little over 1/2 tank. when I approached the dealer about getting parts to repair I was told they are on backorder. his comment to me was there are 2 types of rangers out there, those that leak and those that have been fixed. in other words this IS a known issue ford has with the rangers that they are choosing to ignore. in checking other sources it seems to be rangers from at least 1993 - 2009 have this issue. *Tr
- Suspension
3 out of 4 leaf spring brackets (those that attach the leaf spring to the frame of the truck) rusted through to the point of complete severing the connection of the leaf spring to the frame of the truck. the 4TH bracket was also replaced at the urging of my mechanic since it appeared to be close…
3 out of 4 leaf spring brackets (those that attach the leaf spring to the frame of the truck) rusted through to the point of complete severing the connection of the leaf spring to the frame of the truck. the 4TH bracket was also replaced at the urging of my mechanic since it appeared to be close to breaking as the other 3 did. these bracket failures were a severe safety issue and put the safety of all passengers at risk for personal injury. I personally know several other people who have had this same issue with their ford rangers. these vehicles need to be recalled and for those who have already had to repair their trucks compensation should be made.
- Fuel system, gasoline
Fuel tank filler hose leaks and causes excessive waste. *Tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
Failure of fuel tank filler neck tube resulting in major loss of fuel. *Tr
- Structure › Frame and members · Suspension › Rear
I kept hearing a squeak in the rear end. When I looked under the truck I found that the frame IS rusting out real bad. Pieces are flaking off. Had to replace all four hangers on leaf springs and shackles due to them being rusted through and broke. Dealer said this IS normal and I will also have…
I kept hearing a squeak in the rear end. When I looked under the truck I found that the frame IS rusting out real bad. Pieces are flaking off. Had to replace all four hangers on leaf springs and shackles due to them being rusted through and broke. Dealer said this IS normal and I will also have problems with the brackets holding the front springs. My exhaust IS the original and the truck has 147,000 miles on it. I would expect the exhaust to rust out before the frame but I guess I am wrong. I am starting to worry about the safety of me and my kids. I still have the pieces that were replaced. Truck was also originally equipped with an undercoating on the frame. I guess this did not help. *Tr
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.
- 6090082Information for servicing and diagnosing brake vibration, brake inspection, and brake friction material replacement.
- 6090051Service tip information on revised oil pan gasket replacement procedure.
- 6089681Subject on a wire harness terminal repair kit available for repairing electrical wiring harnesses.
- 3055120Unknown
- 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.
- 627756Some vehicles equipped with 4.0L ohv engines may exhibit a loud a/c clutch engagement.
- 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.
- 625700Information on climate control, loud a/c clutch cycling noise.*jb
- 624982Some vehicles may exhibit loud a/c clutch cycling noise condition.
- 624656Some vehicles may exhibit a loud compressor cycling noise.
- 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.
- 619423Some vehicles may exhibit a chatter or binding condition when operating the power side windows either in the down or up mode.
- 616522Subject regarding contamination from prior transmission concerns or excess wear may be trapped in the transmission fluid cooling system.
- 616508Special field action regarding revised waranty information.
- 613308Some vehicles may exhibit a climate control issue of lack of heat.
- 613159Vehicles may exhibit a climate control issue of lack of heat. *Mjs
- 612203Information regarding the new transmission cooler flusher- service tip. *Mjs
- 612200Procedure for servicing parking brake- service tip- bronco and f-series built through 4/22/1994 and explorer/ranger built through 5/13/1994. *Mjs
- 612198Information regarding parking brake control assembly concerns- bronco and f-series built through 4/22/1994 and explorer/ranger built through 5/13/1994. *Mjs
- 612194Vehicles may experience parking brake pedal which goes to the floor with minimal effort- bronco and f-series built through 4/22/1994 and explorer/ranger built through 5/13/94.
- 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.
- 609556Outside rearview mirror manual replacement.
- 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.
- 607654Some vehicles may exhibit a malfunction indicator lamp (mil) on with diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0125 stored in memory, and / or lack of heat with the climate control.
- 607653Experiencing an audible pinging or creaking (not a clunking noise) heard from the driveline when engine torque IS initially applied to the driveline such as when shifting from park to drive or reverse, between drive and reverse.
- 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.
Every Ford Ranger model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.