1996 Ford Ranger
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Ford › Ranger › 1996
These records cover every 1996 Ford Ranger. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
8 recalls name the 1996 Ford Ranger. Newest first.
Ford IS recalling model years 1995-2003 windstar, 2000-2003 excursion diesel, 1993-1997 and 1999-2003 F-250 sd through F-550 sd diesel, 1992-2003 E-150 through E-550, 1995-2002 explorer, 1997 and 2002 mercury mountaineer, 1995-1997 and 2001-2003 ranger, and 1994 F53 vehicles equipped with the texas instruments speed control deactivation switch (scds). the…
Risk and remedy
Risk
A vehicle fire could occur with or without the engine running.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners that dealers will install a fused wiring harness in line with the scds. on 1999-2003 windstar vehicles with a leaking scds, dealers will also inspect the ABS control module connector and repair as necessary. repairs will be completed free of charge. the safety recall began on october 27, 2009. owners may contact ford at 1-888-222-2751.
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.
The certification labels on the involved vehicles has incorrect rear tire inflation pressure designations. this does not comply with fmvss no. 120, "tire selection and rims for motor vehicles other than passenger cars."
Risk and remedy
Risk
Incorrect inflation pressures could cause premature wear of the rear tires. .
Remedy
Owners will be provided with correct certification labels and instructions for installing these labels. dealers can install this label if the owner so desires.
Owner complaints
413 complaints41 involved a crash18 involved a fire34 injuries10 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Seat belts
Drivers side seat belt buckle does not work. The tongue on the long strap does not lock into the buckle at the seat. I think this may be a recall problem with other models and/or years, but not 1996 Ford Rangers.
- Unknown or other
heading back from picking up meal at pizza hut when "POP" sound from front of truck and then cabin filled with smoke. within 20-30 seconds of exiting the car it was in flames (See attached photos) recall notification was never sent to current owner and current owner didnt own in 2009 when it was…
heading back from picking up meal at pizza hut when "POP" sound from front of truck and then cabin filled with smoke. within 20-30 seconds of exiting the car it was in flames (See attached photos) recall notification was never sent to current owner and current owner didnt own in 2009 when it was first recalled. Ford customer service informed that auto insurnace would be required to handle loss of vehicle, but current owner doesnt have comprehensive coverage so insurance company is unable to payout for loss due to fire. This recall should have been communicated to titled owner after purchase.
- Seat belts
Drivers side seat belt buckle does not release. Broken about ten years. Currently using middle seat belt buckle.
- Structure › Body · Suspension
My 96 ford ranger has tremendous frame rot on the drive side at the front of the spring shackles. Someone had sprayed rhino liner like material on the rot to cover it up or to try to make it hold. The rest of the frame IS in outstanding condition except for it being almost broken into at the gas…
My 96 ford ranger has tremendous frame rot on the drive side at the front of the spring shackles. Someone had sprayed rhino liner like material on the rot to cover it up or to try to make it hold. The rest of the frame IS in outstanding condition except for it being almost broken into at the gas tank strap and front shackles. I have replaced every front end part on this truck thinking it was in the front suspension. When driving it runs out of line from the rear and the frame IS starting to bend.
- Engine · Fuel system, gasoline
Nano and micro particulates/contaminants have been sprayed from an airliner and caused severe damage to my body and my vehicle; it includes flakes, tubules and highly reflective particles and metals. The vehicle has stalled and lost two gears as a result. It has a gas leaking issue caused by the…
Nano and micro particulates/contaminants have been sprayed from an airliner and caused severe damage to my body and my vehicle; it includes flakes, tubules and highly reflective particles and metals. The vehicle has stalled and lost two gears as a result. It has a gas leaking issue caused by the technology. I have had to go to the emergency room. My vehicle has been contaminated, damaged and sabataged as well as my family members vehicles, persons and property. it's occuring on and off highway. It's happening to other vehicles as well. Oil and battery interior and exteriors as well as bodily harm, risk and injury. The tech and particulates are highly dangerous and destructive. [xxx] IS the offending party that caused it to happen with the federal agencies. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Air bags
Takata recall. I crashed my 1996 ford ranger in 2010. both airbags deployed. my collision shop replaced the airbags with unknown year ford ranger airbags, buying some new parts from ford to complete the install. there IS no way to know if these are recalled takata airbags without an inspection.…
Takata recall. I crashed my 1996 ford ranger in 2010. both airbags deployed. my collision shop replaced the airbags with unknown year ford ranger airbags, buying some new parts from ford to complete the install. there IS no way to know if these are recalled takata airbags without an inspection. my local ford dealership, varsity ford in ann arbor mi, IS refusing to do anything without a recall notice. any inspection, even if these are recalled airbags, will be at my cost because this IS a 1996 truck. I called ford's recall line and explained the situation, and they referred me to my local dealership. there seems to be no plan to track down dangerous takata airbags installed after manufacture, even if they were originally installed in another vehicle that would have been recalled.
- Engine
TL* the contact owned a 1996 ford ranger. While driving 30 mph, flames appeared under the hood. The fire department extinguished the fire. A police report was filed. The cause of the fire was unknown. There were no injuries. The vehicle was not towed, but was deemed a total loss. The manufacturer…
TL* the contact owned a 1996 ford ranger. While driving 30 mph, flames appeared under the hood. The fire department extinguished the fire. A police report was filed. The cause of the fire was unknown. There were no injuries. The vehicle was not towed, but was deemed a total loss. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case. The dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 300,000. *tr *js *bf consumer stated both odi 11173289 and 11173291 had manufacturer defect that caused the fire.*jb
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 1996 ford ranger. While driving down a hill at less than approximately 20 mph, the vehicle crashed into a tree. None of the air bags deployed. The driver sustained minor bruising, which did not require medical treatment. A police report was not filed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure months later. The dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 1996 ford ranger. The contact stated that the vehicle failed inspection due to extensive rust on the frame of the vehicle. The independent mechanic stated that the frame needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified and stated that there was no recall. The approximate failure mileage was 124,000.
- Seat belts
Drivers side seat belt will not stay latched into latching mechanism
- Structure › Body · Suspension · Unknown or other
The whole underbody and frame IS rusted and rotted. The leaf spring shackles have rusted and rotted away.
- Service brakes
Truck was parked on the garage pad for a week. I opened the hood and checked all fluid levels, and found the brake fluid a little low. Topped off the master cylinder and got back into the truck. Started engine, and pushed the brake pedal. It went to the floor, got out of the truck and heard fluid…
Truck was parked on the garage pad for a week. I opened the hood and checked all fluid levels, and found the brake fluid a little low. Topped off the master cylinder and got back into the truck. Started engine, and pushed the brake pedal. It went to the floor, got out of the truck and heard fluid dripping. I looked under the truck and saw a puddle of brake fluid near the left rear wheel. I asked my wife to push the pedal down and I saw brake fluid spraying from the main steel brake line. Could have been a serious accident as the truck was used one week prior to the accident to haul a full load of fire wood.
- Service brakes
TL* the contact owned a 1996 ford ranger. The contact stated that while driving various speeds, the brake pedal was depressed and the vehicle rolled away for a few seconds. The failure recurred intermittently and became permanent. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis however, the…
TL* the contact owned a 1996 ford ranger. The contact stated that while driving various speeds, the brake pedal was depressed and the vehicle rolled away for a few seconds. The failure recurred intermittently and became permanent. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis however, the contact was uncertain of the required replacement part. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000. The vin was unavailalbe. The contact no longer owned the vehicle.
- Structure › Body
Extensive rust deterioration on structural frame members which IS spreading rapidly. Various locations. I'm very concerned about the right side rear leaf spring mount breaking loose while in motion. The remainder of the truck IS in generally good condition. When I bought it from the original owner 7/11, some frame brackets had been replaced, but the frame appeared sound. Vehicle was stationary.
- Unknown or other
The frame has experienced severe corrosion including the spare tire mount, cross members, rear bumper, leaf spring shackles, and perforations/rust through of the main frame rails.
- Unknown or other
The rear bumper fell off while driving due to rusted frame rails that it was attached to.
- Fuel/propulsion system
I have a 1996 ford ranger and when I was filling up the gas tank I started noticing a strong smell of gas then later came to find out it was leaking gas. I have come to find out that this IS a common defected with these vehicles. I think that it should be addressed before someone gets killed if someone has not gotten killed yet. *tr
- Electrical system · Vehicle speed control
The control clusters on the steering wheel have been at a sufficiently high temperature that the plastic covering over the micro switches has deformed and on occasion it will stick to your fingers. the center button on the left side has disintegrated to the point that the actual micro button IS…
The control clusters on the steering wheel have been at a sufficiently high temperature that the plastic covering over the micro switches has deformed and on occasion it will stick to your fingers. the center button on the left side has disintegrated to the point that the actual micro button IS now operated directly through the missing portion of the original covering. one of the micro buttons on the right side IS in the same condition and both control clusters have broken loose from the steering wheel. with the problems ford has had with fires I thought they would offer some assistance in repairing this defect but both the local dealers I have taken it to have indicated no assistance IS available, I guess we will wait for the fire that spreads through the garage and takes down the whole house. dealers that turned me down are blue bonnet in new braunfels, tx and griffith in the kyle, tx area. the control still actually functions if you can hold it all together long enough to activate the micro switches and you don't mind getting sticky black goop on your fingers. *tr
- Seat belts
It took several attempts to get the drivers seat belt to latch. Shortly after the seat belt came unlatched as I was driving. After that the belt won't stay latched. *tr
- Tires
TL* the contact owns a 1996 ford ranger equipped with michelin goodrich radial tires, size p225/70/r14. The contact stated that after rotating the tires, a crack was discovered on the side wall of the tire. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician was unable to see the crack. The vehicle…
TL* the contact owns a 1996 ford ranger equipped with michelin goodrich radial tires, size p225/70/r14. The contact stated that after rotating the tires, a crack was discovered on the side wall of the tire. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician was unable to see the crack. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The tire failure mileage was 15,000 and the vehicle failure mileage was 180,000.
- Fuel system, gasoline
Rubber fuel vapor hose between fuel vapor purge valve and charcoal canister can't be repaired because ford has made part obsolete. This hose IS not a normal off the shelf bulk hose. It IS rubber performed with a different inside diameter on both ends. Ford won't even give me part number! Three…
Rubber fuel vapor hose between fuel vapor purge valve and charcoal canister can't be repaired because ford has made part obsolete. This hose IS not a normal off the shelf bulk hose. It IS rubber performed with a different inside diameter on both ends. Ford won't even give me part number! Three parts vendors were recommended to maybe find part. The vendors all want part number though-so that doesn't help me. The vehicle constantly leaks gasoline fumes. I'm not expecting ford to fix it because of age of truck. Something ought to done by ford to make part available to consumer. This IS a serious safety issue. Truck could easily catch on fire! *tr
- Electrical system · Fuel/propulsion system
Turns over but won't start. *tr
- Seat belts
Driver's seat belt will not latch. *tr
- Seat belts
The driver's side seat belt buckle fails to hold. *tr
- Electrical system · Steering
The two buttons on either side of the horn, on the steering wheel, that control the cruise control melt in the heat and expose the circuit boards. This has been going on for a few years and I finally need to report this. *Tr
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.
- 10008580Lamp-brake-invadvertent disabling of brake shift interlock.
- 10008552Rear leaf spring noise.
- 10008304Engine-gear driven synchronizers-incorrect installation-camshaft position synchronizer (cmp) installation tool correct application.
- 10004908Clicking/popping noise from upper steering column area when turning. 2004 e series and explorer sport trac also included.
- 10004027Remote keyless entry (rke) - service tips.
- 10003748New transmission cooler flusher - service tips. 2003 escort and super duty f series included.
- 10000592Incorrectly installed gear driven camshaft position (cmp) sensor synchronizer assemblies causing surge, lost of power, malfunction indicator lamp on and diagnostic trouble codes p1336, p1309 and p0340.
- 6091931Some vehicles may exhibit an engine noise which may be perceived by the customer as a piston / connecting rod bearing knock.
- 6090873Locks failed. Yd
- 6090538Information regarding camshaft position (cmp) sensor alignment tool chart. *Mjs
- 6090310Some service manuals may list the incorrect camshaft position sensor alignment tool for vehicles with various engine sizes.
- 6090184Information on replacing and / or repairing malfunctioning (door, ignition and decklid) locks.
- 6090164A temperature gauge fluctuation and / or a knocking / thumping noise may be audible inthe passenger compartment on some vehicles.
- 6090136During extreme cold ambient temperatures and under certain driving conditions, moisture in the crankcase may enter the pcv system, freeze and cause presure in the engine crankcase. The pcv fitting in the upper intake manifold may freeze or the fresh air line may become blocked. It IS also possible, but less likely, that ice may build up on the throttle plate or the throttle body and cause throttle sticking.
- 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.
- 637922Some vehicles built prior to 9/15/2001 may exhibit low line pressure readings while in drive, no 2ND gear, no 3RD gear, no engine braking in manual 1ST and slipping shifts and / or delayed engagements.
- 637755Some vehicles may exhibit a no 1-2 upshift, no 2-3 upshift, a no engine braking condition in manual 1 or diagnostic trouble code p0732 (gear 2 incorrect ratio) or p0733 (gear 3 incorrect ratio).
- 636235Experiencing a clicking / popping noise from the upper steering column area when turning the steering wheel.
- 635998Low line pressure reading at wide open throttle (wot), slipping shifts and / or delayed engagements with possible diagnostic trouble codes p0732, p0733, p1762 set on vehicles built before 12/1/2001.
- 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.
- 630515Engine oil system priming procedures, service tips for reports of premature engine failure.
- 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.
- 625715Brake shift interlock.*jb
- 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.
- 619424Subject regarding engine oil recommendations for use in 2001 vehicles - sae 5W-20 motor oil.
- 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.
- 615491All vehicles with antilock brake module concerns that require a module replacement, the technician must call for approval before removing and / or replacing the module.
- 615366Information on vehicles exhibiting steering wheel shimmy, vibration or grunt on slow speed turns.
- 615335Some vehicles may exhibit a hard start / long crank, cold start stall, cold rough idle concern.
Every Ford Ranger model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.