10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
3 / 0
Average Mileage:
0 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 1996 Ford Ranger:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

problem #33

Jun 152000

Ranger

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
Intermittent problem with the courtesy lights and trunk cargo lights staying on while driving or parking. Blower motor would come on and go off while the switch are in the off mode or in the on mode. Dealer and manufactrer were not notified at this time. The ABS brakes lock up on wet pavement.

- Piedmont, MO, USA

problem #32

Jan 302002

(reported on)

Ranger 4WD

  • miles
ABS failed when pedal held down in rapid stop. Pulses and then drops for several seconds before reengaging. Has almost caused accidents many times during entire time I have owned truck. Technicians can find no information on why this might occur.

- Omaha, NE, USA

problem #31

Sep 151996

Ranger

  • miles
Brakes lock up only during wet road conditions. Vehicle been to dealer's repair shop on three occasions, and problem still occurring. Please provide any further details on this matter.

- Arlington, VA, USA

problem #30

Apr 202000

Ranger

  • miles
No summary listed for above vehicle.

- Sysesville, MD, USA

problem #29

Aug 012000

Ranger

  • miles
No summary listed for above vehicle.

- Bellflower, CA, USA

problem #28

Mar 052000

Ranger

  • miles
While driving on a narrow two-lane road, I proceeded to pass another vehicle. I accelerated and kicked the truck into passing gear. The throttle went to the wide open position and would not release. I used the brakes to fight the out of control engine and vehicle. I proceeded down the curvy for 3 to four miles until I got to a pullout place where I applied the brakes so hard that it killed the engine. The brakes were down to no pads, were very hot, and cooked out grease that caught on fire. I restarted the engine at which time the throttle was no longer stuck in the wide open position.

- Augusta, GA, USA

problem #27

Jun 171999

Ranger

  • miles
Passenger's front wheel locks up which causes brake lock up, and may result in a crash. Been to dealer several times. First time it was the rear brakes. Currently, dealer cannot determine the problem.

- Albany, LA, USA

problem #26

Mar 011999

Ranger

  • miles
ABS light comes on, and the ABS brakes are locking up when applying the brakes at any speed.

- Tallassee, AL, USA

problem #25

Mar 271999

(reported on)

Ranger 4WD

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
At least 12 sets of brakes put on vehicle"4 in uder 9000 miles, resulting in 2 accidents" 3 times at turning rotors/engine rebuilt at 52000 miles still with loss of porwer. 2 egr valves/2 wiper switches/syncronizers/2 slave cylinders on transmission and oil leak. All problems still exist. Engine idles high enough that the use of the gas pedal is not needed for intown driving. Speeds of 45mph can be obtained before hitting pedal.

- Beaver, PA, USA

problem #24

Feb 051999

(reported on)

Ranger

  • miles
When applying the ABS brakes they freeze/lock up, and the vehicle veers to the right, also extended stopping distance occurs cause unknown.

- Ft Edwards, NY, USA

problem #23

Nov 181997

Ranger

  • miles
When driving down on the highway if the brake pedal is pressed softly the rear brakes lock up and don't want to release. Dealer has been contacted.

- Livingston, TX, USA

problem #22

Oct 021998

Ranger 4WD

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
Consumer was driving on the street, approx. 30-35 mph, needed to apply brakes when vehicle braking system locked up without warning, causing vehicle to vibrate/shake/ and out of control. Dealer notified and informed consumer that the brakes was defective and repair at the cost to consumer.

- San Anselmo, CA, USA

problem #21

Oct 161998

(reported on)

Ranger

  • miles
When it's raining outside the rear wheels lock up when the brakes are applied. Dealer can't find solution.

- Roslindale, MA, USA

problem #20

Sep 111996

Ranger

  • miles
Anti lock brakes continually lock up causing loss of control, vehicle went into ditch on one occasion, brakes can not be repaired to the lack of replacement parts.

- New Virgin, IA, USA

problem #19

May 141998

(reported on)

Ranger

  • miles
Fron tand rear ABS brakes failed. Also replaced front brake pads and shoes.

- Kernersvil, NC, USA

problem #18

Jul 091996

Ranger

  • miles
Vehicle pulls to the left when braking and steering wheel must be gripped tightly to control. Also, replaced pads/machined rotors and sanded shoes.

- Frasier, MI, USA

problem #17

Jul 091996

Ranger

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Vehicle pulls left when braking and steering wheel must be gripped tightly to control. Replaced pads/machined rotors and sanded shoes.

- Fraser, MI, USA

problem #16

May 031997

Ranger 4WD

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
Anit-lock brakes failed, accident occurred due to failure.

- Springfield, VA, USA

problem #15

May 251997

Ranger 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Antilock brakes failed.

- Akron, OH, USA

problem #14

Nov 121997

(reported on)

Ranger 4WD

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
When brakes are applied, the rear brakes lock up, causing the vehicle to go into a slide. The dealer has been notified.

- Sandpoint, ID, USA

Read the next 13 complaints »