3.1

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
45,000 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 1997 Ford Ranger:

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

problem #3

Sep 012007

Ranger

  • 135,000 miles
The engine occasionally races (runaway acceleration) on my 1997 Ford Ranger 4X4 with standard transmission and overdrive and 3.0L engine. The acceleration tends to occur after I have driven the vehicle at highway speeds (70 mph) and then drive at slower speeds such as in an urban setting. At such times, the idle remains rather high and engine racing occurs when I engage the clutch to shift into second or third gear. The engine racing causes the gears to clash (grind) and resist shifting; I have almost been rear ended several times due to this slowing of forward motion since the brake lights do not come on to indicate it. Sometimes the acceleration runs away, and I have had to quickly pull over and turn off the ignition to prevent blowing the engine. I have taken the problem to several mechanics including Ford, but none have been able to identify the cause. There evidently was a recall for automatic transmissions with a similar problem but not for standard transmissions.

- Kingsville, TX, USA

problem #2

Aug 112002

Ranger

  • miles
Consumer states that while driving at any speed and no warning the odometer will move back and forth causing the consumer to have the wrong odometer readings. Dealer notified.

- Largo, FL, USA

problem #1

Feb 051998

(reported on)

Ranger

  • miles
The speedometer/ the interior lamp, and the windshield wipers don't work. Dealer can't find the vehicle.

- Gilberton, PA, USA