Complaints:
Looking to buy a used Ford Ranger? Here are some complaints / problems and recalls to be aware of.
Engine:
- Engine hesitates and sputters.
- Engine runs 5-10 minutes and then shuts off.
- Won’t start.
Recalls:
1986 Ford Ranger SERVICE BRAKES, AIR: DISC: ROTOR NHTSA Campaign #98E010000
Date Announced: APRIL 08, 1998 / Vehicles Affected: 23,500
Summary: 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.
Consequence: Loss of braking can result.
Actions: 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. For detailed information & supporting documents, see the NHTSA recall 98E010000 »
1986 Ford Ranger FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: DELIVERY: HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS NHTSA Campaign #87V139000
Date Announced: SEPTEMBER 04, 1987 / Vehicles Affected: 3,600,000
Summary: Spring lock fuel line coupling may not be properly engaged.
Consequence: Coupling could disengage due to fuel pressure, vibration, and engine movements; this would cause loss of fuel which, in presence of an ignition source, creates a fire risk.
Actions: Install retainer clips over the couplings to prevent coupling separation and fuel leakage. For detailed information & supporting documents, see the NHTSA recall 87V139000 »
1986 Ford Ranger FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: DELIVERY: HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS NHTSA Campaign #85V130000
Date Announced: OCTOBER 18, 1985 / Vehicles Affected: 30,564
Summary: Nylon fuel lines on the fuel return side of the fuel pressure regulator assembly may crack. Consequence of defect: Fuel line could leak and, if an ignition source is present, create the potential for a fire.
Consequence: See above.
Actions: Replace nylon fuel hoses with rubber hoses. For detailed information & supporting documents, see the NHTSA recall 85V130000 »
1986 Ford Ranger ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: WIRING: FRONT UNDERHOOD NHTSA Campaign #85V116000
Date Announced: SEPTEMBER 24, 1985 Vehicles Affected: 7,886
Summary: The electronic engine control wiring harness insulation may be damaged due to copper spikes produced during the welding of its wires. This creates a potential for a short circuit between the wires which energize the fuel pump, causing some fuel injectors to open, discharging fuel into the engine. Consequence of defect: Fuel discharged into the engine would eventually leak through the exhaust system to the ground. This could result in a fire if a source of ignition is present.
Consequence: See above.
Actions: Repair wiring harness, check engine and catalyst for damage. For detailed information & supporting documents, see the NHTSA recall 85V116000 »
If you have information about known problems or recalls for the Ford Ranger, please use the ‘Submit Problem / Recall’ button below.
About The Author
Jim Oaks is the founder of The Ranger Station, one of the longest-running Ford Ranger enthusiast communities on the web. He has spent over three decades owning, modifying, repairing, and driving Ford Rangers on the street, trail, and cross-country routes.
Since launching TheRangerStation.com in 1999, Jim has documented thousands of real-world Ranger builds, technical repairs, drivetrain swaps, suspension modifications, and off-road tests contributed by owners worldwide. His work has been referenced by enthusiasts, mechanics, and off-road builders looking for practical, experience-based information rather than theoretical advice.
Jim’s hands-on experience includes long-distance overland travel, trail use, drivetrain and axle upgrades, suspension tuning, and platform comparisons across multiple Ranger generations. The content published on The Ranger Station is grounded in first-hand experience and community-verified data, not marketing claims or generic specifications.