1996 Ford Ranger Problems & Recalls

1996 Ford Ranger Problems & Recalls

Looking to buy a used 1996 Ford Ranger? There are several owner-reported problems worth knowing about before you purchase one. These include engine stalling and high-idle complaints, fuel-system deterioration, electrical problems involving the multifunction switch and cruise control, and rust-related steering and suspension failures.

The 1996 Ranger is also covered by a Ford speed-control deactivation switch recall and a tire certification label recall. As with any older truck, the condition of the individual vehicle and its maintenance history are just as important as the model-year concerns listed below.

Reported Problems

These are reported problems and complaints. They do not necessarily mean every 1996 Ranger will experience them.

Engine Problems

• Engine stalls: Owners have reported engines that stall unexpectedly.
• Loss of power going uphill: Some reports describe the engine losing speed under load, accompanied by flashing engine and overdrive lights.
• High idle: An engine that idles higher than normal may have a problem with its idle control system, vacuum system, or related components. The cause should be diagnosed rather than assumed.

Fuel System

• Gas pedal bracket failure: Reports describe the accelerator pedal bracket breaking away from the firewall. Inspect the bracket and its mounting points.
• Fuel tank strap rust: Corroded fuel tank straps can weaken and break. Check the straps and the surrounding frame area.
• Cracked fuel filler hose: A deteriorated filler hose can leak fuel, particularly during refueling. Inspect the hose for cracks and signs of leakage.

Electrical and Cruise Control Problems

• Unexpected acceleration: Some owners have reported unintended acceleration, with complaints often associated with cruise control.
• Cruise control fire concerns: Reports describe cruise-control components overheating or catching fire.
• Cruise control fails to disengage: Some complaints involve cruise control remaining engaged when the brakes are applied.
• Multifunction switch failure: Problems with the turn-signal switch can also affect other electrical functions.
• Windshield wipers activating unexpectedly: A faulty multifunction switch may cause the wipers to turn on without being commanded.
• Door ajar light and interior chime staying on: A sticking door-latch switch can cause the interior light or door-ajar warning to remain active. Lubricating the latch may help, but a worn switch or latch may need replacement.
• Headlights shutting off while driving: Reports describe headlights turning off unexpectedly, potentially involving the multifunction or dimmer switch.

The cruise-control concerns deserve particular attention because Ford issued a safety recall involving the speed-control deactivation switch.

Heating and Air Conditioning

• Blend door failure: Some Rangers may become stuck on heat because the HVAC blend door or its mechanism fails.
• Air conditioning compressor failure: Owners have reported A/C compressor problems.

Steering and Suspension

• Steering box mounting bolts breaking: Reports describe bolts securing the steering box to the frame breaking. Inspect the mounting points and surrounding frame for damage or corrosion.
• Leaf spring shackles and hangers rusting: Rust can weaken the rear suspension mounting points and lead to failure. Inspect the shackles, hangers, and frame carefully.

Seat Belts and Airbags

• Airbag non-deployment reports: Some owners have reported airbags failing to deploy during collisions. These reports do not establish that every vehicle has an airbag defect, but the airbag system should be checked for warning lights, prior repairs, or signs of tampering.
• Seat belt latch problems: Reports describe seat belts that will not latch or that come unlatched. Test every belt and buckle.

Interior

• Driver’s seat back failure: Some reports describe the back of the driver’s seat collapsing.

Brake Problems

Owners have reported several brake-related concerns:

• ABS locking up on wet pavement.
• ABS locking up during braking.
• Rear brakes locking up.
• ABS operation that pulses and then temporarily drops out before re-engaging.

A used Ranger should receive a thorough brake inspection. Any unexpected brake lockup or loss of braking should be addressed before the truck is driven.

Tire Concerns

Some 1996 Rangers were equipped with Firestone tires that were included in tire tread-separation campaigns. These campaigns involved specific tire models and sizes, not a defect in the Ranger itself. Check the tires currently installed on the truck for age, condition, and any applicable recall or campaign history.

1996 Ford Ranger Recalls

Recall applicability depends on the vehicle’s VIN, production details, and whether the repair was completed. The campaigns below include both Ford vehicle recalls and campaigns involving aftermarket replacement equipment or tires.

09V399 — Speed Control Deactivation Switch

Ford Recall 09S09

Certain 1995–1997 Ford Rangers equipped with the Texas Instruments speed-control deactivation switch were included in this recall.

The switch could leak internally and overheat, potentially resulting in smoke, burning, or a vehicle fire. A fire could occur even when the engine was not running.

Ford’s remedy was to install a fused wiring harness in line with the switch.

NHTSA Recall 09V399 — Official Recall Document

96V161 — Incorrect Tire Certification Label

Certain 1996 Ford Rangers were included in a recall involving incorrect rear tire inflation pressure information on the vehicle certification label.

The incorrect information did not comply with federal tire and rim labeling requirements and could lead to premature tire wear if the tires were inflated incorrectly.

Ford provided corrected certification labels and instructions for installation.

NHTSA Recall 96V161 — Recall Information

Aftermarket Lighting Recalls

Several NHTSA campaigns involved aftermarket replacement lamps sold for use on various vehicles, including the Ranger. These were not recalls of the original factory-installed Ranger lighting equipment.

• 09E025 — Dope, Inc. Certain aftermarket combination lamps lacked required amber side reflectors.
• 09E012 — Sabersport Certain aftermarket combination lamps lacked required amber side reflectors.
• 08E050 — K2 Motor Certain aftermarket headlamps lacked required amber side reflex reflectors.
• 06E026 — Pro-A Motors Certain aftermarket corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights lacked required amber reflectors.

If aftermarket lighting has been installed, check the part numbers and confirm that the lamps meet applicable requirements.

NHTSA Recall 06E026 — Pro-A Motors

Firestone Tire Campaigns

The 1996 Ranger may also be associated with Firestone tire campaigns involving certain Wilderness AT, Radial ATX, and Radial ATX II tires.

These campaigns involved specific tires and sizes. They were not Ford Ranger vehicle recalls. Check the tire brand, model, size, and current condition rather than assuming the truck itself was affected.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs)

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for the 1996 Ranger are official communications between Ford & their dealerships that describe processes for troubleshooting or fixing certain common problems. All vehicle manufacturers are required by U.S. law to make their TSBs available to the public.

For a list of the TSBs for the 1996 Ford Ranger check out: 1996 Ford Ranger TSBs

What to Check When Buying a 1996 Ford Ranger

When inspecting a used 1996 Ranger, pay particular attention to:

• Frame and suspension rust: Inspect the frame, steering box mounting points, leaf spring hangers, and shackles.
• Fuel system condition: Check the fuel tank straps, filler hose, and fuel lines for corrosion or leaks.
• Cruise control: Verify that the recall repair has been completed and that the system operates and disengages properly.
• Electrical functions: Test the turn signals, headlights, windshield wipers, interior lights, and door-ajar warning.
• Engine operation: Check for stalling, unusually high idle, loss of power, and warning lights.
• Brakes and ABS: Test the brakes carefully and look for signs of lockup, pulsation, or inconsistent operation.
• Seat belts and airbags: Verify that belts latch securely and that the airbag warning light operates normally.
• Tires: Check their age, condition, size, and inflation pressure.

A well-maintained 1996 Ranger can still be a useful truck, but corrosion and neglected safety-related repairs can make an otherwise inexpensive purchase costly.

Check for Outstanding Recalls

Use the truck’s VIN to check for unrepaired recalls:

• NHTSA VIN Recall Lookup
• Ford Recall Lookup

A VIN lookup identifies unrepaired recalls for the specific vehicle. Keep in mind that the NHTSA lookup may not show recalls that have already been repaired or some recalls more than 15 years old.

Related Ford Ranger Information

• 1983–2011 Ford Ranger Buyer’s Guide
• The Ranger Station Technical Library
• The Ranger Station Forums
• Ford Ranger Brochures