1986 Ford Ranger Problems
- Complaints
- 35filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 109,368miles, 1 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 4campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 21 mpgcombined, 2.3L 4-cyl RWD · 19 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1986 Ford Ranger (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 35 consumer complaints for the 1986 Ford Ranger. The part named most often is electrical system, with 13 complaints (37% of the total), followed by engine cooling (7) and seat belts (7). 1 of the complaints include a mileage, and 0% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 109,368 miles. Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, 12 a fire, 3 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year. Electrical system complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign covering the front underhood filed under the same part.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system13 37%
- Engine cooling7 20%
- Seat belts7 20%
- Fuel system4 11%
- Brakes3 8.6%
- Steering2 5.7%
- Wheels2 5.7%
- Other or unknown1 2.9%
- Suspension1 2.9%
Also reported: Tires (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “Ignition has shorted out 3 times. Defect keeps reoccurring.* ak consumer states has now happened 4 times, ignition failed to disengage starter solenoid after releasing battery, caused over heating of starter, shorted temp guage, radio, and panel, indicator lights, but did not blow fuses as it did june 11,2000. …”
NHTSA complaint #883288, filed 2001-03Engine cooling: “When driving and trying to change speed the engine collapsed. Tt consumer states dealer would try to correct jerking and stalling problems by replacing the EGR valve, however this did not correct the problem, consumer found TSB 87-16-19 regarding this problem with the faulty eec unit.”
NHTSA complaint #975207, filed 1995-11Mileage when problems were reported
0% of the 1 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 109,368 and 109,368 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1986 Ford Ranger version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ranger Pickup 2WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 20 | 25 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Ranger Pickup 2WD | 2.3L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 23 | 26 | 24 | $2,800 |
| Ranger Pickup 2WD | 2.3L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 19 | 24 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Ranger Pickup 2WD | 2.9L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 17 | 22 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Ranger Pickup 2WD | 2.9L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Ranger Pickup 4WD | 2.3L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 22 | 25 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Ranger Pickup 4WD | 2.9L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 16 | 20 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Ranger Pickup 4WD | 2.9L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Ranger Pickup 2WD | 2.3L 4-cyl · diesel | 5-speed manual | 25 | 29 | 27 | $3,550 |
| Ranger Pickup 4WD | 2.3L 4-cyl · diesel | 5-speed manual | 24 | 28 | 26 | $3,700 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 88V145000Sep 2, 1988SeatsCovers: Ford Ranger 1986, Aerostar 1986, Bronco II 1986
Wiring for the power lumbar seat system was routed directly beneath the seat cushion springs and may be abraded by the springs.
- 87V139000Sep 4, 1987Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCovers: Ford Ranger 1986–1987, Escort 1986–1988, Lincoln Town CAR 1986–1988 +18 more
Spring lock fuel line coupling may not be properly engaged.
- 85V130000Oct 18, 1985Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCovers: Ford Ranger 1986, Bronco II 1986
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.
- 85V116000Sep 24, 1985Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhoodCovers: Ford Ranger 1986, Bronco II 1986
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…
Recall details for the 1986 Ford Ranger → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- EA90016Gear shift lever failsClosed · Mar 23, 1990
- PE89129Gearshift lever breaksClosed · Jun 7, 1989
- PE87012Engine compartment firesClosed · Dec 19, 1986
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1986 Ford Ranger.
Other model years of the Ford Ranger
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 9 | 32 | 8 | 4 | 23 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 44 | 1,050 | 13 | 4 | 23 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 96 | 4,200 | 13 | 4 | 22 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 18 | 1,850 | 4 | 4 | 23 | — | Too new |
| 2022 | 38 | 15,500 | 5 | 4 | 23 | 26 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2021 | 119 | 32,800 | 6 | 4 | 23 | 67 · More | Rising |
| 2020 | 130 | 20,000 | 7 | 4 | 23 | 71 · More | Rising |
| 2019 | 271 | 19,500 | 11 | 4 | 23 | 90 · More | Rising |
| 2011 | 235 | 48,750 | 5 | 2 | 20 | 44 · Typical | Falling |
| 2010 | 156 | 51,000 | 8 | — | 21 | 41 · Typical | Falling |
| 2009 | 169 | 36,250 | 7 | — | 21 | 52 · Typical | Falling |
| 2008 | 326 | 62,500 | 5 | — | 18 | 47 · Typical | Falling |
| 2007 | 270 | 65,000 | 5 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 272 | 69,720 | 12 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 289 | 57,500 | 9 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2004 | 405 | 66,803 | 10 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 243 | 56,000 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 346 | 55,700 | 3 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 515 | 82,000 | 4 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 670 | 82,000 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 755 | 89,000 | 4 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 576 | 100,000 | 5 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 411 | 100,000 | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 413 | 116,500 | 2 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1995 | 321 | 139,026 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1994 | 438 | 115,915 | 4 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 232 | 93,904 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 189 | 93,324 | 2 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 132 | 82,500 | 2 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 105 | 145,500 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 73 | 82,000 | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 89 | 89,000 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 50 | 109,117 | 4 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1986 | 35 | 109,368 | 4 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1985 | 27 | 27,000 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1984 | 12 | 135,000 | 6 | — | 19 | — | Not enough data |
| 1983 | 11 | — | 5 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Ford Ranger model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1986 Ford Ranger have?
NHTSA recorded 35 consumer complaints for the 1986 Ford Ranger as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1986 Ford Ranger is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 13 complaints (37% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 7.
Has the 1986 Ford Ranger been recalled?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1986 Ford Ranger get?
The EPA rates the 1986 Ford Ranger (Ranger Pickup 2WD, 2.3L 4-cyl) at 21 mpg combined, 19 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1986 Ford Ranger reported?
Among the 1 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 109,368 miles and the middle half falls between 109,368 and 109,368 miles; 0% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.