1986 Ford Ranger Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 37%of 35 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the electrical system of the 1986 Ford Ranger, 37% of the 35 complaints for this model year. 10 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 2001-03“Ignition switch would stick. Would short out everthing connected to it. Had everything related to ignition switch & wiring replaced due to being burned.”
NHTSA complaint #884632, filed 2001-03“While sitting a week or so, horn started blowing then smoked. Battery had to be disconnected to stop fire from spreading further. Please describe details.”
NHTSA complaint #983648, filed 1996-04“After being parked for approx. 10 hour, found vehicle engulfed in flames, fire dept was extinquishing, and made no determination as to why it started.”
NHTSA complaint #983844, filed 1996-04Related recalls
- 85V116000Sep 24, 1985The electronic engine control wiring harness insulation may be damaged due to copper spikes produced during the welding of its wires. This creates a potential…Covers: Ford Ranger 1986, Bronco II 1986
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 22% |
| 2025 | 10 | 23% |
| 2024 | 30 | 31% |
| 2023 | 2 | 11% |
| 2022 | 9 | 24% |
| 2021 | 8 | 7% |
| 2020 | 11 | 8% |
| 2019 | 41 | 15% |
| 2011 | 5 | 2% |
| 2010 | 2 | 1% |
| 2009 | 2 | 1% |
| 2008 | 7 | 2% |
| 2007 | 5 | 2% |
| 2006 | 11 | 4% |
| 2005 | 21 | 7% |
| 2004 | 17 | 4% |
| 2003 | 17 | 7% |
| 2002 | 17 | 5% |
| 2001 | 22 | 4% |
| 2000 | 38 | 6% |
| 1999 | 39 | 5% |
| 1998 | 29 | 5% |
| 1997 | 28 | 7% |
| 1996 | 38 | 9% |
| 1995 | 29 | 9% |
| 1994 | 25 | 6% |
| 1993 | 18 | 8% |
| 1992 | 41 | 22% |
| 1991 | 20 | 15% |
| 1990 | 20 | 19% |
| 1989 | 15 | 21% |
| 1988 | 32 | 36% |
| 1987 | 14 | 28% |
| 1986 | 13 | 37% |
| 1985 | 12 | 44% |
| 1984 | 2 | 17% |
| 1983 | 3 | 27% |
Other parts of the 1986 Ford Ranger
7 complaintsSeat belts
7 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsWheels
2 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsTires
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1986 Ford Ranger
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology