1987 Ford Ranger Problems
- Complaints
- 50filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 109,117miles, 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
- 20 mpgcombined, 2.3L 4-cyl RWD · 18 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1987 Ford Ranger (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 1987 Ford Ranger most often describe a sudden loss of steering, power or control while driving, including a broken steering column or driveshaft weld. Fires that start under the hood or in the dash or cab are also reported, along with seat belt buckles and latches that do not stay locked. Mileage is rarely stated in this sample.
- Steering
Sudden loss of steering, power or control while driving
- 8 complaints (16%)
- typically at 11.3 yrs old
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1996–2006
Owners describe losing control of the truck after a steering column broke or a driveshaft weld broke while driving. Other reports describe the truck swaying to the left and losing control on a highway, and a tread that separated and made the truck fishtail on an interstate. A report describes the engine shutting off at highway speed without warning, and another describes losing power steering and brakes when a module failed. In a rollover, an officer reportedly found a cab-to-frame bolt missing and another sheared off, and the owner says the truck had regular safety checks. None of these reports state mileage, and most describe the event on a highway or interstate.
What to check: Have a technician check the steering column, driveshaft welds, tires and cab mounting bolts before buying. Ask the seller whether any module, electrical or engine repairs were done after a loss of power or steering.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving on interstate 75 between naples and miami florida, the tread on my firestone fr 440 tire separated which cause my Ford Ranger truck to fish tail on highway. I controlled the vehicle to a stop on shoulder of the highway. Called police and they dispatched road service. The firestone p205/70r14 93s m+s tread separated from the tire. The tired did not go flat. The separated tread destroyed the passenger side rear wheel well, tail pipe and part of the vehicle body around wheel well.”
NHTSA complaint #10167293, filed 2006-09“When the fti modual went out I was in the fast lane and almost was hit by a semi truck trying to pull the truck to the side of the road, there was no pwr steering or brakes, the emergensy brake was used to stop the truck.”
NHTSA complaint #729708, filed 2000-08 - Electrical system
Vehicle catches fire while parked or driving
- 18 complaints (36%)
- median 109,117 mi at 21.9 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- 14 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1996–2011
Owners describe fires that started under the hood or in the dash or cab, sometimes while the truck was parked or idling and sometimes after it was started or while backing out. Some reports describe smoke from the dash or hood before flames appeared. A fire department is reported to have blamed a shorted computer, another report names a faulty ignition switch, and some vehicles were total losses. None of these reports state mileage, and the fires were reported while the truck was parked, idling, being driven, or backing out.
What to check: Ask the seller about any electrical, ignition or computer repairs, and check the wiring under the dash and hood for heat damage or aftermarket work. Ask whether the fuel line coupling recall 87V139000 was completed, since a report says the fuel clip was never replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Truck was bought used and dealer maintained, it sat parked for 3 days without being touched due to son being in a pica cast from chest to feet, at approximately 2 am the locked truck honked and woke me up, when I went outside I could see flames in the passenger seat so got kids out of the house as there was gas line close and called the fire department which was unable to save the vehicle, as soon as the door opened it exploded into a big white ball not even the tires were any good. …”
NHTSA complaint #10417308, filed 2011-08“Vehicle stalled and then caught on fire in the engine compartment. Consumer states no vehicle caught fire, then stalled in a matter of 30 seconds, the cab of trucj was on fire and consumer barely had enough time to pull to the side of the road, to get out of traffic, get her purse and get out of truck and get 10 feet away consumer states the fuel clip was never replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #986274, filed 1996-06 - Seat belts
Seat belt buckle or latch does not stay locked
- 7 complaints (14%)
- typically at 9.0 yrs old
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2000
Owners describe a driver-side latch that will not latch, or latches and then comes unlatched while driving, at any speed and when stopped. A passenger buckle is described as not staying locked during a rollover at 60 mph, releasing the passenger, and a belt that will not lock when inserted and comes apart while driving is also reported. Another report describes a driver-side buckle that did not work, and the dealer asked the owner to return for the repair, later saying the return came too late. None of these reports state mileage, and the complaints describe problems at any speed and while the vehicle was stopped.
What to check: Test every seat belt buckle and latch by buckling and unbuckling each one, and check that it stays locked and releases properly. Ask whether the front seat belt buckle anchorage recall 87V075000 was completed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“When inserting the belt into the buckle the belt will not lock into the buckle. While driving the belt will come apart, and the occupants will not be locked into the seat belt because of the belt not locking when inserting into the buckle.”
NHTSA complaint #814469, filed 1997-07“Driver's side seat belt latch will not stay latched... Either it will not latch at all, or will latch and then come un-latched as I am driving.. This occurs at any speed, and also when the vehicle is stopped.”
NHTSA complaint #731072, filed 2000-09
Buying note. Before buying a 1987 Ranger, ask for proof that the front seat belt buckle recall 87V075000 was completed, and have the steering column, driveshaft, fuel line and wiring inspected before purchase. Several reports involve fires or seat belt buckles that do not stay locked, so test each buckle and check the wiring under the dash and hood for heat damage.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 22 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 50 consumer complaints for the 1987 Ford Ranger. 1 of the complaints include a mileage, and 0% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 109,117 miles. Of all complaints, 4 involved a crash, 14 a fire, 8 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year.
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 system14 28%
- Seat belts8 16%
- Engine cooling7 14%
- Fuel system7 14%
- Steering3 6.0%
- Other or unknown2 4.0%
- Suspension2 4.0%
- Tires2 4.0%
- Vehicle speed control2 4.0%
- Wheels2 4.0%
Also reported: Brakes (1), Equipment (1), Exterior lighting (1), Body and structure (1), Transmission and drivetrain (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “I had just left a red light. I was the 1st vechicle inthe north lane on a two lane street. The south bound side had about 8 cars . The last car hit a car in front of him, she hit a jeep in front of her, and impact caused her to swearve into the northbound side where I hit her in in the front passenger side. I had my grandson 9 in the front with me. My granddaughter 16 and her friend 15 were in the truck bed. I just had a small indention in the front of my truck. This truck was a 1987 long bed. Runs good. It I thought was steaming maybe I busted my radiator. My concern was the children. …”
NHTSA complaint #10127377, filed 2005-07Seat belts: “The driver side seat belt buckle don't work, dealer said come back we will fix it, consumer went back 45 day dealer say you should had come back in 30 day . Tt”
NHTSA complaint #967135, filed 1995-06Engine cooling: “Gas mileage has decreased to 6 miles per gallon. No fuel leaks have been found. Basic parts have been changed such as fuel filter, plugs and wires, air filter. Timing has been checked and set correctly. However, none of these repairs have improved the gas mileage.”
NHTSA complaint #717621, filed 2000-01Mileage 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 109,117 and 109,117 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 1987 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 | 22 | 26 | 24 | $2,800 |
| Ranger Pickup 2WD | 2.3L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,350 |
| 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 | 21 | 24 | 22 | $3,050 |
| 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 | 24 | 28 | 26 | $3,700 |
| Ranger Pickup 4WD | 2.3L 4-cyl · diesel | 5-speed manual | 23 | 26 | 24 | $4,000 |
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
- 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.
- 87V140000Sep 4, 1987Wheels › Lugs/nuts/bolts/studsCovers: Ford Ranger 1987, F-150 1987, F-250 1987
Wheel lug nut cone angles do not match lug nut seating angles.
- 87V075000May 26, 1987Seat belts › Front › AnchorageCovers: Ford Ranger 1987
The buckle portion of the seat belt assembly may not have been properly anchored to the floor.
- 87V070000May 18, 1987Equipment › Other › LabelsCovers: Ford Ranger 1987, Bronco II 1987
Stickers concerning handling and maneuverability which are affixed to drivers sun visor sleeves do not meet criteria for permanent adhesion.
Recall details for the 1987 Ford Ranger → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- PE89129Gearshift lever breaksClosed · Jun 7, 1989
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1987 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
What are the most common problems with the 1987 Ford Ranger?
Owners of the 1987 Ford Ranger most often describe a sudden loss of steering, power or control while driving, including a broken steering column or driveshaft weld. The issues reported most often: Sudden loss of steering, power or control while driving; Vehicle catches fire while parked or driving; Seat belt buckle or latch does not stay locked.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1987 Ford Ranger have?
NHTSA recorded 50 consumer complaints for the 1987 Ford Ranger as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1987 Ford Ranger is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 14 complaints (28% of the total), followed by seat belts with 8.
Has the 1987 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 1987 Ford Ranger get?
The EPA rates the 1987 Ford Ranger (Ranger Pickup 2WD, 2.3L 4-cyl) at 20 mpg combined, 18 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,350 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1987 Ford Ranger reported?
Among the 1 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 109,117 miles and the middle half falls between 109,117 and 109,117 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.