1990 Ford Ranger Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 19%of 105 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 194,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the electrical system of the 1990 Ford Ranger, 19% of the 105 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 194,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 12 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“When vehicle is either stationary or in motion the passenger head lamp melts, something is causing that one light to over heat and has melted the entire head unit. I have very little visibility with head lamps on. Battery is constantly corroded, no mattet how much I clean it. Ac/defrost does not work. Right blinker does not stay on, shuts off with the slightest movement of steering wheel. Gauges do not function properly nor do the light indicators. Check engine line comes on after exceeding 30mph and when I have it checked it's only the o2 sensor. …”
NHTSA complaint #11231208, filed 2019-07, 275,000 miles“Our 1990 Ford Ranger was parked in the driveway on the evening of november 5. On saturday morning, november 6th, we discovered the interior of the truck destroyed by fire. The cluster of gauges was completely melted and gone. The dash sunk in over the steering column. The windshield cracked where the flame apparently vented through the defroster vent on the dash. The headliner is black. The seat and steering wheel pelted with drops of hardened plastic. Police came to investigate and said it was an electrical fire. This truck has never been altered in any way. …”
NHTSA complaint #10098707, filed 2004-11, 114,000 miles“While parked for 10 to 15 minutes consumer noticed vehicle was burning after 15 minutes. Fire department came. Steering column was melted along with the instrument panel. Ford has been contacted.”
NHTSA complaint #869455, filed 2000-09“Pick-up gauge showed hot. Got help at nearest station and replaced lost coolent. Seemed to have cooled down. Drove about four (4) miles and noticed smoke comming into cab down by the gear shift in floor board. Immeddiately pulled in to a school parking lot away from other cars. Got out and looked under the pickup. Smoke was pouring out by then. Within about 5 min. At the most a fire started underneath and within min. The whole truck went up in flames. Fire department had only 6 miles at the most to travel and responded qickly but it was completely lost by then. …”
NHTSA complaint #765397, filed 2002-08“Owner states that his vehicle burned down due to a faulty ignition switch. He further notes that there was a recall for this problem but his vehicle was not identified.”
NHTSA complaint #811029, filed 1997-04Electrical 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 1990 Ford Ranger
14 complaintsVehicle speed control
13 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
12 complaintsFuel system
11 complaintsEngine cooling
10 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsSeats
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1990 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