1990 Ford Ranger Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 2%of 105 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the steering of the 1990 Ford Ranger, 2% of the 105 complaints for this model year. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“While driving 45mph steering wheel came off & fell into driver's lap. No vehicle control. Went up small embankment. Hit barbed wire fence and landed in a ditch. Upon impact, air bags did not deploy. Driver's back & shoulder were injured. Emergency room treatment & release.”
NHTSA complaint #841167, filed 1999-06“While driving at 45 MPH steering wheel detached by itself and came off. Vehicle was not controllable and was involved in a crash. Dealer contacted, and could not remedy problem. Problem still exists. Provide further information.”
NHTSA complaint #836480, filed 1999-04Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 5% |
| 2024 | 6 | 6% |
| 2022 | 1 | 3% |
| 2021 | 2 | 2% |
| 2020 | 2 | 2% |
| 2019 | 5 | 2% |
| 2011 | 1 | 0% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 3 | 2% |
| 2008 | 1 | 0% |
| 2007 | 1 | 0% |
| 2006 | 5 | 2% |
| 2005 | 5 | 2% |
| 2004 | 3 | 1% |
| 2003 | 7 | 3% |
| 2002 | 8 | 2% |
| 2001 | 7 | 1% |
| 2000 | 25 | 4% |
| 1999 | 16 | 2% |
| 1998 | 19 | 3% |
| 1997 | 21 | 5% |
| 1996 | 17 | 4% |
| 1995 | 9 | 3% |
| 1994 | 19 | 4% |
| 1993 | 4 | 2% |
| 1992 | 3 | 2% |
| 1990 | 2 | 2% |
| 1988 | 3 | 3% |
| 1987 | 3 | 6% |
| 1986 | 2 | 6% |
| 1985 | 1 | 4% |
Other parts of the 1990 Ford Ranger
20 complaintsTires
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 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