1991 Ford Ranger Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 15%of 132 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 100,000miles
- 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 1991 Ford Ranger, 15% of the 132 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 100,000 miles. 17 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The contact owned a 1991 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked when it caught on fire. The fire department was notified and no injuries were reported at the scene. The vehicle was destroyed. The dealer was not notified. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure and current mileages were 150,000. Updated 8/23/12”
NHTSA complaint #10467104, filed 2012-07, 150,000 miles“While parked, the vehicle caught fire due to a failed ignition switch, manufacturer informed consumer that the failed part was not worthy of any type of assistance to compensate for a vehicle destroyed by fire. Ph. Consumer was injured while trying to put the fire out.”
NHTSA complaint #8024028, filed 2002-12“While parked the vehicle caught on fire. The state fire marshal performed a detailed investigation and determined that the cause of the fire was from the ignition switch. The dealer has not been notified. Owner will contact the manufacturer.”
NHTSA complaint #819488, filed 1997-12“Vehicle parked. Informed vehicle on fire. Popped hood & noticed flames coming from alternator area. Put flames out 3 times. Noticed the wire connector had caused the alternator to catch on fire.”
NHTSA complaint #845769, filed 1999-08“Driving from work, started & warmed up engine, smelled something, turned on interior lite, noticed smoke from dashboard, amber glowed at feet area, pulled over, flames engulfed truck; vehicle totaled.”
NHTSA complaint #805813, filed 1996-12Electrical 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 1991 Ford Ranger
17 complaintsEngine cooling
16 complaintsBody and structure
13 complaintsTires
13 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
13 complaintsBrakes
12 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
12 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1991 Ford Ranger
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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