1992 Ford Ranger Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 41about this part
- Share
- 22%of 189 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 74,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 41 complaints about the electrical system of the 1992 Ford Ranger, 22% of the 189 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 74,000 miles. 30 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving home from my coast guard duty my truck started to fill with smoke. I pulled over and looked in my dash against the steering column and saw flames coming out. It was a total loss engulfing my truck in flames.”
NHTSA complaint #10256432, filed 2009-01, 124,000 miles“My 1992 Ford Ranger spontaneously combusted on the morning of june 6, 2006. The cruise control went out unexpectedly and wouldn't start. I left it overnight and received a phone call from the police at 5 a.m in the morning saying my truck was on fire. Apparently it had caught fire (while it was off) and completely totaled the entire vehicle, leaving me at a complete loss (insurance did not cover this type of claim). Being a 19 year old in college this came as a complete nightmare financially. Ford has refused to do anything about it. I will never drive a Ford again. …”
NHTSA complaint #10164036, filed 2006-07, 125 miles“While driving and/or idling smoke comes from both the steering column and under the hood. No fires as of yet but I would like to have the problem resolved before the truck burns down.”
NHTSA complaint #10037100, filed 2003-09, 53,645 miles“The starter solenoid clip connector failed. As a result, the vehicle will not start up again until part is replaced. Please provide additional information.”
NHTSA complaint #10097064, filed 2004-10, 100,000 miles“Engine stalls without warning, sometimes when driving, other times when stopped at a light. Sometimes it can be restarted right away, other times not. I've heard rumors that there may be a recall on this problem in the works. I checked the Ford web and found no recalls of any sort.”
NHTSA complaint #735237, filed 2000-10Electrical 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 1992 Ford Ranger
32 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
22 complaintsBrakes
17 complaintsEngine cooling
16 complaintsTires
15 complaintsBody and structure
14 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
13 complaintsFuel system
10 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsSeats
6 complaintsEquipment
4 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1992 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