1992 Ford Ranger Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 7%of 189 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1992 Ford Ranger, 7% of the 189 complaints for this model year.
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.
“The problem with getting the truck to go into gear happens off and on. It is getting worse. Ignition is to a point that I must jump start it. I am disable to the point of pushing the truck in order to start it.”
NHTSA complaint #729635, filed 2000-08“Transmission manual failed output shaft at 20 MPH replaced internal gears gave out at 65 MPH.//ABS brakes became spongy & lock in rear pull to right in front .//headlights began blinking off &on after 15 minutes of driving.//transfer case split while in 2 wheel drive at 35 MPH.//front suspension giving out can't align front end ,eratic steering & worn tires.//rear springs slipped out on left side axle slid forward to body.//heater began rattliing ,more as you turn fan up.”
NHTSA complaint #719264, filed 2000-02“Five speed manual transmission locked up due to bad seals where shifting rods go through, owner pulled over immediately and was informed that this is a common problem. Mechanic said heat expansion causes them to leak only in motion.”
NHTSA complaint #804903, filed 1996-11“Transmission does not provide compression braking in any gear, including reverse; vehicle freewheels as though it were in neutral; also, will not shift into any lower gear manually regardless of speed/gear position.”
NHTSA complaint #512144, filed 1996-12Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 33% |
| 2025 | 18 | 40% |
| 2024 | 39 | 41% |
| 2023 | 5 | 28% |
| 2022 | 17 | 45% |
| 2021 | 60 | 50% |
| 2020 | 49 | 38% |
| 2019 | 92 | 34% |
| 2011 | 5 | 2% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 3 | 2% |
| 2008 | 1 | 0% |
| 2007 | 2 | 1% |
| 2006 | 4 | 1% |
| 2005 | 8 | 3% |
| 2004 | 27 | 7% |
| 2003 | 16 | 7% |
| 2002 | 61 | 18% |
| 2001 | 51 | 10% |
| 2000 | 69 | 10% |
| 1999 | 67 | 9% |
| 1998 | 60 | 10% |
| 1997 | 42 | 10% |
| 1996 | 28 | 7% |
| 1995 | 22 | 7% |
| 1994 | 49 | 11% |
| 1993 | 19 | 8% |
| 1992 | 13 | 7% |
| 1991 | 12 | 9% |
| 1990 | 10 | 10% |
| 1989 | 5 | 7% |
| 1988 | 9 | 10% |
| 1987 | 1 | 2% |
| 1986 | 2 | 6% |
| 1985 | 5 | 19% |
| 1983 | 1 | 9% |
Other parts of the 1992 Ford Ranger
41 complaintsSuspension
32 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
22 complaintsBrakes
17 complaintsEngine cooling
16 complaintsTires
15 complaintsBody and structure
14 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 31, 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