1994 Ford Ranger Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 49about this part
- Share
- 11%of 438 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 49 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1994 Ford Ranger, 11% of the 438 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 100,000 miles. 5 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The leak in the transmission was the result of the failure of the plastic plugs located on top of the transmission. This was reported to me by the dealers service personnel when vehicle was taken for repair. I was informed that thic was a common problem with the mazda transmission used in the Ranger truck. Ther have been at least two other reports to NHTSA on this problem. From information I have received, if the fluid in the transmission becomes low, it will result in the transmission being damaged. …”
NHTSA complaint #705831, filed 1999-04“The plugs in the transmission case (I'm not sure of the exact anatomy) shrunk resulting in the lost of transmission fluid. In turn, the transmission was damaged from driving without fluid. I was unaware of the problem at the time and did not realize something was wrong until too late. The truck was still driveable, but only for a matter of time. It is being repaired now. I've spoken with several mechanics locally who have all told me that this seems to be a common problem with the Ford transmission for several years. …”
NHTSA complaint #700197, filed 1998-10“Firestone atx tires, p26575r15, DOT w29vins423 experienced vibration, consumer stated vehicle jumped and left road into a ditch causing damage to vehicle, consumer feels that the tires shook so bad and caused the 4wd hub to engage causing vehicle to drag on left front wheel and steer left, consumer also states the hub did fail in the summer or fall of 2000 and it was replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #869548, filed 2000-09“After making a hard right turn when the vehicle is first started, the automatic locking hubs for the 4 wd system tried to engage and caused an uncontrollable shaking of the front end of the truck. In addition, there is a loud whining from the transfer case. Once the vehicle is stopped, the problem corrects itself.”
NHTSA complaint #719905, filed 2000-03“The leak in the transmission was the result of failure of the plastic plugs located on top of the transmission. The aastro transmission and automoblie repairs had reported to me of the problem. They also had encountered other vehicles like mine and with the same situations.( DOT number: tire size: p225/70r14 )”
NHTSA complaint #724467, filed 2000-06Transmission 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 1994 Ford Ranger
116 complaintsFuel system
63 complaintsTires
54 complaintsSuspension
30 complaintsElectrical system
25 complaintsEngine cooling
23 complaintsVehicle speed control
23 complaintsBody and structure
21 complaintsSteering
19 complaintsSeats
17 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
13 complaintsOther or unknown
11 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1994 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