1996 Ford Ranger Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 38about this part
- Share
- 9%of 413 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 121,310miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 38 complaints about the electrical system of the 1996 Ford Ranger, 9% of the 413 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 121,310 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 10 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Upon entering the veh to go to work we found that one side of the steering column had melted and a burnt odor was detected in the veh. This occurred on the side of the steering column that the cruise feature is located. We talked with another owner of a Ranger and he advised us there had been a recall on the Ranger truck. We have not received any notification as to the recall and we bought the veh new in 1995. It is a 1996 model. This veh was in good condition before this happened and I would like to know if this can be fixed and what steps to take in order to take care of this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10253276, filed 2008-12, 13,300 miles“Overnight the truck caught fire while parked outside without the key in the ignition. Damage from the fire was contained to under the dash throughout the electrical components as well as ductwork. It re-ignited and burned after being put out once then after the battery was successfully disconnected, did not catch fire again.”
NHTSA complaint #10419871, filed 2011-08, 201,000 miles“The control clusters on the steering wheel have been at a sufficiently high temperature that the plastic covering over the micro switches has deformed and on occasion it will stick to your fingers. The center button on the left side has disintegrated to the point that the actual micro button is now operated directly through the missing portion of the original covering. One of the micro buttons on the right side is in the same condition and both control clusters have broken loose from the steering wheel. …”
NHTSA complaint #10680744, filed 2015-02, 146,000 miles“While vehicle was parked for 1 hourr a fire started under the hood. The fire was put out, and vehicle was totaled. Dealership was notified, but did not resolved the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10117179, filed 2005-03, 15,000 miles“The contact owns a 1996 Ford Ranger. While activating the right turn signal, the contact heard an electrical crackling sound in the dashboard. The failure has been occurring daily for the last nine months. The failure mileage was 130,000 and current mileage was 164,000. Updated 04/08/08. The right turn signals and emergency flashers did not work. The consumer also stated the cruise control was a problem as well. Updated”
NHTSA complaint #10220783, filed 2008-03, 130,000 milesElectrical 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 1996 Ford Ranger
69 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
52 complaintsTires
41 complaintsFuel system
35 complaintsVehicle speed control
34 complaintsEngine cooling
31 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
28 complaintsSeat belts
26 complaintsAir bags
25 complaintsSuspension
21 complaintsExterior lighting
17 complaintsSteering
17 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 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