1996 Ford Ranger Equipment Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 3%of 413 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the equipment of the 1996 Ford Ranger, 3% of the 413 complaints for this model year. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“After researching your service bulletin database I found 2 like problems relating to mine. Compressor failure. # 96-20-6 and # 96-22-6 this vehicle is only on its second summer of use. An air conditioner compressor should not self destruct causing expensive repair to the entire system. This is a known defect that Ford is aware of and they will do nothing about it. It is not in my budget to hand out $1200 (fords estimate) for a piece of faulty equipment which failed due to an error at the factory. …”
NHTSA complaint #708904, filed 1999-07“On several occasions vehicle experienced a grinding / dragging noise, due to front suspension failure. However the front shocks were replaced, due to leaking. Also the sway bar experienced failure, which was replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #545929, filed 1999-06“When turning on either air conditioner or defroster the gas surges and the vehicle accelerates forward. Took in for repair and dealer said that this is normal for the vehicle. To surge.”
NHTSA complaint #810291, filed 1997-03“Windshield wipers would work intermittently, sometimes not at all. Headlights work sometimes. A/c would not work all the time. Dealer being contacted.”
NHTSA complaint #828413, filed 1998-10Related recalls
- 96V161000Aug 29, 1996The certification labels on the involved vehicles has incorrect rear tire inflation pressure designations. This does not comply with fmvss no. 120, "tire…Covers: Ford Ranger 1996, F-150 1996–1997, F-250 1996–1997 +3 more
Equipment: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 2% |
| 2022 | 1 | 3% |
| 2011 | 1 | 0% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2007 | 2 | 1% |
| 2004 | 1 | 0% |
| 2003 | 2 | 1% |
| 2002 | 10 | 3% |
| 2001 | 5 | 1% |
| 2000 | 7 | 1% |
| 1999 | 6 | 1% |
| 1998 | 7 | 1% |
| 1997 | 14 | 3% |
| 1996 | 11 | 3% |
| 1995 | 9 | 3% |
| 1994 | 6 | 1% |
| 1993 | 2 | 1% |
| 1992 | 4 | 2% |
| 1991 | 1 | 1% |
| 1990 | 1 | 1% |
| 1988 | 1 | 1% |
| 1987 | 1 | 2% |
| 1983 | 1 | 9% |
Other parts of the 1996 Ford Ranger
69 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
52 complaintsTires
41 complaintsElectrical system
38 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 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 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