1996 Ford Ranger Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 4%of 413 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the steering of the 1996 Ford Ranger, 4% of the 413 complaints for this model year. 1 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 two buttons on either side of the horn, on the steering wheel, that control the cruise control melt in the heat and expose the circuit boards. This has been going on for a few years and I finally need to report this.”
NHTSA complaint #10514863, filed 2013-06“While driving at 5 MPH two bolts which held the steering box broke. As a result, the steering pump failed, and vehicle was inoperable. Vehicle was taken to the dealership and the technician replaced the bolts and the steering pump at consumer's expense of $458.00 . The steering box snapped when consumer was about to move from a stop sign.”
NHTSA complaint #10079544, filed 2004-07“While driving at 50 MPH steering failed as the truck entered a curve. After forcefully trying to steer to the right, the steering became free. However, this was accomplished too late to avoid a collision with another vehicle. This resulted in extensive damage to the truck from the collision.”
NHTSA complaint #717504, filed 2000-01“While making a slow turn steering went out, consumer was able to turn steering wheel, but vehicle did not respond. Dealer determined two bolts in steering box had broken.”
NHTSA complaint #8014983, filed 2002-07“Steering impaired when vehicle hit bump, does not tract properly, causes vehicle to physically move from side to side,dealer balanced wheels three separate times , Ford factury representative needed to determine problem. Various speeds.”
NHTSA complaint #816825, filed 1997-10Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 5% |
| 2024 | 6 | 6% |
| 2022 | 1 | 3% |
| 2021 | 2 | 2% |
| 2020 | 2 | 2% |
| 2019 | 5 | 2% |
| 2011 | 1 | 0% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 3 | 2% |
| 2008 | 1 | 0% |
| 2007 | 1 | 0% |
| 2006 | 5 | 2% |
| 2005 | 5 | 2% |
| 2004 | 3 | 1% |
| 2003 | 7 | 3% |
| 2002 | 8 | 2% |
| 2001 | 7 | 1% |
| 2000 | 25 | 4% |
| 1999 | 16 | 2% |
| 1998 | 19 | 3% |
| 1997 | 21 | 5% |
| 1996 | 17 | 4% |
| 1995 | 9 | 3% |
| 1994 | 19 | 4% |
| 1993 | 4 | 2% |
| 1992 | 3 | 2% |
| 1990 | 2 | 2% |
| 1988 | 3 | 3% |
| 1987 | 3 | 6% |
| 1986 | 2 | 6% |
| 1985 | 1 | 4% |
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 30, 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