1996 Ford Ranger Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 21about this part
- Share
- 5%of 413 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 200,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the suspension of the 1996 Ford Ranger, 5% of the 413 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 200,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My 96 Ford Ranger has tremendous frame rot on the drive side at the front of the spring shackles. Someone had sprayed rhino liner like material on the rot to cover it up or to try to make it hold. The rest of the frame is in outstanding condition except for it being almost broken into at the gas tank strap and front shackles. I have replaced every front end part on this truck thinking it was in the front suspension. When driving it runs out of line from the rear and the frame is starting to bend.”
NHTSA complaint #11366255, filed 2020-10, 200,000 miles“The consumer states that while driving the vehicle, the rear axle fell off causing damage to the vehicle. Dealer was notified. The consumer's father, a mecahnic, stated that at the arrow, the pin broke, allowing the spider gear shaft to turn about 1/4 rd and allowing the axle to move in and the keeper to fall off, which caused the wheel and 3 ft. Axel to come out .”
NHTSA complaint #8019700, filed 2002-09“The front suspension design defect prevents the cross camber from being adjusted within manufacturers specified tolerence during front end alignment resulting in rapid wear to the outside edge and sidewall of the front tires at highway speeds, causing roaring noise and unstable steering wheel, all four tires have been replaced and a front alignment has been performed but both have failed to correct the problem. Nlm”
NHTSA complaint #560206, filed 2001-03“Consumer made an appointment at dealer's to repair coil spring that had to be aligned. But, could not be possible where consumer had to use cups to raise spring and try to fix problem.”
NHTSA complaint #877655, filed 2001-01“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 1999-06Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 4% |
| 2024 | 4 | 4% |
| 2023 | 1 | 6% |
| 2021 | 2 | 2% |
| 2020 | 5 | 4% |
| 2019 | 20 | 7% |
| 2011 | 1 | 0% |
| 2010 | 2 | 1% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 3 | 1% |
| 2007 | 4 | 1% |
| 2006 | 20 | 7% |
| 2005 | 26 | 9% |
| 2004 | 29 | 7% |
| 2003 | 23 | 9% |
| 2002 | 36 | 10% |
| 2001 | 87 | 17% |
| 2000 | 72 | 11% |
| 1999 | 67 | 9% |
| 1998 | 52 | 9% |
| 1997 | 25 | 6% |
| 1996 | 21 | 5% |
| 1995 | 21 | 7% |
| 1994 | 30 | 7% |
| 1993 | 16 | 7% |
| 1992 | 32 | 17% |
| 1991 | 17 | 13% |
| 1990 | 3 | 3% |
| 1989 | 2 | 3% |
| 1988 | 1 | 1% |
| 1987 | 2 | 4% |
| 1986 | 1 | 3% |
| 1985 | 2 | 7% |
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 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 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