1996 Ford Ranger Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 28about this part
- Share
- 7%of 413 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 50,579miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 28 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1996 Ford Ranger, 7% of the 413 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 50,579 miles. 3 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.
“1. No events leading to failure. 2. While trying to back out of a parking space the vehicle went forward. No damage was done to vehicle or property. The automatic transmission shift cable failed. It was worn thru do to contact with the exhaust pipe. 3. The automatic transmission cable was replaced with Ford f57z7e395a. The broken cable is available.”
NHTSA complaint #10124598, filed 2005-06, 50,579 miles“I don't understand how after 4 years of owning the vehicle with only 45,000 miles on it that the carrier bearing was shot. I was also told that by the mechanic, who was also told that by the dealership when he called to replace the part. If it is a manufacturer defect I would really appreciate knowing.. Thank you.”
NHTSA complaint #721864, filed 2000-04“The gear shift cable was melted because of its proximity to the exhaust system, according to the repair shop. I have the part which clearly shows heat caused the failure. I called Ford customer service and my dealer service department. I was told it was a freak occurance and not to worry ablut it.”
NHTSA complaint #729826, filed 2000-09“Truck was taken for east Ford (dealer) for transmission maintenance. The od light and reverse lights failed from that point on. Truck taken back 4/16/2001 for same, dealer says wiring in steering/shifter is rubbed and requires shifter replacment.”
NHTSA complaint #744121, filed 2001-04“At least 12 sets of brakes put on vehicle 4 in uder 9000 miles, resulting in 2 accidents 3 times at turning rotors/engine rebuilt at 52000 miles still with loss of porwer. 2 EGR valves/2 wiper switches/syncronizers/2 slave cylinders on transmission and oil leak. All problems still exist. Engine idles high enough that the use of the gas pedal is not needed for intown driving. Speeds of 45mph can be obtained before hitting pedal.”
NHTSA complaint #705009, filed 1999-03Transmission 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 1996 Ford Ranger
69 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
52 complaintsTires
41 complaintsElectrical system
38 complaintsFuel system
35 complaintsVehicle speed control
34 complaintsEngine cooling
31 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 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