1996 Ford Ranger Vehicle speed control Problems
- Complaints
- 34about this part
- Share
- 8%of 413 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 109,128miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 34 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 1996 Ford Ranger, 8% of the 413 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 109,128 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 3 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“About two years ago (I don't recall the exact date) I had taken my 1996 Ford Ranger xlt into north gate Ford (port huron/ft. Gratiot, mi) for a trace on electronics?'check engine' light was on. After they had placed my truck on their computer they said that they had to 'download updates' to my truck, which would take some time (3 billed hours!). Ever since then my cruise control would 'act up'. It will increase speed above the set speed by 5-7 MPH, occasionally up to 12 MPH, and then the throttle would release with a thunk sound. …”
NHTSA complaint #10107771, filed 2005-01, 72,000 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“After pressing the accelerator pedal to gain speed, the consumer noticed that when the accelerator pedal was released the vehicle stayed at the same speed or accelerated at a higher speed without any force. The dealership serviced the vehicle and determined that the throttle body needed to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10059798, filed 2004-04, 130,000 miles“Dt: 1996 Ford Ranger. The speed control deactivation switch leaked. Consumer saw hydraulic fluid under the vehicle. Vehicle was taken to the dealership on july 25, 2005. It was not covered under the warranty. Consumer purchased the switch and replaced it himself.”
NHTSA complaint #10130054, filed 2005-08, 56,497 miles“The contact owns a 1996 Ford Ranger. When he entered his vehicle he found that the cruise control off and on switch melted. The dealer stated they have never seen this occur. Recall 09v399000 repair was performed; however, they did not repair the switch. The failure mileage was 97,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10287419, filed 2009-10, 97,000 milesRelated recalls
- 09V399000Oct 13, 2009Ford is recalling model years 1995-2003 windstar, 2000-2003 excursion diesel, 1993-1997 and 1999-2003 f-250 sd through f-550 sd diesel, 1992-2003 e-150…Covers: Ford Ranger 1995–1997, 2001–2003, E-150 1992–2003, E-350 1992–2003 +12 more
Vehicle speed control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 5 | 11% |
| 2024 | 4 | 4% |
| 2023 | 2 | 11% |
| 2022 | 3 | 8% |
| 2021 | 8 | 7% |
| 2020 | 6 | 5% |
| 2019 | 12 | 4% |
| 2011 | 4 | 2% |
| 2010 | 4 | 3% |
| 2009 | 2 | 1% |
| 2006 | 5 | 2% |
| 2005 | 7 | 2% |
| 2004 | 19 | 5% |
| 2003 | 40 | 16% |
| 2002 | 51 | 15% |
| 2001 | 57 | 11% |
| 2000 | 55 | 8% |
| 1999 | 54 | 7% |
| 1998 | 71 | 12% |
| 1997 | 23 | 6% |
| 1996 | 34 | 8% |
| 1995 | 20 | 6% |
| 1994 | 23 | 5% |
| 1993 | 23 | 10% |
| 1992 | 7 | 4% |
| 1991 | 5 | 4% |
| 1990 | 13 | 12% |
| 1989 | 3 | 4% |
| 1988 | 2 | 2% |
| 1987 | 2 | 4% |
Other parts of the 1996 Ford Ranger
69 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
52 complaintsTires
41 complaintsElectrical system
38 complaintsFuel system
35 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 Nov 1, 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