1997 Ford Ranger Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 28about this part
- Share
- 7%of 411 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 78,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 28 complaints about the electrical system of the 1997 Ford Ranger, 7% of the 411 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 78,000 miles. 3 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Ford Ranger 4x4 xlt 4.0l has had problems from the beginning front tires two out , fog lights, air conditioning, transmission shift points , check engine light when new and to this day gas mileage not as stated on window sticker ,also windows motor and controls”
NHTSA complaint #11360828, filed 2020-09, 35,990 miles“Electrical problems: 1. Intermittent wipers will wipe 2, 3, 4, 5 times at random in a row always and not in that order. 2. Backup lights continue to blow fuse after replacing all lighting parts 3. Horn works 1% of the time, unable to find cause. 4. Ac blows hot air intermittently even after replacement of blower blend door. 5. Gas: when below 1/4 tank and making right turn truck will stall, even after work on tank.”
NHTSA complaint #10329668, filed 2010-05, 70,000 miles“With all controls in off position, very hot air starts coming from floor vent (97 Ford Ranger) also when A/C is turned on,,hot air comes out. Replaced switch for heat/air control.”
NHTSA complaint #10328369, filed 2010-05, 150,249 miles“The location and connection of the factory alarm system caused the relay switch under the dash to overheat and the battery drained even when the vehicle was turned off. Electrical system on 1997 Ford Ranger is malfunctioning. Abs system lights illuminates when the emergency brake is engaged. The fuel gauge is inoperative, relays under the dashboard started heating up. Consumer concered that air bags may fail if vehicle is involved in an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10051581, filed 2003-12, 100,000 miles“The dashboard lights and dome light burned out. The door ajar warning chime sounded for about five minutes while driving, although all the doors were closed. The wipers came on although they were not turned on. .”
NHTSA complaint #10053752, filed 2004-02, 60,000 milesElectrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 22% |
| 2025 | 10 | 23% |
| 2024 | 30 | 31% |
| 2023 | 2 | 11% |
| 2022 | 9 | 24% |
| 2021 | 8 | 7% |
| 2020 | 11 | 8% |
| 2019 | 41 | 15% |
| 2011 | 5 | 2% |
| 2010 | 2 | 1% |
| 2009 | 2 | 1% |
| 2008 | 7 | 2% |
| 2007 | 5 | 2% |
| 2006 | 11 | 4% |
| 2005 | 21 | 7% |
| 2004 | 17 | 4% |
| 2003 | 17 | 7% |
| 2002 | 17 | 5% |
| 2001 | 22 | 4% |
| 2000 | 38 | 6% |
| 1999 | 39 | 5% |
| 1998 | 29 | 5% |
| 1997 | 28 | 7% |
| 1996 | 38 | 9% |
| 1995 | 29 | 9% |
| 1994 | 25 | 6% |
| 1993 | 18 | 8% |
| 1992 | 41 | 22% |
| 1991 | 20 | 15% |
| 1990 | 20 | 19% |
| 1989 | 15 | 21% |
| 1988 | 32 | 36% |
| 1987 | 14 | 28% |
| 1986 | 13 | 37% |
| 1985 | 12 | 44% |
| 1984 | 2 | 17% |
| 1983 | 3 | 27% |
Other parts of the 1997 Ford Ranger
67 complaintsTires
57 complaintsBrakes
44 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
42 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
36 complaintsInterior lighting
34 complaintsBody and structure
25 complaintsSuspension
25 complaintsVehicle speed control
23 complaintsAir bags
22 complaintsSteering
21 complaintsEngine cooling
14 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Ford Ranger
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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