1997 Ford Ranger Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 1%of 411 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the engine of the 1997 Ford Ranger, 1% of the 411 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
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“Idle speed rises to 3,000 RPM in between shifts and while coasting with clutch pedal depressed. Does not drop to normal idle speed until vehicle comes to a complete stop. This causes braking to be less effective.”
NHTSA complaint #10883846, filed 2016-07, 180,000 miles“The dome light started turning itself on while parked in front of my house. Sometimes it would turn itself back off. It would also turn on while I was driving at night. I couldn't get the light cover off so I pulled the fuse which leaves me with no windshield washer squirter. The check engine light is always on. No mater what is done or fixed, the light stays on which is a problem because cars will usually automatically fail inspection when the check engine light is on. How am I supposed to get it to pass inspection if its on 90% of the time? …”
NHTSA complaint #10995244, filed 2017-06“The contact owns a 1997 Ford Ranger. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the engine stalled. The vehicle restarted after several attempts. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing the mechanic was unable to locate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10616734, filed 2014-07, 60,000 milesEngine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 11% |
| 2025 | 12 | 27% |
| 2024 | 10 | 10% |
| 2023 | 3 | 17% |
| 2022 | 6 | 16% |
| 2021 | 13 | 11% |
| 2020 | 16 | 12% |
| 2019 | 27 | 10% |
| 2011 | 2 | 1% |
| 2010 | 4 | 3% |
| 2009 | 3 | 2% |
| 2008 | 4 | 1% |
| 2007 | 1 | 0% |
| 2006 | 12 | 4% |
| 2005 | 7 | 2% |
| 2004 | 7 | 2% |
| 2003 | 9 | 4% |
| 2002 | 6 | 2% |
| 2001 | 6 | 1% |
| 2000 | 6 | 1% |
| 1999 | 5 | 1% |
| 1998 | 3 | 1% |
| 1997 | 4 | 1% |
| 1996 | 2 | 0% |
| 1995 | 1 | 0% |
| 1993 | 1 | 0% |
| 1992 | 1 | 1% |
| 1990 | 1 | 1% |
| 1989 | 2 | 3% |
Other parts of the 1997 Ford Ranger
67 complaintsTires
57 complaintsBrakes
44 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
42 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
36 complaintsInterior lighting
34 complaintsElectrical system
28 complaintsBody and structure
25 complaintsSuspension
25 complaintsVehicle speed control
23 complaintsAir bags
22 complaintsSteering
21 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