1997 Ford Ranger Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 3%of 411 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 70,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1997 Ford Ranger, 3% of the 411 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 70,000 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.
“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“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“Guy next door knocked on my door late one night to tell me that my dome light was on. I looked & it wasn't. He said that was odd because he even walked by it & could see inside. A few days later it happened again. Then while driving at night the light came on by itself. From that point on it would randomly turn itself on. Naturally Ford told me that was impossible. The only way I could stop it without paying a ton of money to a garage was to pull the fuse & I've had to use a flashlight if I need a light at night ever since. …”
NHTSA complaint #10744089, filed 2015-07“The dome light stays on at all times which makes it difficult to drive at night. Also, sometimes the third brake light works and sometimes it will not. Truck was taken to the dealership. Dealer could not find a problem with the truck. Owner was shown how to remove the fuse if the problem happened again. Please provide any further information.”
NHTSA complaint #857469, filed 2000-02“Power steering had to be replaced, was making a noise like pump was not working properly. Air conditioner pump replaced. Right window is loose while going down. Transmission slips occasionally while taking off. There are loose bolts underneath seats. Fog light failed. Consumer states oil from master cylinder damaged hood. Door lock inside driver's door never worked and was replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #882240, filed 2001-03Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 11% |
| 2022 | 2 | 5% |
| 2021 | 1 | 1% |
| 2020 | 6 | 5% |
| 2019 | 14 | 5% |
| 2011 | 9 | 4% |
| 2010 | 2 | 1% |
| 2008 | 3 | 1% |
| 2007 | 1 | 0% |
| 2005 | 2 | 1% |
| 2004 | 5 | 1% |
| 2003 | 6 | 2% |
| 2002 | 7 | 2% |
| 2001 | 5 | 1% |
| 2000 | 14 | 2% |
| 1999 | 13 | 2% |
| 1998 | 16 | 3% |
| 1997 | 14 | 3% |
| 1996 | 17 | 4% |
| 1995 | 15 | 5% |
| 1994 | 10 | 2% |
| 1993 | 7 | 3% |
| 1992 | 4 | 2% |
| 1990 | 1 | 1% |
| 1988 | 1 | 1% |
| 1987 | 1 | 2% |
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 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