1997 Ford Ranger Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 21about this part
- Share
- 5%of 411 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 85,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Ford Ranger, 5% of the 411 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 85,000 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.
“I have a 1997 Ford Ranger xlt supercab, 2.3l 4x2. I was pulling out of my parking lot at work, and 2 of the 3 bolts that hold the steering column to the steering gear box broke, causing loss of steering to the right. The steering was very loose, and I could eventually turn to the right, when the gear box lodged against the frame. I've noticed 3 other incidents in searching this website. I think this is an age issue with Ranger. Bolts shouldn't just break in two. I didn't take this to a dealership, but my friend is a mechanic and did the work for me. …”
NHTSA complaint #10030841, filed 2003-08, 120,380 miles“Reporting numerous serious safety problems with vehicle since purchased used ---original occurrence date not certain but over a number of years mechanical failures occurred that could have resulted in serious injury or fatalities. The failures include but not exclusive to entire brake system failure due to brake lines corroded and leaked all hydraulic fluid --rear body support system gave out during driving and rear wheels and axles not attached to body ---vehicle lost control and went off into shoulder--radial axial arm rusted away and steering system failed while driving. …”
NHTSA complaint #10614454, filed 2014-07, 145,000 miles“While driving 55 MPH vehicle lost control and rolled over. As a result, the roof crushed in and broke the driver's neck. Vehicle was considered a total loss.”
NHTSA complaint #10117515, filed 2005-04, 70,000 miles“Dry spindles and ball joint bearings, mechanic put pickup on jack said we wre lucky we didnt wreck tire leaned outward , eventulay would have fallen off. --”
NHTSA complaint #717808, filed 2000-01“The contact owns a 1997 Ford Ranger. While traveling 10 MPH attempting a left hand turn the contact noticed that the steering wheel would no longer respond causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle. The steering wheel could be turned in any direction but the wheels would not respond to the movement. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic where the contact was informed that the steering box had separated from the vehicle. There were no prior warnings and the failure was not diagnosed. The current and failure mileages were 85000.”
NHTSA complaint #10349228, filed 2010-08, 85,000 milesSteering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 5% |
| 2024 | 6 | 6% |
| 2022 | 1 | 3% |
| 2021 | 2 | 2% |
| 2020 | 2 | 2% |
| 2019 | 5 | 2% |
| 2011 | 1 | 0% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 3 | 2% |
| 2008 | 1 | 0% |
| 2007 | 1 | 0% |
| 2006 | 5 | 2% |
| 2005 | 5 | 2% |
| 2004 | 3 | 1% |
| 2003 | 7 | 3% |
| 2002 | 8 | 2% |
| 2001 | 7 | 1% |
| 2000 | 25 | 4% |
| 1999 | 16 | 2% |
| 1998 | 19 | 3% |
| 1997 | 21 | 5% |
| 1996 | 17 | 4% |
| 1995 | 9 | 3% |
| 1994 | 19 | 4% |
| 1993 | 4 | 2% |
| 1992 | 3 | 2% |
| 1990 | 2 | 2% |
| 1988 | 3 | 3% |
| 1987 | 3 | 6% |
| 1986 | 2 | 6% |
| 1985 | 1 | 4% |
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 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 29, 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