1997 Ford Ranger Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 25about this part
- Share
- 6%of 411 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 116,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 25 complaints about the body and structure of the 1997 Ford Ranger, 6% of the 411 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 116,500 miles. 1 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 purchased used Ford Ranger 1997...turns out chassis has a safety defect....it is rusted and needs to be welded.....meineke said safety is a big issue...and we should talk to Ford... Rust should never have happened.....what should I do? The part in question is frame chassy! Drop down would not allow me to list chassy.”
NHTSA complaint #10523356, filed 2013-07, 170,000 miles“I bought this truck in ohio in october 2014, after purchasing I noticed quite a bit of rust eroding the frame behind 20 low profile tires, I put factory suggested tires on it the leaf spring hangers broke in early dec. 2014 after that was fixed, the erosion was noticeable. Now the shock has fallen off and the frame has a crack through it at the leaf spring hanger. The truck is not drivable at this point. I need another frame or will have to junk the truck.”
NHTSA complaint #10676529, filed 2015-01, 240,000 miles“Underside of 1997 Ford Ranger is completely rusted out. Bumper won't stay in place and the spare tire bolt would not allow spare tire to come off. We have just parked vehicle after were warned about it. We just use it for short trips.”
NHTSA complaint #10416610, filed 2011-08, 65,000 miles“Re: 1997 Ford Ranger. The pedal mount bracket (moulded aluminum) fractured, causing the complete failure of the clutch and partial failure of the brake. This is a part that should never, ever, ever fail in normal operation.”
NHTSA complaint #10248782, filed 2008-11, 14,000 miles“I have severe rusting of the frame and parts connected to frame of my 1997 Ford Ranger, and I am worried about its safety on the road/highway. And I only have 64,000 miles on it! I have heard of spare tires coming loose and falling off, rear bumpers falling off, gas tanks falling off, rear shackles coming loose etc...on the Ford Ranger because of the severe rust. If I was towing a trailer and the rear bumper fell off there goes the trailer too, a trailer and/or bumper that could cause an accident and kill somebody! Same with the other parts coming loose. …”
NHTSA complaint #10490650, filed 2013-01Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 10 | 11% |
| 2021 | 7 | 6% |
| 2020 | 5 | 4% |
| 2019 | 3 | 1% |
| 2011 | 8 | 3% |
| 2010 | 6 | 4% |
| 2009 | 3 | 2% |
| 2008 | 10 | 3% |
| 2007 | 13 | 5% |
| 2006 | 26 | 10% |
| 2005 | 34 | 12% |
| 2004 | 46 | 11% |
| 2003 | 43 | 18% |
| 2002 | 49 | 14% |
| 2001 | 112 | 22% |
| 2000 | 105 | 16% |
| 1999 | 89 | 12% |
| 1998 | 45 | 8% |
| 1997 | 25 | 6% |
| 1996 | 10 | 2% |
| 1995 | 21 | 7% |
| 1994 | 21 | 5% |
| 1993 | 8 | 3% |
| 1992 | 14 | 7% |
| 1991 | 13 | 10% |
| 1990 | 4 | 4% |
| 1989 | 3 | 4% |
| 1988 | 4 | 4% |
| 1987 | 1 | 2% |
| 1983 | 1 | 9% |
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 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 27, 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