1997 Ford Ranger Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 25about this part
- Share
- 6%of 411 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 121,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 25 complaints about the suspension of the 1997 Ford Ranger, 6% of the 411 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 121,000 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.
“Rear leaf spring hangers/shackles rusted off as well as the front ones on the rear leaf springs. Spare tire carrier fell down dragging the spare tire across the road. One crossmember holding up the front of the gas tank is ready to go. Both gas tank straps rotted off. Toyota was made to fix these issues. Why not Ford? I work at a toyota dealership replacing rotten frames on tundras, sequoias, and tacoma vehicles. There is no difference as both the frames for toyota and Ford are built at the same factory if I am correct? …”
NHTSA complaint #10781853, filed 2015-10, 100,000 miles“I own a 1997 Ford Ranger xlt 4x4 4.0ltr.many shops have work on the front axel wheel bearings and seals and retainer nut this nut takes a socket 2.3/8 r-6 most shops don't have it so they use what ever they have,chisell,locking plyers ect...creating front end damage to wheel bearings,seals, brakes,calipers,brake drums, most of al the tires..I have spent thousands of dollars because they did not use the right tool for the job also did not remove lcking pin from spindel.”
NHTSA complaint #10326662, filed 2010-04, 1,500 miles“Driving down road rear spring broke another time spar tire came of almost causing crash ,have repaired both rear spring brackets ,two front suspension , lost spare and frame about to brake away . What should I do . Have lot of money invested .”
NHTSA complaint #10434773, filed 2011-11, 93,000 miles“Found drivers side rear spring support (front) that attaches to the frame rail was broken from rusting apart. While replacing it, also found the rear spring supports (rear) on both sides broken from rusting apart. This appears to be a poor design or under engineered part. The truck is 1997 Ford Ranger pickup with only 73k miles on it and has never been used to carry anything heavy. This seems to be highly unusual that three brackets are broken on one truck from rusting apart.”
NHTSA complaint #10278379, filed 2009-07, 73,000 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 milesSuspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 5% |
| 2024 | 4 | 4% |
| 2023 | 1 | 6% |
| 2021 | 2 | 2% |
| 2020 | 5 | 4% |
| 2019 | 20 | 7% |
| 2011 | 1 | 0% |
| 2010 | 2 | 1% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 3 | 1% |
| 2007 | 4 | 1% |
| 2006 | 20 | 7% |
| 2005 | 26 | 9% |
| 2004 | 29 | 7% |
| 2003 | 23 | 9% |
| 2002 | 36 | 10% |
| 2001 | 87 | 17% |
| 2000 | 72 | 11% |
| 1999 | 67 | 9% |
| 1998 | 52 | 9% |
| 1997 | 25 | 6% |
| 1996 | 21 | 5% |
| 1995 | 21 | 7% |
| 1994 | 30 | 7% |
| 1993 | 16 | 7% |
| 1992 | 32 | 17% |
| 1991 | 17 | 13% |
| 1990 | 3 | 3% |
| 1989 | 2 | 3% |
| 1988 | 1 | 1% |
| 1987 | 2 | 4% |
| 1986 | 1 | 3% |
| 1985 | 2 | 7% |
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 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 30, 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