1997 Ford Ranger Tires Problems
- Complaints
- 57about this part
- Share
- 14%of 411 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 50,379miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 57 complaints about the tires of the 1997 Ford Ranger, 14% of the 411 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 50,379 miles. 4 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 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“At 50,379 miles, the left front tire delaminated (ie, the entire tread came off the tire in one piece) while traveling on the freeway. There was no accident or injuries. It, and the other three, are oe firestone wilderness at p265/75r15 112s m+s tires which were mounted on the truck when purchased new in july 1997.”
NHTSA complaint #10047372, filed 2003-11, 50,379 miles“Ltr fm edward kurrell (pa) re faulty parts & poor craftsmanship of Ford vehicles, the motor in his 1997 Ford Ranger blew up due to a faulty thermostat. The consumer stated he needed new tires and the 4-wheel drive did not work.”
NHTSA complaint #10148690, filed 2006-01, 45,000 miles“Blowout-feel fortunate / firestone said it wasn't their tire, but I looked it up on the web and there is a story about this tire being subject to investigation. They only authorized an inspection. I will not let them have the tire. (DOT number: hyhyt71187 tiresize: p215/75r15)”
NHTSA complaint #760114, filed 2002-04“I have a leak in the tire and no one will repair it due to the recall. Firestone will not replace tire either due to lack of available replacements. Any other alternatives? I at least need my tire repaired.( DOT number: tire size: p235/75r15 )”
NHTSA complaint #728523, filed 2000-08Tires: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2 | 2% |
| 2019 | 2 | 1% |
| 2011 | 1 | 0% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 3 | 1% |
| 2007 | 5 | 2% |
| 2006 | 4 | 1% |
| 2005 | 8 | 3% |
| 2004 | 17 | 4% |
| 2003 | 10 | 4% |
| 2002 | 29 | 8% |
| 2001 | 39 | 8% |
| 2000 | 139 | 21% |
| 1999 | 178 | 24% |
| 1998 | 136 | 24% |
| 1997 | 57 | 14% |
| 1996 | 41 | 10% |
| 1995 | 28 | 9% |
| 1994 | 54 | 12% |
| 1993 | 32 | 14% |
| 1992 | 15 | 8% |
| 1991 | 13 | 10% |
| 1990 | 14 | 13% |
| 1989 | 7 | 10% |
| 1988 | 2 | 2% |
| 1987 | 2 | 4% |
| 1986 | 1 | 3% |
| 1985 | 1 | 4% |
Other parts of the 1997 Ford Ranger
67 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 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