1997 Ford Ranger Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 36about this part
- Share
- 9%of 411 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 101,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 36 complaints about the visibility of the 1997 Ford Ranger, 9% of the 411 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 101,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“With all controls in off position, very hot air starts coming from floor vent (97 Ford Ranger) also when A/C is turned on,,hot air comes out. Replaced switch for heat/air control.”
NHTSA complaint #10328369, filed 2010-05, 150,249 miles“While driving windshield wipers turn off and on whenever they want to. They sometimes will not run at all or they will stop running during use. The dome light also stays on and will not turn off causing a glare on the window. It started doing it with the passenger door then the driver's door started the same problem. I checked with a dealer and it seems to have been a problem with rangers for many years now and still troubles many owners right up to the 2001 models. *dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis**739942”
NHTSA complaint #10006361, filed 2001-01, 101,000 miles“My windshield wipers turn-on on their own and operate at varied speeds regardless of my control. I cannot shut them off and sometimes cannot turn them on. I've had the gem module replaced at my own expense yet the situations continues. Also my interior light will turn-on on its own and I too cannot get it to shut off at times*ak.”
NHTSA complaint #739169, filed 2001-01“Brakes lock up and truck will skid no matter what speed, truck becomes uncontrollable. Windshield wipers will come on and spray during some left turns, for no apparant reason. This causes the inability to see. When brakes are applied(and truck goes nuts)the passenger front seat launches forward even though it is locked into position. …”
NHTSA complaint #711140, filed 2000-04“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 2001-03Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 2% |
| 2024 | 4 | 4% |
| 2023 | 1 | 6% |
| 2022 | 3 | 8% |
| 2020 | 10 | 8% |
| 2019 | 24 | 9% |
| 2011 | 1 | 0% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2007 | 2 | 1% |
| 2006 | 5 | 2% |
| 2005 | 1 | 0% |
| 2004 | 9 | 2% |
| 2003 | 1 | 0% |
| 2002 | 7 | 2% |
| 2001 | 5 | 1% |
| 2000 | 4 | 1% |
| 1999 | 74 | 10% |
| 1998 | 16 | 3% |
| 1997 | 36 | 9% |
| 1996 | 52 | 13% |
| 1995 | 63 | 20% |
| 1994 | 13 | 3% |
| 1993 | 5 | 2% |
| 1992 | 22 | 12% |
| 1991 | 13 | 10% |
| 1990 | 12 | 11% |
| 1989 | 2 | 3% |
| 1988 | 4 | 4% |
| 1986 | 1 | 3% |
| 1985 | 4 | 15% |
| 1984 | 2 | 17% |
| 1983 | 1 | 9% |
Other parts of the 1997 Ford Ranger
67 complaintsTires
57 complaintsBrakes
44 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
42 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 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