1998 Ford Ranger Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 32about this part
- Share
- 6%of 576 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 40,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 32 complaints about the air bags of the 1998 Ford Ranger, 6% of the 576 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 40,000 miles. 26 of these say a crash was involved and 3 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was involved in a 20-25mph rear end colision. I had ran into the back of an old gmc pickup causing $4000.00 worth of damage to the front end of my truck. Both the driver and the passenger airbag never deployed. While the truck was in the shop for repairs the shop had found out the airbag sensor was bad. They tried to replace the sensor but was informed by Ford that the sensor on that make and model has been changed and the location of the sensor(s) are in now located in a different spot other then on the radiator mounts. …”
NHTSA complaint #10000483, filed 2003-01, 86,000 miles“Driver's side airbag stopped working for no reason. Flashing warning light came on indicating a problem. Went to Ford dealer (suburban in sandy, or) and they said the 'resistance' level had increased causing the airbag to no longer function. Called Ford, they gave me a senior discount , although not a senior. Said that airbags fall under 5 year/50000 mile warranty. The Ranger has 56,000. Ford said that they cannot guarantee the function of an airbag for more than 5 years or 50,000 miles. …”
NHTSA complaint #10178271, filed 2007-01, 55,842 miles“Air bag light stays on. - no accidents/bumps/hits . Truck only has 56,000 miles. What's the problem on this. Why should I have to pay for a company defect. I have read the complaints involving the airbags, don't you think there is a problem. One day someone is going to die because of this problem..............”
NHTSA complaint #764717, filed 2002-07“Crash involved my vehicle striking another vehicle which had turned into my path to make a left turn at a lighted intersection. Police determined that other driver was at fault. Other vehicle (a vw jetta) was struck in the side, yet both airbags deployed. My vehicle was struck in the front with sufficient force to break front axle, yet neither airbag deployed. I contacted dealer who referred me to their 1-800 customer hotline, who then referred me back to dealer to pursue technical problems such as this. Therefore, I'm now contacting you.”
NHTSA complaint #734936, filed 2000-10“Youre supposed to tell me of any past incidents , accidents , failures, & recalls. Remember? That is supposed to be the point of this website. Is it not?”
NHTSA complaint #10732606, filed 2015-07Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 4% |
| 2024 | 4 | 4% |
| 2023 | 2 | 11% |
| 2022 | 1 | 3% |
| 2021 | 2 | 2% |
| 2020 | 3 | 2% |
| 2019 | 4 | 1% |
| 2011 | 196 | 83% |
| 2010 | 128 | 82% |
| 2009 | 144 | 85% |
| 2008 | 295 | 90% |
| 2007 | 236 | 87% |
| 2006 | 175 | 64% |
| 2005 | 132 | 46% |
| 2004 | 189 | 47% |
| 2003 | 25 | 10% |
| 2002 | 37 | 11% |
| 2001 | 62 | 12% |
| 2000 | 67 | 10% |
| 1999 | 79 | 10% |
| 1998 | 32 | 6% |
| 1997 | 22 | 5% |
| 1996 | 25 | 6% |
| 1995 | 18 | 6% |
| 1994 | 3 | 1% |
| 1992 | 1 | 1% |
| 1990 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 1998 Ford Ranger
136 complaintsVehicle speed control
71 complaintsBrakes
60 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
60 complaintsSuspension
52 complaintsEngine cooling
51 complaintsBody and structure
45 complaintsElectrical system
29 complaintsInterior lighting
19 complaintsOther or unknown
19 complaintsSteering
19 complaintsFuel system
18 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Ford Ranger
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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