2004 Ford Ranger Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 189about this part
- Share
- 47%of 405 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 89,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 189 complaints about the air bags of the 2004 Ford Ranger, 47% of the 405 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 89,000 miles. 24 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 8 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Takata recall went to dealer twice on this recall, second time made appointment after telling them what it was for, the recall number, vehicle VIN, etc. Took day off work for appointment only to be told they couldn't comply as they didn't have the parts. Why did they make the appointment with no parts? I am tired of the games on this issue. Ford owes me a new truck.”
NHTSA complaint #11079749, filed 2018-03, 68,000 miles“Takata recall I had one of the air bags recalled replaced on march 21, 2016. My dealer paperwork shows that only the passenger side was replaced at that time. Your web site using my VIN number shows the air bag replacements are complete [2]. This is not true and I would like some action on NHTSA to show the drivers side still needs to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #11042732, filed 2017-11, 115,958 miles“Nhtsa safety recall 17v787 and 17v788. I have been sent messages twice now that parts are available to accomplish this recall, yet, when I contact the local Ford dealership, I'm told they haven't yet received the parts. What is going on? I received a message on my phone today from Ford motor company with these results.”
NHTSA complaint #11091644, filed 2018-05, 63,400 miles“Ford recalled the air bags to get fixed on my truck. I took the truck in to a local Ford dealership, they supposedly fixed the recall. My son was involved in roll over crash and the air bags didn't deploy. I have a police report and photos to prove that. I also have the paperwork from the dealership showing the repair. My son sustained minor injuries. I am upset and I want answers. Ford should be held accountable, especially in a safety matter.this occurred in albuquerque, nm.”
NHTSA complaint #11322862, filed 2020-04, 120,000 miles“Takata recall : Ford motor co. Sent recall notice feb. 2016, went to dealer stated no parts available, I would be notified when available. 11 months driveing without proper driver side airbag. Why,? I feel this is not a good standard and very unhappy with response.”
NHTSA complaint #10944396, filed 2017-01, 72,342 milesRelated recalls
- 17V787000Dec 11, 2017DO NOT DRIVEFord Motor Company (Ford) is superseding a previous recall for certain 2004-2006 Ford Ranger trucks to implement a final repair. Upon deployment of the driver…Covers: Ford Ranger 2004–2006
- 17V788000Dec 11, 2017DO NOT DRIVEFord Motor Company (Ford) is superseding a previous recall for certain 2004-2006 Ford Ranger trucks to implement a final repair. Upon deployment of the…Covers: Ford Ranger 2004–2006
- 23V306000Apr 28, 2023Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2004-2006 Ranger vehicles that received replacement front passenger air bag inflators under a previous recall…Covers: Ford Ranger 2004–2006
- 23V125000Feb 24, 2023Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2004-2006 Ranger vehicles that received replacement front passenger air bag inflators under a previous recall…Covers: Ford Ranger 2004–2006
- 21V076000Feb 17, 2021Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2004-2006 Ranger vehicles that may be equipped with a driver or passenger frontal air bag inflator used as a…Covers: Ford Ranger 2004–2006
- 21V081000Feb 16, 2021Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2005-2014 Mustang, 2004-2011 Ranger, 2009-2011 Mercury Milan, 2006 Ford GT, 2008-2012 Fusion, 2007-2010 Edge…Covers: Ford Ranger 2004–2011, Mustang 2005–2014, Fusion 2008–2012 +5 more
- 16V036000Jan 25, 2016Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 Ranger vehicles manufactured March 24, 2003, to May 4, 2006. Upon deployment of the driver…Covers: Ford Ranger 2004–2006
- 15V322000May 28, 2015Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 Ranger trucks manufactured March 24, 2003, to May 4, 2006. The affected vehicles are…Covers: Ford Ranger 2004–2006
Related service bulletins
- 10240415Jul 27, 2023Certain 2005-2014 Mustang, 2005-2006 GT, 2004-2011 Ranger, 2006-2012 Fusion and MKZ/Zephyr, 2006-2011 Milan, and 2007-2010 Edge & MKX Vehicles Driver & Passenger Airbag Module…
- 10209374Mar 28, 2022Certain 2005-2014 Mustang, 2005-2006 GT, 2004-2011 Ranger, 2006-2012 Fusion & MKZ/Zephyr, 2006-2011 Milan, and 2007-2010 Edge & MKX Vehicles Driver & Passenger Airbag Module…
- 10057596Oct 22, 2014Ford: 2005-2006 ford gt, 2005-2008 mustang, and 2004-2005 ranger vehicles operated in florida, hawaii, puerto rico, or the u.s virgin islands are in need of an airbag inflator…
- 10017894Apr 1, 2005Squeak or rattle from the passenger air bag.
Air 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 2004 Ford Ranger
46 complaintsSuspension
29 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
27 complaintsBrakes
23 complaintsFuel system
21 complaintsVehicle speed control
19 complaintsElectrical system
17 complaintsEngine cooling
17 complaintsTires
17 complaintsOther or unknown
13 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
9 complaintsEngine
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 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