2004 Ford Ranger Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 4%of 405 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 90,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the electrical system of the 2004 Ford Ranger, 4% of the 405 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 90,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The rear breaks lights do not work both moving and parked, but the 3rd upper light does work. All the other functions work for the lights turn signals lights, running lights and hazzard lights. I have replaced the fuses and the bulbs. Still no change I have looked up this action on line found many complaints regarding the same thing linking it to a faulty steering column multifunction switch. Nhtsa 11v352000. Ford claims that this is not a recall issue with 2004 Ford rangers.”
NHTSA complaint #11133521, filed 2018-10, 143,120 miles“On 7/25/2010, a problem suddenly started occurring with my 2004 Ford Ranger edge pickup. When I turn on the headlights , the windshield-wipers immediately activate at high speed, and will not turn off as long as the headlights are turned on. In addition, the wipers starts by shooting water on my windshield also.”
NHTSA complaint #10346534, filed 2010-07, 96,000 miles“Two days ago I needed to replace my fuel filter. After doing so I needed to reset the fuel shut off switch. The problem appeared to be solved, but it wasn't!! Now my truck just stops running as I'm driving and I need to pull over and push the fuel switch again! When it stops all of my power is shut off...this is so frightening and extremely dangerous. It has happened twice just since I changed the filter two days ago. I'm afraid to even drive my truck now. It is obvious that the fuel shut off switch has a short in it. …”
NHTSA complaint #10340687, filed 2010-06, 108,000 miles“Problem with loss of all directional and ABS/brake indicator on dashboard on my 2004 Ford Ranger pickup. When pulling out of stop onto a main thoroughfare, my directional quit working as I made the turn. I tried to click them manually, but to no avail...at the same time as I lost my directional, my ABS/brake failure indicators illuminated on the dashboard. Not only was I not able to signal a turn (at 20:00 hours), but other drivers could not see my hand signals because it was so dark. …”
NHTSA complaint #10151518, filed 2006-03, 45,264 miles“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2004 Ford Ranger on September 11, 2026. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of the purchase, the vehicle mileage was reported at 74,000.The contact stated that while the vehicle was being serviced at O'Reilly Auto Parts, the contact was informed that the odometer was rolled back. The contact was informed that the odometer was last reported at 273,000 miles. The VIN was unavailable.”
NHTSA complaint #11772344, filed 2026-10, 273,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10014692Mar 21, 2005Spark knock during acceleration - 4.0l engine.
- 10014618Dec 1, 2004Abs dtc c1233 and c1234 reversed in abs module.
- 10013116Sep 6, 2004Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminated - system lean diagnostic trouble codes (dtc's) - service tips. Various models including 2004 f-series.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 22% |
| 2025 | 10 | 23% |
| 2024 | 30 | 31% |
| 2023 | 2 | 11% |
| 2022 | 9 | 24% |
| 2021 | 8 | 7% |
| 2020 | 11 | 8% |
| 2019 | 41 | 15% |
| 2011 | 5 | 2% |
| 2010 | 2 | 1% |
| 2009 | 2 | 1% |
| 2008 | 7 | 2% |
| 2007 | 5 | 2% |
| 2006 | 11 | 4% |
| 2005 | 21 | 7% |
| 2004 | 17 | 4% |
| 2003 | 17 | 7% |
| 2002 | 17 | 5% |
| 2001 | 22 | 4% |
| 2000 | 38 | 6% |
| 1999 | 39 | 5% |
| 1998 | 29 | 5% |
| 1997 | 28 | 7% |
| 1996 | 38 | 9% |
| 1995 | 29 | 9% |
| 1994 | 25 | 6% |
| 1993 | 18 | 8% |
| 1992 | 41 | 22% |
| 1991 | 20 | 15% |
| 1990 | 20 | 19% |
| 1989 | 15 | 21% |
| 1988 | 32 | 36% |
| 1987 | 14 | 28% |
| 1986 | 13 | 37% |
| 1985 | 12 | 44% |
| 1984 | 2 | 17% |
| 1983 | 3 | 27% |
Other parts of the 2004 Ford Ranger
189 complaintsBody and structure
46 complaintsSuspension
29 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
27 complaintsBrakes
23 complaintsFuel system
21 complaintsVehicle speed control
19 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 28, 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