2004 Ford Ranger Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 27about this part
- Share
- 7%of 405 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 32,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 27 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2004 Ford Ranger, 7% of the 405 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 32,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was driving down the road to work on the interstate. I looked down and my o/d ( overdrive ) light was flashing. The truck was riding fine and then all of a sudden it goes into gear real hard. I am now driving with the o/d off which seems to control this but it is using a lot of fuel.”
NHTSA complaint #10357682, filed 2010-09, 140,000 miles“I was driving at the speed limit 60 MPH requirement on i35 north when all of a sudden the my speed begin to accelerate on it on increasing up to 100 MPH. I was scare out of my shoes not really knowing what was happening are knowing what I should do. I pressed on my brakes over, and over and it still didn't low down. I was afraid for my life and the traffic around me. I finally came up on an access exit and got off the freeway, but I almost hit someone because the traffic on the access road was merging and I was exiting at a high rate of speed. I just started blowing my horn repeatedly. …”
NHTSA complaint #10504946, filed 2013-03, 89,000 miles“With less than 70k miles, the 5 speed auto transmission in my 2004 Ford Ranger (3.0 2wd) frequently refuses to engage gears when cold. When in drive or reverse, increasing engine speed produces engagement with a harsh thunk. Shortly after I purchased this vehicle new, Ford issued a recall for which the dealer placed an additive to prevent harsh shifts and prevent transmission damage. I assume this is a stopgap measure to allow the vehicle to exceed its warranty period. Interestingly, an autoparts store cashier asked me if I had a Ford Ranger based on my description of the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10375332, filed 2011-01, 65,000 miles“I took my vehicle to have the diagnostics checked on it , because my engine light kept coming on , after having the plugs changed. The diagnostics said it was a fix it problem, with the valves, I then called the dealership, it seems the warranty has expired because of the mi. Being 66,000 my wife and I were planning to go out of town to visit our grandchildren, but cannot now. The dealership says they are aware of the problem but says there are not enough complaints to make a recall. I will be contacting everyone about this problem, please help us by telling everyone you know!! …”
NHTSA complaint #10252735, filed 2008-12, 66,000 miles“O/d off light flashing. When slowing down at toll booth transmission down shifted but RPM remained high. Had to stand on brakes to get vehicle to stop. Shifted into neutral RPM dropped slowly. Shifted back into drive and vehicle leaped forward. Found hundreds of complaints on internet regarding transmission problems with Ford rangers and explorers between 2002 and 2004.”
NHTSA complaint #10342803, filed 2010-07, 69,350 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10019947Jan 1, 2006Neutral tow capability - service kit requirements.
- 10017936Jun 7, 2005Limited slip axle chatter, shudder, binding sensation, or vibration during low speed turning maneuvers - vehicles built before 4/1/2005.
- 10013306May 27, 2005Improperly formulated transmission fluid that, over time, may cause delayed/harsh reverse engagements. Customer satisfaction program 04b22. 5r55s/e & 5r44e transmission fluid…
- 10017899Apr 1, 2005No 3rd gear, dtc p0733 (3rd gear incorrect ratio) and flashing tcil - vehicles built prior to 9/23/2004.
- 10017891Apr 1, 2005Front axle leaks fluid from vent tube - vehicles equipped with 4x4 or awd.
- 10014693Mar 21, 2005High idle between shifts or in neutral - 4.0l engine with manual transmission.
- 10014086Dec 13, 2004General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10013414Nov 29, 2004Driveshaft thump clunk on light acceleration from stop or when braking and coming to a stop.
- 10013369Nov 1, 2004General power train control module (pcm) programming procedures.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 33% |
| 2025 | 18 | 40% |
| 2024 | 39 | 41% |
| 2023 | 5 | 28% |
| 2022 | 17 | 45% |
| 2021 | 60 | 50% |
| 2020 | 49 | 38% |
| 2019 | 92 | 34% |
| 2011 | 5 | 2% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 3 | 2% |
| 2008 | 1 | 0% |
| 2007 | 2 | 1% |
| 2006 | 4 | 1% |
| 2005 | 8 | 3% |
| 2004 | 27 | 7% |
| 2003 | 16 | 7% |
| 2002 | 61 | 18% |
| 2001 | 51 | 10% |
| 2000 | 69 | 10% |
| 1999 | 67 | 9% |
| 1998 | 60 | 10% |
| 1997 | 42 | 10% |
| 1996 | 28 | 7% |
| 1995 | 22 | 7% |
| 1994 | 49 | 11% |
| 1993 | 19 | 8% |
| 1992 | 13 | 7% |
| 1991 | 12 | 9% |
| 1990 | 10 | 10% |
| 1989 | 5 | 7% |
| 1988 | 9 | 10% |
| 1987 | 1 | 2% |
| 1986 | 2 | 6% |
| 1985 | 5 | 19% |
| 1983 | 1 | 9% |
Other parts of the 2004 Ford Ranger
189 complaintsBody and structure
46 complaintsSuspension
29 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