1997 Ford Ranger Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

1997 Ford Ranger recalls

Most common 1997 Ford Ranger problems

Problem areas named in the 411 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem area	Reports
Tires	63
Fuel System, Gasoline	59
Power Train	44
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	43
Visibility	36
Interior Lighting	36
Electrical System	28
Structure	25
Suspension	25
Vehicle Speed Control	24

What owners report

2021-02-17, Structure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HAVING A ROUTINE INSPECTION AT HALDEMAN FORD OF KUTZTOWN, INC. (15465 KUTZTOWN RD, KUTZTOWN, PA 19530, (610) 683-3553) THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE FRONT AND REAR SUBFRAME WAS SEVERELY CORRODED. AFTER HAVING AN EMISSIONS INSPECTION, THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 154,000.

2020-09-23, Electrical System
FORD RANGER 4X4 XLT 4.0L HAS HAD PROBLEMS FROM THE BEGINNING FRONT TIRES TWO OUT , FOG LIGHTS, AIR CONDITIONING, TRANSMISSION SHIFT POINTS , CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WHEN NEW AND TO THIS DAY GAS MILEAGE NOT AS STATED ON WINDOW STICKER ,ALSO WINDOWS MOTOR AND CONTROLS

2018-11-06, Unknown Or Other
BELT SEPARATION ON 2 TIRES IN ONE MONTH TIME SPAN. FUSION TOURING 195 70R14 91T. THESE TIRES HAVE 8/32 TREAD REMAINING. FAILURES WERE FRONT RIGHT, THEN LEFT READ ONE MONTH LATER. CAUSED DIFFICULTY STEERING AS THE CAR WAS ALL OVER THE ROAD PLUS BUMPY RIDE. THE TIRES ARE VISIBLY BULGING BALOON. I FELT TIRE TEMP WITH MY HAND. UNIFORMLY WARM EXCEPT AT THE BULGE WHERE IT WAS SO HOT AS TO BURN MY HAND. WOULD NTSB LIKE ME TO SAVE A TIRE FOR EVALUATION? THIS SECOND TIRE FAILURE OCCURRED AT 70 MPH ON I-94 IN MICHIGAN WHEN A SUDDEN VIBRATION OCCURRED AND I OBSERVED THE LEFT REAR FENDER BOUNCING UP AND DOWN. I STOPPED TO INVESTIGATE AND FOUND THE BULGE AND HOT SPOT.

2018-06-12, Structure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD RANGER. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS NOT SECURED AND WAS HANGING FROM THE SUBFRAME OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY SEVERE RUSTING AND CORROSION OF THE SUBFRAME. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 233,479. *TT

2018-03-18, Structure
EXCESSIVE RUST NOT CAUSED BY NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR, HAD SPARE TIRE CARRIER RUST OFF WHILE ON THE ROAD

1997 Ford Ranger questions

Does the 1997 Ford Ranger have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 1997 Ford Ranger: Vehicle Speed Control. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 1997 Ford Ranger?

Based on 411 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Tires (63), Fuel System, Gasoline (59), Power Train (44).

How do I check if a recall on my 1997 Ford Ranger has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.