1996 Ford Ranger
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Brakes
Brakes leads by volume: 69 of 413 complaints (17%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Transmission & Drivetrain include more deaths (9) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed rose from 321 in 1995 to 413 in 1996.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | vs. 1996 Standard Pickup Trucks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,850–3,900 | 2,950–3,900 | 2,850–3,900 | 2,950–3,900 | |
| Combined MPG | 16–22 | 16–21 | 16–22 | 16–21 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 15–20 / 20–26 | 15–19 / 20–24 | 14–21 / 19–24 | 14–19 / 18–24 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 404–555 | 423–555 | 404–555 | 423–555 | |
| Complaints filed | 321 | 413 | 411 | 582 | |
| Recalls issued | 7 | 8 | 7 | 13 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 25 | 41 | 40 | 66 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 9 | 18 | 8 | 29 | |
| Injuries reported | 14 | 34 | 44 | 40 | |
| Deaths reported | 1 | 10 | 1 | 7 | |
| Configurations compared | 11 | 11 | 10 | 6 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 1996 Ford Ranger have?
8 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 1996 Ford Ranger?
Brakes: 69 of 413 NHTSA complaints (17%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 1996 Ford Ranger get?
EPA rates it 16–21 MPG combined across 11 configurations.
How much does it cost to fuel a 1996 Ford Ranger?
EPA estimates $2,950–$3,900 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (11)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 4-spd | 4 | 2.3L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks | 18 mpg | 23 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,100 | 444 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.3L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks | 19 mpg (high) | 24 mpg (high) | 21 mpg (high) | $2,950 (low) | 423 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic 4-spd | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks | 16 mpg | 22 mpg | 18 mpg | $3,450 | 494 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Manual 5-spd | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks | 17 mpg | 23 mpg | 19 mpg | $3,300 | 468 g/mi |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic 4-spd | 6 | 4.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks | 15 mpg (low) | 21 mpg | 17 mpg | $3,650 | 523 g/mi |
| Configuration 6 | Manual 5-spd | 6 | 4.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks | 16 mpg | 21 mpg | 18 mpg | $3,450 | 494 g/mi |
| Configuration 7 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.3L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks | 18 mpg | 23 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,100 | 444 g/mi |
| Configuration 8 | Automatic 4-spd | 6 | 3.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks | 15 mpg (low) | 21 mpg | 17 mpg | $3,650 | 523 g/mi |
| Configuration 9 | Manual 5-spd | 6 | 3.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks | 16 mpg | 22 mpg | 18 mpg | $3,450 | 494 g/mi |
| Configuration 10 | Automatic 4-spd | 6 | 4.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks | 15 mpg (low) | 20 mpg (low) | 16 mpg (low) | $3,900 (high) | 555 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 11 | Manual 5-spd | 6 | 4.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks | 15 mpg (low) | 20 mpg (low) | 17 mpg | $3,650 | 523 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 33 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 28 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 9 |
| Fuel System | 35 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Electrical | 49 | 1 | 10 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 69 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 0 |
| Steering | 17 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 65 | 5 | 0 | 5 | 1 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 49 | 22 | 0 | 21 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 34 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 18 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 67 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Other | 21 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (8)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL · Campaign 09V399000 · Oct 13, 2009
Defect: FORD IS RECALLING MODEL YEARS 1995-2003 WINDSTAR, 2000-2003 EXCURSION DIESEL, 1993-1997 AND 1999-2003 F-250 SD THROUGH F-550 SD DIESEL, 1992-2003 E-150 THROUGH E-550, 1995-2002 EXPLORER, 1997 AND 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, 1995-1997 AND 2001-2003 RANGER, AND 1994 F53 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS). THE SCDS MAY LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
Consequence: A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.
Remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS THAT DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS IN LINE WITH THE SCDS. ON 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH A LEAKING SCDS, DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR AND REPAIR AS NECESSARY. REPAIRS WILL BE COMPLETED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS · Campaign 09E025000 · May 11, 2009
Defect: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING · Campaign 09E012000 · Apr 7, 2009
Defect: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS · Campaign 08E050000 · Aug 14, 2008
Defect: K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING · Campaign 06E026000 · Mar 23, 2006
Defect: CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
TIRES:TREAD/BELT · Campaign 01X001000 · May 22, 2001
Defect: THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: FORD IS REPLACING ALL FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT 15, 16, AND 17 INCH TIRES MOUNTED ON FORD TRUCKS AND SUVS. FORD REPORTS TREAD SEPARATION CAN OCCUR DUE TO A COMBINATION OF THE SENSITIVITY OF THE TIRE DESIGN TO STRESS, AGING, AND MANUFACTURING DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PLANTS. FORD IS REPLACING THESE TIRES TO PREVENT POSSIBLE PREMATURE TIRE FAILURE. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: THE VEHICLES LISTED BELOW MAY HAVE BEEN ORIGINALLY EQUIPPED WITH FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES OR MAY HAVE HAD WILDERNESS AT TIRES INSTALLED DURING THE FIRESTONE RECALL LAUNCHED IN AUGUST 2000. CERTAIN 1991 THROUGHT 2002 FORD EXPLORER CERTAIN 2001 THROUGHT 2002 EXPLORER SPORT, AND SPORT TRAC CERTAIN 1997 THROUGH 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER CERTAIN 1991 THROUGH 2001 RANGER CERTAIN 1999 THROUGH 2001 EXPEDITION CERTAIN 1991 THROUGH 1994, AND 1997 MODEL YEAR F-SERIES CERTAIN 1991 THROUGH 1994 BRONCO NOTE: BOTH ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT AND REPLACEMENT TIRES ARE AFFECTED.
Consequence: SHOULD THE TREAD SEPARATE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.
Remedy: THE REPLACEMENT/REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM FOR THIS CAMPAIGN EXPIRED ON MARCH 31, 2002. HOWEVER, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT FORD AT 1-877-917-3673 OR GO ON-LINE TO WWW.FORD.COM FOR POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE.
TIRES:TREAD/BELT · Campaign 00T005000 · Aug 10, 2000
Defect: TIRE DESCRIPTION: FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT, SIZE P235/75R15, PRODUCED AT THE DECATUR, ILLINOIS TIRE PLANT AND ALL FIRESTONE RADIAL ATX AND RADIAL ATX II TIRES, SIZE P235/75R15. OPERATION OF THESE TIRES AT LOW INFLATION PRESSURES, HIGH SPEED, AND IN HOT WEATHER, CAN CONTRIBUTE TO SEPARATION OF THE TIRE TREAD.
Consequence: IF THE TREAD SEPARATES FROM THE TIRE, THE DRIVER CAN LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH CAUSING INJURY OR DEATH.
Remedy: THE REPLACEMENT/REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM FOR THIS CAMPAIGN EXPIRED ON AUGUST 29, 2001. HOWEVER, CUSTOMERS SHOULD CONTACT FIRESTONE CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-465-1904 FOR POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS · Campaign 96V161000 · Sep 3, 1996
Defect: THE CERTIFICATION LABELS ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES HAS INCORRECT REAR TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE DESIGNATIONS. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO. 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS."
Consequence: INCORRECT INFLATION PRESSURES COULD CAUSE PREMATURE WEAR OF THE REAR TIRES. .
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH CORRECT CERTIFICATION LABELS AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR INSTALLING THESE LABELS. DEALERS CAN INSTALL THIS LABEL IF THE OWNER SO DESIRES.