1999 Ford Ranger
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Suspension, Wheels & Tires
Suspension, Wheels & Tires leads by volume: 253 of 759 complaints (33%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more reported injuries (48) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed rose from 582 in 1998 to 759 in 1999.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | vs. 1999 Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,850–3,900 | 2,950–3,900 | 2,950–4,150 | 2,850–4,150 | 2,700–4,150 | |
| Combined MPG | 16–22 | 16–21 | 15–21 | 15–22 | 15–23 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 14–21 / 19–24 | 14–19 / 18–24 | 14–19 / 18–24 | 14–20 / 17–24 | 14–21 / 17–26 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 404–555 | 423–555 | 423–592 | 404–592 | 386–592 | |
| Complaints filed | 411 | 582 | 759 | 676 | 527 | |
| Recalls issued | 7 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 9 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 40 | 66 | 96 | 87 | 65 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 8 | 29 | 15 | 12 | 9 | |
| Injuries reported | 44 | 40 | 61 | 85 | 50 | |
| Deaths reported | 1 | 7 | 0 | 2 | 5 | |
| Configurations compared | 10 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 9 |
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 1999 Ford Ranger have?
11 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 1999 Ford Ranger?
Suspension, Wheels & Tires: 253 of 759 NHTSA complaints (33%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 1999 Ford Ranger get?
EPA rates it 15–21 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 1999 Ford Ranger?
EPA estimates $2,950–$4,150 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (12)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 4-spd | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 15 mpg | 20 mpg | 17 mpg | $3,650 | 523 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Manual 5-spd | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 16 mpg | 21 mpg | 18 mpg | $3,450 | 494 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic 4-spd | 4 | 2.5L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 18 mpg | 23 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,100 | 444 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.5L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 19 mpg (high) | 24 mpg (high) | 21 mpg (high) | $2,950 (low) | 423 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic 5-spd | 6 | 4.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 14 mpg (low) | 20 mpg | 16 mpg | $3,900 | 555 g/mi |
| Configuration 6 | Manual 5-spd | 6 | 4.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 16 mpg | 20 mpg | 17 mpg | $3,650 | 523 g/mi |
| Configuration 7 | Automatic 4-spd | 6 | 3.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD | 14 mpg (low) | 18 mpg (low) | 15 mpg (low) | $4,150 (high) | 592 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 8 | Manual 5-spd | 6 | 3.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD | 16 mpg | 20 mpg | 17 mpg | $3,650 | 523 g/mi |
| Configuration 9 | Automatic 5-spd | 6 | 4.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD | 14 mpg (low) | 18 mpg (low) | 16 mpg | $3,900 | 555 g/mi |
| Configuration 10 | Manual 5-spd | 6 | 4.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD | 15 mpg | 19 mpg | 16 mpg | $3,900 | 555 g/mi |
Show 2 more configurations
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 11 | Automatic (A1) | — | — | 2-Wheel Drive | Electricity | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 62 MPGe | 54 MPGe | 58 MPGe | $1,300 | 0 g/mi |
| Configuration 12 | Automatic (A1) | — | — | 2-Wheel Drive | Electricity | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 50 MPGe | 44 MPGe | 47 MPGe | $1,600 | 0 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 50 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 67 | 6 | 0 | 5 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 18 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 50 | 2 | 5 | 1 | 0 |
| Brakes | 88 | 12 | 2 | 4 | 0 |
| Steering | 16 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 253 | 15 | 0 | 6 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 89 | 63 | 1 | 48 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 56 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 100 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 84 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Other | 34 | 0 | 0 | 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 (11)
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.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL · Campaign 07V336000 · Aug 3, 2007
Defect: ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER VEHICLES, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MOTOR HOMES CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. OWNERS OF THE PASSENGER CARS INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED AS AN INTERIM REPAIR. AS SOON AS REPAIR PARTS ARE AVAILABLE (EXPECTED OCTOBER 2007), OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN TO THE DEALERS FOR INSTALLATION OF A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2007, AND MAILING COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER 19, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE · Campaign 06E056000 · Jun 23, 2006
Defect: CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.
Consequence: FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.
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.
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT · Campaign 01V062000 · Mar 1, 2001
Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ELECTRIC LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. IF THE TRANSAXLE ATTACHING BOLTS BEGIN TO LOOSEN, THE DRIVER COULD NOTICE A JERKING MOTION AND/OR A CLUNKING SOUND. IF NOT SERVICED PROMPTLY, ALL NINE BOLTS COULD ULTIMATELY FALL OUT OR FRACTURE AND THE TRANSAXLE COULD DROP. IF THE TRANSAXLE DROPS, THE VEHICLE MAY NO LONGER BE IN THE GEAR INDICATED.
Consequence: IF THIS OCCURS, THE SHIFT LEVER COULD BE PUT INTO "PARK" AND THE VEHICLE WOULD STILL BE FREE TO ROLL AS IF IN "NEUTRAL," INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE MOUNTING BOLTS WITH LONGER BOLTS THAT INCLUDE A THREAD LOCK MATERIAL. WHEN INSTALLED, THE NEW BOLTS WILL BE TIGHTENED TO A HIGHER TORQUE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 8, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
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.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION · Campaign 99V204000 · Jul 29, 1999
Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ELECTRIC VEHICLES. THE TRANSAXLE MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH THE PARK DETENT SPRING MISALIGNED. IF THE SPRING IS MISALIGNED, THE PARK MECHANISM MAY NOT ENGAGE WHEN THE SHIFT LEVER IS PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION.
Consequence: IF THE PARK MECHANISM DOES NOT ENGAGE AND THE VEHICLE OPERATOR HAS NOT APPLIED THE PARKING BRAKE, THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL FREE AS IF IN NEUTRAL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TRANSAXLE AND ANY WITH MISALIGNED PARK DETENT SPRINGS WILL BE REPLACED.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL · Campaign 99V062001 · Mar 31, 1999
Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN 1997-1999 RHD EXPLORER EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L OHV/SOHC ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MAY 29, 1996 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; 1998-1999 EXPLORER/MOUNTAINEERS EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L OHV/SOHC OR 5.0L ENGINES OR 1998-1999 RANGERS EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L, 3.0L FFV/EFI OR 4.0L ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM JANUARY 5, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; 1998-1999 MUSTANGS EQUIPPED WITH 3.8L, 4.6L 2-VALVE OR 4-VALVE ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MARCH 2, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; 1999 F250/F350/F450/F550 (OVER 8,500 LBS.) TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 5.4L OR 6.8L ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MARCH 2, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; AND 1999 F-53 STRIPPED CHASSIS EQUIPPED WITH 5.4L OR 6.8L ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MARCH 2, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999. A CRUISE CONTROL CABLE CAN INTERFERE WITH THE SPEED CONTROL SERVO PULLEY AND NOT ALLOW THE THROTTLE TO RETURN TO IDLE WHEN DISENGAGING THE CRUISE CONTROL.
Consequence: IF THE CRUISE CONTROL IS USED AND THIS CONDITION IS PRESENT, A STUCK THROTTLE COULD RESULT, WHICH COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLES. AT THE PRESENT TIME, THE REPLACEMENT CABLES ARE NOT AVAILABLE. CUSTOMERS ARE BEING ADVISED NOT TO USE THE CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM UNTIL A REPLACEMENT CAN BE MADE.
Show 1 earlier campaign
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM · Campaign 98V201000 · Sep 9, 1998
Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS WITH 3.0L ENGINE. AN 'O'-RING SEAL IN THE FUEL INJECTION PULSE DAMPER TO FUEL RAIL JOINT COULD BE DAMAGED ALLOWING FUEL LEAKAGE.
Consequence: IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE CAN RESULT FROM FUEL LEAKAGE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PULSE DAMPER.