Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1995 Ford Ranger owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I was driving at work going from point a to point b and I heard the rear brakes grinding, metal to metal sound, was going about 40 MPH, slow down and made it to point b, about 1 mile, in town.... Parked and checked under the truck.... And discovered the emergency brake cable was stretched tight... Crawled under truck and discovered that frame was rusted in half (broken all the way thru) on driver's side and passenger side was almost as bad.... Also a cross member was rusted away... And the driver's side shock was hanging down (bracket rusted away) truck is now parked at home can't fix it.... Had to buy a used van from my boss so I could get to work..... I will have to junk the title in the next few days.... Truck runs fine but just can't fix a rusted out frame... Not safe for anyone to drive... …
In 2011, I was informed by letter that there was a recall on my vehicle. I went into the dealer in fort walton beach fl. And they installed a wire connection to the brake master cylinder area on the ABS control. They said everything was OK. In spring of 2013 the ABS light came on as it does every time I start the car. This time it stayed on and does not go out every time the vehicle is driven. This is a safety issue and must be resolved. This light indicates a failure in the braking system.
Consumer was pulling into a parking space & suddenly vehicle accelerated. Consumer was unable to stop vehicle. Brakes were pressed completely to the foorboard. Vehicle was stopped by a 2,000 concrete barrier. Insurance company was taking over. Consumer has been instructed to contact manufacturer.
When the brakes are applied on wet conditions they grab and become hard and grab, and often times the pedal goes to the floor , resulting in extended stopping, once causing a minor collision. Dealer has replaced the front disc pads . Manufacturer has not been notified.
ABS: after driving through puddle of water had little or no brakes, only front brakes worked, according to local mechanic, drum filled with water, also, found rust inside drum casing, caused an accident, hit another vehicle, front brakes locked up.
1995 Ford Ranger. Consumer states lost of control of vehicle due to a fire in the brake system the consumer stated after the vehicle was declared a loss, he received a recall notice in the mail regarding the speed control system.
While driving applied brakes (ABS), exiting on ramp, pavement wet, vehicle skidded & spun & hit guard rail, driver's side air bag did not deploy. Vehicle taken to dealer for repairs. Dealers adjusted ABS sensors.
After vehicle was warmed-up and driving home after about 5 miles of stop and go driving, the brakes failed without any prior indication of problem. When I hit the brakes, the brake pedal had absolutely no play or "brake feel". It was as if a "brick" had been placed behind the pedal assembly. The brakes would only "slightly engage" (e.g. It took about 500 to 600 feet to stop from 15 MPH after several fruitless attempts to "pump" the brakes. Almost all free-play was gone from the pedals, the brake "feel" was all gone & I had to use the emergency brake to stop the vehicle. The brakes had worked flawlessly up until this point. I checked all warning lights, fluid levels and hydraulic lines and connections & under the dash (no obstructions to the brake pedal were found). The fluid in the master brake cylinder was correct and no leaks were detected. …
When applying the brakes in the 4 wheel drive mode, the back brakes seem to grab quicker causing the brakes to lock on all 4 wheels. This causes the vehivcle to go in to a uncontrolled slide. This has happened numerous times on hills or even level ground in snowy conditions. When the vehicle is in 2 wheel drive, the brakes appear to act normal. But when in 4 wheel drive the brakes lock and pulse, there is no controlled deployment of the pads. The tires on the vehicle are the size that the manufacturer calls for, the only difference is that I use studded tires on the rear. As I stated there does not seem to be a problem in 2 wheel drive.( dot number: tire size: 205,70r-15 )
Rear brakes lock up when the humidity is high. When you frist drive after the humidity is high the rear brakes lock and tend to cause a slide even if you apply the brakes lightly. I have spoke to several other 1995 Ranger owners and they all have the same problem. It caused me to have a minor accident. I took the truck to a Ford dealer while still in warranty and the rear brake shoes were replaced but that did nothing as after a short time the same problem started again.
Brake complaints in other Ranger years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1995 Ford Ranger?
NHTSA has 60 complaints about the brakes of the 1995 Ford Ranger, 19% of the model year's 321 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (36 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Ford Ranger brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1995 Ford Ranger, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1995 Ford Ranger brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 193,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 1 fire and 4 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.