Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (wheels, lug nuts, original-equipment tires, TPMS).
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 down the road when I smelled smoke and saw flames coming out from under the hood and the power to the vehicle began to cut out making it difficult to move or steer the truck to safety I then exited the vehicle and flames were coming out of the front passenger side good and headlight. So I called the fire department and they came and sprayed the truck putting the flames out. And cutting the wires to the battery
My Ford Ranger is a very dangerous vehicle. It is built unstable/balanced, it vibrates and also shakes uncontrollably. It has almost taken my life twice! Yes I drive at the speed limit, and tune my car up on a regular bases. The 2003-4 model have the same problems, but ironically the Toyota tacoma has no problems at all that are related to these of the Ford Ranger. I have already contacted Ford but no reply, I am also going to contact my congress person to present these issues and more with governed bodies to see if the federal transportation commission can be improved, another aspect to this hazardous cause of the Ford might be that the u.s doesn't use european standards in automotive. You don't really see BMW, or other cars of a european decent with those problems.
While driving, the rear driver's side tire separated without warning. As a result, the vehicle vibrated violently. Suddenly the consumer heard a loud noise and the tread had separated and was banging against the body and frame. The consumer pulled over and changed the tire , the accident caused some body damage.
Had 4 new OEM Firestone tires put on when I bought the truck in May 97. In jan 98, ~3000 miles later, I drove 12 hrs from fla to chapel hill, nc with 2 @15 minute stops to gas up. Took I-95 and ran 70-80mph the whole time. When I left the hwy for the last time, truck braking was very bad. All over the road. I did not lose control only becausd the off ramp was very long near my house and I took a l o n g time to stop. Scary. Tire was destroyed. Looked like someone took a grinder to about 1/6th of the tire, along the outside edge. The steel belt had bits of metal sticking out of it, the tread near the hand sized hole had peeled off the inner tire (but was still attached on the inside 2" or so) . What a mess. Did I run over a Land mine? I put it down as a fluke, but thought I shoudl report it now.( dot number: tire size: p235/r1570 )
On 01/16/98 my 1995 Ford Ranger had a blowout and tread seperation at about 55 MPH ,no accident resulted. The tread seperated about 6 to 10 inches and the tire cord blew out a slitt about 3 to 4 inches in length. I still have the original Ford Ranger truck ,the original Firestone tires and the supporting paperwok from the Firestone shop that sold me a new firstone tire. I reported this to Ford but got a form e mail reply saying thanks for the memories but not interested in the catistropic failure?and I am a Ford stock holder! Call me for more info as I am also an aeronautical maintenance technition and know about tire failure modes. (tiresize: p23560r15)( dot number: tire size: p23560r15 )
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 )
While driving (65) MPH on interstate, about 80% of the tread separated from the tire on the right rear, causing $2,100 dollars of damage to the wheel well and the side panel of truck. Driver was able to steer truck off the road safely. Tire was a Firestone radial atx, size p235/75r15 m+s tubeless, dot # vnhl1mo090, tire had only been on vehicle about two weeks before failing, it was a spare and did cause damage to vehicle.
Two tires with quarter size blister on each with steel protruding from each. There is approximately a 1/4" of tread. These blisters are not worn portions of the tires. They are protruding from otherwise aparently tires in good condition. Each blister is symetrically located to one and other on each tire. Only response from Firestone was a canned response about their p235 recall.( dot number: w29v ata tire size: p265/75r15 )
Identical problem with the Firestone atx tire happened to us, where we heard a big sound while driving, almost lost control of the car where it almost flipped over but didn't as we were able to use all freeway lanes to regain control of the truck (there were no cars around us at that time). We pulled over and discovered a rear tire tread separated from the tire in a big way.( dot number: tire size: p235/60r15 )
Tread separation blowout. Occurred after turning back on highway after doing about 50 miles off road. Almost immediately upon getting to freeway speed (75mph) tire failed. I felt with the recent info on p235 wilderness tire failures, I should report that same thing happened with the p265 wilderness provided as standard equipment on my Ford Ranger. (tiresize: p265/75r15)( dot number: tire size: p265/75r15 )
Wheel & Tire complaints in other Ranger years
Frequently asked questions
How common are wheel & tire problems on the 1995 Ford Ranger?
NHTSA has 30 complaints about the wheels & tires of the 1995 Ford Ranger, 9% of the model year's 321 complaints. The component named most often is tread/belt (13 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Ford Ranger wheel & tire problems?
No. NHTSA lists no wheels & tires 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 wheel & tire problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 145,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury to wheels & tires 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.