Most common 1996 Ford Ranger problems
Share of the 413 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Ford Ranger complaints by model year
Best Ranger years: 2023, 2022, 2020. Years to avoid: 2019, 1999, 2000, 1998, 1996. Compare all years →
1996 Ford Ranger recalls (2)
Vehicle speed control
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…
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…
Equipment › Other › Labels
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."
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.
What 1996 Ford Ranger owners say
Brakes all 69 →
Truck was parked on the garage pad for a week. I opened the hood and checked all fluid levels, and found the brake fluid a little low. Topped off the master cylinder and got back into the truck. Started engine, and pushed the brake pedal. It went to the floor, got out of the truck and heard fluid dripping. I looked under the truck and saw a puddle of brake fluid near the left rear wheel. I asked my wife to push the pedal down and I saw brake fluid spraying from the main steel brake line. Could have been a serious accident as the truck was used one week prior to the accident to haul a full load of fire wood.
Tl* the contact owned a 1996 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving various speeds, the brake pedal was depressed and the vehicle rolled away for a few seconds. The failure recurred intermittently and became permanent. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis however, the contact was uncertain of the required replacement part. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000. The VIN was unavailalbe. The contact no longer owned the vehicle.
Windows, wipers & sunroof all 47 →
Tl contact owns a 1996 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that the windshield wipers would activate intermittently while driving obstructing his view. Also, the interior dome light door ajar alarm would continue to illuminate when the door was been closed intermittently. He also noticed that the electronic overdrive light would illuminate intermittently. All three electrical failures began September 2010. The dealer and manufacturer informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in any recalls. The vehicle had not been inspected or repaired. The current mileage was 107,000 and the failure mileage was 100,000.
At least 12 sets of brakes put on vehicle"4 in uder 9000 miles, resulting in 2 accidents" 3 times at turning rotors/engine rebuilt at 52000 miles still with loss of porwer. 2 EGR valves/2 wiper switches/syncronizers/2 slave cylinders on transmission and oil leak. All problems still exist. Engine idles high enough that the use of the gas pedal is not needed for intown driving. Speeds of 45mph can be obtained before hitting pedal.
Wheels & tires all 44 →
The date of the accident listed on the form was approximate, and the information can be obtained through my insurance company (American family). At the time of the wreck, I believe I had a blow out and the road conditions. I no longer own the car, as the insurance company totaled it. The approximate mileage of the vehicle and tires at the time of wreck were 60, 000. They were just inspected at Firestone dearlership the previous week and was told they did not need to be replaced. Northcountry Ford where I got my vehicle inspected that same week also said the same thing, tires do not need to be replaced at the present time. Please contact me asap for any information you might have and I May be reached at the numbers and address previously given on the form. (tiresize: p235/75r15)( dot number: tire size: p235/75r15 )
The tread on the tires peeled off while my wife was driving on the interstate at 75mph. The back of the truck started to swing out of control and it went into a spin. It through her and the truck into two pine trees 15 feet off I-75. The truck was totalled and she was taken to the hospital with head contusions and pain. It was the worse experience of our life. We took pictures and we have saved the damaged tire and part of the missing tread. (the dealer sold the truck with 3 different name brand tires. ) although, we are extremely upset about the crash, we are thankful the accident was not fatal. (dot number: mac322 tiresize: p225/70r14)
1996 Ford Ranger engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 19 / 24 / 21 |
| 2.3L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 18 / 23 / 20 |
| 2.3L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 18 / 23 / 20 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 17 / 23 / 19 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 22 / 18 |
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 16 / 21 / 18 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 16 / 22 / 18 |
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 21 / 17 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 15 / 21 / 17 |
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 15 / 20 / 17 |
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 15 / 20 / 16 |
EPA ratings. Class: Full-size pickup.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1996 Ford Ranger a good car?
Based on 413 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1996 Ranger rates use caution: 1.8× as many complaints as a typical year of the Ranger at the same age. It is one of the Ranger years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1996 Ford Ranger?
The brakes — 69 complaints, 17% of all complaints for this model year, most often about antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip. Next are the windows, wipers & sunroof (47) and wheels & tires (44).
How many recalls does the 1996 Ford Ranger have?
There are 2 recalls for the 1996 Ford Ranger, the most recent from October 13, 2009 (vehicle speed control). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Ford Ranger?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2023, 2022 and 2020. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2019, 1999, 2000, 1998 and 1996. See the full Ford Ranger years comparison.
At what mileage do 1996 Ford Ranger problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 117,000 miles; 6% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.