Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1996 Ford Ranger owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Dt: on July 10, 2005 the contact's vehicle was involved in an accident. Was sitting at a red light with the car in neutral. The bakes were not pressed. Because there were no brake lights illuminating the vehicle was hit from behind. The contact felt that vehicles should be equipped with brake lights that should stay on while the vehicle was not moving. This was a safety defect in all manual transmission vehicles. The vehicle sustained damage to the rear bumper and deck. There was no police report taken. The two vehicle operators only exchanged phone numbers. The vehicle has not been repaired at this time. There were no injuries sustained by the vehicle owner or the operator of the other vehicle. Updated 12/27/05.
Tl contact owns a 1996 Ford Ranger. When the vehicle is idling or placed into neutral with the brake pedal not depressed, the brake lights do not illuminate. As a result, the vehicle has been rear ended four times in five years. The most recent crash occurred in March of 2008 and the vehicle was damaged. The contact has pictures. The vehicle has not been taken to the dealer. The current mileage was 165,000 and failure mileage was 75,000. Updated 06/25/08. The consumer stated the vehicle does not have a feature to keep the brake lights on when the vehicle is in neutral and the clutch brake is not pressed.updated 06/25/08
Both headlights go out while driving, come back on within ten seconds. Occurs only once or twice in 3 to 4 month time frame. Ford and dealer can not help. Oiginally taken to dealer for repair on 5/16/97. Could not find problem. Ford customer service has no info related in their data base. Very serious problem. I haved tried to identify problem on my own (electrical engineer) but wiring diagrams do not explain the problem. I beleive there is a circuit breaker inline that does not show in the Ford wiring details for this truck. I cannot verify this thru Ford. Would have to tear truck appart to find.
Dome stays on creating a fire hazard. I believe this to be connected with a failed door ajar sensor. I know of at least two other owners of this type of vehicle who are exprerinceing the same problem and it seems there problems started occuring with the same mileage and age as mine. Since I have discovered two other Ranger pickup owners with the same exact issue there appears to be a problem. I was also wondering if it could be a design problem to get owners into their repair shop to increase profits.
Headlights went out when using turn signal switch to signal lane change while overtaking slower moving vehicle at night. Headlights came back on after touching turn signal switch stalk. Switch stalk has excessive up-and-down play; able to reproduce incident at will by slightly moving switch stalk up (toward steering wheel). Vehicle now at dealer for repair.
Repeated problems with dome light on always whether the vehicle is on or off, key in ignition or not; door chime always on if key is in ignition, vehicle on or off; both cannot be corrected unless fuse is removed, resulting in loss of speedometer/odometer. This is a common problem with fords and needs to be recalled or at minimum, fixed free each time.
While driving on highway in the dark, lights will go out without prior warning, consumer had to touch dimmer switch so that lights will come back on. Switch had been replaced before under warranty. But, currently was not working again, consumer fees if it gets fixed again, it will not work again later on.
Engine. Knocking rod at only 56,000 mi. Over $3,000 for new engine. Headlights failed to turn on before leaving driveway. Came on after turning on high beams and turn signals. On 4 separate occasions, I'm about to downshift to make a turn and the engine cuts off. No power steering, nearly lost control.
Intermittent problem with the courtesy lights and trunk cargo lights staying on while driving or parking. Blower motor would come on and go off while the switch are in the off mode or in the on mode. Dealer and manufactrer were not notified at this time. The ABS brakes lock up on wet pavement.
This is the second time in 2 years that the windshield wiper multi-function switch on the end of the turn signal arm has failed. Washer switch on arm still works, but wipers do not work in any mode. I have contacted a local Ford dealer and they will only offer to replace again for around $300.00
Headlight complaints in other Ranger years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 1996 Ford Ranger?
NHTSA has 30 complaints about the lights of the 1996 Ford Ranger, 7% of the model year's 413 complaints. The component named most often is headlights (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Ford Ranger headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights recall for the 1996 Ford Ranger, though it has 2 recalls 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 1996 Ford Ranger headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 133,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to lights 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.