Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
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).
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.
Windshield wipers come on intermittently, vehicle has not been examined by dealer. The lights on the dash went out. Consumer found soot everywhere. Consumers husband checked to see if a fuse had blown. They noticed that in the power distribution box the fuses used were higher than what the manual stated. These had 50 amp fuses. The manual calls for 30 amps. Consumer feels this overage in power could have resulted in fire to the vehicle and that this May be the underlying problem with the windshield wipers.
Windshield wipers and washer operate unpredictably while the switch is in the off position. This is very dangeous since the windshield gets smeared when dirty, causing loss of visibility. Dealer says problem is in switch. Obviously this is a problem accoss the Ford line up, since my son had the same problem with his 1997 f-150 and the problem was present on a rented 1999 windstar. In addition there are numerous complaints on this site. I think it is recall time.
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
The dome lights and door ajar buzzer come off and on. The windshield wipers come on by themselves. If the sun is shinning in the window it my cause an accident as I can't see. I also had to pull the fuse on the dome light as it was on so much it was res hot and running my battery down.
Windshield wipers will activate without any warning,sometimes washers actiate at same time.I have had this problem since new. Originaly it was only once every 6 months or so but now it is nearly daily and many times during the day. I have spoken to numero.
Front windshield has bubbles in the inner laminate that causes obscured vision when the sun strikes the window at a low angle. Additionally, the glass is soft and has stained from the fog in the costal area. Windshield has been replaced 3 times.
Very randomly and intermittently, while driving the windshield wipers will kick on to full speed without application. Driver has to turn the wiper switch on and off to get the wipers to go off. The dealer is not aware of the problem.
Whenever consumer hits a bump the windshield wipers come on. Also every time he puts the vehicle into reverse fuse, which is connected to the overdrive switch and reverse lights, blows out. Dealer and manufacturer has been notified.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Ranger years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 1996 Ford Ranger?
NHTSA has 47 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 1996 Ford Ranger, 11% of the model year's 413 complaints. The component named most often is windshield wiper/washer (29 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Ford Ranger window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof 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 window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 100,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to windows, wipers & sunroof 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.