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 1996 Ford Ranger owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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)
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 Ford Ranger equipped with Michelin goodrich radial tires, size p225/70/r14. The contact stated that after rotating the tires, a crack was discovered on the side wall of the tire. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician was unable to see the crack. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The tire failure mileage was 15,000 and the vehicle failure mileage was 180,000.
My daughter (age 19) was driving to a skating lesson when the pickup truck "veered to left" and spun out of control. It climbed a guardrail, went up over the guardrail, and rolled down an embankment. Pieces of the left front tire were on the highway and the remainder of the tire was shredded. All four tires were of the same make and model. I suspected a blow out but had no way of proving it.( dot number: )
Accident occured for what was then, no apparent cause. Truck went out of control, rolled,several times. The driver of the truck was ejected out of the rear window. Unstable critical condition for several week. Driver is now paralized from the chest down for life. He was only 20 years old when this occured.....there was extreme tire damage.( dot number: )
While driving 60 MPH left rear tire experienced a tread separation. After market equipment installed at 144,109, tire size p225/70r14, dot # pjfcdxkr4102. The tire dealer was notified. The dealer offered a 15 dollar credit to a new tire. The consumer stated that he feels the remaining three tires are unsafe.
I went to purchase new tires for my Ranger for the upcoming winter. The service rep went to get my vehicle and tire information, and informed me that the treads on my tires were beginning to separate. He then showed me what he was talking about and it was the same condition they had said to watch for on dateline on nbc. He then told me to take the tires to Firestone and show them, the Firestone dealership stated it was normal wear, even though you can lift the tread up from the tire. No accident occurred with these tires. I just want to inform you I have a diiferent make of firestones that are starting to experience tread seperation. Today I had new goodyears installed, but I am keeping my originall firestones with a little over 22,000 miles in case anything is discovered through investigations.( dot number: w2fc1pr tire size: p22570r14 )
My passenger side tire blewout last night on my way home from work on the i10. What I found strange is that the tire came apart in the middle of the sidewall and is cut in a perfect circle. The rubber left on the rim on the side that came apart looks to be about 2 inches out from the rim all the way round. With the current tire recall I thought that I should report this sence I see web sites with others complaining about this modle of Firestone tire that is not part of the recall. Another thing I found interesting is that I can't find what I would call a standard size anywhere on my tire instead it reads "27x8.50r14lt" shouldn't it start with a 2?? Number. Thanks brass.
I was returning from the state fair in milwaukee wi with my son. While traveling north thur fond du lac, wi the rear driver side tire blew out. Was able to pull over to the side of road. Only the side walls of the tire remained. I had checked all four tires before leaving the camp grounds in the half hour before the tire failed. As a otr truck driver I've expernced serveral type's of tire failure, recaps, hot/cold weather, etc. After veiwing the tire, I was alarmed because the trend was totaly gone. All that remained was two sidewalls and a dented rim. (dot number: dont have tiresize: p225/70r14)
While driving 75mph in a 1996 Ford Ranger when the 1st time on 02/28/1999 felt like tires were out of balance & bumpy. Pulled over & checked tires. Left rear had completely lost tread, but still inflated. The 2nd time on 07/20/00) right front felt the same way. Could only drive about 45mph or else vehicle would shake. Each time the tire was replaced. Original Firestone atx ii tires, size p235/75r15 with 17,000 miles on them. 1st time and the 2nd time with 29,000 miles. Do not have either tire. Dot# vdhlipm216.
Wheel & Tire complaints in other Ranger years
Frequently asked questions
How common are wheel & tire problems on the 1996 Ford Ranger?
NHTSA has 44 complaints about the wheels & tires of the 1996 Ford Ranger, 11% of the model year's 413 complaints. The component named most often is tread/belt (22 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Ford Ranger wheel & tire problems?
No. NHTSA lists no wheels & tires 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 wheel & tire problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 179,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 0 fires and 5 injuries and 1 death 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.