Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Ford Ranger owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Dt: caller had an engine fire. Caller's son was driving and smelled smoke, pulled over and called the fire department. The son said vehicle made a popping sound and he could not get away from it fast enough before it exploded. This happened without warning. Fire department came and there was a report filed. Dealer said she did not maintain the vehicle but the caller stated she maintained the vehicle. Dealer said this because she did not take it to a Ford dealer to have it maintained. The manufacturer offered no help. The fire department did not know how the fire started.
Ford Ranger 4x4 xlt 4.0l has had problems from the beginning front tires two out , fog lights, air conditioning, transmission shift points , check engine light when new and to this day gas mileage not as stated on window sticker ,also windows motor and controls
Guy next door knocked on my door late one night to tell me that my dome light was on. I looked & it wasn't. He said that was odd because he even walked by it & could see inside. A few days later it happened again. Then while driving at night the light came on by itself. From that point on it would randomly turn itself on. Naturally Ford told me that was impossible. The only way I could stop it without paying a ton of money to a garage was to pull the fuse & I've had to use a flashlight if I need a light at night ever since. My truck also has a theft light because a factory alarm was an option for my truck. I do not have an alarm but the word alarm is still on the panel. That light will randomly turn on & say theft. I do not have an alarm! I told Ford & that told me that was impossible since I don't have an alarm. I said that maybe a wire was crossed somewhere but Ford told me," no! ". …
The location and connection of the factory alarm system caused the relay switch under the dash to overheat and the battery drained even when the vehicle was turned off. Electrical system on 1997 Ford Ranger is malfunctioning. ABS system lights illuminates when the emergency brake is engaged. The fuel gauge is inoperative, relays under the dashboard started heating up. Consumer concered that air bags May fail if vehicle is involved in an accident.
Electrical problems: 1. Intermittent wipers will wipe 2, 3, 4, 5 times at random in a row always and not in that order. 2. Backup lights continue to blow fuse after replacing all lighting parts 3. Horn works 1% of the time, unable to find cause. 4. Ac blows hot air intermittently even after replacement of blower blend door. 5. Gas: when below 1/4 tank and making right turn truck will stall, even after work on tank.
The dashboard lights and dome light burned out. The door ajar warning chime sounded for about five minutes while driving, although all the doors were closed. The wipers came on although they were not turned on. .
While driving in heavy rain battery light comes on followed by squeeling sound (belt). Engine power effected, loss of steering and brake issues. The vehicle cannot be controlled safely and driver must pull over. This problem happens in even in small puddles! I have a trcuk that cannot operate safely in rain! I have brought this to the dealer 4 times now with the same results. If the belt gets wet there's nothing we can do. What good is a truck that can't be operated in bad weather or drive through a puddle that a Mazda miata can easily handle?
The interior dome light and ignition alarm will not stop/turn off when vehicle is turned off. The ignition alarm stops only when the key is removed, the dome light stays on for extreme extended periods of time. I have had this repaired once in 1998 or 99. Vehicle was under warranty. The Ford motor company refuses to correct their defect (12,000 mile/12mo period is up) even though it is recurring. This is a safety hazard. I can't drive at night, because I cannot see out of my windows.
A few things here, engine light comes on and goes off at random. Had it checked a few times. No problems found. Dome light/door chime will not go off when door is shut and/or car is turned on. Left hand blinker went nuts a few time, basicly it was blinking at a very high rate of speed. A few second 'power loss' happend a few times while driving, lost power to raido, and lights. The rear end bounces way too much when I hit a bump, can cause loss of control at highway speeds.
Engine check light will continuously come on and stay on. Also, alarm will come on from time to time, causing vehicle to shut off. Contacted dealer who could not find cause of problem. The door switches will not allow the interior light to go off until the vehicle is in full motion with the clutch let all the way out. When backing up in the dark it is hard to see out of the back window because of the interior light being illuminated.
Electrical complaints in other Ranger years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 1997 Ford Ranger?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the electrical system of the 1997 Ford Ranger, 7% of the model year's 411 complaints. The component named most often is wiring › interior/under dash (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Ford Ranger electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 1997 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 1997 Ford Ranger electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 78,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 3 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system 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.