Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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).
Reporting numerous serious safety problems with vehicle since purchased used ---original occurrence date not certain but over a number of years mechanical failures occurred that could have resulted in serious injury or fatalities. The failures include but not exclusive to entire brake system failure due to brake lines corroded and leaked all hydraulic fluid --rear body support system gave out during driving and rear wheels and axles not attached to body ---vehicle lost control and went off into shoulder--radial axial arm rusted away and steering system failed while driving. Gas leaks from top of tank if filled to full --leaks on to ground and could result in gas fire and explosion --do not fill tank more than 3/4 ! All brake lines should be replaced and frequent checks of steering and suspension. I am reporting this to make owners aware and take precaution to prevent injury or death..
Bolts which hold the steering sector to the frame all broke or snapped. I was lucky that I was sitting in a parking lot and started to turned the steering wheel, there was a snap and I was unable to turn the wheels of the truck a 97 Ford Ranger. I sent an email to for on January 28, 2003 about this item and they have not responded, the tracking id is kmm2029449c0km case id 688902. I am normally out on the highway traveling at over 65 MPH on weekend and had the bolts snapped while moving at this speed I would probably be dead. Is there any records of this problem reported by anyone that is still alive? Thanks for you help. Just wanted t o inform you of this happening. I have never heard of this happening on a vehicle. As far as I can determine this vehicle has not been in an accident. Most of the 76,000 miles has been driven on the highways. Thanks again.
I have a 1997 Ford Ranger xlt supercab, 2.3l 4x2. I was pulling out of my parking lot at work, and 2 of the 3 bolts that hold the steering column to the steering gear box broke, causing loss of steering to the right. The steering was very loose, and I could eventually turn to the right, when the gear box lodged against the frame. I've noticed 3 other incidents in searching this website. I think this is an age issue with Ranger. Bolts shouldn't just break in two. I didn't take this to a dealership, but my friend is a mechanic and did the work for me. However, I'm concerned about safety, because if this happens on a highway, serious fatalities can occur.
Tl contact owns a 1997 Ford Ranger. While traveling 10 MPH attempting a left hand turn the contact noticed that the steering wheel would no longer respond causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle. The steering wheel could be turned in any direction but the wheels would not respond to the movement. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic where the contact was informed that the steering box had separated from the vehicle. There were no prior warnings and the failure was not diagnosed. The current and failure mileages were 85000.
Windshield wiper come on all by itself. Sometimes it will not turn off, comes on a high speed, sometimes washer comes on also, incidents occur when the consumer is driving. Process developed where the tilt steering cannot be adjusted or moved except when the engine is turned completely off, consumer states that the vehicle has had a n electrical short. Dealer has not yet been contacted to evaluate the problem.
Power steering had to be replaced, was making a noise like pump was not working properly. Air conditioner pump replaced. Right window is loose while going down. Transmission slips occasionally while taking off. There are loose bolts underneath seats. Fog light failed. Consumer states oil from master cylinder damaged hood. Door lock inside driver's door never worked and was replaced.
Consumer was driving at approx 65 MPH when heard loud noise underneath vehicle, steering wentout, could not control vehicle. Due to the defect, vehicle went off road into a open field. Took vehicle to dealership,claims nut in washer felloff which caused the pitman arm to do the same. Dealer had to restall a new one.
Consumer states gear and sector shaft are excessively worn, the steering wheel had excessive play when turning in either direction, the wheels did not turn as the steering wheel is turned, instead when the play was out of the steering wheel the front wheels would then turn.
At the speed of 25mph suddenly heard a noise and lost total control of steering wheel. Managed to merge suddenly to right side of road. Battery, engine, and power steering light went on. While looking at vehicle noticed that belt broke and dolley fell off.
Was driving about 20mph around a curve; had lost control of steering. Was able to maneuver vehicle & took it to dealer. Was informed that steering gear box had come loose. Mechanic showed where bolts had separated from frame.
NHTSA investigations
Steering knuckle separations
There is no summary currently available
Steering complaints in other Ranger years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1997 Ford Ranger?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Ford Ranger, 5% of the model year's 411 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist system (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Ford Ranger steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 85,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries to steering 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.