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 1997 Ford Ranger owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
While driving windshield wipers turn off and on whenever they want to. They sometimes will not run at all or they will stop running during use. The dome light also stays on and will not turn off causing a glare on the window. It started doing it with the passenger door then the driver's door started the same problem. I checked with a dealer and it seems to have been a problem with rangers for many years now and still troubles many owners right up to the 2001 models. *dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis**739942
Rear brakes pulled, serviced, reported unverifiable, began locking up in short bursts when stopping, reported, found faulty , replaced complete rear assembly. Windshield cracked across center while driving freeway at 65 MPH, started at top strip passenger side spreading across to drivers side in just minutes. Door ajar switches failed causing dome light to remain on making night time visibility imposible. Transmission began shifting rough in second gear hard to downshift, verified, repaired bearings in shifter. Reoccured a few months later, service claimed unverifiable, worsened stuck in fourth gear in traffic, had to be pushed to shoulder , and disengaged. …
Brakes lock up and truck will skid no matter what speed, truck becomes uncontrollable. Windshield wipers will come on and spray during some left turns, for no apparant reason. This causes the inability to see. When brakes are applied(and truck goes nuts)the passenger front seat launches forward even though it is locked into position. One incident was I was making a left turn onto a busy street when my wipers came on and sprayed fluid all over, I tried to apply my brakes and the tires locked up and truck started to skid, and the seat holding my infant son's car seat was thrown forward into the dash. I was traveling maybe 4-6 MPH. Some one is going to get killed in this vehicle. I contacted Ford and they say I have no recourse and have never heard of such things happening with thier vehicles. …
Dome light stays on after started and door closed and does not go off. Problem seeing at night... No way to turn off without removing the bulbs. Windshield wipers do not start when turned on the do not go off when switched off. Have to turn the wipers on then off again. Shift knob comes off when pulling shift lever from 1st to 2nd and 3rd to 4th. Makes shifting difficult while starting up a hill and merging on the freeway because the knob slips off completely and the shifter ends up in the neutral position.
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.
My windshield wipers turn-on on their own and operate at varied speeds regardless of my control. I cannot shut them off and sometimes cannot turn them on. I've had the gem module replaced at my own expense yet the situations continues. Also my interior light will turn-on on its own and I too cannot get it to shut off at times
While driving and without prior warning windshield wipers come on without operator turning on wiper switch. Noticed that windshield wipers stay on for 15 seconds, and then turn off, causing driver distraction. Consumer has contacted dealer, dealer replaced parts within switch.
Windshield wipers sometimes come on by themselves. While taking vehicle to inspection, wipers would not shut off when switch was turned off. This has happened several times within the last 6 months. Became more aware of the problem after seeing a report on local news station.
The windshield wipers came on by themselves and the washers did not work. Also the dome light stayed on after the door was closed for at least 30 minutes or more. The wipers would come on when the turn signals were used. The dome light was distracting at night. Scc
Window & Wiper complaints in other Ranger years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 1997 Ford Ranger?
NHTSA has 31 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 1997 Ford Ranger, 8% of the model year's 411 complaints. The component named most often is windshield wiper/washer (24 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Ford Ranger window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof 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 window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 101,000 miles.
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.