Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Ford Ranger owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I hit a deer while comming home from work at 45 MPH and bent bumper, dented left quarter panel,broke left turn signal lens and cracked plastic grile. Airbags did not apply or engage. I also have taken my truck to the local dealership 4 times to get my door alarm chip replaced @ 50 dollars each time. On last attempt my extended waranty had expired and they refused to honer the problem and promise to replace.even though it was an exsisting problem. This was prior to hitting the deer.
I was involved in a 20-25mph rear end colision. I had ran into the back of an old GMC pickup causing $4000.00 worth of damage to the front end of my truck. Both the driver and the passenger airbag never deployed. While the truck was in the shop for repairs the shop had found out the airbag sensor was bad. They tried to replace the sensor but was informed by Ford that the sensor on that make and model has been changed and the location of the sensor(s) are in now located in a different spot other then on the radiator mounts. Because of this change by Ford the bodyshop had to order the new part as well as the proper location of htis new sensor.
Driver's side airbag stopped working for no reason. Flashing warning light came on indicating a problem. Went to Ford dealer (suburban in sandy, or) and they said the 'resistance' level had increased causing the airbag to no longer function. Called Ford, they gave me a "senior discount", although not a senior. Said that airbags fall under 5 year/50000 mile warranty. The Ranger has 56,000. Ford said that they cannot guarantee the function of an airbag for more than 5 years or 50,000 miles. They were not able to ascertain if the airbag stopped functioning all at once or if my safety was in jeopardy over an extended period of time as the airbag slowly stopped working. Airbags are a mandatory safety device and should be covered from defect for the life of the vehicle. I am extremely dissatisfied with Ford's attitude about my safety. …
Daughter was driving truck lost control on snow covered road, approx. Speed:40-55 MPH.wrecked, went off road into deep ditch, hit hill, truck went up in air, almost flipping, came back down flattened tires on drivers side, flipped back out in road, spun around and back in same ditch on passengers side headed up the road. Airbags on niether side deployed. Injuries to: head, neck shoulder, hip, upper& lower back. Contacted Ford motor, sent truck to dealer to chek data on module. Statment was signed to give copy of report to me & not to earase any data. Sso far all I recieved was a letter from Ford motor saying nothing was wrong with airbags.
Crash involved my vehicle striking another vehicle which had turned into my path to make a left turn at a lighted intersection. Police determined that other driver was at fault. Other vehicle (a vw jetta) was struck in the side, yet both airbags deployed. My vehicle was struck in the front with sufficient force to break front axle, yet neither airbag deployed. I contacted dealer who referred me to their 1-800 customer hotline, who then referred me back to dealer to pursue technical problems such as this. Therefore, I'm now contacting you.
Xlt, passenger air bag switch was in the off position, light was on showing it was off. Consumer hit a deer at 55 MPH, passenger air bag deployed. 9 month old child was in safety seat on passenger side. Safety seat broke in half at impact, child's injuries unknown at this time. Damage to vehicle unknown as well. Ts
The consumer experienced problems with anti- lock brakes and airbag. During an accidentanti-lock brakes failed to work. When the consumer applied their brakes, the pedal went to the floorboard. In addition, driver's and passenger's side airbags failed to deploy. The manufacturer has been contacted.
While driving around town a vehicle in the opposite direction ran a red light,and rearended consumer's vehicle. Upon impact, driver's side airbag didn't deploy until three hours later while parked at home. Contacted dealer, and he was not able to help.
Consume r was traveling about 40mph on highway on icy roads and another vehicle veered into him. Forcing him into a meridian baracade enbankment. Causing him to roll three times, there were some minor injuries. Upon impact, air bags failed to deploy.
Driving at approximatley 25 MPH ,consumer was involved in head- on collsion. Driver's and passenger's side airbags did not deploy, causing at a least 2500 worth of damage to front end ,and bruises on knees as a result of hitting dash panel.
Airbag complaints in other Ranger years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 1998 Ford Ranger?
NHTSA has 32 complaints about the air bags of the 1998 Ford Ranger, 6% of the model year's 576 complaints. The component named most often is frontal (23 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Ford Ranger airbag problems?
No. NHTSA lists no air bags recall for the 1998 Ford Ranger, though it has 5 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 1998 Ford Ranger airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 40,000 miles, and 40% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 26 crashes, 3 fires and 11 injuries and 1 death to air bags 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.