Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1999 Ford Ranger owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tail lights operate intermittently. While operating the vehicle on the road at night, this could pose a safety hazard. Other drivers have indicated to me that the tail lights were not working even though the headlights are on and the light switch is in the on position. Spot checks by me show that sometimes they are working and sometimes they are not. Search engine results indicate that this is a common problem with this vehicle.
Wipers didn't operate correctly - was recalled fix and worked okay for a while now currently come on all by themselves or when you put high beams or blinker on. My door ajar light came on without a door open and the dome lights came on and drained down my battery. Ford has not been contacted yet.
Consumer complained about electrical problems. The dome light/ajar light stayed on after getting out of the vehicle and locking the doors. Steering column smoked, and windshield wipers came on intermittently.
Windshield wipers intermittemntly turn on when I make turns. Another problem: the 'door ajar' light comes on and the dome light won't turn off. Had the truck taken in before for the domelight problem.
I had made my first appointment after signing the papers, purchasing the 99 Ford Ranger. I thought these things can be taken care after the first appointment. I had gone by the dealership 4 times, and can't get any of these taken care off. 5800 miles later, I still have these problems. The body shop manager said he isn't set up like the manufaturer, and the service manager is full of I'm sorries. Larry kramer is the engineer representative with Ford. I have asked the dealer to replace the vehicle , they said I am sorry we already got your check from the bank, and we would not be able to replace this truck. Larry kramer would not give me any straight answers. He was ready to fight, I do'nt know what to do with this truck . I am concerned for my safety!
Suspension alignment--dealer has made two attempts to correct constant wandering of vehicle toward low side of road. Unable to correct, vehicle drifts unless constantly corrected. Brake system--first reported to dealer as severe grabbing/pulling to right (vehicle will almost change lanes). Rotors machined, then pulled left. Dealer tried same remedy again, returned to pulling right. Last attempt, tried to correct suspension/front-end alignment problems to alleviate braking problems. Head lights--failed without warning at interstate speed. Running lights continued to operate. Spontaneously turned on again after about three minutes. Dealer unable to diagnose/correct failure.
Defective right front headlight assembly. Causes beam to flucuate erratically when driving , specifically over rough areas of road. Have returned the vehicle to the dealer twice with no satisfaction. Dealer proposed repair that I will not agree to because a) it is has not been approved by Ford motor co b) it will negate the ability to adjust the headlight assembly should the need arise.
Dome light inside of vehicle would stay on at all times, and run the battery down. Also, dealership changed the driveshaft and transmission . When using transmission, consumer heard a noise. Noise was not there at first until dealership replaced transmission.
Dome light comes on when the vehicle doors are closed and stay on. Also the windshield wipers come on as they please when I do not activate them.
Brake lights intermittently fail work some of the time but not all of the time, even when pressing hard on the brake pedal.
Headlight complaints in other Ranger years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 1999 Ford Ranger?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the lights of the 1999 Ford Ranger, 3% of the model year's 755 complaints. The component named most often is turn signal › switch (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Ford Ranger headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights recall for the 1999 Ford Ranger, though it has 4 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 1999 Ford Ranger headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 75,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 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.