Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2004 Ford Ranger owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl contact owns a 2004 Ford Ranger. The vehicle began to roll backwards. The contact turned off the engine and placed the vehicle in park. The vehicle drove over a wood splinter, which damaged the tire, aluminum wheel, bumper, and tailgate. The repair shop stated that there was a vacuum leak in the 4 wheel drive that caused the gear to shift into neutral. The failure mileage was 26,000 and current mileage is 36,000. Updated 01/08/08
While driving 35 MPH the rear end of the vehicle fish-tailed and caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle. The vehicle crashed into a ditch and flipped on it's left side. The driver received minor scrapes and bruises. An independent mechanic determined the drive shaft on the rear end was the cause of the crash. Please provide any further details.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that the transmission was faulty and the vehicle hesitated without warning. As a result, the vehicle lunged forward and almost struck other vehicles. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 144,000.
Tranny dropped down causing vibration and vehicle pulled off road and towed. Found 2 cross supports rotted and separated also.body of truck is like new. Frame unsafe. Toyota recalled for this same reason. Ford needs to be held responsible also.
I was driving at the speed limit 60 MPH requirement on i35 north when all of a sudden the my speed begin to accelerate on it on increasing up to 100 MPH. I was scare out of my shoes not really knowing what was happening are knowing what I should do. I pressed on my brakes over, and over and it still didn't low down. I was afraid for my life and the traffic around me. I finally came up on an access exit and got off the freeway, but I almost hit someone because the traffic on the access road was merging and I was exiting at a high rate of speed. I just started blowing my horn repeatedly. Other people driving around me had to think I was losing my mind to be driving that fast and exiting off the freeway, but it was out of my control. I turned my truck off, but it still was moving fast. When I came to a stop sign I had to roll right though it because the truck would stop. …
I took my vehicle to have the diagnostics checked on it , because my engine light kept coming on , after having the plugs changed. The diagnostics said it was a fix it problem, with the valves, I then called the dealership, it seems the warranty has expired because of the mi. Being 66,000 my wife and I were planning to go out of town to visit our grandchildren, but cannot now. The dealership says they are aware of the problem but says there are not enough complaints to make a recall. I will be contacting everyone about this problem, please help us by telling everyone you know!! Merry christmas ! Who stole our christmas Ford ! Call your gov, officials help make this a recall not a fair warranty 3yrs or 36000 mi. Buy a foreign car from now on.
2004 Ford Ranger caught on fire.** answer required***. While driving the vehicle suddenly began to vibrate. The driver looked out of the rear view mirror and saw sparks coming from under the vehicle. The vehicle suddenly lost all power and the driver had to coasted to the side of the road. At that time a bystander informed the driver that the vehicle was on fire and extinguished it with a fire extinguisher. When the clutch plate exploded it flew into a parked car catching it on fire as well. The vehicle was still under warranty but the manufacturer refused relief under the warranty stating that the transmission had been abused. The vehicle had been driven under 700 miles and only fro a month an a half.
Dt: 2004, Ford, Ranger xlt, front brakes on driver's side are grabbing. The vehicle has been in repair shop twice. Consumer can mash the brakes down, and hears a grinding sound. Dealership has looked at the truck, and they could not find any problems. When the weather is cool the brakes feel like they are freezing up. Also, has been inspected by the dealership, who still could not find the cause of the problem. In addition, the front seal on the transmission was defective. The truck was having problems with the seal when it was taken to dealer for brake problems. The owner told the dealership to fix what ever necessary, and the seal was not fixed. The vehicle has 40,000 miles.
Tl contact owns a 2004 Ford Ranger. When the contact attempted to place the vehicle into gear, the engine revved uncontrollably. He had to depress the brake pedal to prevent the vehicle from moving. Once the vehicle was in gear, the gear shift lever would not return to the park position. He had to shut off the vehicle and remove the key. The failure occurred twice and once the vehicle shut off, it could be restarted without any further failures. The failure only occurred during cold starts. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure mileage was 32,000 and current mileage was 32,700. Updated 09/15/08 updated 09/17/08.
With less than 70K miles, the 5 speed auto transmission in my 2004 Ford Ranger (3.0 2wd) frequently refuses to engage gears when cold. When in drive or reverse, increasing engine speed produces engagement with a harsh thunk. Shortly after I purchased this vehicle new, Ford issued a recall for which the dealer placed an additive to prevent harsh shifts and prevent transmission damage. I assume this is a stopgap measure to allow the vehicle to exceed its warranty period. Interestingly, an autoparts store cashier asked me if I had a Ford Ranger based on my description of the problem.
Transmission complaints in other Ranger years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2004 Ford Ranger?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2004 Ford Ranger, 7% of the model year's 404 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Ford Ranger transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2004 Ford Ranger, though it has 10 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 2004 Ford Ranger transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 32,000 miles, and 38% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 2 fires and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain 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.