Steering complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 5% | — |
| 2024 | 6 | 6% | — |
| 2022 | 1 | 3% | 38,000 miles |
| 2021 | 2 | 2% | — |
| 2020 | 2 | 2% | — |
| 2019 | 5 | 2% | 37,000 miles |
| 2011 | 1 | 0% | 61,000 miles |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% | 3,000 miles |
| 2009 | 3 | 2% | 1,000 miles |
| 2008 | 1 | 0% | 60,000 miles |
| 2007 | 1 | 0% | 245,000 miles |
| 2006 | 5 | 2% | 110,000 miles |
| 2005 | 5 | 2% | 73,000 miles |
| 2004 | 3 | 1% | 81,000 miles |
| 2003 | 7 | 3% | 100,000 miles |
| 2002 | 8 | 2% | 46,000 miles |
| 2001 | 7 | 1% | 67,000 miles |
| 2000 | 25 | 4% | 61,000 miles |
| 1999 | 16 | 2% | 113,000 miles |
| 1998 | 19 | 3% | 185,000 miles |
| 1997 | 21 | 5% | 85,000 miles |
| 1996 | 17 | 4% | — |
| 1995 | 9 | 3% | 200,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
My truck has selectable drive modes. These drive modes control steering effort, suspension, shift points, the four-wheel drive system, ABS, and exhaust. My truck changes drive modes on its own without any input. Going down the highway, my truck is tried to go into rock crawl modes several times. If this happens, my truck will go into four low and the components above will be affected. A cursory Google search leads to a forum where 10 pages of people have reported this problem. It is scary to think that my truck has the potential to change drive modes on its own. This could lead to loss of steering control, sudden acceleration, or a locked differential can make me lose control of the vehicle. …
The vehicle went into BAJA Mode 4wd high then 4wd low range out of nowhere while driving. It shot me off the road , and ive been researching it. There is a 6 page thread about new rangers and ranger raptors doing this on 6G ranger forum, tons of people with the same issue. Super scary. Fear injury or fatality will happen from this as it shoots you hard off the road
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that they had received a notification on the main control computer screen and the vehicle's notifications app indicated that there was an electrical failure occurring with the steering. The contact then stated at the same time the vehicle began to self-direct causing an excessive amount of force required to steer the vehicle. The brakes became difficult to depress causing an excessive amount of pressure to be applied on the brake pedal in order to get the vehicle to come to a stop. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to diagnose the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 16,000.
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the power steering assist failed with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact called the dealer and was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The contact was given an estimate for the repair. The contact called an independent mechanic and was also given an estimate for the repair. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the rack and pinion steering assembly needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired.
Traveling home from a trip out of town, we experienced a slight pull to the right, which only happened once at the beginning of our trip. We were thinking it May be time for an alignment. As we were traveling home, we stopped for gas and upon returning to the expressway and gaining speed, something in the front right of the truck snapped. There was a loud noise and then the truck veered severely to the right. As we attempted to regain control of the truck it slammed into the concrete wall dividing the highways. My husband and I both have multiple bruises, along with quite a bit of pain at the moment. We were very fortunate to have walked away from this accident. The truck is a total loss and quite scary to look at. I do have pictures available if requested.
Tl contact owns a 2009 Ford Ranger. While driving various speeds, the vehicle vibrates excessively. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and they stated that it was a normal characteristic of the vehicle. The failure has not been remedied. He called the manufacturer, but has not received a response. The failure mileage was 12 and current mileage was 4,140. Updated 06/09/09 the consumer stated the truck ran at 850 RPM and needs to be at 950 RPM. The dealer informed him, that would require reprogramming computer. Updated 06/10/09.
Rear leaf-spring shackles and hangers on my 2006 Ford Ranger are rusted out, one of the shackles broke free from the frame while I was driving, made it harder to steer because the truck felt nowhere near as stable as it was before it broke, it caused me to swerve into the lane beside me which very well could have caused a serious accident if someone were to be there. The rest of my frame seems to have excessive rust which is not to be expected from a 10 year old truck, especially by the shackles and hangers for the leaf springs, and also all around the spare tire mount which I could see to become a very serious safety concern while driving. I mean who wants a spare tire in their windshield while following someone down the road? …
While driving the spare tire rack fell from the truck. Since the EVAP canister from the gas tank is attached to the spare tire rack it to was damaged with the canister being broken open while the rack scrapped on the road. After further inspection of the frame it was found that the gas tank support brackets had fallen completely off leaving only a thin strap supporting the gas tank. The frame also showed extensive corrosion on the front crossmember which supports the lower control arms. Brake line support tabs on the frame were also found to have completely separated from the frame at the weld. These are very dangerous situations and for highway safety and the trucks should be recalled. Thank you in advance for your attention in this matter.
NHTSA investigations
Steering knuckle separations
There is no summary currently available
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Ranger years have steering problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2000 (25), 1997 (21), 1998 (19), 1996 (17) and 1999 (16) model years. Steering complaints make up 4% of all complaints for the 2000.
Is there a recall for Ford Ranger steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for any Ford Ranger model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Ford Ranger steering problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 84,000 miles; 42% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the hydraulic power assist system (22 mentions), followed by the steering wheel/handle bar (13).
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.