CarRecordBook

Model year record

2004 Ford Ranger recalls & problems

The 2004 Ford Ranger has 12 safety recalls and 405 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is air bags (189 complaints).

Recalls12safety recalls
Complaints405filed by owners
Crashes · fires42 · 3reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths35 · 2reported in complaints
2004 Ford Ranger in an NHTSA crash test
NHTSA crash test

2 recalls for this model year carry an NHTSA do not drive advisory. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Safety recalls

Air bagsApr 28, 2023

Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module

Recall 23V306000231,942 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2004-2006 Ranger vehicles that received replacement front passenger air bag inflators under a previous recall. The replacement front passenger air bag inflators may have been installed incorrectly.
Risk
An incorrectly installed inflator may not properly inflate the passenger air bag, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and reinstall the front passenger air bag inflator, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S08. This recall expands and replaces previous recall number 23V-125.
Air bagsFeb 24, 2023

Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module

Recall 23V12500098,550 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2004-2006 Ranger vehicles that received replacement front passenger air bag inflators under a previous recall. The replacement frontal passenger air bag inflators may have been installed incorrectly.
Risk
An incorrectly installed inflator may not properly inflate the passenger air bag, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and reinstall the front passenger air bag inflator, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 5, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S08. This recall has been fully superseded by recall 23V-306.
Air bagsFeb 17, 2021

Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module

Recall 21V076000144,340 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2004-2006 Ranger vehicles that may be equipped with a driver or passenger frontal air bag inflator used as a replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the frontal air bag, an inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver and passenger air bag module, and replace either the module or the inflator, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 17, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S05.

Components: Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module; Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module; Air bags › Frontal

Air bagsFeb 16, 2021

Frontal

Recall 21V0810001,067 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2005-2014 Mustang, 2004-2011 Ranger, 2009-2011 Mercury Milan, 2006 Ford GT, 2008-2012 Fusion, 2007-2010 Edge and Lincoln MKX, and 2009-2010 Lincoln MKZ vehicles. These vehicles may be equipped with a driver or passenger frontal air bag inflator used as a replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the frontal air bag, an inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver and passenger air bag module, and replace either the module or the inflator, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 17, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S05.

Components: Air bags › Frontal; Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module; Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module

Air bagsDec 11, 2017

Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module

Recall 17V788000328,213 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

NHTSA advisory: do not drive affected vehicles until repaired.

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is superseding a previous recall for certain 2004-2006 Ford Ranger trucks to implement a final repair. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants, potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger's frontal air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 16, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S42. Note: This recall supersedes recall 15V322 which was an interim repair. Vehicles that received a replacement air bag inflator under the previous campaign need to return to a dealer to have an alternate inflator installed. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S42.
Air bagsDec 11, 2017

Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module

Recall 17V787000328,213 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

NHTSA advisory: do not drive affected vehicles until repaired.

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is superseding a previous recall for certain 2004-2006 Ford Ranger trucks to implement a final repair. Upon deployment of the driver side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 16, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S42. Note: This recall supersedes recall 16V-036 which was an interim repair. Vehicles that received a replacement air bag inflator under the previous campaign need to return to a dealer to have an alternate inflator installed.
Air bagsJan 25, 2016

Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module

Recall 16V036000361,692 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 Ranger vehicles manufactured March 24, 2003, to May 4, 2006. Upon deployment of the driver side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S03. Note: This recall supersedes 14V-343 and only applies to Rangers manufactured in North America.
Air bagsMay 28, 2015

Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module

Recall 15V322000362,327 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 Ranger trucks manufactured March 24, 2003, to May 4, 2006. The affected vehicles are equipped with a passenger side frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on December 4, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S22. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 14V-787.
Exterior lightingJul 13, 2011

Brake lights

Recall 11V35200026,715 vehicles

Problem
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 RANGER TRUCKS BUILT FROM JANUARY 25, 2011, THROUGH APRIL 25, 2011 AT THE TWIN CITIES ASSEMBLY PLANT, AND SERVICE PARTS DISTRIBUTED TO DEALERS FOR CERTAIN 2004 THROUGH 2011 MODEL YEAR RANGER TRUCKS, 2002 THROUGH 2005 MODEL YEAR EXCURSION VEHICLES, AND 2002 THROUGH 2007 MODEL YEAR F-250, F-350, F-450, AND F-550 TRUCKS FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WAS SHIPPED WITH A SUBCOMPONENT (SLIDER) THAT MAY EXPERIENCE DEFORMATION. A MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WITH A DEFORMED SLIDER MAY MALFUNCTION CAUSING THE TURN SIGNAL, TAIL LIGHTS, HAZARD WARNING SIGNAL FLASHERS AND/OR BRAKE LIGHTS NOT TO ACTIVATE.
Risk
NON-FUNCTIONING LIGHTS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SWITCHES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 15, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.

Components: Exterior lighting › Brake lights; Exterior lighting › Tail lights

Exterior lightingMay 11, 2009

Headlights

Recall 09E02500042,540 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix
DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
Exterior lightingJul 17, 2006

Exterior lighting

Recall 06E0650003,593 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem
CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk
LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix
AJ MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AJ MOTORSPORT AT 626-618-2026.
StructureJul 14, 2004

Frame and members › Underbody shields

Recall 04V3310001,395 vehicles

Problem
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, THE FRAME MAY HAVE A CENTER RAIL SECTION FLANGE THAT WAS NOT FORMED PROPERLY.
Risk
IN THE EVENT OF A SIDE IMPACT CRASH, THE FRAME RAIL SCOULD PUNCTURE THE FUEL TANK, RESULTING IN A FUEL LEAK. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Fix
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRAME TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE FRAME WAS INCORRECTLY MANUFACTURED. IF THERE IS A PROBLEM, THE VEHICLE WILL NOT BE REPAIRED. FORD AND THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE VEHICLE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 19, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2004 Ford Ranger Regular Cab

OverallNot Rated
Frontal crashNot Rated
Side crashNot Rated
RolloverNot Rated

2004 Ford Ranger Supercab

OverallNot Rated
Frontal crashNot Rated
Side crashNot Rated
RolloverNot Rated
2004 Ford Ranger NHTSA side crash test
NHTSA side barrier crash test
2004 Ford Ranger NHTSA side pole crash test
NHTSA side pole crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Ranger Pickup 2WD

23mpg combined
City / highway21 / 27 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.3 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $2,900/year to fuel

Ranger Pickup 2WD

21mpg combined
City / highway19 / 24 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.3 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel

Ranger Pickup 2WD

18mpg combined
City / highway16 / 21 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,700/year to fuel

Ranger Pickup 2WD

18mpg combined
City / highway16 / 21 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

3 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,700/year to fuel

Ranger Pickup 2WD

17mpg combined
City / highway15 / 20 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

4 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,950/year to fuel

Ranger Pickup 2WD

17mpg combined
City / highway15 / 21 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

4 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,950/year to fuel

Ranger Pickup 4WD

17mpg combined
City / highway15 / 19 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

3 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $3,950/year to fuel

Ranger Pickup 4WD

16mpg combined
City / highway15 / 18 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,200/year to fuel

Ranger Pickup 4WD

15mpg combined
City / highway14 / 18 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

4 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,450/year to fuel

Ranger Pickup 4WD

15mpg combined
City / highway14 / 17 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

4 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,450/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Air bagsFrontal1892402389,000 mi
StructureBody; Frame and members › Underbody shields4800484,000 mi
SuspensionFront › Wheel bearing; Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint2920380,755 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Driveline › Driveshaft2732132,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Pedals and linkages1950230,000 mi
Vehicle speed controlAccelerator pedal; Cables1940242,500 mi
TiresSidewall; Temporary/emergency spare tire1720235,500 mi
Engine and engine coolingEngine; Engine › Gasoline1710045,500 mi
Electrical systemWiring; Instrument cluster/panel1701190,000 mi
Unknown or other1300073,000 mi
Fuel system, gasolineDelivery › Fuel pump; Fuel injection system1110055,200 mi
SeatsFront assembly › Head restraint70004,300 mi

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations