Total Complaints
451 filings
FORD RANGER · model year
451 NHTSA complaints, 34 crash reports for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 1995FORDRANGER carries 451 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 34 crashes, 14 fires, 17 injuries, and 2 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 1995 RANGER is visibility:windshield wiper/washer with 44 filings, followed by service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (36) and interior lighting (29). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability.
NHTSA currently has 177 investigation files overlapping the 1995 RANGER, and 8 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
451 filings
Crashes Reported
34 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER | 44 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP | 36 |
| INTERIOR LIGHTING | 29 |
| TIRES | 17 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 15 |
| TIRES:TREAD/BELT | 13 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 11 |
| AIR BAGS:FRONTAL | 10 |
| SUSPENSION | 10 |
| AIR BAGS | 8 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR | 8 |
| VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR | 8 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 8 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR | 7 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE | 7 |
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN I SMELLED SMOKE AND SAW FLAMES COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND THE POWER TO THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO CUT OUT MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO MOVE OR STEER THE TRUCK TO SAFETY I THEN EXITED THE VEHICLE AND FLAMES WERE COMING OUT OF THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE GOOD AND HEADLIGHT. SO I CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND THEY CAME AND SPRAYED THE TRUCK PUTTING THE FLAMES OUT. AND CUTTING THE WIRES TO THE BATTERY
Mileage: 230,000
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN I SMELLED SMOKE AND SAW FLAMES COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND THE POWER TO THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO CUT OUT MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO MOVE OR STEER THE TRUCK TO SAFETY I THEN EXITED THE VEHICLE AND FLAMES WERE COMING OUT OF THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE GOOD AND HEADLIGHT. SO I CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND THEY CAME AND SPRAYED THE TRUCK PUTTING THE FLAMES OUT. AND CUTTING THE WIRES TO THE BATTERY
Mileage: 230,000
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN I SMELLED SMOKE AND SAW FLAMES COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND THE POWER TO THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO CUT OUT MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO MOVE OR STEER THE TRUCK TO SAFETY I THEN EXITED THE VEHICLE AND FLAMES WERE COMING OUT OF THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE GOOD AND HEADLIGHT. SO I CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND THEY CAME AND SPRAYED THE TRUCK PUTTING THE FLAMES OUT. AND CUTTING THE WIRES TO THE BATTERY
Mileage: 230,000
THE REAR HALF OF THE TRUCK FRAME IS ROTTED TO PIECES. THE BRACKETS THAT ARE SUPPOSED TO HOLD THE SHOCKS ARE RUSTED OFF AND MISSING..
Mileage: 195,000
THE REAR HALF OF THE TRUCK FRAME IS ROTTED TO PIECES. THE BRACKETS THAT ARE SUPPOSED TO HOLD THE SHOCKS ARE RUSTED OFF AND MISSING..
Mileage: 195,000
THE REAR HALF OF THE TRUCK FRAME IS ROTTED TO PIECES. THE BRACKETS THAT ARE SUPPOSED TO HOLD THE SHOCKS ARE RUSTED OFF AND MISSING..
Mileage: 195,000
CHASSIS FRAME IS RUSTING AWAY. ALL ENAMEL PAINT IS GONE AND CHUNKS OF RUSTED METAL IS FLAKING OFF
Mileage: 52,000
CHASSIS FRAME IS RUSTING AWAY. ALL ENAMEL PAINT IS GONE AND CHUNKS OF RUSTED METAL IS FLAKING OFF
Mileage: 52,000
CHASSIS FRAME IS RUSTING AWAY. ALL ENAMEL PAINT IS GONE AND CHUNKS OF RUSTED METAL IS FLAKING OFF
Mileage: 52,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1995 FORD RANGER. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER FAILED TO OPERATE AS INTENDED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT SUFFERED A FRACTURED C7 AND T5 VERTEBRAE. THE CONTACT WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE LOCAL HOSPITAL AND THEN TO UVA MEDICAL CENTER TO SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT FACILITY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE OFFICE OF CHIEF COUNSEL WOULD RESPOND WITHIN 15 DAYS. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
Mileage: 200,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1995 FORD RANGER. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER FAILED TO OPERATE AS INTENDED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT SUFFERED A FRACTURED C7 AND T5 VERTEBRAE. THE CONTACT WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE LOCAL HOSPITAL AND THEN TO UVA MEDICAL CENTER TO SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT FACILITY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE OFFICE OF CHIEF COUNSEL WOULD RESPOND WITHIN 15 DAYS. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
Mileage: 200,000
THE FRAME IS RUSTED THROUGH AND CRACKED ON THE LEFT REAR END. THE BARS TO SUPPORT THE DRIVE SHAFT IS RUSTED OFF AND THE MOUNTS FOR THE REAR SPRINGS HAVE BEEN REPAIRED ONCE AND ARE ALMOST RUSTED OFF AGAIN. THERE IS HEAVY RUST ON THE RIGHT SIDE FRAME BUT NOT RUSTED THROUGH. THE TRUCK BODY HAS ONLY 3 SURFACE RUST MARKS AND 2 SMALL DINGS. THE TRUCK HAS ORIGINAL PAINT (EXCEPT FOR LEFT FENDER AND HOOD). TRUCK WAS GARAGE KEPT AND INTERIOR IS PERFECT.
Mileage: 133,282
BRAKES LOCKED UP A 50 MPH, HIT LARGE GRASS/DIRT BANK AT 40 MPH APROX. AND AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY.
Mileage: 226,000
MY COMPLAINT IS THE VEHICLE FRAME, SPECIFICALLY THE REAR MOST PART WHERE THE REAR BUMPER MOUNTS TO THE FRAME. THE FRAME IS FULL OF RUST HOLES IN THAT AREA AND I CAN ONLY SURMISE IN A LIGHT REAR END COLLISION THAT THIS AREA WILL CRUMBLE. THIS IS ABSOLUTLY A FAILUREBY FORD TO ISSUE A RECALL WITH A PROPER REPAIR! NOW AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE, NOT INEXOENSIVE BY ANY MEANS A FULL FRAME OR REAR FRAME SECTION REPLACEMENT! THIS IS ON MANY RANGERS, IN FACT I REPLACED A FRAME ON A FAMILIES1997, TOTAL BALONEY! WHO ADE THE FRAME TOYOTA?!!
Mileage: 175,000
1995 FORD RANGER. MY NEPHEW WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE RIGHT REAR SHACKLE LET LOOSE AND HE LOST STABILITY. I REPLACED BOTH RIGHT SIDE FRONT AND REAR SHACKLES. I PULLED THE BED OFF TO REPLACE THE SENDING UNIT AND FOUND BOTH LEFT SIDE SHACKLES ROTTED, LEFT SIDE FRAME ROTTED IN HALF, CROSS MEMBER, GAS TANK SPLASH PAN AND STRAPS, ALONG WITH ALL CAB MOUNTS ROTTED COMPLETELY. I PARKED THE TRUCK AND HAVE NOT DROVE IT SCIENCE 2012. THE BODY IS BEAUTIFUL, AND ALL THE MECHANICS HAVE BEEN KEPT UP. I DON'T WANT TO GIVE UP ON THIS TRUCK.
Mileage: 200,000
ALL LEAF SPRING BRACKETS AND FRAME HAVE RUSTED OUT COMPLETELY IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THIS IS A COMMON DEFECT AND HAVE SEEN THIS MANY TIMES.
I'M INTERESTED IN KNOWING ABOUT THE SAFETY OF MY PASSENGERS AS OF RIGHT NOW I HAVE TO CUT OFF THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG / AND AM WORRIED ABOUT TRANSPORTING MY YOUNG GREAT NEICE & OR NEPHEW PICKING THEM UP FROM SOME SCHOOL FUNCTIONS ....AND WOULD APPRECIATE A CALL OR LETTER KNOWING THIS IS GOING TO SOON BE TAKEN CARE OF ..THANKS
I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE 3 OF THE 4 SHACKLES IN MY RANGER DUE TO THEM RUSTING OFF AND BREAKING. THE FOURTH SHACKLE IS WELL ON ITS WAY TO BEING RUSTED OFF. THE FRAME OF THE TRUCK SEEMS TO BE GETTING WEAK IN THE SPOTS AROUND THE SHACKLES AS WELL. *TR
Mileage: 194,785
I WAS DRIVING AT WORK GOING FROM POINT A TO POINT B AND I HEARD THE REAR BRAKES GRINDING, METAL TO METAL SOUND, WAS GOING ABOUT 40 MPH, SLOW DOWN AND MADE IT TO POINT B, ABOUT 1 MILE, IN TOWN.... PARKED AND CHECKED UNDER THE TRUCK.... AND DISCOVERED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLE WAS STRETCHED TIGHT... CRAWLED UNDER TRUCK AND DISCOVERED THAT FRAME WAS RUSTED IN HALF (BROKEN ALL THE WAY THRU) ON DRIVER'S SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE WAS ALMOST AS BAD.... ALSO A CROSS MEMBER WAS RUSTED AWAY... AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE SHOCK WAS HANGING DOWN (BRACKET RUSTED AWAY) TRUCK IS NOW PARKED AT HOME CAN'T FIX IT.... HAD TO BUY A USED VAN FROM MY BOSS SO I COULD GET TO WORK..... I WILL HAVE TO JUNK THE TITLE IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS.... TRUCK RUNS FINE BUT JUST CAN'T FIX A RUSTED OUT FRAME... NOT SAFE FOR ANYONE TO DRIVE... BY THE WAY THE END OF THE FRAME WHERE THE REAR BUMPER ATTACHES RUSTED ABOUT 18 MONTHS AGO AND HAD TO PUT 1/2 INCH STEEL IN TO REATTACH IT.... THE FRAME WAS A LITTLE RUSTY AT THAT TIME BUT NO HO
Mileage: 193,278
I WAS DRIVING AT WORK GOING FROM POINT A TO POINT B AND I HEARD THE REAR BRAKES GRINDING, METAL TO METAL SOUND, WAS GOING ABOUT 40 MPH, SLOW DOWN AND MADE IT TO POINT B, ABOUT 1 MILE, IN TOWN.... PARKED AND CHECKED UNDER THE TRUCK.... AND DISCOVERED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLE WAS STRETCHED TIGHT... CRAWLED UNDER TRUCK AND DISCOVERED THAT FRAME WAS RUSTED IN HALF (BROKEN ALL THE WAY THRU) ON DRIVER'S SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE WAS ALMOST AS BAD.... ALSO A CROSS MEMBER WAS RUSTED AWAY... AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE SHOCK WAS HANGING DOWN (BRACKET RUSTED AWAY) TRUCK IS NOW PARKED AT HOME CAN'T FIX IT.... HAD TO BUY A USED VAN FROM MY BOSS SO I COULD GET TO WORK..... I WILL HAVE TO JUNK THE TITLE IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS.... TRUCK RUNS FINE BUT JUST CAN'T FIX A RUSTED OUT FRAME... NOT SAFE FOR ANYONE TO DRIVE... BY THE WAY THE END OF THE FRAME WHERE THE REAR BUMPER ATTACHES RUSTED ABOUT 18 MONTHS AGO AND HAD TO PUT 1/2 INCH STEEL IN TO REATTACH IT.... THE FRAME WAS A LITTLE RUSTY AT THAT TIME BUT NO HO
Mileage: 193,278
Unintended Transmission Downshift and Rear Wheel Lock-up
Timing Belt Failure
Underbody shields detachment
B-Pillar Trim Detachment
Unintended Transmission Downshift and Rear Wheel Lock-up
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.