FORD RANGER · model year

2006 FORD RANGER

316 NHTSA complaints, 16 crash reports, and 12 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2006FORDRANGER carries 316 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 16 crashes, 2 fires, 11 injuries, and 4 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 2006 RANGER is air bags with 172 filings, followed by structure:body (20) and suspension (18). 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. This model year has 12 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle, the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 177 investigation files overlapping the 2006 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.

316
Complaints
16
Crashes
2
Fires
11
Injuries
4
Deaths

Total Complaints

316 filings

Crashes Reported

16 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume, review patterns below.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
AIR BAGS172
STRUCTURE:BODY20
SUSPENSION18
UNKNOWN OR OTHER16
ENGINE12
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE7
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM7
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM7
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL5
STEERING4
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS4
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING3
WHEELS3
SERVICE BRAKES3
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION2

Recalls (12)

15V32200028/05/2015

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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

23V30600028/04/2023

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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.

16V03600025/01/2016

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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.

23V12500024/02/2023

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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.

21V07600017/02/2021

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

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, temperatu

21V08100016/02/2021

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

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

11V35200013/07/2011

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

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 TH

17V78700011/12/2017

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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.

17V78800011/12/2017

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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.

18V02200011/01/2018

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2006 Ford Ranger trucks. Ford is requesting owners NOT TO DRIVE these vehicles until they have been repaired. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode. On January 11, 2018,

18V02300011/01/2018

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2006 Ford Ranger trucks. Ford is requesting owners NOT TO DRIVE these vehicles until they have been repaired. On January 11, 2018, Ford Motor Company (Ford) notified NHTSA that they are recalling 2,700 model year 2006 Ranger vehicles built with dri

05V52000009/11/2005

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, PASSENGER CARS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITHOUT GREASE BEING APPLIED TO THE OUTPUT SHAFT GEAR.

Recent Complaints

20250401CrashAIR BAGS

The contact owned a 2006 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while at a stop light, a crash occurred involving two other vehicles. During the crash, one of the other vehicles crashed into the contact’s vehicle, causing severe damages to the front-end of the vehicle; however, the air bags failed to deploy. The Fire Department was called to the scene and removed the front driver’s side door to free the contact from the vehicle. The contact sustained a neck injury and was later taken by her daughter to seek medical attention. A Police report was filed at the scene. The vehicle was destroyed and towed away. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V081000 (AIR BAGS). The contact was concerned that after the recall repair was performed, the air bag failed to deploy during the crash. The failure mileage was 98,000.

Mileage: 98,000

20250311CrashAIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2006 Ford Ranger. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V788000 (Air Bags). The contact stated that while stopped at a red light, both driver and passenger front air bags deployed without impact. The contact lost control and the vehicle then crashed into the rear of another vehicle. The contact received shoulder and neck injuries, medical attention was needed. The second vehicle occupant also sustained a back injury and medical attention was sought. A police report was filed but the information was not available. The contact cut the air bags out with a pocket knife and the vehicle was taken to the resident. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the dealer refused to diagnose or repair the vehicle under the recall until the SRS system and passenger seat belt were repaired since it was locked. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and was transferred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 220,000.

Mileage: 220,000

20230712ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Problem with fuel pump city switch keeps burning up and causing my truck to to die while I’m driving it. I have got it checked by a mechanic shop and the problem keeps happening. The fuel pump, the cut off switch and the connector and wires have all been replaced and it still continues to happen. This has been happening for years and is causing me to almost get in a car accident.

20230712FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Problem with fuel pump city switch keeps burning up and causing my truck to to die while I’m driving it. I have got it checked by a mechanic shop and the problem keeps happening. The fuel pump, the cut off switch and the connector and wires have all been replaced and it still continues to happen. This has been happening for years and is causing me to almost get in a car accident.

20230626AIR BAGS

My truck has been to the dealer on a number of occasions. The dealership (Access Ford, Corpus Christi, Texas) claims that the air bag was replaced. I brought the truck to the dealership in for the airbag issue in January 2017. When I kept receiving notices about the recall and checking the data bases (data bases noted the recall as not completed) I brought the truck back to the dealership in April 2023. Again a check of the recall data bases noted that the recall was not completed. During the April 2023 visit the dealership stated that it was a documentation issue and would recheck the air bag part and ID number and reenter it into the system. Checked the data bases recently and found that the recall was still in effect. Called Ford corporate customer service and they referred me to the dealership. Spoke to a service writer [XXX] at the dealership on June 20,2023 and she stated that there was some issues with their warranty person and would look into the issue and try and get my r

20230623CrashAIR BAGS

2006 FORD RANGER- Consumer states "2021 I was driving and my air bag deployed as I slightly turned my wheel while driving. It’s hard to remember but The airbag total incapacitated me causing me to hit a tree head on. I am now disabled suffering a traumatic brain injury, and multiple injuries, I am now disabled unable to work and had to leave college. I talked to ford and they ignored me. This isn’t a legal request, it’s not for a law suit, I didn’t file against takata, but my 3 year old son was with me , he wasn’t hurt but it greatly effected him, and my ability to be a father. I need all reports and data involving accidents caused by the takata air bag deploying while driving, I specifically only want reports involving the 2004-2006 ford ranger with the air bag defect. Is that something you can help me with? This is so important. I know there has been deaths and vehicle was a ford ranger, and rangers have been in countless accidents due to air bag. This research is for mysel

20220831UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Frame front and rear are rusted to the point the vehicle is no longer roadworthy. The truck only has 68,410 miles on it.

20220719CrashFatalAIR BAGS

Takata Recall. The contact was a Florida Highway Patrolman who was filing a complaint on behalf of the deceased owner of a 2006 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that the driver of the vehicle was involved in a minor traffic collision; however, the driver suffered fatal injuries due to the driver's side air bag deployment. The driver was pronounced deceased at the scene of the collision. A police report was filed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The caller related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V023000 (Air Bags). The failure mileage was unknown.

20220624STRUCTURE:BODY

Frame prematurely rotting out in critical areas near fuel tank/middle of vehicle frame

20220609SUSPENSION

The spare tire stabilizing bracket rusted away and fell off. The rear shackles for the springs broke on both sides, and is coming up through the bed. The frame has rusted apart and it’s not possible to bolt a new shackle for the rear springs on. The body is not rusting out. They used inferior steel on the frame and it has rusted away. They should do a recall on these like other manufacturers have. This is a serious safety issue. I bought this truck new, and it only has 98000 mikes on it.

20220609STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

The spare tire stabilizing bracket rusted away and fell off. The rear shackles for the springs broke on both sides, and is coming up through the bed. The frame has rusted apart and it’s not possible to bolt a new shackle for the rear springs on. The body is not rusting out. They used inferior steel on the frame and it has rusted away. They should do a recall on these like other manufacturers have. This is a serious safety issue. I bought this truck new, and it only has 98000 mikes on it.

20210312STRUCTURE:BODY

THE REAR FRAME CROSSMEMBER RUSTED TO THE POINT WHERE THE SPARE TIRE IT SUPPORTS ALMOST FELL OUT. I NOTICED IT WAS HANGING ABOUT 6' LOW SO I CAUGHT IT BEFORE IT FELL. THE ENTIRE PART IS HORRIBLY CORRODED. NOTE THAT THE WOOD WAS TEMPORARILY INSTALLED TO HOLD THE STEEL UP TO DRIVE HOME.

Mileage: 171,500

20210301TIRES

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD RANGER EQUIPPED WITH COOPER TIRES, TIRE LINE: TRENDSETTER A/W, TIRE SIZE: 27X10R16, DOT NUMBER: R7HCC2T0117. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SET OF TIRES WERE CRACKING AROUND THE RIM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AS OF YET. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE TIRES WERE NOT UNDER RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 190,000.

Mileage: 190,000

20210125STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE GETTING THE VEHICLE INSPECTED HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 140,000. *BF THE CONSUMER STATED REPAIRING THE VEHICLE WOULD COST MORE THAN VEHICLE'S WORTH.

Mileage: 140,000

20210108UNKNOWN OR OTHER

MAIN ENGINE SEAL KEEPS LEAKING EVEN AFTER REPLACING 3 TIMES. WHEN PARKED OIL LEAKS OUT ON GROUND. VERY EXPENSIVE PART TO KEEP REPLACING.

Mileage: 58,000

20201218SUSPENSION

THE FRAME OF MY RANGER HAS RUSTED BADLY , CAUSING THE REAR SPRING SHACKLES TO NO LONGER BE ATTACHED TO THE FRAME.ALSO THE BED OF THE TRUCK HAS RUSTED AWAY BADLY. I I SPOKE TO A GUY WHO SPECIALIZES IN FRAME / AXLE REPAIR . AFTER INSPECTING IT , HE TOLD ME THAT THE ONLY OPTION TO REPAIR MY TRUCK WAS TO REPLACE THE FRAME , BECAUSE THE FRAME IS RUSTED TOO BADLY TO BE ABLE TO BE WELDED , HE SAID THE ONLY OTHER OPTION WAS TO JUNK IT . THE TRUCK HAS 102,000 MILES ON IT AND IS OTHERWISE IN GOOD CONDITION . I HAD PLANNED TO OWN IT FOR YEARS TO COME . NOW I AM AFRAID TO TRUST IT . AND I WOULD NOT FEEL RIGHT ABOUT SELLING IT TO SOMEONE ELSE . I USE THIS TRUCK TO HAUL HAY TO FEED MY LIVESTOCK , BUT NOW I AM AFRAID TO LOAD IT UP AND DRIVE DOWN THE ROAD WITH IT .I HAD THE TIRES REPLACED AND THE SERVICE CENTER NOTED ON THE PAPERWORK THAT THE FRAME WAS BAD AND NEEDED TO HAVE THE SPRING MOUNTINGS FIXED ..,

Mileage: 101,823

20201218UNKNOWN OR OTHER

THE FRAME OF MY RANGER HAS RUSTED BADLY , CAUSING THE REAR SPRING SHACKLES TO NO LONGER BE ATTACHED TO THE FRAME.ALSO THE BED OF THE TRUCK HAS RUSTED AWAY BADLY. I I SPOKE TO A GUY WHO SPECIALIZES IN FRAME / AXLE REPAIR . AFTER INSPECTING IT , HE TOLD ME THAT THE ONLY OPTION TO REPAIR MY TRUCK WAS TO REPLACE THE FRAME , BECAUSE THE FRAME IS RUSTED TOO BADLY TO BE ABLE TO BE WELDED , HE SAID THE ONLY OTHER OPTION WAS TO JUNK IT . THE TRUCK HAS 102,000 MILES ON IT AND IS OTHERWISE IN GOOD CONDITION . I HAD PLANNED TO OWN IT FOR YEARS TO COME . NOW I AM AFRAID TO TRUST IT . AND I WOULD NOT FEEL RIGHT ABOUT SELLING IT TO SOMEONE ELSE . I USE THIS TRUCK TO HAUL HAY TO FEED MY LIVESTOCK , BUT NOW I AM AFRAID TO LOAD IT UP AND DRIVE DOWN THE ROAD WITH IT .I HAD THE TIRES REPLACED AND THE SERVICE CENTER NOTED ON THE PAPERWORK THAT THE FRAME WAS BAD AND NEEDED TO HAVE THE SPRING MOUNTINGS FIXED ..,

Mileage: 101,823

20201027SUSPENSION

LEFT SIDE REAR FRAME...WHERE THE REAR SPRING SHACKLE ATTACHES TO THE THE FRAME RUSTED AWAY. THE FRAME RUSTED AWAY, NO WHERE ELSE IS THERE RUST THROUGH...THE LEAF SPRING ENDED UP BEING SUPPORTED BY THE BED OF TRUCK. SPRING IS ATTACHED TO THE REAR AXLE. AXLE CAN BECOME FREE WHEELING AT ANY TIME. THE RIGHT SIDE REAR SHACKLE ATTACHMENT LOOKS AS IF THE FRAME IS GOING TO FAIL ANY MOMENT ...I CAN NOT BELIEVE THE FRAME RUSTS AWAY WHILE THE REST OF THE BODY IS OK.....A TEMPORARY REPAIR HAS BEEN MADE WITH A 4 X 4 BOLTED TO THE FRAME AND SPRING.

Mileage: 90,000

20200902STRUCTURE:BODY

THE FRAME AND BED IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. SO MUCH SO THAT THE ONE OF THE LEAF SPRINGS BROKE LOOSE AND CAME THROUGH THE BOTTOM OF THE BED WHILE DRIVING DOWN A STRAIGHT STRETCH OF ROAD. THE TRUCK IS NOW COMPLETELY NOT DRIVABLE. I HAVE HEARD SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SAME MAKE/MODEL/YEAR TRUCK. EVEN FROM PEOPLE WHERE THEIR CITIES DON'T SALT THE ROADS IN THE WINTER.

Mileage: 150,000

20200902WHEELS

THE FRAME AND BED IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. SO MUCH SO THAT THE ONE OF THE LEAF SPRINGS BROKE LOOSE AND CAME THROUGH THE BOTTOM OF THE BED WHILE DRIVING DOWN A STRAIGHT STRETCH OF ROAD. THE TRUCK IS NOW COMPLETELY NOT DRIVABLE. I HAVE HEARD SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SAME MAKE/MODEL/YEAR TRUCK. EVEN FROM PEOPLE WHERE THEIR CITIES DON'T SALT THE ROADS IN THE WINTER.

Mileage: 150,000

Compare 2006FORDRANGER to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 8 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2006 FORD RANGER have?
The 2006 FORD RANGER has 316 NHTSA complaints, 16 crashes, 2 fires, 11 injuries, and 4 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2006 FORD RANGER?
Yes, the 2006 FORD RANGER has 12 recall(s). The most common affected component is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2006 FORD RANGER?
The most-complained component for the 2006 FORD RANGER is AIR BAGS with 172 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include STRUCTURE:BODY and SUSPENSION.
Is the 2006 FORD RANGER safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

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.