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1994 Ford Ranger

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Ranger years

Owner complaints for the 1994 Ford Ranger are substantially higher than the model-year median of 144.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 72 of 438 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 66 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 58 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Tires. Review the 54 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

53 crash reports15 fire reports22 injury reports

Equipment complaints

6 reports
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73,000 miles · Mar 8, 2006
EquipmentFuel System, Gasoline

FUEL FILLER HOSE ASSEMBLY HAS FAILED TWICE ON 1994 FORD RANGER PICKUP. FIRST HOSE ASSEMBLY FAILED AT 73,000 MILES ON MAY 5, 2001 CAUSING LARGE AMOUNTS OF FUEL TO SPILL WHEN FILLING THE TANK AND WHEN DRIVING. THE REPLACEMENT HOSE ASSEMBLY FAILED AGAIN AFTER 55,000 MILES ON IT ON MARCH 3, 2006. THIS FAILURE WAS AT THE EXACT SAM…

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FUEL FILLER HOSE ASSEMBLY HAS FAILED TWICE ON 1994 FORD RANGER PICKUP. FIRST HOSE ASSEMBLY FAILED AT 73,000 MILES ON MAY 5, 2001 CAUSING LARGE AMOUNTS OF FUEL TO SPILL WHEN FILLING THE TANK AND WHEN DRIVING. THE REPLACEMENT HOSE ASSEMBLY FAILED AGAIN AFTER 55,000 MILES ON IT ON MARCH 3, 2006. THIS FAILURE WAS AT THE EXACT SAME PLACE ON THE HOSE AND ALSO CAUSED LARGE AMOUNTS OF FUEL TO SPILL WHEN FILLING TANK AND WHEN DRIVING. FIRST HOSE WAS REPLACED BY A FORD DEALERSHIP AT A COST TO ME OF $650 AND THE 2ND HOSE REPLACED BY AN INDEPENDENT SHOP AT A COST OF $480. BOTH TIMES, I PAID FOR THE REPLACEMENTS. THE REPLACEMENT HOSES WERE ALL GENUINE FORD PRODUCTS. THESE HOSE APPEAR TO BE DEFECTIVE IN MANUFACTURE SINCE BOTH FAILURES ARE IN THE EXACT SAME PLACE ON THEM. FORD REFUSES TO DISCUSS THE MATTER OF DEFECTIVE HOSES AND THE EXTREME FIRE DANGER THEY POSE. I HAVE THE MOST RECENTLY REPLACED CRACKED HOSE. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10152253

Mileage unknown · Feb 6, 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingEquipmentFuel System, Gasoline

I WAS CHECKING FOR RECALLS ON MY 1994 FORD RANGER AND WAS SURPRISED AT HOW MANY RECALLS. THE REASON BEING THAT, MY FAMILY HAS OWNED THIS VEHICLE SINCE FEBRUARY 1994, WE'VE ONLY RECEIVED THE FIRESTONE RECALL NOTICE. IRONICALLY, I HAVE HAD AND STILL HAVE SOME OF THE LISTED COMPONENTS THAT WERE RECALLED AS WELL AS AS SOME UNLISTED …

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I WAS CHECKING FOR RECALLS ON MY 1994 FORD RANGER AND WAS SURPRISED AT HOW MANY RECALLS. THE REASON BEING THAT, MY FAMILY HAS OWNED THIS VEHICLE SINCE FEBRUARY 1994, WE'VE ONLY RECEIVED THE FIRESTONE RECALL NOTICE. IRONICALLY, I HAVE HAD AND STILL HAVE SOME OF THE LISTED COMPONENTS THAT WERE RECALLED AS WELL AS AS SOME UNLISTED COMPONENTS SINCE 1996, THESE PROBLEMS HAVE COST MY FAMILY ANY WHERE BETWEEN $1000.00 - $2000.00, EVERY YEAR JUST IN REPAIRS ALONE. THE VEHICLE BARELY HAS 147,000 MILES ON IT AND IS ONLY USED TO COMMUTE TO ANF FROM WORK, AND OCCASSIONAL DRIVES TO L.A. COUNTY. SEE LIST BELOW.... 07/2002 - VEHICLE OVERHEATED RETURNING HOME FROM L.A. COUNTY, CRACKED CYLINDER HEAD - COST $1200.00 02/2002 - BROUGHT VEHICLE IN FOR OIL CHANGE & ALIGNMENT, AND FOUND THE BRAKE SYSTEM AND FUEL SYSTEM WERE BAD, REPLACED BRAKE ROTORS, CALIPERS, GASKETS, SEALS, AND HOSES WERE LEAKING, THE FUEL SYSTEM WAS LEAKING AND TO THIS DAY, I STILL SMELL GASOLINE EVERYTIME I PARK . COST - $950.00 07/2001 - BROUGHT VEHICLE IN FOR TIRES, AND FIND THE RADIATOR NOT WORKING, AND THE COOLING FAN WAS CRACKED ALL THE WASY AROUND ON EVERY BLADE, HAD TO REPLACE RADIATOR, FAN ASSY AND ALL HOSES & CLAMPS. - COST - $ 800.00 01/2001 - FRONT BRAKE DISC ROTORS WERE BAD, REPLACED - COST - $ 300.00 03/2000 - ROUTINE 30K SERVICE + VEHICLE WOULD VIBRATE AND SHUDDER WHEN BRAKING, SO REAR BRAKE ROTORS & DRUMS WERE SURFACED AND/OR REPLACED, + REPLACED THE FOLLOWING GASKETS, SEALS, & PLUGS BECAUSE OF MAJOR LEAKS; WORK BY FORD DEALER, #FOTZ6710C OIL PAN GSKT, INTAKE MANIFOLD GSKT & VALVE COVER GSKT, #F5TZ9439A MANIF. GSKT, #F87Z6584AA COVER VALVE ROCKER ARM GSKT, THERMOSTATIC INSERT, , VALVES, OIL FILTER, AND THERMOSTAT - COST - $ 1425.00 SEE WHAT I MEAN...

NHTSA ODI #10005381

Mileage unknown · Jul 26, 1999
Equipment

A STANDARD JACK CAME WITH THE VEHICLE. WHEN JACK WAS USED FOR THE FIRST TIME, THE FRAME CRACKED, CAUSING THE JACK TO GET STUCK UPRIGHT. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

NHTSA ODI #843358

Mileage unknown · Jun 24, 1999
Equipment

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR FAILURE, PRIOR TO TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 97-10-97, DUE TO INSUFFICIENT LUBRICATION. *YC *YC

NHTSA ODI #546381

Mileage unknown · Nov 19, 1998
Equipment

THE OWNERS MANUAL STATE THAT YOU MAY TRANSFER TO 4X4 UP TO 55 MILES AN HOUR BEFORE DAMAGE OCCURS, I WAS TRAVELING AT 30 MILES PER HOUR AND THE FRONT DRVIER HUB MADE A CLUNCKING SOUND. I ASKED EVERY FORD DEALER ABOUT MY SITUATION AND THEY SAID THAT THAT IT'S RIDICULOUS TO ENGAGE 4 WHEEL DRIVE WHILE MOVING AT ANY SPEED PERIOD! AN…

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THE OWNERS MANUAL STATE THAT YOU MAY TRANSFER TO 4X4 UP TO 55 MILES AN HOUR BEFORE DAMAGE OCCURS, I WAS TRAVELING AT 30 MILES PER HOUR AND THE FRONT DRVIER HUB MADE A CLUNCKING SOUND. I ASKED EVERY FORD DEALER ABOUT MY SITUATION AND THEY SAID THAT THAT IT'S RIDICULOUS TO ENGAGE 4 WHEEL DRIVE WHILE MOVING AT ANY SPEED PERIOD! AND THAT THE TRANSFER SHOULD BE MADE AT STAND STILL. SO NOW I'M NOT REALLY SURE WHICH WAY TO DO IT. ALL THAT I'M SURE OF, IS THAT $300.00 EXPENSE FOR A NEW HUB.

NHTSA ODI #700752

Mileage unknown · May 8, 1996
Equipment

334432-8265, LEAVES CLOG EVAPORATER COIL, CAUSING A SMELL OF SMOKE, *AK

NHTSA ODI #984216

Official recalls

4

96V024001 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:hydraulic

Feb 5, 1996

THE STUDS WHICH ATTACH THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER TO THE POWER BRAKE VACUUM BOOSTER ASSEMBLY CAN DEVELOP STRESS CORROSION CRACKING AFTER BEING OPERATED FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME IN THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LOCATION.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF A CRACK OCCURS, IT COULD RESULT IN ONE OR BOTH STUDS FRACTURING. THE MASTER CYLINDER COULD THEN SEPARATE FROM THE VACUUM BOOSTER, WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED, PREVENTING THE SERVICE BRAKES FROM ACTIVATING INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POWER BRAKE VACUUM BOOSTER ASSEMBLY.

95V231001 · Vehicle Speed Control

Dec 5, 1995

DURING EXTREME COLD, NORTHERN CLIMATE WINTER CONDITIONS, ICE CAN FORM IN THE THROTTLE BODY OF THE ENGINE CAUSING THE THROTTLE PLATE TO REMAIN IN THE HIGHWAY CRUISING POSITION AFTER THE ACCELERATOR IS RELEASED OR THE SPEED CONTROL IS DEACTIVATED.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCES CAN BE INCREASED POSSIBLY RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AIR INTAKE DUCT AND VALVE ASSEMBLY WITH REVISED UNITS.

94V169001 · Parking Brake:conventional

Sep 7, 1994

THE PARKING BRAKE CONTROL SELF-ADJUST PAWL DOES NOT LINE UP PROPERLY WITH THE SELF-ADJUST RACHET CAUSING THE PAWL TO SLIP OVER ONE OR MORE TEETH IN THE RACHET.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: WHEN THE ABOVE OCCURS, IT CAN RESULT IN PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM INEFFECTIVENESS. THE PARKING BRAKE WILL NOT HOLD THE VEHICLE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ROLL FREELY, IF THE TRANSMISSION IS NOT LEFT IN GEAR.

Remedy: A WEDGE WILL BE INSTALLED WHICH WILL SERVE TO LOCK THE PARKING BRAKE SELF-ADJUST MECHANISM PAWL INTO ENGAGEMENT WITH THE RACHET. ALSO, OWNERS WILL BE ADVISED TO RELEASE AND REAPPLY THE PARKING BRAKE WHENEVER TOOTH SKIP OCCURS AND WILL BE REMINDED TO ALWAYS TURN OFF THE ENGINE AND LEAVE THE VEHICLE IN GEAR WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED.

94V111001 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Jun 13, 1994

THE FRONT FUEL LINES HAVE A SECTION OF FLEXIBLE HOSE THAT IS SUSCEPTIBLE TO CRACKING WHICH CAN ALLOW FUEL LEAKAGE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: LEAKING FUEL CAN RESULT IN A FIRE WHEN EXPOSED TO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE FRONT FUEL LINE ASSEMBLY.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

EA95018 · Separation Of Master Cylinder

Opened Jun 19, 1995 · Closed Apr 2, 1996

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic

FORD CONTINUES TO SUDY THE PROBLEM ATTEMPTING TO DETERMINE WHY STUD FRACTURES ARE NOT FREQUENTLY OCCURRING IN OTHER PARTS OF THE COUNTRY.LIKEWISE, ODI CONTINUES GATHERING INFORMATION TO ASCERTAIN WHETHER THE RECALL SCOPE SHOULD INCLUDE OTHER GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS.IF EVIDENCE INDICATES THE SCOPE SHOULD BE EXPANDED, ODI WILL REOPEN THE INVESTIGATION AS WARRANTED.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

FORD CONTINUES TO SUDY THE PROBLEM ATTEMPTING TO DETERMINE WHY STUD FRACTURES ARE NOT FREQUENTLY OCCURRING IN OTHER PARTS OF THE COUNTRY.LIKEWISE, ODI CONTINUES GATHERING INFORMATION TO ASCERTAIN WHETHER THE RECALL SCOPE SHOULD INCLUDE OTHER GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS.IF EVIDENCE INDICATES THE SCOPE SHOULD BE EXPANDED, ODI WILL REOPEN THE INVESTIGATION AS WARRANTED.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

FORD CONTINUES TO SUDY THE PROBLEM ATTEMPTING TO DETERMINE WHY STUD FRACTURES ARE NOT FREQUENTLY OCCURRING IN OTHER PARTS OF THE COUNTRY.LIKEWISE, ODI CONTINUES GATHERING INFORMATION TO ASCERTAIN WHETHER THE RECALL SCOPE SHOULD INCLUDE OTHER GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS.IF EVIDENCE INDICATES THE SCOPE SHOULD BE EXPANDED, ODI WILL REOPEN THE INVESTIGATION AS WARRANTED.