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1995 Ford Ranger

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Ranger years

Owner complaints for the 1995 Ford Ranger are substantially higher than the model-year median of 144.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 41 of 321 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.

  • Visibility. Review the 63 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 55 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 29 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

25 crash reports9 fire reports11 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

29 reports
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139,026 miles · Jun 23, 2013
Electrical SystemExterior LightingStructure

I WAS PULLING A SMALL TRAILER GOING ABOUT 15MPH OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AND FELT THE TRAILER DROP OFF OF THE VEHICLE I STOPPED AND GOT OUT AND NOTICED THAT THE LAST 2 FEET OF THE REAR FRAME RAILS FELL OUT TAKING THE LICENSE PLATE LIGHTS AND BUMPER WITH IT. AFTER I REALIZED THAT THE REAR FRAME RUSTED OUT, I INSPECTED THE WHOLE VEHICLE…

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I WAS PULLING A SMALL TRAILER GOING ABOUT 15MPH OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AND FELT THE TRAILER DROP OFF OF THE VEHICLE I STOPPED AND GOT OUT AND NOTICED THAT THE LAST 2 FEET OF THE REAR FRAME RAILS FELL OUT TAKING THE LICENSE PLATE LIGHTS AND BUMPER WITH IT. AFTER I REALIZED THAT THE REAR FRAME RUSTED OUT, I INSPECTED THE WHOLE VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT THE RADIUS ARM BRACKET HAS HOLES IN IT, I HAD TO REPLACE ALL OF THE SHACKLES, THE DRIVER SIDE CAB MOUNT RUSTED OUT AND NOW HAS FALLEN OUT OF THE VEHICLE, I ALSO HAVE NOTICED THAT THERE IS A RATHER LARGE HOLE IN THE FRAME IN BETWEEN THE CAB AND THE BED OF THE TRUCK, MY GAS TANK STRAPS HAVE RUSTED OFF AND I NOW HAVE IT RATCHET STRAPPED IT IN BECAUSE THE MOUNT FOR THE STRAP RUSTED OUT OF THE FRAME. I BELIEVE THAT SINCE THE TRUCK IS STILL IN GOOD WORKING ORDER MINUS THE FRAME AND RUST ISSUES AND SINCE IT STILL HAS MODERATE TO LOW MILES I BELIEVE THAT THE FORD COMPANY SHOULD MAKE IT RIGHT WITH THEIR VALUED CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE VEHICLE OR AT LEAST REPAIR IT TO WHERE IT IS STREET WORTHY. RANGERS ARE GREAT TRUCKS BUT THE FRAME WAS COMPLETELY MANUFACTURED WRONG. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10521302

Mileage unknown · Feb 7, 2012
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHIME BOX IN THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL WOULD EMIT A VERY LOUD NOISE THAT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN OFF. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE OVERHEAD LIGHTS TO REMAIN ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND THEY WERE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE ONLY REMEDY WAS TO REPLACE THE CHIME …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHIME BOX IN THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL WOULD EMIT A VERY LOUD NOISE THAT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN OFF. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE OVERHEAD LIGHTS TO REMAIN ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND THEY WERE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE ONLY REMEDY WAS TO REPLACE THE CHIME BOX. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 175,000.

NHTSA ODI #10447008

50,734 miles · Jul 29, 2010
Electrical SystemFuel System, Gasoline

FUEL SHUT OFF SWITCH WIRING OR IMPROPER LOCATION. WHEN A PASSENGER IS IN MY VEHICLE THE SWITCH ACTIVATES AND SHUTS OFF FUEL. IT HAS HAPPENED TO MY WIFE,SON, BROTHER, AND MYSELF. ON VERY BUSY HIGHWAYS, PARKING LOT ENTRANCE, AND INTERSECTIONS. HAD PART REPLACED ONCE AT QUITE AN EXPENSE STILL HAVE PROBLEM. THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN WHEN…

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FUEL SHUT OFF SWITCH WIRING OR IMPROPER LOCATION. WHEN A PASSENGER IS IN MY VEHICLE THE SWITCH ACTIVATES AND SHUTS OFF FUEL. IT HAS HAPPENED TO MY WIFE,SON, BROTHER, AND MYSELF. ON VERY BUSY HIGHWAYS, PARKING LOT ENTRANCE, AND INTERSECTIONS. HAD PART REPLACED ONCE AT QUITE AN EXPENSE STILL HAVE PROBLEM. THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN WHEN ALONE EVEN OFF ROAD WHEN I WOULD EXPECT AN OCCURRENCE. WIFE AND FRIEND ALMOST GOT REARENDED AT BUSY INTERSECTION WHEN THIS HAPPENED CREATED A SERIOUS TRAFFIC PROBLEM. MY SON WAS IN AREA SHOPPING AND WENT TO ASSIST MOTHER HELD DOWN RED TOP OF INERTIA SWITCH. VEHICLE STARTED AND RAN TILL NEXT INCIDENT WHICH THERE HAS BEEN SEVERAL EVEN AFTER REPLACED. THIS COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT AND NOT BE SUSPECTED AS CAUSE BECAUSE OF SWITCHES INTENDED USE. THE LAST INCIDENT OCCURRED ON 7/23/2010 AGAIN WAS A DANGEROUS SITUATION ON HIGHWAY AT BUSY TIME OF DAY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10346083

75,000 miles · Feb 17, 2009
Electrical System

PURCHASED RANGER SPLASH IN 2001 WITH 74,000 MILES. IT STARTED DINGING AS IF THE DOOR WAS OPEN WITH THE KEY IN THE IGNITION NON-STOP WHILE I WAS DRIVING WITH THE DOOR SHUT. THIS IS A LOUD, PIERCING DING. I HAD THE SWITCH REPLACED AND 75,000 MILES LATER IT STARTED HAPPENING AGAIN. THE DOME LIGHT WILL NOT GO OFF UNLESS THE FUSE…

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PURCHASED RANGER SPLASH IN 2001 WITH 74,000 MILES. IT STARTED DINGING AS IF THE DOOR WAS OPEN WITH THE KEY IN THE IGNITION NON-STOP WHILE I WAS DRIVING WITH THE DOOR SHUT. THIS IS A LOUD, PIERCING DING. I HAD THE SWITCH REPLACED AND 75,000 MILES LATER IT STARTED HAPPENING AGAIN. THE DOME LIGHT WILL NOT GO OFF UNLESS THE FUSE IS REMOVED. THE SPEEDOMETER INTERMITTENTLY STOPS WORKING. THE WIPERS OCCASIONALLY COME ON AT FULL SPEED AND SOMETIMES WILL NOT SHUT OFF. THE LIGHTS OCCASIONALLY STOP WORKING THEN START WORKING AGAIN ON THEIR OWN. THE PAINT PEELED OFF THE HOOD. THE OLD STARTERS WENT BAD CONSTANTLY. TRUCK WOULD START IN COLD WEATHER BUT NOT WARM WEATHER BECAUSE PIECES OF THE STARTER WOULD CHIP OFF. THE SWELLING IN THE HEAT MADE THESE CHIPS GET STUCK AND KEEP TRUCK FROM STARTING. AFTER SEVERAL STARTERS WERE REPLACED, THEY FINALLY DEVELOPED A NEW KIND. IT HAS SEVERAL ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AS DESCRIBED ABOVE BUT IT HAS 180,000 MILES ON IT AND IS STILL RUNNING...WITH ITS OWN LITTLE PERSONALITY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10259071

Mileage unknown · Oct 12, 2003
Electrical SystemEquipmentInterior Lighting

I AM AN OWNER OF TWO FORD RANGER PICK UPS AND HAD OWNED ANOTHER RANGER IN THE PAST. ALL T HERE VEHICLES HAVE HAD THE SAME ELECTRICAL PROBLEM DOOR CHIMES DINGING NON STOP, DOME LIGHT FAILURE, RADIO POWER FAILURE AND WINDSHIELD WIPERS TURNING ON AND OFF ALL BY THEMSELVES WITHOUT THE KEY BEING IN THE IGNITION. I MADE SEVERAL COMPLA…

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I AM AN OWNER OF TWO FORD RANGER PICK UPS AND HAD OWNED ANOTHER RANGER IN THE PAST. ALL T HERE VEHICLES HAVE HAD THE SAME ELECTRICAL PROBLEM DOOR CHIMES DINGING NON STOP, DOME LIGHT FAILURE, RADIO POWER FAILURE AND WINDSHIELD WIPERS TURNING ON AND OFF ALL BY THEMSELVES WITHOUT THE KEY BEING IN THE IGNITION. I MADE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS TO FORD AND WAS TOLD TO STOP HARASSING THEM. MY DEALERSHIP SAID AND I QUOTE "YOU'RE JUST BEING A WOMAN." WELL THIS AFTER NOON THE PROBLEM TOOK A VERY SERIOUS TURN. RETURNING HOME FROM A VACATION MY 1995 FORD RANGER EX CAB XLT 2.3 LITER ENGINE. BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE A ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE. IT STARTED WITH POWER LOSE TO THE RADIO THEN A POWER SURGE TO THE WIPERS, AND THROUGHOUT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND THOSE AREAS OF PERSISTENT CONCERNS. THEN THEY ALL STOPPED. I NOW HAVE A COMPLETE FAILURE OF BRAKE LIGHTS, SPEED CONTROL, ODOMETER (LET'S TRUST THAT READ OUT),INTERIOR LIGHTS, RADIO AND SEVERAL OTHER SYSTEMS. I ATTEMPTED TO FIND A FUSE OR RELAY TO REPAIRS THEM BUT ALL OF THOSE WERE INTACT AND REPLACEMENT MADE NO CHANGE. ESTIMATED DAMAGER AND REPAIR COST IS WELL ABOVE A GRAND. I COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS ISSUE SINCE 1996 AND HAVE BEEN IGNORED BY FORD. *LA

NHTSA ODI #10041679

Mileage unknown · Jan 5, 2003
Electrical System

I OWN A 1995 FORD RANGER. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH THE WIPERS COMING ON WITH OUT BEING TURNED ON. THE RESTRAINTS DON'T RETURN WHICH CAUSES THEM TO GET CAUGHT IN DOOR. THE TEMPERTURE GAUGE WENT OUT AND I HAD TO REPLACE IT WITH ANOTHER GAUGE THAT YOU MOUNT UNDER THE DASH. THE LATCH ON THE TAILGATE WENT OUT. THE IGNITION H…

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I OWN A 1995 FORD RANGER. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH THE WIPERS COMING ON WITH OUT BEING TURNED ON. THE RESTRAINTS DON'T RETURN WHICH CAUSES THEM TO GET CAUGHT IN DOOR. THE TEMPERTURE GAUGE WENT OUT AND I HAD TO REPLACE IT WITH ANOTHER GAUGE THAT YOU MOUNT UNDER THE DASH. THE LATCH ON THE TAILGATE WENT OUT. THE IGNITION HAS WENT OUT AND IS GOING OUT AGAIN. I HAVE READ ALOT OF COMPLAINTS FROM PEOPLE WHO OWN THE SAME VEHICLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS. IT'S TIME THAT FORD OWNED UP TO THESE PROBLEMS AND FIX THESE TRUCKS.I ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE THERMASTAT TWICE. THERE IS DIFINATELY ALOT OF PROBLEMS WITH THIS TRUCK THAT NEED TO BE ADDRESSED.

NHTSA ODI #10000734

Mileage unknown · Jun 21, 2002
Electrical System

IGNITION CHIMES WHILE DRIVING. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

NHTSA ODI #8012316

Mileage unknown · Jul 13, 2001
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingService Brakes, Hydraulic

NO SUMMARY FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #748413

Mileage unknown · Nov 27, 2000
Electrical System

MY PROBLEM IS WITH AN ELECTRONIC COMPONENT THAT CONTROLS THE DOOR CHIME, WINDSHIELD WIPERS, AND INTERIOR DOME LIGHT. THESE THREE ITEMS WILL TURN ON INTERMITENTLY. WINDSHIELD WIPERS WILL FOR NO APPARENT REASON BEGIN TO OPERATE. THE INTERIOR DOME LIGHT MAY OR MAY NOT TURN OFF WHEN ENTERING OR LEAVING THE VEHICLE, AND SOMETIMES …

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MY PROBLEM IS WITH AN ELECTRONIC COMPONENT THAT CONTROLS THE DOOR CHIME, WINDSHIELD WIPERS, AND INTERIOR DOME LIGHT. THESE THREE ITEMS WILL TURN ON INTERMITENTLY. WINDSHIELD WIPERS WILL FOR NO APPARENT REASON BEGIN TO OPERATE. THE INTERIOR DOME LIGHT MAY OR MAY NOT TURN OFF WHEN ENTERING OR LEAVING THE VEHICLE, AND SOMETIMES IT STAYS ON FOR HOURS DRAINING MY BATTERY AFTER I HAVE LEFT THE VEHICLE OR WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. THE DOOR CHIME IS THE WORST; IT REFUSES TO STOP RINGING (ESPECIALLY ON HOT DAYS). THE FORD DEALER HERE HAS TOLD ME THAT IT IS A FAULTY CHIP IN A CONTROL MODULE LOCATED DEEP INSIDE THE DASH BOARD. THEY HAVE A TSB ON IT. OKAY, BUT THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME 450.00 TO REPAIR. I THINK THAT IS UNFAIR. IT JUST DOESN'T SEEM RIGHT THAT I SHOULD PAY FOR A REPLACEMENT COMPONENT INSTALLED AT THE FACTORY THAT IS NOW BECOMING FAULTY. I THINK FORD SHOULD ACCEPT SOME RESPONSIBILITY FOR INSTALLING A FAULTY CHIP OR MODULE. I THINK IF THE CHIP WERE CONTROLLING OTHER IGNITION OR ELECTRICAL PARTS IT WOULD BE A HAZARD. RIGHT NOW THE DOOR CHIME IS DRIVING ME CRAZY.*AK

NHTSA ODI #736919

Mileage unknown · Oct 24, 2000
Electrical SystemSteeringFire

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A FIRE UNDER THE HOOD WHILE TRAVELING AT 50-55 MPH ON A COUNTRY ROAD. LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED TO EXTINGUISH FIRE. INSURANCE INVESTIGATOR BELIEVED PROBLEM WAS DUE TO THE POWER STEERING PUMP. *AK

NHTSA ODI #873733

Official recalls

1

09V399000 · Vehicle Speed Control

Oct 13, 2009

FORD IS RECALLING MODEL YEARS 1995-2003 WINDSTAR, 2000-2003 EXCURSION DIESEL, 1993-1997 AND 1999-2003 F-250 SD THROUGH F-550 SD DIESEL, 1992-2003 E-150 THROUGH E-550, 1995-2002 EXPLORER, 1997 AND 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, 1995-1997 AND 2001-2003 RANGER, AND 1994 F53 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS). THE SCDS MAY LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.

Remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS THAT DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS IN LINE WITH THE SCDS. ON 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH A LEAKING SCDS, DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR AND REPAIR AS NECESSARY. REPAIRS WILL BE COMPLETED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.

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

EA02011 · Safety Belt Assembly Failure

Opened Jul 2, 2002 · Closed May 21, 2003

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts

ODI RECEIVED 18 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS AND FORD IDENTIFIED ANOTHER FOUR REPORTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ALLEGED DEFECT.MOST OF THE COMPLAINTS INDICATE INABILITY TO LATCH THE DRIVER SEAT BELT BUCKLE CAUSED BY A BROKEN LATCH RELEASE SPRING.NONE OF THESE 22 REPORTS RESULTED IN ANY INJURIES OR CRASHES.NO COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED IN THE PAST 6 MONTHS.FORD CONDUCTED LIFE-CYCLE TESTING ON 6 FIELD SAMPLE BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES.THE RESULTS OF THAT TESTING DEMONSTRATED THAT THE TESTED BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES COULD BE EXPECTED TO OPERATE PROPERLY BEYOND THE EXPECTED LIFE OF THE VEHICLE.BASED ON THE LIMITED NUMBER OF REPORTS AND COMPLAINTS RECEIVED, AND A DECLINING COMPLAINT TREND, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXIST DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION