Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
100–25K
3425–50K
3450–75K
4475–100K
56100–150K
36150K+
214 reports with mileage · 541 unknown
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.
Tires. Review the 178 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Structure. Review the 89 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 80 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
96 crash reports14 fire reports50 injury reports
What owners actually said
755 reports
76,000 miles · Mar 5, 2014
StructureSuspension
I HAVE OWNED 4 RANGERS OVER THE PAST 15 YEARS, A 1995, 1998,1999,AND A 2001 AND ALL 4 TRUCKS HAVE HAD THE LEAF SPRING HANGERS ROT OFF . MY LATEST TRUCK THE LEAF SPRING HANGER AND NOW THE FRAME HAS ROTTED AWAY THERE IS NO WAY THIS IS AN ISOLATED INCIDENT. THE INTERNET IS FULL OF COMMENTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. IT IS MY UNDERSTAND…
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I HAVE OWNED 4 RANGERS OVER THE PAST 15 YEARS, A 1995, 1998,1999,AND A 2001 AND ALL 4 TRUCKS HAVE HAD THE LEAF SPRING HANGERS ROT OFF . MY LATEST TRUCK THE LEAF SPRING HANGER AND NOW THE FRAME HAS ROTTED AWAY THERE IS NO WAY THIS IS AN ISOLATED INCIDENT. THE INTERNET IS FULL OF COMMENTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT TUNDRAS HAD A RECALL ON THIS SAME ISSUE. WHY IS IT DIFFERENT FOR A RANGER? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10567492
120,000 miles · Jan 6, 2014
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THERE WAS OIL LEAKING FROM OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE OIL PAN SEAL HAD A LEAK AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THERE WAS OIL LEAKING FROM OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE OIL PAN SEAL HAD A LEAK AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
NHTSA ODI #10558694
16,500 miles · Sep 13, 2013
StructureSuspension
FOR THE SECOND TIME AS FAR AS I KNOW THE REAR FRAME (REAR SPRING SHACKLES AND SPEAR TIRE HOLDER SPECIFICALLY) HAVE AND ARE BEING REPLACED BECAUSE THEY HAVE RUSTED AND THEY TORE APART. AS I WAS DRIVING I HIT A REGULAR BUMP IN THE ROAD. I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 35 TO 45 MPH ON THE WAY TO WORK. WELL IT SOUNDED LIKE IT HIT PRETTY HARD, A…
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FOR THE SECOND TIME AS FAR AS I KNOW THE REAR FRAME (REAR SPRING SHACKLES AND SPEAR TIRE HOLDER SPECIFICALLY) HAVE AND ARE BEING REPLACED BECAUSE THEY HAVE RUSTED AND THEY TORE APART. AS I WAS DRIVING I HIT A REGULAR BUMP IN THE ROAD. I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 35 TO 45 MPH ON THE WAY TO WORK. WELL IT SOUNDED LIKE IT HIT PRETTY HARD, AS I WAS DRIVING I NOTICED THE TRUCKS PERFORMANCE WAS LACKING. SO, WENT TO WORK, GOT OUT OF WORK AND ON THE WAY BACK HOME I NOTICED THE SAMETHING WITH THE PERFORMANCE OF THE TRUCK. IT WAS LACKING IN A BIG WAY. AS I WAS PULLING INTO THE DRIVEWAY I HEARD A LARGE CLUNK SOUND. THE NEXT DAY I HAD A PRIOR APPOINTMENT AT MY TRANSMISSION SHOP. AS THE MECHANICS PUT IT ON THE LIFT "THE REAR AXLE DROPPED TO THE FULL EXTENT OF THE SHOCK ABSORBER AND BUSTING THEIR SEALS. BECAUSE THE SHACKLE BROKE IT WAS CAUSING THE AXLE TO TWIST WHILE I WAS DRIVING GIVEN THE TRUCK THE BAD PERFORMANCE, BAD STEERING, AND GIVING THE TRANSMISSION A PULSATING AFFECT. ALSO THE ENGINE LOST THE POWER GIVING THE TRUCK RESISTANCE AND USING MORE GAS. SO I AM REPLACING BOTH SHACKLES, BOTH SHOCK ABSORBERS, AND THE SPEAR TIRE MECHANISM. AT THE SAME TIME I WILL BE SANDING THE FRAME DOWN, AND COATING ALL PARTS (CLEANING AND COATING PARTS) WITH BEDLINER COATING TO HOPEFULLY STOP THE RUST. THE PARTS THAT I AM REPLACING ARE ALSO REPLACEMENT PARTS BECAUSE THEY ARE BOLTED ON TO THE FRAME INSTEAD OF RIVETED LIKE THE ORIGINALS WERE. ALSO THE STEEL SEAMS TO BE THINNER IN THE REAR THAN THE FRONT AND MIDDLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10543515
118,000 miles · Aug 21, 2013
StructureSuspension
I TRIED TO GET MY 99 RANGER INSPECTED WHEN THEY PUT IT ON THE LIFT A BIG CHUNK OF THE FRAME FELL TO THE GROUND .UPON FURTHER INSPECTION THERE WERE HOLES IN THE RIGHT SIDE FRAME NEXT TO THE REAR SPRING SHACKLES AND THE GAS TANK STRAPS WERE RUSTED OUT OF THE FRAME .THE GARAGE OWNER TAPED THE FRAME WITH A BALL PEEN HAMMER AND F…
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I TRIED TO GET MY 99 RANGER INSPECTED WHEN THEY PUT IT ON THE LIFT A BIG CHUNK OF THE FRAME FELL TO THE GROUND .UPON FURTHER INSPECTION THERE WERE HOLES IN THE RIGHT SIDE FRAME NEXT TO THE REAR SPRING SHACKLES AND THE GAS TANK STRAPS WERE RUSTED OUT OF THE FRAME .THE GARAGE OWNER TAPED THE FRAME WITH A BALL PEEN HAMMER AND FOUND MORE HOLES ON THE LEFT SIDE AND THE RIGHT FRONT UNDER THE AIR CONDITIONER .I COULD NOT DRIVE THE TRUCK HOME IT WAS SO UNSAFE I CAN'T BELIEVE THE FRAME DID NOT BRAKE WHEN I WAS DRIVING IT .IF I WAS TO GET INTO AN ACCIDENT WITH THE TRUCK IN THAT CONDITION THE FRAME WOULD HAVE CRUMPLED UP LIKE TIN FOIL .READING THE COMPLAINTS HERE I'M NOT ALONE .THE TRUCK WAS TAKEN CARE OF WASHED ALL THE TIME IF FORD IS GOING TO SELL TRUCKS IN NEW YORK THEY BETTER BE SAFER .I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER FORD . *TR
NHTSA ODI #10536443
Mileage unknown · Jun 18, 2013
Suspension
I NOTICED A HOLE IN THE REAR OF MY TRUCK BED. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION I FOUND SPRING SHACKLES AND FRAME MOUNTS WERE RUSTED AWAY AND NOT HOLDING THE SPRINGS ANYMORE. THEY WERE COMING THROUGH MY TRUCK BED! THIS MADE MY TRUCK UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE REST OF MY TRUCK IS IN VERY GOOD SHAPE. THIS KIND OF RUST IS NOT NORMAL AND IS NOT SAF…
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I NOTICED A HOLE IN THE REAR OF MY TRUCK BED. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION I FOUND SPRING SHACKLES AND FRAME MOUNTS WERE RUSTED AWAY AND NOT HOLDING THE SPRINGS ANYMORE. THEY WERE COMING THROUGH MY TRUCK BED! THIS MADE MY TRUCK UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE REST OF MY TRUCK IS IN VERY GOOD SHAPE. THIS KIND OF RUST IS NOT NORMAL AND IS NOT SAFE! AS I CHECKED ON THE INTERNET I'VE FOUND THAT I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE THAT HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH THE 1999 FORD RANGER! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10520355
161,120 miles · May 24, 2013
StructureSuspensionTires
I NOTICED HEAVY RUST SCALE ON GROUND AND INSPECTED TO SEE MY SPARE TIRE WAS MISSING, THERE IS A LARGE HOLE RUSTED ALL THE WAY THRU THE FRAME IN FRONT OF THE LEFT REAR SPRING SHACKLE AND A CRACK IN THE FRAME IN FRONT OF THE FRONT SHACKLE ALMOST ALL THE WAY AROUND THE CHANNEL. FURTHER INVESTIGATION SHOWED ALL CROSS MEMBERS, GAS …
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I NOTICED HEAVY RUST SCALE ON GROUND AND INSPECTED TO SEE MY SPARE TIRE WAS MISSING, THERE IS A LARGE HOLE RUSTED ALL THE WAY THRU THE FRAME IN FRONT OF THE LEFT REAR SPRING SHACKLE AND A CRACK IN THE FRAME IN FRONT OF THE FRONT SHACKLE ALMOST ALL THE WAY AROUND THE CHANNEL. FURTHER INVESTIGATION SHOWED ALL CROSS MEMBERS, GAS TANK STRAP AND BED SUPPORTS ARE SEVERELY RUSTED AND THE RIGHT SIDE FRAME RAIL FOLLOWING SUIT WITH THE LEFT FRAME RAIL. THE REMAINDER OF THE TRUCK IS IN VERY GOOD CONDITION THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN TO A TRUCK WITH THIS AGE AND MILEAGE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10513461
186,000 miles · May 24, 2013
StructureSuspensionWheels
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, I WAS HAVING DIFFICULTY STEERING. THE CAR WAS PULLING TO THE LEFT AND I HAD TO PULL OVER BECAUSE IT WAS TOO DIFFICULT TO MANAGE. UPON INSPECTION, THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE WAS TOED-IN AND THE UPPER TIRE STABILIZER ARM BROKE AWAY FROM THE FRAME AT THE BRACKET. THE BRACKET ATTACHING THE ARM TO THE FRAME …
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WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, I WAS HAVING DIFFICULTY STEERING. THE CAR WAS PULLING TO THE LEFT AND I HAD TO PULL OVER BECAUSE IT WAS TOO DIFFICULT TO MANAGE. UPON INSPECTION, THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE WAS TOED-IN AND THE UPPER TIRE STABILIZER ARM BROKE AWAY FROM THE FRAME AT THE BRACKET. THE BRACKET ATTACHING THE ARM TO THE FRAME HAD SNAPPED. THE FRAME ITSELF JUST BELOW THAT BRACKET WAS CRACKED WITH SEVERE ROT ON BOTH SIDES. THE REST OF THE TRUCK IS IN PERFECT CONDITION EXCEPT FOR THE FRAME. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS CANNOT BE FIXED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10513374
86,023 miles · May 18, 2013
Structure
WV STATE INSPECTION FOUND THE REAR FRAME AND SPRING HANGERS RUSTED TO THE POINT OF RENDERING THE TRUCK UNSAFE. THE REST OF THE TRUCK IS RUST-FREE AND IN GREAT CONDITION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10512654
Mileage unknown · May 7, 2013
StructureSuspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BOLTS BEHIND THE REAR WHEELS THAT WERE CONNECTED TO THE BED OF THE VEHICLE WERE COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR A ROUTINE INSPECTION WHEN THE DEALER ADVISED HIM OF THE FAILURE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO D…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BOLTS BEHIND THE REAR WHEELS THAT WERE CONNECTED TO THE BED OF THE VEHICLE WERE COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR A ROUTINE INSPECTION WHEN THE DEALER ADVISED HIM OF THE FAILURE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN, BUT THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 102,000. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10510981
140,000 miles · Apr 26, 2013
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD RANGER EXTRA CAB. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE VIBRATED AND THE WATER RESERVOIR WAS LOW. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE NUMBER FOUR SPARK PLUG WAS BURNT. THE HATCH HAD CRACKED AND LEAKED WATER TO THE NUMBER FOUR SPARK PLUG. THE FAILURE RECURRED FREQUENT…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD RANGER EXTRA CAB. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE VIBRATED AND THE WATER RESERVOIR WAS LOW. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE NUMBER FOUR SPARK PLUG WAS BURNT. THE HATCH HAD CRACKED AND LEAKED WATER TO THE NUMBER FOUR SPARK PLUG. THE FAILURE RECURRED FREQUENTLY AND THAT CONTACT HAD TO REPLACE THE SPARK PLUG EVERY 5,000 MILES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER VEHICLES, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MOTOR HOMES CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. OWNERS OF THE PASSENGER CARS INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED AS AN INTERIM REPAIR. AS SOON AS REPAIR PARTS ARE AVAILABLE (EXPECTED OCTOBER 2007), OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN TO THE DEALERS FOR INSTALLATION OF A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2007, AND MAILING COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER 19, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ELECTRIC VEHICLES. THE TRANSAXLE MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH THE PARK DETENT SPRING MISALIGNED. IF THE SPRING IS MISALIGNED, THE PARK MECHANISM MAY NOT ENGAGE WHEN THE SHIFT LEVER IS PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE PARK MECHANISM DOES NOT ENGAGE AND THE VEHICLE OPERATOR HAS NOT APPLIED THE PARKING BRAKE, THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL FREE AS IF IN NEUTRAL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TRANSAXLE AND ANY WITH MISALIGNED PARK DETENT SPRINGS WILL BE REPLACED.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN 1997-1999 RHD EXPLORER EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L OHV/SOHC ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MAY 29, 1996 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; 1998-1999 EXPLORER/MOUNTAINEERS EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L OHV/SOHC OR 5.0L ENGINES OR 1998-1999 RANGERS EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L, 3.0L FFV/EFI OR 4.0L ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM JANUARY 5, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; 1998-1999 MUSTANGS EQUIPPED WITH 3.8L, 4.6L 2-VALVE OR 4-VALVE ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MARCH 2, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; 1999 F250/F350/F450/F550 (OVER 8,500 LBS.) TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 5.4L OR 6.8L ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MARCH 2, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; AND 1999 F-53 STRIPPED CHASSIS EQUIPPED WITH 5.4L OR 6.8L ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MARCH 2, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999. A CRUISE CONTROL CABLE CAN INTERFERE WITH THE SPEED CONTROL SERVO PULLEY AND NOT ALLOW THE THROTTLE TO RETURN TO IDLE WHEN DISENGAGING THE CRUISE CONTROL.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE CRUISE CONTROL IS USED AND THIS CONDITION IS PRESENT, A STUCK THROTTLE COULD RESULT, WHICH COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLES. AT THE PRESENT TIME, THE REPLACEMENT CABLES ARE NOT AVAILABLE. CUSTOMERS ARE BEING ADVISED NOT TO USE THE CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM UNTIL A REPLACEMENT CAN BE MADE.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS WITH 3.0L ENGINE. AN 'O'-RING SEAL IN THE FUEL INJECTION PULSE DAMPER TO FUEL RAIL JOINT COULD BE DAMAGED ALLOWING FUEL LEAKAGE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE CAN RESULT FROM FUEL LEAKAGE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PULSE DAMPER.
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
0
No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
1999 Ford Ranger Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year