83 of the
533 complaints about the 1996 Ford Ranger are about the
braking system — 16% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
147,000 miles.
TRUCK WAS PARKED ON THE GARAGE PAD FOR A WEEK. I OPENED THE HOOD AND CHECKED ALL FLUID LEVELS, AND FOUND THE BRAKE FLUID A LITTLE LOW. TOPPED OFF THE MASTER CYLINDER AND GOT BACK INTO THE TRUCK. STARTED ENGINE, AND PUSHED THE BRAKE PEDAL. IT WENT TO THE FLOOR, GOT OUT OF THE TRUCK AND HEARD FLUID DRIPPING. I LOOKED UNDER THE TRUCK AND SAW A PUDDLE OF BRAKE FLUID NEAR THE LEFT REAR WHEEL. I ASKED MY WIFE TO PUSH THE PEDAL DOWN AND I SAW BRAKE FLUID SPRAYING FROM THE MAIN STEEL BRAKE LINE. COULD HAVE BEEN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT AS THE TRUCK WAS USED ONE WEEK PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT TO HAUL A FULL LOAD OF FIRE WOOD.
NHTSA complaint #10875143 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesMckinney, TX
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1996 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY FOR A FEW SECONDS. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY AND BECAME PERMANENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN OF THE REQUIRED REPLACEMENT PART. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILALBE. THE CONTACT NO LONGER OWNED THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10872304 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 161,200 milesElyria, OH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD RANGER. WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE BRAKES WOULD MAKE A LOUD GRINDING NOISE. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 161,200 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 162,000.
NHTSA complaint #10426758 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesBerlin, MA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1. UNDERBODY CORROSION LEADING TO PERFORATION OF METAL BRAKE LINES 2. PARTIAL UP TO COMPLETE LOSS OF BRAKING FUNCTION. FIVE TIMES IN THREE YEARS. CATASTROPHIC LOSS OF BRAKING 3. REPLACEMENT OF BRAKE LINES - OLD CORRODED LINES AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10383471 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 188,000 milesSuffolk, VA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
MY 1996 FORD RANGER HAS A RECURRING PROBLEM OF THE FRONT BRAKES STICKING. THIS OCCURS MOST OFTEN IN WET WEATHER BUT ISN'T STRICTLY LIMITED TO THAT. I NOTICED A FORD RANGER THAT HAD SLID INTO ANOTHER CAR ON A SANDED CORNER AND RECALLED THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO ME A FEW YEARS AGO AS MY BRAKES LOCKED UP ON THE GRAVEL CAUSING THE TRUCK TO SLIDE SIDEWAYS AND I ONLY MISSED RUNNING INTO THE CAR IN THE OTHER LANE BY LETTING OFF THE BRAKE AND TWISTING THE STEERING WHEEL. THAT POOR MAN PROBABLY GOT A TICKET FOR GOING TOO FAST BUT IT IS A DESIGN FLAW, NOT A MATTER OF SPEED. I BELIEVE THE TRUCK IS SUPPOSED TO HAVE ANTILOCK BRAKES, BUT THAT IS NOT HOW ANTILOCK BRAKES ARE SUPPOSED TO PERFORM. MECHANICS HAVE VERIFIED TO ME THIS BEHAVIOR PROBLEM FOR RANGER'S SO IT SEEMS THAT IT IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE. HAD MY BRAKES REWORKED A COUPLE YEARS AGO WITH NO CHANGE. YESTERDAY THEY LOCKED UP AGAIN AND SEEING AN ARTICLE IN THE NEWSPAPER ABOUT TOYOTA I FINALLY OUT WHO TO REPORT THIS TO.
NHTSA complaint #10305101 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cleveland, OHCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1996 FORD RANGER TRUCK HAD EQUIPMENT FAILURE AND WAS UNABLE TO SLOW DOWN. THE DRIVER SWERVED TO THE RIGHT BERM AND GOT WEDGED BETWEEN ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THE BRIDGE WALL. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED HIS BRAKES FAILED. WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO SLOW DOWN, THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0535-91)*JB LETTER UPDATED 03/17/10
NHTSA complaint #10240463 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Walton Beach, FLCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
DT: THE CONTACT OWNED A 1996 FORD RANGER. THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT DUE TO BRAKES BECAUSE THE BRAKE PEDAL MOUNTING BRACKET BROKE. THIS OCCURRED ON MAY 24, 2005. THE ACCIDENT WAS REPORTED TO THE POLICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC AND THEY SAW THE BRAKE PEDAL HANGING DOWN. UPON INSPECTION, THEY NOTICED THAT THE MOUNTING BRACKET BROKE WHEN BRAKE PRESSURE WAS APPLIED. THERE WAS NO PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL BEFORE THIS ACCIDENT. THE MOUNTING THIS WAS MADE OF POT METAL, AND IT HELD THE CLUTCH PEDAL AND THE BRAKE PEDAL TOGETHER. THE WHOLE THING BROKE. THE ESTIMATED SPEED WAS ABOUT 30-35 MPH.
NHTSA complaint #10131457 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Piedmont, MO
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WITH THE COURTESY LIGHTS AND TRUNK CARGO LIGHTS STAYING ON WHILE DRIVING OR PARKING. BLOWER MOTOR WOULD COME ON AND GO OFF WHILE THE SWITCH ARE IN THE OFF MODE OR IN THE ON MODE. DEALER AND MANUFACTRER WERE NOT NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME. *AK THE ABS BRAKES LOCK UP ON WET PAVEMENT.
NHTSA complaint #8011417 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ashland, VA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
THERE WAS LOOSE GRAVEL ON ROAD AND PAVEMENT WAS WET AT THE INTERSECTION, WHEN ATTEMPTING A RIGHT TURN BRAKES LOCKED UP, VEHICLE LOST CONTROL AND INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #785738 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Highland Lakes, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
FRONT BRAKES WERE LOW,REPLACED FRONT BRAKE PADS AND RESURFACE ROTORS.
NHTSA complaint #564089 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Highland Lakes, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
FRONT BRAKES WERE LOW,REPLACED FRONT BRAKE PADS AND RESURFACE ROTORS.
NHTSA complaint #564089 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Omaha, NE
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
ABS FAILED WHEN PEDAL HELD DOWN IN RAPID STOP. PULSES AND THEN DROPS FOR SEVERAL SECONDS BEFORE REENGAGING. HAS ALMOST CAUSED ACCIDENTS MANY TIMES DURING ENTIRE TIME I HAVE OWNED TRUCK. TECHNICIANS CAN FIND NO INFORMATION ON WHY THIS MIGHT OCCUR.
NHTSA complaint #757543 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ashland, VA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
THERE WAS LOOSE GRAVEL ON ROAD AND PAVEMENT WAS WET AT THE INTERSECTION, WHEN ATTEMPTING A RIGHT TURN BRAKES LOCKED UP, VEHICLE LOST CONTROL AND INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #785738 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arlington, VA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
BRAKES LOCK UP ONLY DURING WET ROAD CONDITIONS. VEHICLE BEEN TO DEALER'S REPAIR SHOP ON THREE OCCASIONS, AND PROBLEM STILL OCCURRING. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS MATTER .
NHTSA complaint #884513 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sysesville, MD
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #740085 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
South Jame, NY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
ABS LIGHT ON DUE TO FAILURE OF THE SENSOR UNIT. *MJS
NHTSA complaint #556507 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
South Jame, NY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM
THE REAR BRAKE SYSTEM WAS REPLACED DUE TO RUST AND CORROSION, THEY WERE FALLING APART. *MJS
NHTSA complaint #556507 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bellflower, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #737269 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Baring, WA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:SHOES/LININGS
WHEN TRUCK IS DRIVEN IN THE MORNING, NO MATTER AT WHAT SPEED, REAR BRAKES LOCK UP. TRUCK IS FINE FOR THE REST OF DAY. OWNER PHONED TWO DEALERSHIPS ABOUT PROBLEM. OWNER WAS TOLD BY ONE OF DEALERSHIPS THAT THERE WAS A NEW MATERIAL ON THE BRAKE LINING THAT WOULD PREVENT THIS PROBLEM. PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED.
NHTSA complaint #873818 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Augusta, GAFire
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WHILE DRIVING ON A NARROW TWO-LANE ROAD, I PROCEEDED TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE. I ACCELERATED AND KICKED THE TRUCK INTO PASSING GEAR. THE THROTTLE WENT TO THE WIDE OPEN POSITION AND WOULD NOT RELEASE. I USED THE BRAKES TO FIGHT THE OUT OF CONTROL ENGINE AND VEHICLE. I PROCEEDED DOWN THE CURVY FOR 3 TO FOUR MILES UNTIL I GOT TO A PULLOUT PLACE WHERE I APPLIED THE BRAKES SO HARD THAT IT KILLED THE ENGINE. THE BRAKES WERE DOWN TO NO PADS, WERE VERY HOT, AND COOKED OUT GREASE THAT CAUGHT ON FIRE. I RESTARTED THE ENGINE AT WHICH TIME THE THROTTLE WAS NO LONGER STUCK IN THE WIDE OPEN POSITION.
NHTSA complaint #719743 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Augusta, GAFire
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
WHILE DRIVING ON A NARROW TWO-LANE ROAD, I PROCEEDED TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE. I ACCELERATED AND KICKED THE TRUCK INTO PASSING GEAR. THE THROTTLE WENT TO THE WIDE OPEN POSITION AND WOULD NOT RELEASE. I USED THE BRAKES TO FIGHT THE OUT OF CONTROL ENGINE AND VEHICLE. I PROCEEDED DOWN THE CURVY FOR 3 TO FOUR MILES UNTIL I GOT TO A PULLOUT PLACE WHERE I APPLIED THE BRAKES SO HARD THAT IT KILLED THE ENGINE. THE BRAKES WERE DOWN TO NO PADS, WERE VERY HOT, AND COOKED OUT GREASE THAT CAUGHT ON FIRE. I RESTARTED THE ENGINE AT WHICH TIME THE THROTTLE WAS NO LONGER STUCK IN THE WIDE OPEN POSITION.
NHTSA complaint #719743 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Albany, LA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
PASSENGER'S FRONT WHEEL LOCKS UP WHICH CAUSES BRAKE LOCK UP, AND MAY RESULT IN A CRASH. BEEN TO DEALER SEVERAL TIMES. FIRST TIME IT WAS THE REAR BRAKES. CURRENTLY, DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #854834 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Manasquan, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM
NO SUMMARY
NHTSA complaint #713113 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ypsilanti, MI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
TRANSMISSION SHIFTER CABLE HAS FALLEN ON TOP OF CROSSOVER PIPE WHICH IS CONNECTED TO THE EXHAUST PIPE ,BURNING THROUGH CABLE. THE 1998 MODEL WAS EQUIPPED WITH AN ADDED HEAT SHIELD TO PREVENT BURNING. BRAKE PADS, SHOES AND CALIPERS REPLACED ON (7-22-99).
NHTSA complaint #843488 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ypsilanti, MI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
TRANSMISSION SHIFTER CABLE HAS FALLEN ON TOP OF CROSSOVER PIPE WHICH IS CONNECTED TO THE EXHAUST PIPE ,BURNING THROUGH CABLE. THE 1998 MODEL WAS EQUIPPED WITH AN ADDED HEAT SHIELD TO PREVENT BURNING. BRAKE PADS, SHOES AND CALIPERS REPLACED ON (7-22-99).
NHTSA complaint #843488 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NEW Virginia, IA1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
ACCIDENT--BRAKES LOCKED UP AND DRIVER WAS INJURED.
NHTSA complaint #510044 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tallassee, AL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
ABS LIGHT COMES ON, AND THE ABS BRAKES ARE LOCKING UP WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES AT ANY SPEED.
NHTSA complaint #846432 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oquossoc, ME
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
BRAKES GRAB IN DAMP AND HUMID WEATHER.
NHTSA complaint #710171 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fulton, NY
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC:ROTOR
IN MAY OF 1996 I PURCHASED A NEW 1996 FORD RANGER 4 WHEEL DRIVE XLT MODEL. IN THE SPRING OF 1997 (APPROX. MAY) I CHANGED THE MUD FLAPS AND DISCCOVERED THAT I HAD 2 EACH CRACKED ROTORS. I TOOK THE TRUCK BACK TO PORT CITY FORD--ROUTE 104 EAST, OSWEGO N.Y. 13126--WHERE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE. IN 1998 THIS DEALERSHIP WAS CLOSED SO I TOOK MY BUSINESS TO FRED RAYNOR FORD IN FULTON N.Y. PORT CITY FORD REPLACED BOTH FRONT ROTORS IN MAY 1997 UNDER WARANTEE. IN JAN. 1998 TOOK VEHICLE TO PORT CITY FORD FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. DISCOVERED THAT BOTH FRONT ROTORS WERE AGAIN CRACKED. PORT CITY FORD AGAIN REPLACED BOTH FRONT ROTORS UNDER WARANTEE. APPROX. MILEAGE WAS 33,000 MILES. IN MARCH OF 1999 I DISCOVERED THAT THE RIGHT FRONT ROTOR WAS CRACKED. PORT CITY FORD HAD GONE OUT OF BUSINESS SO I TOOK MY TRUCK TO FRED RAYNOR FORD IN FULTON,NY. THEY SAID THAT THEY COULDN'T RETRIEVE MY RECORDS FROM PORT CITY FORD AND THAT MY 12000MILE/12 MONTH WARANTEE ON FORD PARTS HAD EXPIRED. I PAID THEM FOR A NEW RIGHT ROTOR, TURNED DOWN RIGHT ROTOR, NEW BRAKE PADS AND BACK BRAKE INSPECTION. IN JUNE, 1999, I REPLACED MY REAR BRAKE SHOES MYSELF AND HAD THE TRUCK INSPECTED. THE FIRST WEEK IN JULY IL NOTICED MY BRAKE PEDDAL PULSATING AND DISCOVERED THAT MY LEFT FRONT ROTOR HAD CRACKED. I WENT TO FRED RAYNOR FORD AND TALKED WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER--BRAD STEVENS-- AND SET UP AN APPT. FOR TODAY-7/23/99- AT 8AM. THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG, SO THEY CALLED THE FORD TECH HOT LINE AND TALKED TO SOMEONE WHO SPECIALIZED IN FORD RANGERS. THAT PERSON SAID THAT THEY HAD NOT RECEIVED ANY COMPLAINTS NOR DID THEY HAVE ANY KNOWLEGE OF ANY FORD RANGERS HAVING ROTOR PROBLEMS. I PAID FOR ANOTHER FORD ROTOR TODAY BUT I RECEIVED A 10% DISCOUNT AND FREE LABOR. THESE PEOPLE ARE TREATLING ME AS GOOD AS CAN BE EXPECTED, BUT IT LOOKS LIKE THEIR HANDS ARE TIED. WHERE DO GO FROM HERE? THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN INHERENT TO THIS VEHICLE FROM DAY ONE.
NHTSA complaint #709087 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fulton, NY
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC:ROTOR
IN MAY OF 1996 I PURCHASED A NEW 1996 FORD RANGER 4 WHEEL DRIVE XLT MODEL. IN THE SPRING OF 1997 (APPROX. MAY) I CHANGED THE MUD FLAPS AND DISCCOVERED THAT I HAD 2 EACH CRACKED ROTORS. I TOOK THE TRUCK BACK TO PORT CITY FORD--ROUTE 104 EAST, OSWEGO N.Y. 13126--WHERE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE. IN 1998 THIS DEALERSHIP WAS CLOSED SO I TOOK MY BUSINESS TO FRED RAYNOR FORD IN FULTON N.Y. PORT CITY FORD REPLACED BOTH FRONT ROTORS IN MAY 1997 UNDER WARANTEE. IN JAN. 1998 TOOK VEHICLE TO PORT CITY FORD FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. DISCOVERED THAT BOTH FRONT ROTORS WERE AGAIN CRACKED. PORT CITY FORD AGAIN REPLACED BOTH FRONT ROTORS UNDER WARANTEE. APPROX. MILEAGE WAS 33,000 MILES. IN MARCH OF 1999 I DISCOVERED THAT THE RIGHT FRONT ROTOR WAS CRACKED. PORT CITY FORD HAD GONE OUT OF BUSINESS SO I TOOK MY TRUCK TO FRED RAYNOR FORD IN FULTON,NY. THEY SAID THAT THEY COULDN'T RETRIEVE MY RECORDS FROM PORT CITY FORD AND THAT MY 12000MILE/12 MONTH WARANTEE ON FORD PARTS HAD EXPIRED. I PAID THEM FOR A NEW RIGHT ROTOR, TURNED DOWN RIGHT ROTOR, NEW BRAKE PADS AND BACK BRAKE INSPECTION. IN JUNE, 1999, I REPLACED MY REAR BRAKE SHOES MYSELF AND HAD THE TRUCK INSPECTED. THE FIRST WEEK IN JULY IL NOTICED MY BRAKE PEDDAL PULSATING AND DISCOVERED THAT MY LEFT FRONT ROTOR HAD CRACKED. I WENT TO FRED RAYNOR FORD AND TALKED WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER--BRAD STEVENS-- AND SET UP AN APPT. FOR TODAY-7/23/99- AT 8AM. THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG, SO THEY CALLED THE FORD TECH HOT LINE AND TALKED TO SOMEONE WHO SPECIALIZED IN FORD RANGERS. THAT PERSON SAID THAT THEY HAD NOT RECEIVED ANY COMPLAINTS NOR DID THEY HAVE ANY KNOWLEGE OF ANY FORD RANGERS HAVING ROTOR PROBLEMS. I PAID FOR ANOTHER FORD ROTOR TODAY BUT I RECEIVED A 10% DISCOUNT AND FREE LABOR. THESE PEOPLE ARE TREATLING ME AS GOOD AS CAN BE EXPECTED, BUT IT LOOKS LIKE THEIR HANDS ARE TIED. WHERE DO GO FROM HERE? THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN INHERENT TO THIS VEHICLE FROM DAY ONE.
NHTSA complaint #709087 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.