39 of the
533 complaints about the 1996 Ford Ranger are about the
fuel system — 7% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
116,500 miles.
NANO AND MICRO PARTICULATES/CONTAMINANTS HAVE BEEN SPRAYED FROM AN AIRLINER AND CAUSED SEVERE DAMAGE TO MY BODY AND MY VEHICLE; IT INCLUDES FLAKES, TUBULES AND HIGHLY REFLECTIVE PARTICLES AND METALS. THE VEHICLE HAS STALLED AND LOST TWO GEARS AS A RESULT. IT HAS A GAS LEAKING ISSUE CAUSED BY THE TECHNOLOGY. I HAVE HAD TO GO TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM. MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN CONTAMINATED, DAMAGED AND SABATAGED AS WELL AS MY FAMILY MEMBERS VEHICLES, PERSONS AND PROPERTY. IT'S OCCURING ON AND OFF HIGHWAY. IT'S HAPPENING TO OTHER VEHICLES AS WELL. OIL AND BATTERY INTERIOR AND EXTERIORS AS WELL AS BODILY HARM, RISK AND INJURY. THE TECH AND PARTICULATES ARE HIGHLY DANGEROUS AND DESTRUCTIVE. [XXX] IS THE OFFENDING PARTY THAT CAUSED IT TO HAPPEN WITH THE FEDERAL AGENCIES. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11300548 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Holly Springs, MS
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I HAVE A 1996 FORD RANGER AND WHEN I WAS FILLING UP THE GAS TANK I STARTED NOTICING A STRONG SMELL OF GAS THEN LATER CAME TO FIND OUT IT WAS LEAKING GAS. I HAVE COME TO FIND OUT THAT THIS IS A COMMON DEFECTED WITH THESE VEHICLES. I THINK THAT IT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED IF SOMEONE HAS NOT GOTTEN KILLED YET.
NHTSA complaint #10703092 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 141,000 milesMechanicsville, VA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
RUBBER FUEL VAPOR HOSE BETWEEN FUEL VAPOR PURGE VALVE AND CHARCOAL CANISTER CAN'T BE REPAIRED BECAUSE FORD HAS MADE PART OBSOLETE. THIS HOSE IS NOT A NORMAL OFF THE SHELF BULK HOSE. IT IS RUBBER PERFORMED WITH A DIFFERENT INSIDE DIAMETER ON BOTH ENDS. FORD WON'T EVEN GIVE ME PART NUMBER! THREE PARTS VENDORS WERE RECOMMENDED TO MAYBE FIND PART. THE VENDORS ALL WANT PART NUMBER THOUGH-SO THAT DOESN'T HELP ME. THE VEHICLE CONSTANTLY LEAKS GASOLINE FUMES. I'M NOT EXPECTING FORD TO FIX IT BECAUSE OF AGE OF TRUCK. SOMETHING OUGHT TO DONE BY FORD TO MAKE PART AVAILABLE TO CONSUMER. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. TRUCK COULD EASILY CATCH ON FIRE!
NHTSA complaint #10619480 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 265,000 milesPlaistow, NH
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TURNS OVER BUT WON'T START.
NHTSA complaint #10608274 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD RANGER. WHILE DRIVING, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK STRAPS FRACTURED, CAUSING THE FUEL TANK TO DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND THE MANUFACTURER DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS TO THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 96,000. UPDATED 09/30/11*LJ THE FUEL TANK STRAP WERE REPLACED AT THE CONSUMERS EXPENSE. UPDATED 10/05/11
NHTSA complaint #10420059 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,000 milesChicago, IL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD RANGER. WHILE DRIVING, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK STRAPS FRACTURED, CAUSING THE FUEL TANK TO DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND THE MANUFACTURER DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS TO THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 96,000. UPDATED 09/30/11*LJ THE FUEL TANK STRAP WERE REPLACED AT THE CONSUMERS EXPENSE. UPDATED 10/05/11
NHTSA complaint #10420059 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 183,408 milesUnion Grove, WI
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
GAS TANK DROPPED BUT DIDN'T COME APART FROM VEHICLE DUE TO GAS TANK STRAP RUSTING THROUGH. WHEN INVESTIGATED I FOUND THAT THE OTHER STRAP WAS RUSTED THROUGH APPROXIMATELY 75% OF THE WAY.
NHTSA complaint #10399937 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 116,501 milesFort Worth, TX
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
GAS OVERFLOW FROM UNDERNEATH THE TRUCK, NOT THRU THE NOZZLE.
NHTSA complaint #10346841 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 116,500 milesFort Worth, TX
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
FILLING MY FORD RANGER WITH GAS OFTEN LEADS TO OVERFLOWS ONTO THE GROUND FROM UNDERNEATH THE TRUCK; I.E. IT DOES NOT OVERFLOW THROUGH THE NOZZLE WHERE GAS IS PUMPED IN.
NHTSA complaint #10332527 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 117,000 milesLittleton, CO
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
TL*-THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT WAS DISPENSING FUEL INTO THE FUEL TANK, AND THERE WAS A LEAKAGE OF FUEL DUE TO A CRACK IN THE FUEL TANK HOSE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND THEY STATED THAT THE COST OF REPAIR PART WAS $400.00. THE PART WAS ORDERED FOR FUTURE REPAIR. THE CONTACT DISAGREED WITH THE COST OF THE PART AND STATED THERE SHOULD BE A REDUCTION IN THE COST. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 117,000.
NHTSA complaint #10326444 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesHampton, IL
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD RANGER. WHILE ENTERING THE DRIVEWAY AT 3 MPH, THE LID FOR THE GAS TANK SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION HE NOTICED THAT THE SPRINGS HAD CORROSION. A TECHNICIAN FROM THE DEALER RECOMMENDED REPLACEMENT OF THE SPRINGS. HOWEVER THE PARTS FOR THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
NHTSA complaint #10291075 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,000 milesAntlers, OK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD RANGER. AFTER THE FUEL TANK WAS FILLED IN THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT OBSERVED AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF FUEL UNDERNEATH THE CAB OF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, HE SMELLED A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNINGS PRIOR TO THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE FUEL FILLER PIPE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 108,000. UPDATED 03/24/09. *LJ THE FILLER NECK HAD BUSTED DUE TO AGE. UPDATED 03/24/09.
NHTSA complaint #10259908 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesBloomington, IN
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
FUEL LINE FAILURE 1996 FORD RANGER DRIVEN WEEKLY. TRAVELING ON A TWO LANE PAVED ROAD AT POSTED SPEED. "CHECK GAUGES" WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. FUEL GAUGE BELOW EMPTY (HAD STARTED TRIP 40 MINUTES EARLIER WITH 2/3 TANK). PULLED OVER AT FIRST SAFE OPPORTUNITY AND STEPPED OUT OF TRUCK. STRONG SMELL OF FUEL AND GAS POURING ON THE GROUND. STOPPED ENGINE AND THE FUEL STOPPED POURING. HAD LOCAL TIRE STORE DROP THE TANK. THEY FOUND A CRACK AT A 90 DEGREE BEND IN THE PLASTIC HOSE LEADING TO THE FUEL SENDING UNIT. THE HOUSE APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN RUBBING AGAINST SOME SURFACE BETWEEN THE TOP OF THE TANK AND THE BODY. NEW ASSEMBLY ORDERED FROM FORD ($128) WITH AN INSTALLED PRICE OF $416. I RETAINED THE OLD FUEL LINE ASSEMBLY. FUEL WAS BEING PUMPED ONTO THE TOP OF THE TANK AND ON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE TRUCK. I FEEL VERY LUCKY TO HAVE AVOIDED A FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10231319 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesCentreville, VA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
AFTER SMELLING A STRONG FUEL ODOR I FOUND THE FUEL FILLER HOSE HAS MANY SMALL CRACKS WHERE IT FITS ON TO THE FUEL TANK, AND LEAKS FUEL WHEN GAS TANK IS FILLED. I HAVE REPLACED THE FUEL FILLER HOSE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM, I DO HAVE THE OLD HOSE AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10229032 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesMiddlesex, ND
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
GAS FILL HOSE DEFECTED AND CRACKED, I TRIED TO GET ONE FROM SALVAGE YARD AND THE GUY TOLD ME EVERY HOSE THEY TRIED TO SAVE WAS ALSO CRACKED IN THE SAME PLACE AND THAT HE HAS PEOPLE COMING IN ALL THE TIME ASKING FOR THE SAME HOSE FOR A 95 THROUGH 97 THERE IS A STRONG GAS VAPOR AND POOR GAS MILEAGE RESULTING FROM HOSE A NEW HOSE CAN ONLY BE PURCHASED FOR A FORD DEALER AND THE COST IS AROUND 258.00 I HAVE NOT YET REPLACED THE HOSE BECAUSE OF THE COST AND I DON'T WONT TO SPED ALL THIS MONEY IF I WILL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM 3 YEARS LATER I DID TRY TO REPAIR HOSE BY PATCHING IT WITH A TUBE REPAIR KIT BECAUSE OF THE COST BUT IT DIDN'T CORRECT MY PROBLEM WITH THE GAS VAPORS. IT WORRIES ME THAT A FIRE COULD RESULT OR THE FUMES COULD BE HARMFUL TO MY HEALTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT.
NHTSA complaint #10223477 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,000 milesGoodyear, AZ
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
FUEL TANK FILLER NECK CRACKED.
NHTSA complaint #10223509 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesDecatur, IL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK HOSE LEAKS. ON AUGUST 8, 2007, HE NOTICED THAT THE TANK WAS SWELLING FROM THE INSIDE AND WAS SPLIT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 60,000.
NHTSA complaint #10200659 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 117,000 milesTerrell, TX
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
1996 FORD RANGER TRUCK, FUEL FILLER HOSE CRACKED AND SEPARATED FROM FUEL TANK. CAUSED FUEL TO SPILL OUT OF THE TANK.
NHTSA complaint #10154558 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,980 milesLawton, OK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
GASOLINE LEAKS FROM THE FILLER HOSE AT THE TOP OF THE TANK WHEN VEHICLE IS FUELED.
NHTSA complaint #10145267 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,225 milesNewport Beach, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
1) ON THE EVENING OF 11/14/05 I STOP AT A GAS STATION TO FILL UP MY TANK. AFTER I FILLED UP THE TANK I COULD SMELL A STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE. I CHECKED TO MAKE SURE THAT I DIDN'T SPILL ANY WHEN REMOVING THE NOZZLE. I LOOKED UNDER MY CAR AND I COULD SEE A GAS LEAK DRIPPING AT A MODERATE PACE. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED A FRIEND WHO WORKS ON CARS AND HE TOLD ME TO TAKE IT TO THE MECHANIC TO AVOID CATCHING FIRE FROM THE FUMES. 2) THE VERY NEXT MORNING I TOOK THE CAR TO MY MECHANIC AND HE TOLD ME IT WAS PROBABLY A CRACK IN THE FILLER HOSE. HE ALSO MENTIONED THAT THEY HAVE SEEN MANY FORD RANGERS WITH THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. 3) MY MECHANIC WAS CORRECT ON DIAGNOSING THE LEAK AND I HAD TO HAVE A NEW GAS TANK FILLER HOSE INSTALLED. THE OVERALL COST WAS $458.60 AND I LOST A FULL DAY OF WORK.
NHTSA complaint #10144691 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 154,178 milesPanama City, FL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
WHILE FUELING VEHICLE FUEL SPILLED FROM THE TOP OF FUEL TANK CREATING A ENVIRONMENTAL AND SAFETY ISSUE. WHILE TRAVELING HOME FUMES MADE BOTH OCCUPANTS FEEL SICK. UPON INSPECTION FOUND THE FUEL FILLER HOSE SPLIT DUE TO FORD OBLONGING THE HOSE FOR BED CLEARANCE WITH A METAL CLAMP. WENT ONLINE TO A FORD CHAT FORUM AND FOUND THIS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE WITH RANGER TRUCKS. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED.
NHTSA complaint #10142217 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 154,178 milesPanama City, FL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
WHILE FUELING VEHICLE FUEL SPILLED FROM THE TOP OF FUEL TANK CREATING A ENVIRONMENTAL AND SAFETY ISSUE. WHILE TRAVELING HOME FUMES MADE BOTH OCCUPANTS FEEL SICK. UPON INSPECTION FOUND THE FUEL FILLER HOSE SPLIT DUE TO FORD OBLONGING THE HOSE FOR BED CLEARANCE WITH A METAL CLAMP. WENT ONLINE TO A FORD CHAT FORUM AND FOUND THIS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE WITH RANGER TRUCKS. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED.
NHTSA complaint #10142217 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,000 milesLancaster, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
ON MY 1996 FORD RANGER I HAVE A GAS LEAK WHEN I FILL THE TANK ALL THE WAY UP. IT LEAKS FROM THE TOP OF THE GAS TANK, DOWN THE SIDES, AND ON TO THE GROUND. IT APPEARS THAT THE HOSE GOING INTO THE GAS TANK HAS FAILED. *AK WHAN CONCERNS ME ARE TWO THINGS: FIRST, IF IT GETS ON SOME HOT METAL.....I WILL BE TOAST. NEXT, MY AUTO MECHANICS TOLD ME HE SAW THE SAME PROBLEM ON A 1999 OR 2000 FORD RANGER. SO, I AM WONDERING IF THIS IS BIGGER PROBLEM THAN JUST MY TRUCK.
NHTSA complaint #10072670 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 82,000 milesEllijay, GA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
GAS TANK LEAKING.
NHTSA complaint #10072631 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 154,626 milesOceanside, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
I OWN A 1996 FORD RANGER V6, 4.0L TRUCK. THREE INCIDENTS OF THE SAME NATURE HAS OCCURRED ON THIS VEHICLE. THE INCIDENT DOES NOT HAPPEN ALL THE TIME BUT WHEN STEPPING ON THE GAS PEDAL TO ACCELERATE, THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO ACCELERATE EVEN AFTER RELEASE OF THE GAS PEDAL. I HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL FORD DEALER AND THE MECHANIC ADVISED THAT THE THROTTLE "STICKS". I CONSENTED TO THEIR SUGGESTION TO HAVE THE THROTTLE ASSEMBLY REPLACED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM, WHICH WILL COST ME APPROXIMATELY $400. I UNDERSTAND THERE IS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (NUMBER: 99-23-5) WHICH WAS PUBLISHED IN NOVEMBER 1999 FOR THE 1996 FORD RANGER 2WD V6-182 3.0L ENGINE TRUCK WITH A PROBLEM OF "THROTTLE STICKING". I WOULD LIKE TO REPORT THAT THE 4.0L ENGINE ALSO HAS THE SAME PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10058975 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 79,029 milesScottsdale, AZ
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
FUEL TANK CRACKED AND WAS LEAKING FUEL INTO A PARKING LOT. PHOENIX TEMP WAS 106 THAT DAY. SMELLED AND SAW GAS RUNNING ON THE GROUND. TOWED IT TO A REPAIR SHOP. REMOVED TANK AND FOUND CRACKS THAT LOOK LIKE STRESS FRACTURES BEHIND THE MOUNTING BRACKETS. IT WAS ALSO LEAKING AT THE TOP OUTLET OF THE TANK WHERE THE GASKET HAD DRIED OUT AND CRACKED. CONTACTED FORD BOTH THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURE, THEIR COMMIT WAS IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY.
NHTSA complaint #10002630 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 79,029 milesScottsdale, AZ
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
FUEL TANK CRACKED AND WAS LEAKING FUEL INTO A PARKING LOT. PHOENIX TEMP WAS 106 THAT DAY. SMELLED AND SAW GAS RUNNING ON THE GROUND. TOWED IT TO A REPAIR SHOP. REMOVED TANK AND FOUND CRACKS THAT LOOK LIKE STRESS FRACTURES BEHIND THE MOUNTING BRACKETS. IT WAS ALSO LEAKING AT THE TOP OUTLET OF THE TANK WHERE THE GASKET HAD DRIED OUT AND CRACKED. CONTACTED FORD BOTH THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURE, THEIR COMMIT WAS IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY.
NHTSA complaint #10002630 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Palm Springs, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
FILLER PIPE HAS A CRACK AND LEAKS GAS ONTO GROUND WHEN TANK IS FILLED. THIS PROBLEM HAS ALSO OCCURRED WITH OTHER 1996/1997 FORD RANGERS IN THIS AREA AS A PERSONAL FRIEND HAD SAME PROBLEM LAST WEEK WITH HIS 1997 RANGER.
NHTSA complaint #728474 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fayetteville, NC
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
THE TRUCK COULD HAVE CAUGHT FIRE AND COST A LIFE,THIS NEEDS TO BE LOOKED INTO AND A RECALL DONE IF IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MAKE AND YR OF TRUCK
NHTSA complaint #703649 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Halton City, TXFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
WHILE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING ON DRY PAVEMENT READY TO MAKE A TURN SHE PUT ON BRAKES, THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOOR. CONSUMER MANAGED TO TURN INTO A PARKING LOT AFTER PUMPING THE BRAKES. VEHICLE BEGAN TO SMOKE AND FLUIDS LEAKING FROM THE LEFT SIDE OF THE CAR. THEN CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #827684 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.