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1991 Ford RangerProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 132 owner complaints about the 1991 Ford Ranger, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

61
CarFlaw IndexSolid year37% below the Ranger median · #23 of 35 years by complaints
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints13240 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage100kElectrical system, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through July 23, 2012. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1991 Ford Ranger has problems

132 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Electrical system2017
Suspension171
Engine and engine cooling163
Structure131
Visibility130
Tires131
Power train122
Service brakes, hydraulic113
Vehicle speed control52
7 other systems165

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

2 recalls

1991 Ford Ranger recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Power train: automatic transmission

Recall 91V-189 · Nov 4, 1991 · 792,000 vehicles

Risk. DRIVER MAY BELIEVE THE VEHICLE IS SAFELY ENGAGED IN PARKWHEN THE GEAR IS NOT TRULY ENGAGED.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Ford.

Best & worst years

1991 vs. every other Ranger year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Ranger median. How we score

'83'84'85'86'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'14'16'17'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

1991 Ford Ranger safety ratings

1991 Ford Ranger 2-DR. 4x4 in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

  • Stability control: No
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
4 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1991 Ford Ranger, and the recalls they led to.

  1. SEPARATION OF MASTER CYLINDEREA95018 · closed Apr 2, 1996
    Led to recall 96V-024
  2. WHL SEPARATION/TORQUE LOSSPE92029 · closed Aug 31, 1992
    No recall
  3. FRONT SEAT TRACK FAILUREPE92084 · closed Feb 26, 1993
    No recall
  4. PARKING PAWLRQ97015 · closed Apr 1, 1999
    Led to recall 91V-189
In owners' words

What Ranger owners report

Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1991 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED AT THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE AND…
Complaint 10467104 · Jul 23, 2012 · 150,000 miles
WHILE PARKED, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE DUE TO A FAILED IGNITION SWITCH, MANUFACTURER INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THE FAILED PART WAS NOT WORTHY OF ANY TYPE OF ASSISTANCE TO COMPENSATE FOR A VEHICLE DESTROYED BY FIRE. PH. CONSUMER WAS INJURED WHILE TRYING TO PUT THE FIRE OUT. *JB
Complaint 8024028 · Dec 9, 2002
CONSUMER STATED THAT A BATTERY EXPLODED, AND VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. CONSUMER STATES THIS WAS VERY DANGEROUS. MANUFACTURE OF BATTERY IS JOHNSON CONTROLS INC. /SEAR DIE HARD. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. MR
Complaint 8021108 · Oct 18, 2002

Own a 1991 Ranger?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.