repaired · 2023 Q1
Driver side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
2008 Ford RangerProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 326 owner complaints about the 2008 Ford Ranger, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 5 safety recalls, and for recall 17V-024 the manufacturer reports only 22% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 14, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2008 Ford Ranger has problems
326 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
295Air bags9 crash/fire/injury
10Structure
7Electrical system
4Engine
3Suspension
3Tires
3Exterior lighting
2Wheels
2Engine and engine cooling
96 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 295 | 9 |
| Structure | 10 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 7 | 0 |
| Engine | 4 | 0 |
| Suspension | 3 | 1 |
| Tires | 3 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 3 | 0 |
| Wheels | 2 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 2 | 0 |
| 6 other systems | 9 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
5 recalls
2008 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.
repaired · 2022 Q4
Air bags: frontal
Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the frontal air bag, an inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other…
repaired · 2019 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Do not driveRisk. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2019 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Do not driveRisk. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Show 1 more recall
no report yet
Exterior lighting: brake lights
Risk. NON-FUNCTIONING LIGHTS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
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.
Mileage at failure
When do air bags problems start?
78kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 45 air bags complaints. 73% were reported before 100,000 miles.
Only 21% of complaints for this model year include a mileage.
3under 30k miles33under 100k miles12100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2008 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
11122735508973105132189232438321413411576755670515346243405289272270326169156235111272131119391999469
'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
2008 Ford Ranger safety ratings
2008 Ford Ranger Supercab in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
Side barrierNot rated
- Rollover: 3 stars (26.7% risk)
- Stability control: No
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2008 Ford Ranger, and the recalls they led to.
- TIRE VALVE CRACKINGNo recall
In owners' words
What Ranger owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
I was driving my brother in laws truck and went to dodge a deer My airbag deployed and caused me to crash into a sign on the driveway leading to my house causing extensive damage to the vehicle and the property sign I was knocked out unconscious and when I came to I got out and walked home and the…
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Ranger. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V158000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that parts were unavailable for the recall repair. In addition, the contact stated that several attempts were made…
Car accident on 6/21/2023 - Richardson Texas Air bags never deployed. The truck hit a tree head on. The air bags were maintainced at the Ford dealership a couple of years ago when we got the recall notice Passanger air bag never deployed
Own a 2008 Ranger?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.