1986 Ford Ranger
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 36
- Recalls
- 5
- Investigations
- 7
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 1986
Opened by NHTSA
39% of complaints
Complaints per year
1986: 36 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1983 | 11 |
| 1984 | 12 |
| 1985 | 27 |
| 1986 | 36 |
| 1987 | 51 |
| 1988 | 90 |
| 1989 | 73 |
| 1990 | 106 |
| 1991 | 133 |
| 1992 | 191 |
| 1993 | 235 |
| 1994 | 455 |
| 1995 | 321 |
| 1996 | 413 |
| 1997 | 411 |
| 1998 | 576 |
| 1999 | 755 |
| 2000 | 670 |
| 2001 | 515 |
| 2002 | 346 |
| 2003 | 243 |
| 2004 | 404 |
| 2005 | 289 |
| 2006 | 271 |
| 2007 | 270 |
| 2008 | 326 |
| 2009 | 168 |
| 2010 | 156 |
| 2011 | 235 |
| 2014 | 1 |
| 2016 | 1 |
| 2017 | 1 |
| 2019 | 271 |
| 2020 | 130 |
| 2021 | 119 |
| 2022 | 38 |
| 2023 | 18 |
| 2024 | 93 |
| 2025 | 45 |
| 2026 | 9 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Electrical system
39% · 14 reportsMost commonly citing switch and ignition.
Engine and engine cooling
22% · 8 reportsMost commonly citing gasoline and engine.
Show complaint excerpts
Consumer drove truck parked it and it caught on fire.* ak the fire centered on the left topof the engine near the fuel lines, also extensice damage to the wiring harness on the left, firwall occured at the wiring harness was melted.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-03-01
Catastrophic shutdown at any speed, engine stops running. Dt
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-12-10
Seat belts
19% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing buckle assembly and retractor.
Show complaint excerpts
Driver's side seat belt does not latch properly.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-05-17
Fuel system, gasoline
11% · 4 reportsMost commonly citing delivery and tank assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
Under the hood fire,fuel pressure regulator leaked fuel onto exhaust manifold causing a fire. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-02-09
Steering
8% · 3 reportsMost commonly citing tie rod assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
Steering linkage completely separated from the pivot arm of the steering box.
NHTSA ODI report, 1994-07-06
Safety timeline
5 recalls · 7 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
1986-12-19Preliminary evaluationClosed 1987-05-15 Engine compartment fires
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I
1987-05-07Engineering analysisClosed 1987-09-24 Engine compartment fires
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R
1987-10-12Fuel system, gasoline87V139000 Spring lock fuel line coupling may not be properly engaged.
Remedy: Install retainer clips over the couplings to prevent coupling separation and fuel leakage.
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I
1988-05-11Engineering analysisClosed 1989-01-23 Under seat fires
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R
1988-10-13Seats88V145000 Wiring for the power lumbar seat system was routed directly beneath the seat cushion springs and may be abraded by the springs.
Remedy: Install a fuse within the power lumbar electrical circuit.
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I
1989-06-07Preliminary evaluationClosed 1990-03-23 Gearshift lever breaks
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I
1990-03-23Engineering analysisClosed 1990-10-23 Gear shift lever fails
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I
1990-08-31Engineering analysisClosed 1991-12-31 Throttle sticking
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I
1992-03-16Preliminary evaluationClosed 1992-08-31 Whl separation/torque loss
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R
1998-04-15Service brakes, air98E010000 Equipment description: aftermarket brake rotors for use on certain Ford and Mazda trucks. Cracked castings caused cracks to appear on the outer diameter of the rotor hat or around the stud hole.
Remedy: Aimco will reimburse consumers/installers for the cost of replacement rotors and installation. Consumers are requested to return to the location where the rotors were originally purchased/installed…
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R
Date not on fileFuel system, gasoline85V130000 Nylon fuel lines on the fuel return side of the fuel pressure regulator assembly may crack.
Remedy: Replace nylon fuel hoses with rubber hoses.
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R
Date not on fileElectrical system85V116000 The electronic engine control wiring harness insulation may be damaged due to copper spikes produced during the welding of its wires.
Remedy: Repair wiring harness, check engine and catalyst for damage.
Buy-smart checklist
1986 Ford Ranger — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 14 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 8 reports on file for this year.
- Seat belts: 7 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 85V130000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 85V116000 · Electrical system
- Recall 87V139000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 88V145000 · Seats
- Recall 98E010000 · Service brakes, air
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1986 Ford Ranger reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1986 Ford Ranger is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 1986 Ford Ranger?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 39% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1986 Ford Ranger have?
- 5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.