MYRModel Year Report

1986 Ford Ranger

▲ Better than typical
1986 Ford Ranger
RENDERED 2026-09-17T01:53:40.528Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Ford Ranger Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1986 highlighted. 1983: 11 complaints 1983 1984: 12 complaints 1985: 27 complaints 1986: 36 complaints 1986 1987: 51 complaints 1988: 90 complaints 1988 1989: 73 complaints 1990: 106 complaints 1991: 133 complaints 1992: 191 complaints 1993: 235 complaints 1993 1994: 455 complaints 1995: 321 complaints 1996: 413 complaints 1997: 411 complaints 1998: 576 complaints 1998 1999: 755 complaints 2000: 670 complaints 2001: 515 complaints 2002: 346 complaints 2003: 243 complaints 2003 2004: 404 complaints 2005: 289 complaints 2006: 271 complaints 2007: 270 complaints 2008: 326 complaints 2008 2009: 168 complaints 2010: 156 complaints 2011: 235 complaints 2014: 1 complaints 2016: 1 complaints 2016 2017: 1 complaints 2019: 266 complaints 2020: 127 complaints 2021: 114 complaints 2022: 37 complaints 2022 2023: 18 complaints 2024: 76 complaints 2025: 38 complaints 2026: 6 complaints 2026
1986: 36 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
198311
198412
198527
198636
198751
198890
198973
1990106
1991133
1992191
1993235
1994455
1995321
1996413
1997411
1998576
1999755
2000670
2001515
2002346
2003243
2004404
2005289
2006271
2007270
2008326
2009168
2010156
2011235
20141
20161
20171
2019266
2020127
2021114
202237
202318
202476
202538
20266

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 39%

39% of complaints: electrical system — 14 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing switch and ignition.

FIRE INJURY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 22%

22% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

FIRE
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.*JB

NHTSA ODI report, 19960301

CATASTROPHIC SHUTDOWN AT ANY SPEED, ENGINE STOPS RUNNING. DT

NHTSA ODI report, 20021210

SEAT BELTS 19%

19% of complaints: seat belts — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing buckle assembly and retractor.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT DOES NOT LATCH PROPERLY. *JB

NHTSA ODI report, 20030517

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 11%

11% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing delivery and tank assembly.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

UNDER THE HOOD FIRE,FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR LEAKED FUEL ONTO EXHAUST MANIFOLD CAUSING A FIRE. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19950209

STEERING 8%

8% of complaints: steering — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tie rod assembly.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

STEERING LINKAGE COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE PIVOT ARM OF THE STEERING BOX. *SD

NHTSA ODI report, 19940706

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 19861219 — PE (closed 19870515)

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES

I 19870507 — EA (closed 19870924)

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES

R 19871012 — fuel system, gasoline

SPRING LOCK FUEL LINE COUPLING MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ENGAGED.

Remedy: INSTALL RETAINER CLIPS OVER THE COUPLINGS TO PREVENT COUPLING SEPARATION AND FUEL LEAKAGE.

Campaign 87V139000 — check if this car was fixed

I 19880511 — EA (closed 19890123)

UNDER SEAT FIRES

R 19881013 — seats

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.

Campaign 88V145000 — check if this car was fixed

I 19890607 — PE (closed 19900323)

GEARSHIFT LEVER BREAKS

I 19900323 — EA (closed 19901023)

GEAR SHIFT LEVER FAILS

I 19900831 — EA (closed 19911231)

THROTTLE STICKING

I 19920316 — PE (closed 19920831)

WHL SEPARATION/TORQUE LOSS

R 19980415 — service brakes, air

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 F

Campaign 98E010000 — check if this car was fixed

R Date not on file — fuel system, gasoline

NYLON FUEL LINES ON THE FUEL RETURN SIDE OF THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR ASSEMBLY MAY CRACK.

Remedy: REPLACE NYLON FUEL HOSES WITH RUBBER HOSES.

Campaign 85V130000 — check if this car was fixed

R Date not on file — electrical system

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.

Campaign 85V116000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1986 Ford Ranger — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (14 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (8 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for seat belts issues (7 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 85V130000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 85V116000 (electrical system) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 87V139000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 88V145000 (seats) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 98E010000 (service brakes, air) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2022 ▲ 2025 ▲ 1987

WORST YEARS

■ 1999 ■ 2000 ■ 1998

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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.