Is the 1987 Ford Ranger reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1987 Ford Ranger is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1987 Ford Ranger?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1987 Ford Ranger have?

5 recalls on file for this model year.

1987 Ford Ranger

▲ Better than typical

1987 Ford Ranger
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:47:15.959Z

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: 51
Recalls: 5
Investigations: 4
Top problem: Electrical system

Complaints per year

1987: 51 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

27% · 14 reports

Most commonly citing ignition and switch.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Truck was bought used and dealer maintained, it sat parked for 3 days without being touched due to son being in a pica cast from chest to feet, at approximately 2 am the locked truck honked and woke me up, when I went outside I could see flames in...

NHTSA ODI report, 2011-08-01

I had just left a red light. I was the 1ST vechicle inthe north lane on a two lane street. The south bound side had about 8 cars .

NHTSA ODI report, 2005-07-04

Ignition switch wiring harness fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-04-19

Seat belts

16% · 8 reports

Most commonly citing buckle assembly.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Passenger seatbelt buckle did not stay in lock position when vehicle rolled over at 60MPH, releasing the passenger out the window.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-03-07

Engine and engine cooling

14% · 7 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

CRASHFIRE

Fuel system, gasoline

10% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing tank assembly and auxillary tank.

FIRE

Steering

6% · 3 reports

Most commonly citing tie rod assembly and connecting.

Safety timeline

5 recalls · 4 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

1987-05-28Equipment87V070000 Stickers concerning handling and maneuverability which are affixed to drivers sun visor sleeves do not meet criteria for permanent adhesion.

Remedy: Owners will be mailed new sun visor sleeves with all applicable decal information permanently affixed.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

1987-06-24Seat belts87V075000 The buckle portion of the seat belt assembly may not have been properly anchored to the floor.

Remedy: Inspect and make proper installation of seat belt and buckle anchor bolts, if necessary.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

1987-10-05Wheels87V140000 Wheel lug nut cone angles do not match lug nut seating angles.

Remedy: Repair to prevent loosening of lug nuts.

Check if this car was fixed →
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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
1988-05-11Engineering analysisClosed 1989-01-23 Under seat fires
I
1989-06-07Preliminary evaluationClosed 1990-03-23 Gearshift lever breaks
I
1990-08-31Engineering analysisClosed 1991-12-31 Throttle sticking
I
1992-03-16Preliminary evaluationClosed 1992-08-31 Whl separation/torque loss
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…

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1987 Ford Ranger — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Electrical system: 14 reports on file for this year.
Seat belts: 8 reports on file for this year.
Engine and engine cooling: 7 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 87V070000 · Equipment
Recall 87V075000 · Seat belts
Recall 87V140000 · Wheels
Recall 87V139000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 98E010000 · Service brakes, air

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1987 Ford Ranger reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1987 Ford Ranger is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1987 Ford Ranger?: The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1987 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.