1990 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 PER YEAR
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 | 266 |
| 2020 | 127 |
| 2021 | 114 |
| 2022 | 37 |
| 2023 | 18 |
| 2024 | 76 |
| 2025 | 38 |
| 2026 | 6 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
19% of complaints: electrical system — 20 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing switch and front underhood.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE UNDERHOOD AFTER PARKED 12 HOURS IN FRONT OF OWNER'S HOUSE; CAUSE UNKNOWN. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950811
IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950109
WHEN VEHICLE IS EITHER STATIONARY OR IN MOTION THE PASSENGER HEAD LAMP MELTS, SOMETHING IS CAUSING THAT ONE LIGHT TO OVER HEAT AND HAS MELTED THE ENTIRE HEAD UNIT. I HAVE VERY LITTLE VISIBILITY WITH HEAD LAMPS ON.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190712
Also filed under ENGINE and EXTERIOR LIGHTING
14% of complaints: tires — 15 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tread/belt and sidewall.
Show complaint excerpts
CONTINUOUS PROBLEMS WITH FIRESTONE TIRES GOING FLAT, ALSO ONE TIRE BLEWOUT. *SKD
NHTSA ODI report, 19941219
12% of complaints: visibility — 13 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing exterior and rearview mirrors/devices.
12% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 13 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing accelerator pedal and cruise control.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE STARTED SMOKING WHILE PARKED IN FRONT OF THE HOUSE. EVENTUALLY THE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20060821
PUT VEHICLE IN DRIVE, WENT TO FULL THROTTLE AND CRASHED. TT DEALER REPLACED AIR VALVE, HOWEVER DID NOT GUARANTEE THAT THIS WOULD CORRECT PROBLEM. *SLC
NHTSA ODI report, 19951004
12% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 13 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and belts and associated pulleys.
SAFETY TIMELINE
THROTTLE LEVER MAY CONTACT THROTTLE BODY AIR INLET TUBE, WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR THROTTLE REMAINING OPEN FOLLOWING RELEASE OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL FROM THE FULL-THROTTLE POSTION IN TRUCKS WITH 4.0 L E
Remedy: MANUFACTURER WILL REPLACE AIR INLET TUBE WITH NEWLY DESIGNED REPLACEMENT WITH AN INCREASED THROTTLE LEVER-TO-INLET TUBE CLEARANCE.
Campaign 89V234000 — check if this car was fixed
THROTTLE LEVER MAY CONTACT THROTTLE BODY AIR INLET TUBE, WITH POTENTIAL FOR THROTTLE REMAINING OPEN FOLLOWING RELEASE OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL.
Remedy: MANUFACTURER WILL REPLACE AIR INLET TUBE WITH NEWLY DESIGNED REPLACEMENT.
Campaign 90V044000 — check if this car was fixed
WHEN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER IS PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION, THE PARK PAWL DOES NOT ALWAYS ABUT OR ENGAGE THE PARK GEAR.
Remedy: REPAIR THE TRANSMISSION WITH A NEW PARK PAWL.
Campaign 91V189000 — check if this car was fixed
WHL SEPARATION/TORQUE LOSS
FRONT SEAT TRACK FAILURE
PARKING PAWL
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
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER S
Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Campaign 06E026000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1990 Ford Ranger — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (20 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (15 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 89V234000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 90V044000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 91V189000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 98E010000 (service brakes, air) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E026000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1990 Ford Ranger reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1990 Ford Ranger is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1990 Ford Ranger?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 19% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1990 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.