1991 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
- 133
- Recalls
- 6
- Investigations
- 4
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 1991
Opened by NHTSA
16% of complaints
Complaints per year
1991: 133 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
16% · 21 reportsMost commonly citing switch and interior/under dash.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owned a 1991 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked when it caught on fire. The fire department was notified and no injuries were reported at the scene. The vehicle was destroyed. The dealer was not notified.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-07-23
Also filed under Engine and engine cooling
The vehicle was sitting out side when the battery exploded. The vehicle caught on fire as a result.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-01-10
While parked, the vehicle caught fire due to a failed ignition switch, manufacturer informed consumer that the failed part was not worthy of any type of assistance to compensate for a vehicle destroyed by fire. Ph.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-12-09
Suspension
13% · 17 reportsMost commonly citing coil springs and front.
Engine and engine cooling
12% · 16 reportsMost commonly citing engine and gasoline.
Power train
11% · 14 reportsMost commonly citing manual transmission and clutch assembly.
Visibility
10% · 13 reportsMost commonly citing exterior and windshield.
Safety timeline
6 recalls · 4 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
1992-03-02Power train91V189000 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.
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I
1992-03-16Preliminary evaluationClosed 1992-08-31 Whl separation/torque loss
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I
1992-10-23Preliminary evaluationClosed 1993-02-26 Front seat track failure
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I
1995-06-19Engineering analysisClosed 1996-04-02 Separation of master cylinder
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R
1996-03-22Service brakes, hydraulic96V024001 The studs which attach the brake master cylinder to the power brake vacuum booster assembly can develop stress corrosion cracking after being operated for an extended period of time in the southern…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the power brake vacuum booster assembly.
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I
1997-10-29Recall queryClosed 1999-04-01 Parking pawl
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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
2000-08-26Tires00T005000 Tire description: firestone wilderness at, size P235/75R15, produced at the decatur, Illinois tire plant and all firestone radial atx and radial atx ii tires, size P235/75R15. Operation of these…
Remedy: The replacement/reimbursement program for this campaign expired on August 29, 2001. However, customers should contact firestone customer service at 1-800-465-1904 for possible assistance.
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R
2001-06-04Tires01X001000 This is not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. However, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. Equipment description: Ford is replacing all firestone…
Remedy: The replacement/reimbursement program for this campaign expired on March 31, 2002. However, customers can contact Ford at 1-877-917-3673 or go on-line to www.Ford.com for possible assistance.
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R
2006-04-03Exterior lighting06E026000 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…
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.
Buy-smart checklist
1991 Ford Ranger — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 21 reports on file for this year.
- Suspension: 17 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 16 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 91V189000 · Power train
- Recall 96V024001 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 98E010000 · Service brakes, air
- Recall 00T005000 · Tires
- Recall 01X001000 · Tires
- Recall 06E026000 · Exterior lighting
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1991 Ford Ranger reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1991 Ford Ranger is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 1991 Ford Ranger?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 16% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1991 Ford Ranger have?
- 6 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.