1992 Ford Ranger
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of 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
- 191
- Recalls
- 6
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 1992
Opened by NHTSA
21% of complaints
Complaints per year
1992: 191 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
21% · 41 reportsMost commonly citing switch and interior/under dash.
Show complaint excerpts
While driving and/or idling smoke comes from both the steering column and under the hood. No fires as of yet but I would like to have the problem resolved before the truck burns down.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-09-03
Ignition switch caught on fire while driving.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-07-13
No summary listed for above vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-09-10
Suspension
18% · 34 reportsMost commonly citing front and coil springs.
Visibility
12% · 22 reportsMost commonly citing exterior and rearview mirrors/devices.
Service brakes
10% · 19 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Engine and engine cooling
9% · 17 reportsMost commonly citing engine and gasoline.
Safety timeline
6 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
1992-02-10Structure92V006000 Water can enter the door latch release cable. If the vehicle is operated in below freezing temperatures, the water in the door latch release cable can freeze and cause the latch mechanism to…
Remedy: Revised door release cables and water shields will be installed.
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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.
-
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
1992 Ford Ranger — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 41 reports on file for this year.
- Suspension: 34 reports on file for this year.
- Visibility: 22 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 92V006000 · Structure
- 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 1992 Ford Ranger reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1992 Ford Ranger is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 1992 Ford Ranger?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 21% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1992 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.