1997 Ford Ranger problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Tires:tread/Belt (31) · Visibility:windshield Wiper/Washer (24) · Tires (23)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Ford Ranger model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
🛣️ Complaints by mileage
110 NHTSA complaints that reported an odometer reading.
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (202)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Power Train:axle Assembly 2005-04-01 · 030508 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
front axle leaks fluid from vent tube - vehicles equipped with 4x4 or awd. *tt
Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) 2004-12-13 · 042107 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
general (pcm) power train control module programming procedures. *tt
Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) 2004-11-01 · 04217 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
general power train control module (pcm) programming procedures. *tt
Suspension:rear:springs:leaf Spring Assembly 2004-05-01 · 17777 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
rear leaf spring noise. *tt
Power Train:manual Transmission 2003-11-10 · 02138 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
low line pressure reading at wide open throttle (wot), slipping shifts and / or delayed engagements with possible diagnostic trouble codes p0732, p0733, p1762 set on vehicles built before 12/1/2001. *tt
Electrical System 2003-10-13 · 03203 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
malfunction indicator lamp illuminated with diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) p0442, p0455, p0456, p0457 or p1442 or a check fuel cap lamp illuminated with dtc p0457 for the evaporative emission system. *tt
Showing the 6 most recent of 202 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
No detailed complaint narratives on file.
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.