KnownCarProblems2004 Ford Ranger Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 404 complaints with NHTSA about the 2004 Ford Ranger, most often about the air bags (47% of complaints, typically around 89,000 miles). It is the 3rd most complained-about Ranger model year since 2000 and has 10 recalls.
⚠ Safety advisory2 recalls for this car came with a do-not-drive warning. See below and check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Most common 2004 Ford Ranger problems
Air bags
189 complaints · 47%Half of these problems showed up before 89,000 miles. Parts named most often: frontal.
Takata recall - my son drives this vehicle and we just bought it. It is very scary to think that the air bag installed to save his life could take it. We don't have an extra car for him to drive. We would not have bought it if we knew and the dealer probably knew. My husband drives a toyota tacoma that has the same…
The contact owns a 2004 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that NHTSA campaign number: 15v322000 (air bags) exceeded a reasonable time for repair. The contact received the recall notification in july of 2015. The dealer advised that the part was not available. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. In addition…
Body and structure
46 complaints · 11%Half of these problems showed up before 85,000 miles. Parts named most often: body, frame and members.
Rot has appeared in bed of truck. Rot has come from underside of bed, seemingly due to a fabric that holds moisture and water, that is in direct contact with underside of bed, causing rust to form and eventually rot through the bed. In the past 4 months, one hole approximately 5 inches in diameter, another 2 inches in…
The contact owns a 2004 Ford Ranger. While attempting to have the vehicle inspected, rust was observed on the frame of the vehicle. The vehicle failed inspection. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the cross member and brackets failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was…
Suspension
29 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 81,000 miles. Parts named most often: front.
The rear spring shackle, bracket rusting and falling off. The gas tank brackets rusted and causiing tank too fall off the rear frame rotted making truck unsafe for driving on the road the front frame of truck is ok no problem.it is just the rear frame rusted thru.the truck was makeing a thumping noise and when I…
Incredible amounts of premature rust on frame and suspension parts, shackle brackets rusted away completely and had to be replaced. Frame is rusting at an unprecedented pace!?
Transmission
27 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 32,000 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission, driveline, manual transmission, transfer case (4-wheel drive).
Tl contact owns a 2004 Ford Ranger. When the contact attempted to place the vehicle into gear, the engine revved uncontrollably. He had to depress the brake pedal to prevent the vehicle from moving. Once the vehicle was in gear, the gear shift lever would not return to the park position. He had to shut off the vehicle…
2004 Ford Ranger fx4. Auto transmission slips frequently, and also seems to "float" gears even at highway speeds. Transmission cannot seem to find right gear at times and often goes into either too low or too high of a gear. Transmission makes scraping noise when put into reverse. When shifting from one ghear to the…
Engine
24 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 71,500 miles. Parts named most often: engine.
My 2004 Ford Ranger started idling rough and the check engine light came on. I took it to the dealer and they could not find a problem. They reset the check engine light and a few months later it happened again. This time the dealer found that there was no compression in three cylinders do to the valves not seating…
Complaint related to 2004 Ford Ranger 4.0l v6 sohc engine with 81,000 miles. On september 15th 2010, I started experiencing a squeak from the engine compartment on my 2004 Ford Ranger. I changed the pulleys that had bearings that could contribute to the noise but the noise persisted. I then changed the belt and the…
Brakes
23 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 32,500 miles. Parts named most often: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, foundation components, pedals and linkages, antilock.
: the contact stated while approaching an intersection at 40mph the vehicle in front stopped short. When the brakes were depressed the vehicle seemed to accelerate rather than slow down. The contact swerved to avoid a direct rear end collision, but clipped the vehicle in the right rear bumper. Both vehicles sustained…
: the contact stated while brake pressure was applied at a stop sign, due to the placement of the brake and accelerator pedal the two were pressed at the same time which caused the vehicle to lurch forward resulting in a rear impact collision. No one was injured and seat belts were used. Minor damage was sustained to…
Fuel system
21 complaints · 5%Half of these problems showed up before 64,500 miles. Parts named most often: delivery, storage, fuel injection system.
Tl contact owns a 2004 Ford Ranger. While driving less than 40 MPH, the contact stated that there seemed to be water in the fuel tank. He heard a rattling noise and the engine failed. The dealer could not assist and there were no recalls on the vehicle. The failure and current mileages were less than 62,000. Updated…
My Ford 2004 engine will not start. Fuel shut off switch underneath the dashboard on passenger side is defective. Each time before starting I have to push this switch. This can be a huge safety issue. I hope my truck does not stop on the freeway with my kids in it.
Wheels and tires
20 complaints · 5%Half of these problems showed up before 56,000 miles. Parts named most often: sidewall, temporary/emergency spare tire, tread/belt.
While traveling northbound on I-75, near lake city, fl., the rear, passenger side tire tread came completely off the tire. The tread damaged the rear, passenger side of my Ford Ranger truck. Fortunately, I managed to pull over to the emergency lane and no one was injured. When my mechanic inspected the rest of the…
Bolts sheared off except two next to each other drove slowly to dealer bill prerrie Ford they fixed and charged for a design flaw alleging over torquing of lugs which should strip threads only and was done correct by goodyear with torque wrenches. A off road truck should be over designed. The wheel could have come…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2004 Ford Ranger recalls
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: An incorrectly installed inflator may not properly inflate the passenger air bag, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and reinstall the front passenger air bag inflator, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed may 22, 2023. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23s08. This recall expands and replaces previous recall number 23v-125.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2004-2006 ranger vehicles that received replacement front passenger air bag inflators under a previous recall. The replacement front passenger air bag inflators may have been installed incorrectly.
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: An incorrectly installed inflator may not properly inflate the passenger air bag, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and reinstall the front passenger air bag inflator, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed april 5, 2023. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23s08. This recall has been fully superseded by recall 23v-306.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2004-2006 ranger vehicles that received replacement front passenger air bag inflators under a previous recall. The replacement frontal passenger air bag inflators may have been installed incorrectly.
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the frontal air bag, an inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver and passenger air bag module, and replace either the module or the inflator, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began march 17, 2021. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21s05.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2004-2006 ranger vehicles that may be equipped with a driver or passenger frontal air bag inflator used as a replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the frontal air bag, an inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver and passenger air bag module, and replace either the module or the inflator, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began march 17, 2021. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21s05.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2005-2014 mustang, 2004-2011 ranger, 2009-2011 mercury milan, 2006 ford gt, 2008-2012 fusion, 2007-2010 edge and lincoln mkx, and 2009-2010 lincoln mkz vehicles. These vehicles may be equipped with a driver or passenger frontal air bag inflator used as a replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants, potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger's frontal air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began january 16, 2018. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17s42. Note: this recall supersedes recall 15v322 which was an interim repair. Vehicles that received a replacement air bag inflator under the previous campaign need to return to a dealer to have an alternate inflator installed. Owners may contact ford
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is superseding a previous recall for certain 2004-2006 ford ranger trucks to implement a final repair. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began january 16, 2018. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17s42. Note: this recall supersedes recall 16v-036 which was an interim repair. Vehicles that received a replacement air bag inflator under the previous campaign need to return to a dealer to have an alternate inflator installed.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is superseding a previous recall for certain 2004-2006 ford ranger trucks to implement a final repair. Upon deployment of the driver side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began february 26, 2016. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16s03. Note: this recall supersedes 14v-343 and only applies to rangers manufactured in north america.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 ranger vehicles manufactured march 24, 2003, to may 4, 2006. Upon deployment of the driver side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on december 4, 2015. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15s22. Note: this recall partially supersedes recall 14v-787.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 ranger trucks manufactured march 24, 2003, to may 4, 2006. The affected vehicles are equipped with a passenger side frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
Lights: brake lights
Risk: Non-functioning lights could increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the switches free of charge. The safety recall began on august 15, 2011. Owners may contact ford motor company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.
Full defect summary
Ford is recalling certain model year 2011 ranger trucks built from january 25, 2011, through april 25, 2011 at the twin cities assembly plant, and service parts distributed to dealers for certain 2004 through 2011 model year ranger trucks, 2002 through 2005 model year excursion vehicles, and 2002 through 2007 model year f-250, f-350, f-450, and f-550 trucks for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." the multi-function switch was shipped with a subcomponent (slider) that may experience deformation. A multi-function switch with a deformed slider may malfunction causing the turn signal, tail lights, hazard warning signal flashers and/or brake lights not to activate.
Body and structure: underbody shields
Risk: In the event of a side impact crash, the frame rail scould puncture the fuel tank, resulting in a fuel leak. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the frame to determine whether the frame was incorrectly manufactured. If there is a problem, the vehicle will not be repaired. Ford and the dealer will replace the vehicle. The recall began on july 19, 2004. Owners should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Full defect summary
On certain pickup trucks, the frame may have a center rail section flange that was not formed properly.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Air bag inflator rupture
Summary
The office of defects investigation (odi) opened pe14-016 in june 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.all six vehicles were operated in florida or puerto rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.during the course of pe14-016, odi determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by takata. No evidence of field failures was found in vehicles produced by these five additional manufacturers.nonetheless, at odi's in
Air bag inflator rupture
Summary
The office of defects investigation (odi) opened pe14-016 in june 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.all six vehicles were operated in florida or puerto rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.during the course of pe14-016, odi determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by takata. No evidence of field failures was found in vehicles produced by these five additional manufacturers.nonetheless, at odi's in
Brake lights inoperative
Summary
This pe was opened based on technical service bulletin (tsb) #05-6-19 issued by ford motor company and service bulletin #09-008/5 issued by mazda motor corporation to address concerns of the center high mounted stop light (chmsl) wiring harness chaffing. The tsb's affected the ford super cab and mazda cab plus vehicles only.service technicians contacted the ford hotline because it was difficult for the technicians to diagnose and locate the cause of the inoperative brake lights.ford and mazda issued the tsb's to aid technicians in the identification and repair of the wire chafe condition.of all warranty claims submitted to ford for brake lamp failure, ford identified only 120 that were relat
Questions about the 2004 Ford Ranger
- What are the most common problems with the 2004 Ford Ranger?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: air bags (189 complaints, typically around 89,000 miles); body and structure (46 complaints, typically around 85,000 miles); suspension (29 complaints, typically around 81,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2004 Ford Ranger have?
- 10 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from April 28, 2023 (air bags). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2004 a bad year for the Ford Ranger?
- It is the 3rd most complained-about Ranger model year since 2000, with 404 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.