KnownCarProblems2006 Ford Ranger Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 272 complaints with NHTSA about the 2006 Ford Ranger, most often about the air bags (64% of complaints, typically around 82,500 miles). It is 7th of 23 Ranger model years by number of complaints and has 12 recalls.
⚠ Safety advisory4 recalls for this car came with a do-not-drive warning. See below and check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Most common 2006 Ford Ranger problems
Air bags
175 complaints · 64%Half of these problems showed up before 82,500 miles. Parts named most often: frontal.
Takata recall a new airbag inflator was installed but it does not rectify the issue. The airbag was replaced with an equivalent version. This does not solve my issue that it can rupture. I do not feel safe driving my vehicle while this recall is still open and with no remedy available.
Takata recall I received a letter in july 2015 telling me about the safety recall and today december 01 2015 they still have no replacement parts available. Why are they not being forced to take care of this?
Body and structure
26 complaints · 10%Half of these problems showed up before 70,000 miles. Parts named most often: body, frame and members.
The door ajar light came on and warning buzzer sounded and dome light came on too. After days of replacing parts in the door and lube added to the latches in both the main door and small door the small door latch will not stay latched !! Keeping the dome light on and the door ajar on in the dash. It's not the light…
The contact owns a 2006 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the spare tire detached from the vehicle. The contact merged to the shoulder and attempted to secure the tire back in the supporting rack by using hangers and rope. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic…
Suspension
20 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 90,000 miles. Parts named most often: front.
The rear shackles rusted through and broke off from the leaf springs. This happened while driving home from work on city streets. When turning corners the sound of the broken shackle rolling back and forth on the back of the bumper alerted me to the situation. I am third owner and this truck has been taken care of…
Left side rear frame...where the rear spring shackle attaches to the the frame rusted away. The frame rusted away, no where else is there rust through...the leaf spring ended up being supported by the bed of truck. Spring is attached to the rear axle. Axle can become free wheeling at any time. The right side rear…
Engine
19 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 70,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine, exhaust system.
The contact owns a 2006 Ford Ranger. While driving 30 MPH, the contact noticed that the vehicle would not accelerate and the check engine indicator illuminated. The contact pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road, checked all of the gauges, and drove home. The dealer (hampton Ford hyundai, 177 lafayette rd…
Ford 4.0 sohc v6 timing chain hydraulic tensioner, timing chain cassette and timing chain failure providing no start situation. Ford is well aware of this problem. It is widespread across models with this engine, rangers, explorers and mustangs. Starting with model year 2001 when they began using the 4.0 sohc until…
Fuel system
16 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 45,000 miles. Parts named most often: delivery.
Approximately eight months ago my vehicle stalled and would not restart. It was towed to a dealer and approximately $300 later I was told that the inertia switch had failed and had been replaced. Two days ago the same symptoms appeared and the vehicle was towed to the dealer again. I did some internet searching and…
I was pulling into sherry's mini mart in doe run, mo when I realized that my truck was not slowing down as expected, even though I had my foot on the brake. I had little time to react as I was bearing down on the building. I put my other foot on the brake but the truck continued to move forward, even spinning the…
Other or unspecified
16 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 102,000 miles.
The frame of my Ranger has rusted badly , causing the rear spring shackles to no longer be attached to the frame.also the bed of the truck has rusted away badly. I I spoke to a guy who specializes in frame / axle repair . After inspecting it , he told me that the only option to repair my truck was to replace the frame…
Severe rust entire back half of truck. First the spare tire fell off while driving and the evap canister was broken. The bed rotted out and my gas tank was in danger of falling off. The cross members broke while driving on a town dirt road causing the cross member to rub against the drive shaft. I had to use a cargo…
Electrical
11 complaints · 4%Half of these problems showed up before 24,500 miles. Parts named most often: ignition, wiring.
- the contact stated that while attempting to drive the 2006 Ford Ranger the passenger kicked the emergency shut off switch and the driver was unable to start the vehicle. The contact complained that there should be a cover over the switch because the switch could be easily kicked while driving, and the vehicle would…
Ford vehicle lost power and stopped running with full tank of fuel. Would not restart, had towed to repair shop. Replaced fuel pump for $606.99. Drove about a mile and same thing happened again. Found that the fuel inertia shut off switch needed re-setting. Bought a fuel pump I didn't need. This has happened multiple…
Wheels and tires
7 complaints · 3%Half of these problems showed up before 91,000 miles. Parts named most often: valve, temporary/emergency spare tire.
The truck is a total rust bucket three sets of wheel bearings, four sets of brakes,air conditioner lines,transmission lines all rusted out.four wheel drive motor shot,latch on tailgate broken,rear end leaks upper and lower repaired. At lest the radio woks great . I can see why they stopped making this truck
The frame and bed is completely rusted out. So much so that the one of the leaf springs broke loose and came through the bottom of the bed while driving down a straight stretch of road. The truck is now completely not drivable. I have heard several complaints about this same make/model/year truck. Even from people…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2006 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 explode with sharp metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants, potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Ford will notify owners instructing them to not drive their vehicles, and dealers will replace the passenger side air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall for the original population began on january 16, 2018. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18s02.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2006 ford ranger trucks. Ford is requesting owners not to drive these vehicles until they have been repaired. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode. On january 11, 2018, ford motor company (ford) notified NHTSA that they are recalling 2,700 model year 2006 ranger vehicles built with passenger-side air bag inflators. As of february 9, 2018, ford is expanding the recall to a total of 33,310 model year 2006 ranger vehicles built with passenger-side air bag inflators. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with sharp metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants, potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Ford will notify owners instructing them to not drive their vehicles, and dealers will replace the front driver side air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall for the original population began on january 16, 2018. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18s02.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2006 ford ranger trucks. Ford is requesting owners not to drive these vehicles until they have been repaired. On january 11, 2018, ford motor company (ford) notified NHTSA that they are recalling 2,700 model year 2006 ranger vehicles built with driver-side air bag inflators . As of february 9, 2018, ford is expanding the recall to a total of 33,310 model year 2006 ranger vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
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.
Visibility and wipers: motor
Risk: After a period of continuous use on the high speed setting, lack of grease on the output shaft gear may cause the gear to distort or fracture during operation resulting in a loss of wiper function. Inoperative wipers under inclement weather conditions could cause a crash due to impaired visibility.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the wiper motor for the presence of grease and grease the wiper motor gears if necessary. The recall began on november 22, 2005. Owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673 or lincoln/mercury at 1-800-521-4140.
Full defect summary
On certain trucks, passenger cars and sport utility vehicles, the windshield wiper motor may have been produced without grease being applied to the output shaft gear.
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.
Questions about the 2006 Ford Ranger
- What are the most common problems with the 2006 Ford Ranger?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: air bags (175 complaints, typically around 82,500 miles); body and structure (26 complaints, typically around 70,000 miles); suspension (20 complaints, typically around 90,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2006 Ford Ranger have?
- 12 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 2006 a bad year for the Ford Ranger?
- It is 7th of 23 Ranger model years by number of complaints, with 272 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.