Here Are The Ford Ranger Years To Avoid
The Ford Ranger first hit the scene back in 1983. Instead of the large full-sized trucks that Ford was known for, the Ranger was a small compact truck that caught a lot of attention. The Ranger is unlike any other truck and has won awards for its performance and style, but not all years have received praise.
Below, we’ll share some Ford Ranger years to avoid, helping you on your pre-owned search. Not all years are created equal, and we’ll share which ones you should jump on and which you should avoid at all costs.
Ford Ranger Years to Avoid
The Ford Ranger was one of the first of its kind, paving the way for other companies to follow suit. However, they haven’t had a perfect track record and have had some issues here and there. The Ford Ranger models with the worst reputation are listed below.
GET A CURATED LIST OF THE BEST FORD RANGER LISTINGS
The CoPilot app is the best way to find a Ford Ranger for sale. Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll send you a curated list of the best used Ford Ranger listings in your area - no more scrolling through hundreds of listings looking for hidden gems.
The 1999 Ford Ranger
The 1999 Ford Ranger has a terrible reputation. So bad that it has been noted as one of the worst vehicles that Ford has ever put out. According to CarComplaints, the 1999 Ford Ranger has over 1,000 reported problems. One of the most common on the list was the engine gauge, which typically had to be replaced.
Though this was a problematic year, most of the issues didn’t start popping up until the vehicle reached well over 100,000 miles. This was perhaps the saving grace for the Ford compact truck, as it didn’t mean that they were a complete disaster.
The 2001 Ford Ranger
Though this one was not as big of a failure, there were still over 720 problems reported. Instead of the engine, this time, the most reported issues had to do with the transmission, as the shifting wasn’t working as well as before. Apart from the transmission, many vehicles also reported problems with the overdrive light. This light would start flashing and wouldn’t stop, making owners scratch their heads.
THE MOST RELIABLE YEARS FOR THE FORD RANGER
With almost forty years on the market, it’s overwhelming to try to pick the most reliable choice. We have you covered. Read on to learn about the most reliable Ford Ranger years and anything else to know about the iconic machine.
Like the 1999 model, most of the issues started after the truck reached 100,000 miles. Still, after all was said and done, the truck had nine official recalls, which affected its reputation.
The Good Times
The two major Ford Ranger years to avoid are 1999 and 2001. Other than that, the vehicle has a solid reputation, which has caught attention for several reasons. For decades, they have been around and went down in history as one of Ford’s most-loved vehicles. If you’re in the market for a preowned, here are some years that you want to get your hands on.
The 1988 Ford Ranger
This compact truck features a 2.3 L 4-cylinder engine and solid frame built to last anything. If there is one model year that should take the trophy for the best, it’s 1988. We know this might sound like an oldie, but this thing was built to last a lifetime. Those who have this can still drive it as long as they have kept it maintained.
The 2000 Ford Ranger
After all the 1999 complaints and reports, Ford knew that it had to develop something new and improved. That’s where the idea of the 2000 Ford Ranger came from, where they stepped up their game and released an off-roading model. This model came with wider tires and even fog lamps so that drivers had the option to go off-road.
The 1986 Ford Ranger
Among the classics and the most loved is the 1986 Ford Ranger. This one is one of the best, with many consumers raving about it (even now). It boasts 18 mpg and even has a smooth drive train that you usually don’t find in older model vehicles. If you find one of these, it’s not only a classic but a well-built piece of history.
AI-ASSISTED CAR SHOPPING
Never miss out on the best car, never overpay, and never get taken advantage of. Download the CoPilot app to see the magic of AI-assisted car shopping.
Common Ford Ranger Issues to Watch For
If you’re in the market for a pre-owned Ford Ranger, it’s good to know what kinds of issues you might have to deal with. Some years seemed to be perfect for the brand, and others were far from it. According to consumer reports, here are some of the critical issues you could be dealing with.
- Engine misfire: Ranger models from 2004 to 2006 have been reported for engine problems, particularly with misfires. Drivers experienced power loss, slight tremors, and stalls. Ford released the TSB 05-26-3, stating that the issues were due to the exhaust valve seat recession.
- Transmission issues: While it’s not as widespread, the 2002 model’s transmission issues were horrible. Symptoms include erratic shifting, gear loss, and shift flares. Rebuilding the transmission was the common fix, but it didn’t always work.
- High engine idle: Abnormally high idle speeds have been reported for many Ford Ranger model years. Drivers claimed that the issue usually occurs after disengaging the clutch in a manual gearbox or cold starts with the automatic transmission. The most common fix is to update the powertrain control module (PCM) software.
- Hard to start cold: Many drivers reported having difficulty starting the Ranger from cold. In addition, the Ranger also tends to hesitate during acceleration and stalls at idle.
- Steering issues: Owners of the 2007 Ranger claimed they heard clicking and clunking noises while steering. Unfortunately, this issue reared its ugly head at practically new mileage. Ford released the TSB 19844 to address this issue by installing an updated tie rod assembly.
Most of these are not significant issues, and the majority of them only start after 100,000 miles. Still, it’s good to know what you could be getting into if the Ranger you choose is from a year with many issues or a major recall. Always be sure to check out the year and the problems first before purchasing.
Ford Ranger Years to Avoid: The Wrap Up
The Ford Ranger is a superb vehicle that caught a lot of attention when it was first released. The first versions of this vehicle were well-built and full of amazing features, which is part of the reason why they ended up taking the industry by storm. Still, that doesn’t mean that Ford has been perfect in their construction, with some years having more issues than others. When looking for a Ford Ranger, there are some years that you want to avoid.
Going to buy a preowned one alone is never fun, and it can be a hassle. That’s where we can come in to help, taking all of the hassles out and matching you with a Ford Ranger in your area. Here at CoPilot, we take a lot of time to pick out Ford Rangers from the best years and not the worst. Plus, we don’t deal with dealerships, helping you get the best services and suggestions without dealing with all of the dealership stuff. If you’re looking for a Ford Ranger, give us a call, and we’ll show you some right where you are so you can decide.
Frequently Asked Questions: Ford Ranger Years to Avoid
Q: What are the Ford Ranger years that should be avoided?
A: The Ford Ranger years you should steer clear of are 1999 and 2001. These model years have been reported to have numerous problems and consumer complaints.
Q: What was the most common issue reported for the 1999 Ford Ranger?
A: The 1999 Ford Ranger had thousands of reported problems, with one of the most common issues being the engine gauge, which often needed replacement.
Q: Did the 2001 Ford Ranger have any notable transmission problems?
A: Yes, the 2001 Ford Ranger had many reported issues related to the transmission, such as shifting difficulties. Additionally, owners frequently complained about the overdrive light flashing continuously.
Q: Which Ford Ranger model years are considered the most reliable?
A: Some of the best Ford Ranger model years include 1988, 2000, and 1986. The 1988 model is particularly well-regarded for its durability and longevity, while the 2000 model introduced an improved off-roading version. The 1986 Ford Ranger is also highly praised for its smooth drivetrain and overall quality.
Get a Curated List of the Best Used Cars Near You
The CoPilot car shopping app is the easiest way to buy a car. Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll search the inventories of every dealership in your area to make you a personalized list of the best car listings in your area.
The best part? CoPilot is built using the same technology that dealerships use to buy and sell their inventories, so we have more info on each vehicle than competitors. CoPilot doesn’t work with dealerships, so there are no sponsored posts or other shady practices — just the most info on the best cars. Check out our About Us page to see how CoPilot works.
