1996 Ford Ranger power train problems
28 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 1996 Ford Ranger — 7% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“1. No events leading to failure. 2. While trying to back out of a parking space the vehicle went forward. No damage was done to vehicle or property. The automatic transmission shift cable failed. It was worn thru do to contact with the exhaust pipe. 3. The automatic transmission cable was replaced…”
filed Jun 8, 2005
“Truck was taken for east ford (dealer) for transmission maintenance. The od light and reverse lights failed from that point on. Truck taken back 4/16/2001 for same, dealer says wiring in steering/shifter is rubbed and requires shifter replacment.*ak”
filed Apr 23, 2001
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
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
02138 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 10, 2003New transmission cooler flusher - service tips. 2003 escort and super duty f series included. *tt
03148 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 21, 2003
Power Train problems in other Ranger years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Ranger | 10 | 31% |
| 2024 Ranger | 23 | 35% |
| 2022 Ranger | 17 | 46% |
| 2021 Ranger | 54 | 49% |
| 2020 Ranger | 45 | 37% |
| 2019 Ranger | 90 | 34% |
| 2011 Ranger | 5 | 2% |
| 2010 Ranger | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 Ranger | 3 | 2% |
| 2008 Ranger | 1 | 0% |
| 2007 Ranger | 2 | 1% |
| 2006 Ranger | 4 | 1% |
Other reported problem areas on the 1996 Ford Ranger
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.