1996 Ford Ranger suspension problems
21 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the suspension on the 1996 Ford Ranger — 5% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“My 96 ford ranger has tremendous frame rot on the drive side at the front of the spring shackles. Someone had sprayed rhino liner like material on the rot to cover it up or to try to make it hold. The rest of the frame is in outstanding condition except for it being almost broken into at the gas…”
filed Oct 25, 2020
“Right rear spring shackle rusted out and broke, pushing the spring up against the bed. The whole back end of the frame is rusting out, which will eventually make the vehicle unsafe to operate. *tr”
filed Sep 25, 2011
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
Rear leaf spring noise. *tt
17777 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 1, 2004
Suspension problems in other Ranger years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Ranger | 1 | 3% |
| 2024 Ranger | 2 | 3% |
| 2021 Ranger | 2 | 2% |
| 2020 Ranger | 4 | 3% |
| 2019 Ranger | 17 | 6% |
| 2011 Ranger | 1 | 0% |
| 2010 Ranger | 2 | 1% |
| 2009 Ranger | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 Ranger | 3 | 1% |
| 2007 Ranger | 4 | 1% |
| 2006 Ranger | 20 | 7% |
| 2005 Ranger | 26 | 9% |
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.