1997 Ford Ranger steering problems
21 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the steering on the 1997 Ford Ranger — 5% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Reporting numerous serious safety problems with vehicle since purchased used ---original occurrence date not certain but over a number of years mechanical failures occurred that could have resulted in serious injury or fatalities. The failures include but not exclusive to entire brake system…”
filed Jul 18, 2014
“Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford ranger. While traveling 10 mph attempting a left hand turn the contact noticed that the steering wheel would no longer respond causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle. The steering wheel could be turned in any direction but the wheels would not respond to…”
filed Aug 13, 2010
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
Clicking/popping noise from upper steering column area when turning. 2004 e series and explorer sport trac also included. *tt
17254 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 1, 2003
Steering problems in other Ranger years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Ranger | 2 | 6% |
| 2024 Ranger | 5 | 8% |
| 2022 Ranger | 1 | 3% |
| 2021 Ranger | 2 | 2% |
| 2020 Ranger | 2 | 2% |
| 2019 Ranger | 5 | 2% |
| 2011 Ranger | 1 | 0% |
| 2010 Ranger | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 Ranger | 3 | 2% |
| 2008 Ranger | 1 | 0% |
| 2007 Ranger | 1 | 0% |
| 2006 Ranger | 5 | 2% |
Other reported problem areas on the 1997 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.