1986 Ford Ranger problems & reliability
35 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1986 Ford Ranger. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
3 complaints report injuries (3 injured).
Federal crash records (FARS 2020–2023): 1986 Ford Ranger vehicles were involved in 2 fatal crashes with 2 occupant deaths. Involvement counts are not adjusted for how many are on the road and do not imply fault or a vehicle defect.
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical System → | 13 | 37% |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 7 | 20% |
| Seat Belts | 7 | 20% |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 4 | 11% |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 3 | 9% |
| Power Train | 2 | 6% |
| Steering | 2 | 6% |
| Wheels | 2 | 6% |
| Suspension | 1 | 3% |
| Tires | 1 | 3% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“Ignition switch would stick. Would short out everthing connected to it. Had everything related to ignition switch & wiring replaced due to being burned.*ak”
Electrical System · filed Mar 29, 2001
“Ignition has shorted out 3 times. Defect keeps reoccurring.* ak consumer states has now happened 4 times, ignition failed to disengage starter solenoid after releasing battery, caused over heating of starter, shorted temp guage, radio, and panel, indicator lights, but did not blow fuses as it did june 11,2000. It…”
Steering · filed Mar 16, 2001
“On 2/25/2000 I bought these tires at sears auto center in findlay ohio. They have not maintained the correct air presure. I have to put air in them every other day . They are not safe to drive on because they are constantly loosing air pressure. I have been back to sears on 4/21/2000,6/14/2000,7/10/2000 and they said…”
Tires · filed Sep 28, 2000
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Federal defect investigations
- WHL SEPARATION/TORQUE LOSS
Preliminary Evaluation PE92029 · opened Mar 16, 1992 · closed Aug 31, 1992
- THROTTLE STICKING
Engineering Analysis EA90042 · opened Aug 31, 1990 · closed Dec 31, 1991
- GEAR SHIFT LEVER FAILS
Engineering Analysis EA90016 · opened Mar 23, 1990 · closed Oct 23, 1990
- GEARSHIFT LEVER BREAKS
Preliminary Evaluation PE89129 · opened Jun 7, 1989 · closed Mar 23, 1990
- UNDER SEAT FIRES
Engineering Analysis EA88033 · opened May 11, 1988 · closed Jan 23, 1989 · led to recall 88V145000
- ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
Engineering Analysis EA87020 · opened May 7, 1987 · closed Sep 24, 1987 · led to recall 87V139000
- ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
Preliminary Evaluation PE87012 · opened Dec 19, 1986 · closed May 15, 1987
Technical service bulletins
23 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 1986 Ford Ranger. The 10 most recent:
Information regarding transmission fluid usage charts. *slc
01157 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 6, 2001
Some vehicles may exhibit heater core leaks. *slc
01156 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 6, 2001
Subject regarding contamination from prior transmission concerns or excess wear may be trapped in the transmission fluid cooling system. *tt
002310 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 13, 2000
Information regarding the new transmission cooler flusher- service tip. *mjs
0015 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 10, 2000
Subject on a wire harness terminal repair kit available for repairing electrical wiring harnesses. *tt
99222 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 18, 1999
Information on identifying non-approved / alternate refrigerants which could cause safety, and performance concerns if installed in ford a/c systems. *tt
99196 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 20, 1999
Service tip information on revised oil pan gasket replacement procedure. *tt
99183 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 6, 1999
Information on the new flush and fill tool available through rotunda. *tt
99152 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 26, 1999
Ford motor company has released a new electrical grease ( f8az - 19g208-aa ) to reduce the possibility of moisture corrosion at the terminals. *yc
98246 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 7, 1998
Information on a new transmission fluid usage chart. *yc
9888 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 27, 1998
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
No NHTSA recall campaigns name the 1986 Ford Ranger in our current data. Recalls may apply only to certain VIN ranges — always confirm with a VIN check.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 1986 Ford Ranger?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.