1996 Ford Ranger steering problems
17 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the steering on the 1996 Ford Ranger — 4% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“The two buttons on either side of the horn, on the steering wheel, that control the cruise control melt in the heat and expose the circuit boards. This has been going on for a few years and I finally need to report this. *tr”
filed Jun 3, 2013
“While driving at 5 mph two bolts which held the steering box broke. As a result, the steering pump failed, and vehicle was inoperable. Vehicle was taken to the dealership and the technician replaced the bolts and the steering pump at consumer's expense of $458.00 . *ak the steering box snapped when…”
filed Jun 21, 2004
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, 2003Experiencing a clicking / popping noise from the upper steering column area when turning the steering wheel. *tt
16040 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 1, 2002
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 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.