1997 Ford Ranger power train problems
42 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 1997 Ford Ranger — 10% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Tl* the contact owns a 1997 ford ranger. The contact stated that one minute after starting, the vehicle failed to shift into gear and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer, however the manufacturer was notified. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 181,000…”
filed Aug 11, 2011
“The engine occasionally races (runaway acceleration) on my 1997 ford ranger 4x4 with standard transmission and overdrive and 3.0l engine. The acceleration tends to occur after I have driven the vehicle at highway speeds (70 mph) and then drive at slower speeds such as in an urban setting. At such…”
filed Apr 14, 2010
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
Front axle leaks fluid from vent tube - vehicles equipped with 4x4 or awd. *tt
030508 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 1, 2005General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures. *tt
042107 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 13, 2004General power train control module (pcm) programming procedures. *tt
04217 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 1, 2004Low 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 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.