1997 Ford Ranger suspension problems
25 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the suspension on the 1997 Ford Ranger — 6% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Rear leaf spring hangers/shackles rusted off as well as the front ones on the rear leaf springs. Spare tire carrier fell down dragging the spare tire across the road. One crossmember holding up the front of the gas tank is ready to go. Both gas tank straps rotted off. Toyota was made to fix these…”
filed Oct 13, 2015
“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
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 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.