Engine
2.3L 4-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 109 of 132 complaints with a usable failure date.
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Electrical system
23 complaint records20 fire reports
"THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE ELECTRICAL HOUSING AREA NEAR THE IGNITION SWITCH AND WAS PARKED. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Suspension
17 complaint records1 crash report
"THE RIGHT FRONT UPPER SPRING MOUNT LOCATED IN THE LOWER SUSPENSION HAS PREMATURELY RUSTED OUT. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse suspension parts in the directory →
Engine & cooling
16 complaint records3 fire reports
"ENGINE GASKET BLEW, CAUSING OIL TO LEAK AND THE OIL PUMP TO STOP. CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| RQ97015 opened Oct 1997 | closed Apr 1999 | Power Train | PARKING PAWL - led to recall 91V189000 WHEN THE AUTOMATIC SHIFT LEVER IS PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION, THE PARKING PAWL DOES NOT ALWAYS ENGAGE THE PARK GEAR.THIS CAN LEAD TO THE VEHICLE JUMPING OUT OF GEAR UNINTENTIONALLY AND CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO START ROLLING INADVERTENTLY |
| EA95018 opened Jun 1995 | closed Apr 1996 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | SEPARATION OF MASTER CYLINDER - led to recall 96V024002 FORD CONTINUES TO SUDY THE PROBLEM ATTEMPTING TO DETERMINE WHY STUD FRACTURES ARE NOT FREQUENTLY OCCURRING IN OTHER PARTS OF THE COUNTRY.LIKEWISE, ODI CONTINUES GATHERING INFORMATION TO ASCERTAIN WHETHER THE RECALL SCOPE SHOULD INCLUDE OTHER GEOGRAPHICAL... |
| PE92084 opened Oct 1992 | closed Feb 1993 | Seats | FRONT SEAT TRACK FAILURE There is no summary currently available |
| PE92029 opened Mar 1992 | closed Aug 1992 | Suspension | WHL SEPARATION/TORQUE LOSS There is no summary currently available |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 96V024001 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | THE STUDS WHICH ATTACH THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER TO THE POWER BRAKE VACUUM BOOSTER ASSEMBLY CAN DEVELOP STRESS CORROSION CRACKING AFTER BEING OPERATED FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME IN THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LOCATION. | Normally free |
| 91V189000 | Power Train | WHEN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER IS PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION, THE PARK PAWL DOES NOT ALWAYS ABUT OR ENGAGE THE PARK GEAR. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1992077 1992-06-30 | Lights And Instruments | 464,543 | NOTE: ALSO INCLUDES SOME MEDIUM AND HEAVY TRUCKS. THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 108 - LIGHTING. |
| 1991149 1991-11-06 | Powertrain | 73,771 | THE PARK MECHANISM OF THE A4LD AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION MAY NOT ENGAGE WHEN THE SELECTOR LEVER IS PLACED IN THE "PARK" POSITION. IF PARKED ON AN INCLINE, THE VEHICLE MAY ROLL AS IF IN NEUTRAL IF THE PARKING BRAKE IS NOT SET. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02142 Jul 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION AND A 4.0L OHV ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT A NOISE / VIBRATION, NO DRIVE, UNUSUAL NOISE DURING CRANKING OR A NO CRANK CONDITION. *TT | |
| 01197 Oct 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 4.0L OHV ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT AN ENGINE NOISE WHICH MAY BE PERCEIVED BY THE CUSTOMER AS A PISTON / ONNECTING ROD BEARING KNOCK. *TT | |
| 01B77 Oct 2001 | Tires | OWNER NOTIFICATION PROGRAM SUPPLEMENT 7 REVISED INFORMATION - REGARDING REPLACEMENT OF WILDERNESS AT TIRES. *TT | |
| 01156 Aug 2001 | Visibility | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT HEATER CORE LEAKS. *SLC | |
| 01157 Aug 2001 | Unknown Or Other | INFORMATION REGARDING TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *SLC |
Show 49 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01124 Jun 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ON SOME VEHICLES, ENGINE OIL MAY CONTINUE TO LEAK FROM THE ENGINE OIL PAN GASKET AREA AFTER AN ENGINE OIL PAN GASKET REPAIR HAS BEEN PERFORMED. *TT | |
| 002310 Nov 2000 | Power Train | SUBJECT REGARDING CONTAMINATION FROM PRIOR TRANSMISSION CONCERNS OR EXCESS WEAR MAY BE TRAPPED IN THE TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLING SYSTEM. *TT | |
| 0015 Jan 2000 | Power Train | INFORMATION REGARDING THE NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER- SERVICE TIP. *MJS | |
| 7366 Nov 1999 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION MAY EXHIBIT NEUTRAL GEAR ROLLOVER NOISE (A LIGHT METALLIC RATTLING SOUND FROM THE TRANSMISSION) WHICH OCCURS AT IDLE WITH TRANSMISSION IN NEUTRAL CLUTCH ENGAGED (CLUTCH PEDAL UP). *TT | |
| 99222 Oct 1999 | Electrical System | SUBJECT ON A WIRE HARNESS TERMINAL REPAIR KIT AVAILABLE FOR REPAIRING ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESSES. *TT | |
| 13423 Oct 1999 | Power Train | VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION MAY EXHIBIT NEUTRAL GEAR ROLLOVER NOISE WHICH OCCURS AT IDLE WITH TRANSMISSION IN NEUTRAL AND CLUTCH ENGAGED. *TT | |
| 99196 Sep 1999 | Equipment | INFORMATION ON IDENTIFYING NON-APPROVED / ALTERNATE REFRIGERANTS WHICH COULD CAUSE SAFETY, AND PERFORMANCE CONCERNS IF INSTALLED IN FORD A/C SYSTEMS. *TT | |
| 99183 Sep 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SERVICE TIP INFORMATION ON REVISED OIL PAN GASKET REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE. *TT | |
| 6896 Aug 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN ENGINE NOISE WHICH MAY BE PERCEIVED BY THE CUSTOMER AS A PISTON / CONNECTING ROD BEARING KNOCK. *TT | |
| 13118 Aug 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN ENGINE NOISE WHICH MAY BE PERCEIVED BY THE CUSTOMER AS A PISTON / CONNECTING ROD BEARING KNOCK. *TT | |
| 99152 Jul 1999 | Power Train | INFORMATION ON THE NEW FLUSH AND FILL TOOL AVAILABLE THROUGH ROTUNDA. *TT | |
| 6603 Jul 1999 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN AUDIBLE PINGING OR CREAKING NOISE THAT MAY BE HEARD FROM THE DRIVELINE WHEN ENGINE TORQUE IS INITIALLY APPLIED TO THE DRIVELINE. *TT | |
| 99129 Jun 1999 | Equipment | EXPERIENCING A WHINE / BUZZ TYPE NOISE IN THE SPEAKERS OF THE ENTERTAINMENT RADIO OR TWO-WAY RADIO ON VEHICLES WITH AN IN-TANK ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP. *TT | |
| 12905 Jun 1999 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE AXLE WIND UP AND / OR CLUNKING, POPPING, RATCHETING TYPE NOISES WHEN MAKING CORNERING MANEUVERS ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A FOUR WHEEL DRIVE HI OR LOW RANGE MODE. *TT | |
| 99816 May 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | FORD MOTOR COMPANY NOW RECOMMENDS SAE 5W-30 VISCOSITY GRADE FOR SERVICING ANY FORD GASOLINE-POWERED VEHICLE REGARDLESS OF MODEL YEAR. *TT | |
| 995157 May 1999 | Tires | INFORMATION ON MAINTAINING TIRE PRESSURE. *TT | |
| 98246 Dec 1998 | Electrical System | FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS RELEASED A NEW ELECTRICAL GREASE ( F8AZ - 19G208-AA ) TO REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF MOISTURE CORROSION AT THE TERMINALS. *YC | |
| 982310 Nov 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | MASS AIR FLOW (MAF)- SENSOR CONTAMINATION- SERVICE TIP. *AK | |
| 9888 Apr 1998 | Power Train | INFORMATION ON A NEW TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHART. *YC | |
| 9852 Apr 1998 | Tires | INFORMATION ON TIRE COMPANY TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE. *YC | |
| 9864 Mar 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | INFORMATION ON A BUZZING OR RATTLE NOISE FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. *TT | |
| 985A13 Mar 1998 | Service Brakes | THE USE OF PETROLEUM-BASED GREASE AS A LUBRICANT IN SERVICING DISC BRAKES IS NO LONGER ACCEPTABLE. *YC | |
| 985A22 Mar 1998 | Service Brakes | A COMPREHENSIVE PULL AND DRIFT DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE HAS BEEN DEVELOPED TO ASSIST TECHNICIANS WITH VEHICLE SERVICE. *YC | |
| 985A36 Mar 1998 | Service Brakes | A GRABBING AND/OR STICKING CONDITION DURING THE FIRST FEW BRAKE APPLICATIONS WHEN THE BRAKES ARE COLD OR IN THE MORNING AFTER AN OVERNIGHT RAIN MAY OCCUR ON SOME VEHICLES. *YC | |
| 985A12 Mar 1998 | Equipment | RECOMMENDED GUIDELINES FOR TOWING BEHIND RECREATIONAL VEHICLES. *TT | |
| 9848 Mar 1998 | Equipment | ANNOUNCING THE FORD OEM AIR CONDITIONING RETROFIT KIT AVAILABILITY. *YC | |
| 983074 Feb 1998 | Power Train | CONCERNS WITH AXLE WIND-UP AND / OR CLUNKING, POPPING, RATCHETING TYPE NOISES WHEN MAKING CORNERING MANEUVERS. *TT | |
| 98112 Jan 1998 | Power Train | SUBJECT REGARDING A NEW SERVICE CENTER SUPPORT THAT USES A THRUST BEARING (#3 AND #4) IN PLACE OF THRUST WASHERS HAS BEEN RELEASED. *TT | |
| 98116 Jan 1998 | Suspension | INFORMATION REGARDING COMPREHENSIVE PULL AND DRIFT DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE DEVELOPED TO ASSIST TECHNICIANS WITH VEHICLE SERVICE. *TT | |
| 971110972312 Nov 1997 | Power Train | CONCERNS WITH "PINGING" OR "CREAKING" BEING HEARD FROM THE DRIVELINE WHEN SHIFTING FROM PARK TO DRIVE OR REVERSE, BETWEEN DRIVE AND REVERSE, OR WHEN ENGAGING THE CLUTCH. *YC | |
| BC2361970501 May 1997 | Unknown Or Other | AUTHORIZED WARRANTY PART REPLACEMENT OF BRAKE PADS TO CORRECT EXCESSIVE BRAKE NOISE. *TW | |
| 9768 Mar 1997 | Unknown Or Other | FUEL ECONOMY- CUSTOMER EXPECTATIONS VERSUS VEHICLE USAGE. *JD | |
| 97511 Mar 1997 | Power Train | FLUID- TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *JD | |
| 9747 Feb 1997 | Structure | FRAME- RIVET REPLACEMENT WITH BOLTS- SERVICE TIPS. *JD | |
| BC3485972301 Jan 1997 | Engine And Engine Cooling | 4.0L EQUIPPED VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE TEMPERATURE GAUGE FLUCTUATION THAT MAY BE ACCOMPANIED WITH A THUMPING NOISE OR FEEL IN THE COOLANT HOSE WITH THE ENGINE AT NORMAL OPERATING TEMPERATURE. *JD | |
| BC1019997230 Jan 1997 | Engine And Engine Cooling | 4.0L EQUIPPED VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE TEMPERATURE GAUGE FLUCTUATION THAT MAY BE ACCOMPNIED WITH A THUMPING NOISE OR FEEL IN THE COOLANT HOSES WITH THE ENGINE AT NORMAL OPERATING TEMPERATURE. *JD | |
| 962612 Dec 1996 | Power Train | TRANSAXLE - TORQUE CONVERTER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES AND TORQUE CONVERTER/TRANSAXLE COOLING SYSTEM CLEANING PROCEDURES - SERVICE TIP. *TW | |
| 96246 Nov 1996 | Electrical System | WIRING - ELECTRICAL DIODE IDENTIFICATION AND SERVICE REPLACEMENTS. *TW | |
| 96249 Nov 1996 | Power Train | TORQUE CONVERTER - LEAK TEST PROCEDURE - SERVICE TIP. *TW | |
| 962417 Nov 1996 | Power Train | NOISE - PINGING OR CREAKING FROM DRIVELINE WHEN VEHICLE IS PUT INTO GEAR. *TW | |
| 96221 Oct 1996 | Visibility | WINDSHIELD AND INTERIOR GLASS - FOG/FILM. *TW | |
| BC0131960102 Dec 1995 | Power Train | 4X4 FRONT AXLES MUST USE HYPOID 4X4 GEAR OIL P/N F1TZ-19580-A & HIGH TEMP 4X4 FRONT AXLE & WHEEL BEARING GREASE WHEN SERVICING. IT IS NOT RECOMMENDED TO USE HEAVIER WEIGHT LUBES IN THESE FRONT AXLES. | |
| 95212 Oct 1995 | Service Brakes | THE USE OF PETROLEUM-BASED GREASE AS A LUBRICANT IN SERVICING DISC BRAKES IS NO LONGER ACCEPTABLE BECAUSE IT MAY BE INCOMPATIBLE WITH THE RUBBER MATERIAL USED IN THE DISC BRAKE SYSTEM. | |
| BC1350950906 Sep 1995 | Power Train | HIGH ALTITUDE TRANSMISSION AVAILABLE. *TW | |
| 95153 Jul 1995 | Engine And Engine Cooling | TEMPERATURE GAUGE - FLUCTUATING AND /OR INACCURATE HIGH READINGS. *SD | |
| 95128 Jun 1995 | Engine And Engine Cooling | COOLING SYSTEM-PULSATING COOLANT FLOW-NOISE-KNOCK/THUMP - AUDIBLE IN PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. *TW | |
| 95102 May 1995 | Electrical System | VEHICLES MAY HAVE A DISCONNECT OF THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE (ICM) CONNECTOR OR MOISTURE BUILDUP WITHIN THE CONNECTOR. *TW | |
| 9587 Apr 1995 | Engine And Engine Cooling | A KNOCKING/THUMPING NOISE MAY BE AUDIBLE IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT ON SOME VEHICLES DUE TO STEAM FORMATION IN THE COOLING SYSTEM. *TW | |
| SFA/94L04 Mar 1995 | Equipment | SPECIAL FIELD ACTION - 94L04 - RANGERS EQUIPPED WITH 2.3L DUAL SPARK PLUG ENGINES, MAY NOT HAVE HAD THE SPARK PLUGS CHANGED AT THE PROPER INTERVAL. |
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Find the roughest road nearby.Clunks over bumps, a droning hum that changes when the car leans, or a corner that sits low are this vehicle's suspension complaints. Wheel bearings and control arm bushings lead the parts list.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 2 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Ford Ranger →