Print this page

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
27,959 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1997 Ford Ranger accessories - interior problems

accessories - interior problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 1997 Ford Ranger:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

1997 Ford Ranger Owner Comments

problem #5

Dec 302010

Ranger

  • 80,697 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I was leaving the parking lot of the grocery store I had been shopping at, and the drivers side reclining seat latch assembly that controls the angle of, and locks the back of the seat into position, gave way and the back of the seat collapsed backwards causing me to go backwards as well. Fortunately I was able to stop my vehicle without causing a collision or injury. The vehicle is now at home, and with internet research it seems that the reclining seat latch assembly has been a weak point with Ford Ranger trucks and Ford Explorer SUV vehicles for years. The Ford dealer/service center that I do business with, now tells me that the replacement part is obsolete and they will have to contact various dealers still listing it in their inventory to see if they can get the part, as the parts supplier for Ford that made the replacement latches went out of business during the bad economy. I'm amazed that a recall has not been issued, given the potential for great harm and possible injury or death from the failure of this component.

- Omaha, NE, USA

problem #4

Apr 032002

Ranger 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 59,099 miles
The contact owns a 1997 Ford Ranger. While driving approximately 65 mph on normal road conditions, the check engine warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. The indicator remained lit until the engine was turned off. When the speed was reduced, the contact heard a loud noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for diagnostic testing, but they were unable to duplicate the failure. On a separate occasion, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to a transmission shop for inspection and the transmission was re-built replaced. The failure mileage was 59,099 and the current mileage is 126,431. Updated 05/08/09 the engine light illuminated and the seat broke loose. Updated 05/12/09. Updated 06/09/09.

- Millers Creek, NC, USA

problem #3

May 262005

Ranger 6-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
Consumer states while driving his vehicle, the driver's seat collapsed backward.

- Dallas, TX, USA

problem #2

Oct 262001

Ranger

  • miles
My father was rear-ended at 55-65mph. As a result of the accident, my father's seat broke causing his seat to fly backwards and thus, his head to crashed through the back window of his pickup truck. My concern is that this seat should have withstood this kind of impact. Because of the seat breaking, my father has sustained numerous lacerations to his face and neck, and massive neck injuries. My father's injuries would not have been so severe if the seat withstood the impact. My father was wearing his seatbelt at the time of the accident. Can you please provide me with a list of instances which a Ford Ranger's seat has broken in the past" also, who is the manufacturer of the seat in the Ford Ranger pickup truck" if you could investigate this matter, I would greatly appreciate it. My father weighs approximately 180-190pds and is 5'11" thank you, [xxx]. information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Valparaiso, IN, USA

problem #1

Mar 011998

Ranger 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Power steering had to be replaced, was making a noise like pump was not working properly. Air conditioner pump replaced. Right window is loose while going down. Transmission slips occasionally while taking off. There are loose bolts underneath seats. Fog light failed. Consumer states oil from master cylinder damaged hood. Door lock inside driver's door never worked and was replaced.

- Long Beach, CA, USA

Not what you are looking for?