1984 Ford Ranger recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
8 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMPS SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF CARTER, ACCUFLOW, NAPA, TRUFLOW, PARTS DEPO, AND PARTS MASTER, SHIPPED BETWEEN AUGUST 2006 AND JULY 2007 FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE FUEL PUMP DIAPHRAGM IN CERTAIN PRODUCTION RUNS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED OR INADEQUATELY TESTED WHICH MAY CAUSE THE FUEL PUMP TO LEAK.
What could happen: A LEAKING FUEL PUMP COULD CREATE A VEHICLE FIRE HAZARD.
The fix: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 248-354-7700.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1984 RANGER.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 07E064000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Summary: CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMPS SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF CARTER, ACCUFLOW, NAPA, TRUFLOW, PARTS DEPO, AND PARTS MASTER, SHIPPED BETWEEN AUGUST 2006 AND JULY 2007 FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE FUEL PUMP DIAPHRAGM IN CERTAIN PRODUCTION RUNS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED OR INADEQUATELY TESTED WHICH MAY CAUSE THE FUEL PUMP TO LEAK.
Consequence: A LEAKING FUEL PUMP COULD CREATE A VEHICLE FIRE HAZARD.
Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 248-354-7700.
Notes: THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET CARTER, NAPA, ACCUFLOW, TRU FLOW, PARTS MASTER, AND PARTS DEPOT BRAND FUEL PUMPS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON THE LISTED MOTOR VEHICLES. CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
2. Seat belts
What's wrong, in plain English: Seat belts may not hold you in a crash. THE BOLTS THAT ATTACH THE D-SHAPED RING FOR THE SHOULDER BELT ARE INADEQUATELY SUPPORTED BY THE MATERIAL IN WHICH THEY ARE MOUNTED. THE ATTACHMENT DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES".
What could happen:
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW ATTACHING HARDWARE TO IMPROVE THE STRENGTH OF THE MOUNTING.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1984 RANGER.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 83V134000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
Summary: THE BOLTS THAT ATTACH THE D-SHAPED RING FOR THE SHOULDER BELT ARE INADEQUATELY SUPPORTED BY THE MATERIAL IN WHICH THEY ARE MOUNTED. THE ATTACHMENT DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES".
Consequence:
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW ATTACHING HARDWARE TO IMPROVE THE STRENGTH OF THE MOUNTING.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES AND LIGHT TRUCKS.SYSTEM: INTERIOR SYSTEMS; SEAT BELTS AND UPPER TORSO RESTRAINT ATTACHMENTS.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: IN SEVERE COLLISIONS, THE SHOULDER BELT ATTACHMENTCOULD SEPARATE, INCREASING THE POSSIBILITY OF OCCUPANT INJURY.NOTE: MANUFACTURER ADVISES THAT SEAT BELTS SHOULD CONTINUE TO BE USED AT ALLTIMES, AS SUBSTANTIAL BENEFITS MAY STILL BE OBTAINED.
3. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. VEHICLES MAY HAVE FUEL OR VAPOR LINE DAMAGE CAUSED WHEN AN INCORRECT PROCEDURE WAS USED IN TIGHTENING BOLTS ON ADJACENT COMPONENTS DURING ASSEMBLY. THE FUEL TANK MAY BECOME DAMAGED DUE TO A LOOSE CROSS MEMBER THAT SUPPORTS IT.
What could happen:
The fix: VEHICLES WILL BE INSPECTED AND, WHEN NECESSARY, FUEL AND VAPOR LINES WILL BE REPLACED AND THE CROSS MEMBER WILL BE TIGHTENED.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1984 RANGER.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 83V115000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:AUXILLARY TANK
Summary: VEHICLES MAY HAVE FUEL OR VAPOR LINE DAMAGE CAUSED WHEN AN INCORRECT PROCEDURE WAS USED IN TIGHTENING BOLTS ON ADJACENT COMPONENTS DURING ASSEMBLY. THE FUEL TANK MAY BECOME DAMAGED DUE TO A LOOSE CROSS MEMBER THAT SUPPORTS IT.
Consequence:
Remedy: VEHICLES WILL BE INSPECTED AND, WHEN NECESSARY, FUEL AND VAPOR LINES WILL BE REPLACED AND THE CROSS MEMBER WILL BE TIGHTENED.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AUXILLIARY FUEL TANKS.SYSTEM: FUEL SYSTEM; FUEL AND VAPOR LINES.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: FUEL LINE OR FUEL TANK DAMAGE INCREASES THE RISK OFSPILLAGE AND FIRE, PARTICULARLY IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT.
4. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: AFTERMARKET BRAKE ROTORS FOR USE ON CERTAIN FORD AND MAZDA TRUCKS. CRACKED CASTINGS CAUSED CRACKS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER DIAMETER OF THE ROTOR HAT OR AROUND THE STUD HOLE.
What could happen: LOSS OF BRAKING CAN RESULT.
The fix: AIMCO WILL REIMBURSE CONSUMERS/INSTALLERS FOR THE COST OF REPLACEMENT ROTORS AND INSTALLATION. CONSUMERS ARE REQUESTED TO RETURN TO THE LOCATION WHERE THE ROTORS WERE ORIGINALLY PURCHASED/INSTALLED FOR REPLACEMENT.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1984 RANGER.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 98E010000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC:ROTOR
Summary: EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: AFTERMARKET BRAKE ROTORS FOR USE ON CERTAIN FORD AND MAZDA TRUCKS. CRACKED CASTINGS CAUSED CRACKS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER DIAMETER OF THE ROTOR HAT OR AROUND THE STUD HOLE.
Consequence: LOSS OF BRAKING CAN RESULT.
Remedy: AIMCO WILL REIMBURSE CONSUMERS/INSTALLERS FOR THE COST OF REPLACEMENT ROTORS AND INSTALLATION. CONSUMERS ARE REQUESTED TO RETURN TO THE LOCATION WHERE THE ROTORS WERE ORIGINALLY PURCHASED/INSTALLED FOR REPLACEMENT.
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 1998. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE ROTORS WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT AIMCO AT 815-759-7935. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
5. Latches / locks
What's wrong, in plain English: Doors, hood or trunk may open unexpectedly. SECONDARY HOOD LATCH COMPONENTS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY POSITIONED DURING ASSEMBLY. IF THE HOOD IS NOT CLOSED TIGHTLY, OR IS INADVERTENTLY RELEASED, THE SECONDARY LATCH MAY NOT WORK AND THE HOOD MAY FLY UP WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
What could happen:
The fix: THE HOOD ASSEMBLY WILL BE INSPECTED AND THE HOOD AND LATCH COMPONENTS WILL BE ADJUSTED, IF NECESSARY, WITHOUT CHARGE TO THE OWNER.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1984 RANGER.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 84V111000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
Summary: SECONDARY HOOD LATCH COMPONENTS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY POSITIONED DURING ASSEMBLY. IF THE HOOD IS NOT CLOSED TIGHTLY, OR IS INADVERTENTLY RELEASED, THE SECONDARY LATCH MAY NOT WORK AND THE HOOD MAY FLY UP WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Consequence:
Remedy: THE HOOD ASSEMBLY WILL BE INSPECTED AND THE HOOD AND LATCH COMPONENTS WILL BE ADJUSTED, IF NECESSARY, WITHOUT CHARGE TO THE OWNER.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT TRUCKS.SYSTEM: STRUCTURE; HOOD ASSEMBLY LATCH SYSTEMS.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: THE DRIVER"S VIEW WILL BE OBSTRUCTED AND AN ACCIDENTMAY RESULT.NOTE: MAKE CERTAIN THE PRIMARY HOOD LATCH IS ENGAGED PROPERLY BEFORE DRIVING.
6. Suspension
What's wrong, in plain English: Parts can break and cause loss of control. WEIGHT RATING INFORMATION IS INCORRECT ON VEHICLE MANUAL LABELS AND RATING DECALS.
What could happen:
The fix: DEALERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH THE REVISED VEHICLE INFORMATION. IF VEHICLE WEIGHT IS FOUND TO BE GREATER THAN THAT SPECIFIED ON WEIGHT RATING, THE AFFECTED VEHICLE"S REAR AXLE MAY BE REPURCHASED FROM FORD. A PRICE ADJUSTMENT WILL ALSO BE MADE IF APPROPRIATE.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1984 RANGER.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 84V104000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SUSPENSION
Summary: WEIGHT RATING INFORMATION IS INCORRECT ON VEHICLE MANUAL LABELS AND RATING DECALS.
Consequence:
Remedy: DEALERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH THE REVISED VEHICLE INFORMATION. IF VEHICLE WEIGHT IS FOUND TO BE GREATER THAN THAT SPECIFIED ON WEIGHT RATING, THE AFFECTED VEHICLE"S REAR AXLE MAY BE REPURCHASED FROM FORD. A PRICE ADJUSTMENT WILL ALSO BE MADE IF APPROPRIATE.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRUCKS; CHASSIS CABS.SYSTEM: LABELS, CONSUMER INFORMATION; VEHICLE RATING DECALS AND VEHICLE MANUALLABELS.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: IF PRESENT WEIGHT LABEL IS RELIED UPON, TOO HEAVY ALOAD MAY BE PLACED UPON SUSPENSION, CAUSING IT TO COLLAPSE. LOSS OF VEHICLECONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT COULD RESULT.
7. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. IF TRUCK IS STRUCK FROM THE SIDE, THE CAP ON THE FUEL TANK COULD BECOME UNSEALED, ALLOWING UNSAFE LEAKAGE OF FUEL. THIS IS A FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY". LEAKAGE CAN BE CAUSED BY AN ORANGE-COLORED PLASTIC DIESEL FUEL INFORMATION RING WHICH IS FOUND AROUND THE FUEL TANK NECK, OR BY THE TETHER.
What could happen:
The fix: UPON INSPECTION, FUEL CAP TETHERS WILL BE REPLACED OR DIESEL FUEL INFORMATION RINGS WILL BE REMOVED.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1984 RANGER.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 84V082000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
Summary: IF TRUCK IS STRUCK FROM THE SIDE, THE CAP ON THE FUEL TANK COULD BECOME UNSEALED, ALLOWING UNSAFE LEAKAGE OF FUEL. THIS IS A FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY". LEAKAGE CAN BE CAUSED BY AN ORANGE-COLORED PLASTIC DIESEL FUEL INFORMATION RING WHICH IS FOUND AROUND THE FUEL TANK NECK, OR BY THE TETHER.
Consequence:
Remedy: UPON INSPECTION, FUEL CAP TETHERS WILL BE REPLACED OR DIESEL FUEL INFORMATION RINGS WILL BE REMOVED.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH MIDSHIP FUEL TANK, TETHERED FUELFILLER PIPE CAPS OR DIESEL ENGINES.SYSTEM: FUEL; FUEL CAPS (LOCKING AND NON-LOCKING).CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: LEAKING FUEL COULD CAUSE A FIRE IN THE PRESENCE OF ANIGNITION SOURCE AND COULD RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS ORBYSTANDERS.
8. Wheels / tires
What's wrong, in plain English: A wheel or tire can fail while driving. COMPONENTS IN THE LOCKING HUBS WERE IMPROPERLY HEAT-TREATED AND MAY CRACK OR FRACTURE UPON ENGAGEMENT OF THE FRONT DRIVE AXLES. THE BROKEN COMPONENT ON THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL MAY BECOME JAMMED AGAINST THE NUT.
What could happen:
The fix: CAM ASSEMBLIES IN FRONT WHEEL AUTOMATIC LOCKING HUBS WILL BE REPLACED.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1984 RANGER.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 84V023000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
Summary: COMPONENTS IN THE LOCKING HUBS WERE IMPROPERLY HEAT-TREATED AND MAY CRACK OR FRACTURE UPON ENGAGEMENT OF THE FRONT DRIVE AXLES. THE BROKEN COMPONENT ON THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL MAY BECOME JAMMED AGAINST THE NUT.
Consequence:
Remedy: CAM ASSEMBLIES IN FRONT WHEEL AUTOMATIC LOCKING HUBS WILL BE REPLACED.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FRONT AUTOMATIC LOCKING HUBS.SYSTEM: POWER TRAIN; AXLE HUBS, LOCKING.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: THIS COULD CAUSE THE NUT TO COME OFF AND RESULT IN LOSSOF THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL, CAUSING LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- Digital tire pressure gauge
- 1984 Ford Ranger owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Engine (2), Brakes (2), Visibility (wipers / glass) (2), Electrical system (2), Unknown Or Other (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
04/10/2003 · Engine
THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. *JB
10/07/2000 · Unknown Or Other
NO SUMMARY
05/11/2000 · Brakes · crash
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
02/23/1999 · Visibility (wipers / glass) · fire
NOTICED IN LOCAL PAPER CONCERN OVER FIRES IN HEATING/VENTILATING SYSTEM OF FORD VEHICLES. BURNING OF LEAVES CAUGHT IN HEATER DUCTING WHICH WAS IGNITED BY HEATER MOTOR SPEED CONTROL RESISTANCE COILS LOCATED IN HEATER DUCTWORK HAS HAPPENED TWO TIMES ON MY 1984 FORD RANGER PICKUP. THE FIRST TIME WAS IN THE LATE 1980'S IN OCTOBER OR NOVEMBER AND THE LATEST IN…
06/03/1998 · Visibility (wipers / glass) · fire
THE DESIGN AND LOCATION OF THE OPEN WIRE WOUND MOTOR SPEED CONTROL RESISTOR BLOCK ALLOWS FOR DEBRIS TO COLLECT RESULTING IN VEHICLE FIRE AND INJURY TO CONSUMER. (ATTORNRY FOR CONSUMER).
06/16/1997 · Trailer Hitches
TRAILER HITCH SNAPPED, DISCONNECTING TRAILER, RESULTING IN ACCIDENT. (OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT)
05/05/1997 · Fuel system · fire
STARTED SMOKING FIRST AND THEN CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER HOOD BECAUSE OF A GAS LEAKAGE. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK
12/17/1996 · Seat belts · crash
TRAVELING ON WILLOW GROVE ROAD, SWERVED TO AVOID AN ONCOMING VEHICLE, CROSSED CENTER LINE AND LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE, SEAT BELTS FAILED TO RESPOND, ALLOWING DRIVER TO BE PARTIALLY EJECTED FROM VEHICLE. BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SUFFERED INJURIES. *AK