1990 Ford Ranger recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
5 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Lights
What's wrong, in plain English: Headlights, tail lights or turn signals may not work, making the car hard to see. CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
What could happen: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The fix: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
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 1990 RANGER.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 06E026000.
- 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: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Notes: THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO PRO-A MOTORS AFTERMARKET LAMPS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON THE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE LAMP MODEL NUMBERS, CLICK ON DOCUMENT SEARCH AND VIEW DOCUMENT TITLED "LAMP MODEL NUMBERS." 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. Vehicle Speed Control
What's wrong, in plain English: A vehicle part that may fail. THROTTLE LEVER MAY CONTACT THROTTLE BODY AIR INLET TUBE, WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR THROTTLE REMAINING OPEN FOLLOWING RELEASE OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL FROM THE FULL-THROTTLE POSTION IN TRUCKS WITH 4.0 L ENGINES.
What could happen: UNCONTROLLED ACCELERATION COULD CREATE LACK OF CONTROLAND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
The fix: MANUFACTURER WILL REPLACE AIR INLET TUBE WITH NEWLY DESIGNED REPLACEMENT WITH AN INCREASED THROTTLE LEVER-TO-INLET TUBE CLEARANCE.
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 1990 RANGER.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 89V234000.
- 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: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Summary: THROTTLE LEVER MAY CONTACT THROTTLE BODY AIR INLET TUBE, WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR THROTTLE REMAINING OPEN FOLLOWING RELEASE OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL FROM THE FULL-THROTTLE POSTION IN TRUCKS WITH 4.0 L ENGINES.
Consequence: UNCONTROLLED ACCELERATION COULD CREATE LACK OF CONTROLAND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy: MANUFACTURER WILL REPLACE AIR INLET TUBE WITH NEWLY DESIGNED REPLACEMENT WITH AN INCREASED THROTTLE LEVER-TO-INLET TUBE CLEARANCE.
Notes: SYSTEM: THROTTLE LINKAGES AND CONTROL.VEHICLE CATEGORY: LIGHT TRUCK.
3. Vehicle Speed Control
What's wrong, in plain English: A vehicle part that may fail. THROTTLE LEVER MAY CONTACT THROTTLE BODY AIR INLET TUBE, WITH POTENTIAL FOR THROTTLE REMAINING OPEN FOLLOWING RELEASE OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL.
What could happen: UNCONTROLLED ACCELERATION COULD CREATE LACK OF CONTROLAND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
The fix: MANUFACTURER WILL REPLACE AIR INLET TUBE WITH NEWLY DESIGNED 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 1990 RANGER.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 90V044000.
- 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: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Summary: THROTTLE LEVER MAY CONTACT THROTTLE BODY AIR INLET TUBE, WITH POTENTIAL FOR THROTTLE REMAINING OPEN FOLLOWING RELEASE OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL.
Consequence: UNCONTROLLED ACCELERATION COULD CREATE LACK OF CONTROLAND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy: MANUFACTURER WILL REPLACE AIR INLET TUBE WITH NEWLY DESIGNED REPLACEMENT.
Notes: SYSTEM: THROTTLE LINKAGES AND CONTROL. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT TRUCK WITH 4.0 LITER ENGINE.
4. Transmission / drivetrain
What's wrong, in plain English: The parts that send engine power to the wheels. Failure can mean a sudden loss of power or the car rolling away. WHEN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER IS PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION, THE PARK PAWL DOES NOT ALWAYS ABUT OR ENGAGE THE PARK GEAR.
What could happen: DRIVER MAY BELIEVE THE VEHICLE IS SAFELY ENGAGED IN PARKWHEN THE GEAR IS NOT TRULY ENGAGED. THIS CAN LEAD TO THE VEHICLE JUMPING OUT OFGEAR UNINTENTIONALLY, VEHICLE ROLLAWAY WHEN PARKED ON A SLOPED SURFACE, ANDINADVERTENT MOTION WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED. ALL OF THESE CONDITIONS CANRESULT IN A VE…
The fix: REPAIR THE TRANSMISSION WITH A NEW PARK PAWL.
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 1990 RANGER.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 91V189000.
- 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: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Summary: WHEN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER IS PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION, THE PARK PAWL DOES NOT ALWAYS ABUT OR ENGAGE THE PARK GEAR.
Consequence: DRIVER MAY BELIEVE THE VEHICLE IS SAFELY ENGAGED IN PARKWHEN THE GEAR IS NOT TRULY ENGAGED. THIS CAN LEAD TO THE VEHICLE JUMPING OUT OFGEAR UNINTENTIONALLY, VEHICLE ROLLAWAY WHEN PARKED ON A SLOPED SURFACE, ANDINADVERTENT MOTION WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED. ALL OF THESE CONDITIONS CANRESULT IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy: REPAIR THE TRANSMISSION WITH A NEW PARK PAWL.
Notes: SYSTEM: TRANSMISSION.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS, VANS, AND MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLES EQUIPPEDWITH A4LD AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS.
5. 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 1990 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).
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1990 Ford Ranger owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Electrical system (23), Wheels / tires (19), Engine (18), Visibility (wipers / glass) (15), Vehicle Speed Control (14).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
07/12/2019 · Electrical system
WHEN VEHICLE IS EITHER STATIONARY OR IN MOTION THE PASSENGER HEAD LAMP MELTS, SOMETHING IS CAUSING THAT ONE LIGHT TO OVER HEAT AND HAS MELTED THE ENTIRE HEAD UNIT. I HAVE VERY LITTLE VISIBILITY WITH HEAD LAMPS ON. BATTERY IS CONSTANTLY CORRODED, NO MATTET HOW MUCH I CLEAN IT. AC/DEFROST DOES NOT WORK. RIGHT BLINKER DOES NOT STAY ON, SHUTS OFF WITH THE SLIGH…
03/04/2014 · Seat belts
SOON AFTER PURCHASING THE TRUCK IN 1996 I NOTICED THE DRIVER'S SIDE SAFETY BELT DIDN'T SEEM TO LOCK WELL WHEN MANUALLY JERKED. IT HAS BEEN AN ON AND OFF CONCERN FOR MANY YEARS SINCE THEN. RETRACTION OF THE BELT HAS BECOME ALMOST NONEXISTENT. RECENTLY I NOTICED THAT NOT ONLY DOES THE DRIVER'S SIDE BELT NOT LOCK AT ALL BUT NEITHER DOES THE PASSENGER'S SIDE…
12/15/2008 · Transmission / drivetrain
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING CLUTCH PEDAL FAILURE IN THE VEHICLE. HE WAS UNABLE TO SWITCH GEARS WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE REAPIR SHOP THEY STATED THAT THE PUSH ROD FALLS OFF OF THE PEDAL, WHICH PREVENTS THE VEHICLE FROM SWITCHING GEARS. THE MECHANIC REPLACED IT WITH A NEW MASTER CYLINDE…
01/04/2008 · Brakes
SERPINTINE BELT BROKE OFF REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE, FIRESTONE TIRES HAD TO BE REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE, PAINT FADED HAD TO BE REPAINTED AT MY EXPENSE THEN THE PAINT FADED AGAIN, BRAKES STOPED WORKING HAD TO REPLACE ALL BRAKE PARTS AT MY EXPENSE, WATER PUMP FAILED PAID BY FORD UNDER WARANTY BUT FORD TRIED TO SAY NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE PUMP, I HAD TO SHOW T…
12/07/2007 · Vehicle Speed Control
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 FORD RANGER. THE PART FOR RECALL NUMBER 05S28 IS UNAVAILABLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PART SHOULD ARRIVE IN MARCH OF 2008, BUT IT IS NOT DEFINITE. THE CONTACT FELT THIS EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WERE NOT CONCERNED IF THE CONTACT IS INCONVENIENCED WITHOUT THE USE O…
08/21/2006 · Vehicle Speed Control · fire
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE STARTED SMOKING WHILE PARKED IN FRONT OF THE HOUSE. EVENTUALLY THE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT DETERMINED THE FIRE ORIGINATED FROM UNDER THE HOOD ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND WAS MORE THAN LIKELY OF AN ELECTRICAL NATURE. THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT FILED. THERE WERE NO PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE PRIO…
07/27/2006 · Brakes
DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45-50 MPH THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE SUDDENLY AND THEN STARTED TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. THERE WAS A BURNING SMELL AND THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER. IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THERE WAS A FISHING LINE WRAPPED AROUND THE BRAKE PADS, ROTOR AND DRUM WHICH NEEDED TO BE REMOVED. A MONTH AND A HALF LATER WHILE TRAVELIN…
01/27/2006 · Fuel system · crash · fire
FORD RANGER MID 1990. STATE TROOPERS SAID THAT THE FUEL SHUT OFF DID NOT WORK, AFTER MY BROTHERS TRUCK HIT TWO SMALL TREES, AND THEN WENT ACROSS THE ROAD AND HIT A BAIL OF HAY, WHICH IS WHERE THEY SAID THE FIRE STARTED. I HAVE PICTURES, AND POSSESSION OF THE TRUCK IN OHIO. *AK