Ford · Ranger · 2004
12
Recalls
404
Complaints
-
Not Rated
The 2004 Ford Ranger has 12 recalls and 404 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Most reported issue: air bags (184 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 22, 2026
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is superseding a previous recall for certain 2004-2006 Ford Ranger trucks to implement a final repair. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Remedy Status
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger's frontal air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 16, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S42. Note: This recall supersedes recall 15V322 which was an interim repair. Vehicles that received a replacement air bag inflator under the previous campaign need to return to a dealer to have an alternate inflator installed. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S42.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is superseding a previous recall for certain 2004-2006 Ford Ranger trucks to implement a final repair. Upon deployment of the driver side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Remedy Status
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 16, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S42. Note: This recall supersedes recall 16V-036 which was an interim repair. Vehicles that received a replacement air bag inflator under the previous campaign need to return to a dealer to have an alternate inflator installed.
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Remedy Status
DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 Ranger vehicles manufactured March 24, 2003, to May 4, 2006. Upon deployment of the driver side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Remedy Status
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began February 26, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S03. Note: This recall supersedes 14V-343 and only applies to Rangers manufactured in North America.
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 RANGER TRUCKS BUILT FROM JANUARY 25, 2011, THROUGH APRIL 25, 2011 AT THE TWIN CITIES ASSEMBLY PLANT, AND SERVICE PARTS DISTRIBUTED TO DEALERS FOR CERTAIN 2004 THROUGH 2011 MODEL YEAR RANGER TRUCKS, 2002 THROUGH 2005 MODEL YEAR EXCURSION VEHICLES, AND 2002 THROUGH 2007 MODEL YEAR F-250, F-350, F-450, AND F-550 TRUCKS FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WAS SHIPPED WITH A SUBCOMPONENT (SLIDER) THAT MAY EXPERIENCE DEFORMATION. A MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WITH A DEFORMED SLIDER MAY MALFUNCTION CAUSING THE TURN SIGNAL, TAIL LIGHTS, HAZARD WARNING SIGNAL FLASHERS AND/OR BRAKE LIGHTS NOT TO ACTIVATE.
Remedy Status
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SWITCHES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 15, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.
CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Remedy Status
AJ MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AJ MOTORSPORT AT 626-618-2026.
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, THE FRAME MAY HAVE A CENTER RAIL SECTION FLANGE THAT WAS NOT FORMED PROPERLY.
Remedy Status
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRAME TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE FRAME WAS INCORRECTLY MANUFACTURED. IF THERE IS A PROBLEM, THE VEHICLE WILL NOT BE REPAIRED. FORD AND THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE VEHICLE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 19, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2004-2006 Ranger vehicles that received replacement front passenger air bag inflators under a previous recall. The replacement frontal passenger air bag inflators may have been installed incorrectly.
Remedy Status
Dealers will inspect and reinstall the front passenger air bag inflator, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 5, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S08. This recall has been fully superseded by recall 23V-306.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2005-2014 Mustang, 2004-2011 Ranger, 2009-2011 Mercury Milan, 2006 Ford GT, 2008-2012 Fusion, 2007-2010 Edge and Lincoln MKX, and 2009-2010 Lincoln MKZ vehicles. These vehicles may be equipped with a driver or passenger frontal air bag inflator used as a replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Remedy Status
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver and passenger air bag module, and replace either the module or the inflator, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 17, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S05.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2004-2006 Ranger vehicles that received replacement front passenger air bag inflators under a previous recall. The replacement front passenger air bag inflators may have been installed incorrectly.
Remedy Status
Dealers will inspect and reinstall the front passenger air bag inflator, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S08. This recall expands and replaces previous recall number 23V-125.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2004-2006 Ranger vehicles that may be equipped with a driver or passenger frontal air bag inflator used as a replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Remedy Status
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver and passenger air bag module, and replace either the module or the inflator, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 17, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S05.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 Ranger trucks manufactured March 24, 2003, to May 4, 2006. The affected vehicles are equipped with a passenger side frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
Remedy Status
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on December 4, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S22. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 14V-787.
After driving for 45 minutes on smooth highway, my front driver's side tire blew while I was going 75mph. Had I been closer to the vehicle I had just passed, there could have easily been a bad wreck as I had little control of the vehicle. I was fortunately able to pull over and slam on my brakes safely. The tires have under 40,000 miles on them and showed no signs of low pressure or issues prior to the blowout. I was told by Discout Tire that they would refund me for a replacement tire, but that the Falken Wildpeak R15s on my vehicle have not been recalled, a different size of this tire model have though. There was no reason for the sidewalls of this tire to blow. The air pressure was fine and there was plenty of life left on the tread. Based on the recall on the other size of this tire model, I would guess this size is defective in the sidewalls as well.
since 2020 i have owned this ford ranger edge and have replaced drivers side exterior door handle 4 times, interior drivers side door handle 2 times and exterior passenger door handle 2 times. they keep breaking at the clip on the left side. It has been so bad that i actually had drivers side interior and exterior door handles break and could not get in on drivers side. It has caused me to be late for work, terminated from one service job, and a lot of stress. I have ordered handles a total of 5 times. Not any have been of quality to be called "Built Ford Tough"
The contact owns a 2004 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving on the highway in rainy weather at 60 MPH, she lost control of the vehicle and drove off the road. The contact stated that she could not recount what happened moments after she drove off the road; she did recall that she pulled up to a stop sign and her air bags had deployed. The police arrived at the scene and assisted the contact with moving the vehicle out of the road; a police report was not filed. The contact did not seek medical attention but suffered burns to her right arm and chest. The contact also sustained bruising to her face. The vehicle was towed the next day to an independent mechanic, where the vehicle remained in the possession of the mechanic and had yet to be repaired. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that the vehicle was under recall for NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V306000(Air Bags). The failure mileage was approximately 270,000.
The contact owned a 2004 Ford Ranger. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V788000 (Air Bags) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were contacted.
I dropped the vehicle off in April, Bought it off facebook marketplace in March. Since then, I have dropped the vehicle off at Big Star Ford in Pearland texas, and it has been there until today [XXX]. They FINALLy called me to tell me they cannot get parts for this 2017, or the 2023 recall that must be performed, and that I was "Free to come pick my vehicle up from them" It has been over six months with lack of communication, and me sacrificing time to complete in person visits, this is insane. I cannot believe they are still allowed to service vehicles INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
See attached document for complaint
The contact owns a 2004 Ford Ranger. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V0810000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
My husband was involved in a single-vehicle accident where he left the highway at around45 mph, went downhill for 50+ feet where he crashed into a concrete culvert, front impact. The airbags did not deploy. We bought the Ranger from friends, who believed that the Takata recall was completed before we bought it. There have been no accidents since the recall. The truck remains at the service lot where it was towed. It appears to be a total loss.
See attached document for complaint
The contact owned a 2004 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that his daughter was involved in a head-on collision; however, the air bags failed to deploy. The contact's daughter sustained injuries to her knee and received medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
The since weld behind the cab on drivers side frame completely rotted the frame away this was verified as a defect from a reputable welding shop since then I've not driven it as they said it could snap and cause a very bad accident or cause death or multiple deaths
TRUCK SURGED FORWARD WHILE BRAKING AT RED LIGHT IF SOME ONE WAS IN FRONT OF ME I WOULD HAVE HIT THEM.
The contact owned a 2004 Ford Ranger. The contact stated while driving at 10-15 MPH and making a right turn, a vehicle from the opposite lane crashed into the driver's side of the vehicle and the vehicle rolled over about 10 ft in the air, rolled over in a ditch, and landed on its wheel. The air bags did not deploy. The emergency units were unable to assist the contact out of the vehicle as the roof had caved in and was resting on her head. The contact crawled out of the vehicle and was transported to the hospital. The contact sustained a concussion and severe pain in the neck between her shoulder blade which has limited her movements. Additionally, the contact sustained damaged nerves on the left hand and left leg, and chronic lower back pain. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot where it was totaled. A police report was filed. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V081000 (Air Bags). The manufacturer also informed the contact that she did not receive a recall notification because recall notifications were not sent to each vehicle owner of the affected vehicles. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
The contact owns a 2004 Ford Ranger. The contact stated while doing routine maintenance at a local mechanic, the mechanic found that the rear sub-frame assembly was rusted through and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V331000 (Structure) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.
Rotted sub-frame-will not pass NY State inspection-This truck has 27,817 miles
RUSTED AND ROTTEN OUT FRAME. THE REST OF THE VEHICLE IS IN REAL GOOD CONDITION. FRAME IS CRACKED THRU IN A FEW PLACES AND CLOSE TO WERE THE SPRING IS MOUNTED TO THE FRAME.
AFTER RECEIVING SEVERAL RECALL NOTICES, WE MADE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE RECALL PERFORMED. THE ONLY APPOINTMENT AVAILABLE WAS SEVERAL MONTHS OUT. WHEN THE TIME CAME, WE WENT TO DROP OFF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER, CORWIN FORD IN RENO, NV DIDN'T HAVE THE PARTS AND HADN'T EVEN ORDERED THEM. SERVICE WRITER MICHAEL MCNALLY SAID THAT THEY WOULD ORDER PARTS AND WE WOULD NEED TO BRING VEHICLE BACK. WE EXPRESSED DISPLEASURE THAT THEY HADN'T NOTIFIED US OF A DELAY. WE WERE TOLD THAT THEY WOULDN'T DO THE RECALL AND WE WOULD NEED TO TAKE IT TO ANOTHER DEALER. WE NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER, FORD, BUT RECEIVED NO RESPONSE. WE FEEL THAT THIS IS A DENIAL OF THE RECALL.*DT*JB
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V081000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO STEARNS FORD INC., (602 ALAMANCE RD, BURLINGTON, NC 27215) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 160,000.
Rear frame rusted and rotted..spare tire fell off entire evap can also..both sides rear frame shock and spring shackles rotted and broke off. Entire frame rotted and broke while driving ..on rear driver side frame rusted rotted and broke ..value of truck is not worth what estimates are ..gas tank hangers rusted and rotted many other pieces of frame rusted rotted through..truck is now unsafe to drive an probably unsellable due to broken rusted rotted frame..
2004 FORD RANGER EDGE HAS RUSTED ROTTEN REAR FAME, SHACKELS RUSTED, SHOCKS RUSTED, BED RUSTED UNDER BEDLINER BUMPER FELL OFF. BEAUTIFUL TRUCK WITH NO BODY RUST. THE REAR SECTION OF FRAME IS ROTTEN. FRAME WILL CERTAINLY BREAK DOWN TO MAKE THE TRUCK NOT DRIVEABLE SHORTLY. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO FIND A USED FRAME IN THE SALVAGE YARD, BECAUSE THEY ARE ALREADY RUSTED THROUGH. HELP!!!!
Showing 1–20 of 25 complaints
The 2004 Ford Ranger has 12 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
NHTSA has received 404 owner-reported complaints for the 2004 Ford Ranger.
NHTSA has not published a safety rating for the 2004 Ford Ranger.
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2004 Ford Ranger are air bags (184 reports), structure (32 reports), power train (23 reports).
Yes. NHTSA has 12 recalls on record for the 2004 Ford Ranger. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Look up recalls and complaints for any year, make, and model.
This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.