Federal safety advisory

Do not drive this vehicle until the repair is completed.

Model year record

2004 Ford Ranger

10 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 466 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 23V306000

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module

Component: Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected: 231,942
Reported to NHTSA: 2023-04-28
Owners notified: 2023-05-22

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

An incorrectly installed inflator may not properly inflate the passenger air bag, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 23V125000

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module

Component: Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected: 98,550
Reported to NHTSA: 2023-02-24
Owners notified: 2023-04-05

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

An incorrectly installed inflator may not properly inflate the passenger air bag, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

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 This recall has been fully superseded by recall 23V-306.

Recall campaignNHTSA 21V076000

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module

Component: Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected: 144,340
Reported to NHTSA: 2021-02-17
Owners notified: 2021-03-17

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the frontal air bag, an inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 21V081000

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module

Component: Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected: 1,067
Reported to NHTSA: 2021-02-16
Owners notified: 2021-03-17

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

Manufacturer remedy

Recall campaignNHTSA 17V788000

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module

Component: Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected: 328,213
Reported to NHTSA: 2017-12-11
Owners notified: 2017-12-22

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants, potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 17V787000

Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module

Component: Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected: 328,213
Reported to NHTSA: 2017-12-11
Owners notified: 2018-01-16

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 16V036000

Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module

Component: Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected: 361,692
Reported to NHTSA: 2016-01-25
Owners notified: 2016-02-26

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 15V322000

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module

Component: Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Vehicles affected: 362,327
Reported to NHTSA: 2015-05-28
Owners notified: 2015-12-04

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 11V352000

Exterior lighting: tail lights

Component: Exterior lighting: tail lights
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected: 26,715
Reported to NHTSA: 2011-07-13
Owners notified: 2011-08-15

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

NON-FUNCTIONING LIGHTS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 04V331000

Structure: frame and members: underbody shields

Component: Structure: frame and members: underbody shields
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected: 1,395
Reported to NHTSA: 2004-07-14
Owners notified: 2004-07-19

Defect description

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, THE FRAME MAY HAVE A CENTER RAIL SECTION FLANGE THAT WAS NOT FORMED PROPERLY.

Safety risk

IN THE EVENT OF A SIDE IMPACT CRASH, THE FRAME RAIL SCOULD PUNCTURE THE FUEL TANK, RESULTING IN A FUEL LEAK. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

Component	Complaints	Median mileage
Air bags	188	88,000 mi
Structure: body	35	85,000 mi
Suspension	24	91,500 mi
Electrical system	14	90,000 mi
Unknown or other	14	71,000 mi
Vehicle speed control	14	30,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission	11	22,184 mi
Engine and engine cooling	10	39,304 mi
Tires	10	50,000 mi
Power train	9	66,016 mi
Engine	7	85,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion system	6	78,511 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip	6	22,000 mi
Structure	6	85,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine	5	45,000 mi
Exterior lighting	5	114,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline	5	75,000 mi
Seats	5	4,300 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic	5	60,000 mi
Fuel system, other	4	38,000 mi
Power train: driveline: driveshaft	4	200 mi
Structure: frame and members: underbody shields	4	21,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal	4	8,985 mi
Air bags: frontal	3	3,600 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump	3	48,400 mi
Service brakes	3	72,895 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages	3	6,438 mi
Steering	3	100 mi
Suspension: front: wheel bearing	3	45,000 mi
Tires: sidewall	3	21,000 mi
Tires: temporary/emergency spare tire	3	9,500 mi
Visibility	3	35,000 mi
Wheels	3	62,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline	2	77,000 mi
Seat belts	2	100,000 mi
Seats: front assembly: head restraint	2	—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum: shoes/linings	2	37,270 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum: wheel cylinders	2	20,495 mi
Structure: frame and members	2	30,000 mi
Tires: tread/belt	2	—
Visibility/wiper	2	100 mi
Visibility: glass, side/rear	2	387 mi
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel	1	30,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring	1	45,264 mi
Electronic stability control (ESC)	1	98,000 mi
Equipment	1	—
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings	1	—
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system	1	22,184 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly	1	115,000 mi
Fuel system, other: storage: fuel gauge system	1	22,184 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch	1	—
Latches/locks/linkages: hood: latch	1	—
Parking brake: conventional: mechanical: linkage and cable	1	—
Power train: driveline: differential unit	1	18,083 mi
Power train: manual transmission	1	—
Power train: transfer case (4-wheel drive)	1	26,000 mi
Seat belts: front: warning light/devices	1	—
Service brakes, air: antilock	1	12,400 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor	1	5 mi
Structure: body: bumpers	1	—
Suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint	1	45,264 mi
Suspension: front: springs: coil springs	1	30,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: cables	1	149,978 mi
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: exterior	1	4,250 mi
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer	1	41,000 mi

The 2003 model has about 1.5 times as many complaints as this one. The 2005 model has about 1.5 times as many complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Open investigations

An investigation is not a recall. It indicates that NHTSA is currently evaluating an alleged defect but has not reached a final determination.

EA15001Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Air bags: frontal

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.