2004 Ford Ranger: what breaks, and at what mileage
What breaks on the 2004 Ford Ranger
On the 2004 Ford Ranger, the failure owners report most often is airbag inflator rupture, and the reports cluster around 85,000 miles. The earliest to appear is other speed control problem, reported by a median of 25,000 miles. Overall it scores 68 out of 100, high risk for a 2004.
High risk for a 2004 — 138th riskiest of the 329 2004 vehicles we can rate. 462 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork.
What owners report breaking
Owners have reported 50 named failure modes on the 2004 Ford Ranger, and the three most-reported carry 32% of everything filed, which is an unusually even spread for one model year.
Airbag inflator rupture leads with 97 reports, about 0.8 per 1,000 vehicles and with the middle half of reports between 60k to 115,000 miles.
Other body or interior problem follows with 31 reports, usually reported between 60k to 95,000 miles.
Other engine problem follows with 19 reports, usually reported between 35k to 90,000 miles.
By system, the reports fall mostly into airbag (115), body (44) and fuel (37).
When these failures get reported
258 of the reports on the 2004 Ford Ranger came with an odometer reading, and half of those were filed before 67,000 miles.
Cumulatively, 37% by 50,000 miles, 72% by 100,000 miles and 91% by 150,000 miles of the dated reports had been filed, with 7 filed above the top of the chart.
The busiest stretch is between 60,000 and 70,000 miles, which alone holds 13% of the dated reports.
29% of the dated reports were filed below 36,000 miles.
In the order they tend to show up: other speed control problem around 26k, fuel pump failure around 30k, other brake problem around 37k and other wheel or tire problem around 50k.
Tick median reported mileage Solid middle half of reports Faint 10th to 90th percentile Colour how bad the failure is when it happens
Showing the 12 most-reported failure modes of 50. The full list is in the table below.
How reports accumulate
Every report with an odometer reading, cumulative, from 0 to 200,000 miles. A further 7 reports came in above that, which is why the line stops short of the top. A curve that climbs early is a car with early problems, whatever its total.
- Line share of reports filed by that mileage
- Dashed the median reported mileage
How bad it is when it goes
Across the named modes, 38 mention a crash, 3 a fire, 27 an injury and 3 a fatality. Those are the words owners used in their own complaints, and NHTSA does not verify them, but they are the closest thing in this data to a measure of what a failure actually did.
The average severity weight across every report on this year is 5.24, where a stalled engine or a failed airbag weighs many times more than a rattling trim panel, and a figure this high means the reports are dominated by failures with safety consequences rather than annoyances. The weighting is set out in full on the methodology page.
What the top failures cost to put right, as editorial estimates for an independent US shop rather than figures from NHTSA: airbag inflator rupture at $0–$0, other body or interior problem at $200–$2,000, other engine problem at $300–$4,000 and fuel tank, filler or EVAP failure at $250–$1,800. Dealer labour, a seized bolt or a part that is no longer made can push any of these past the top of its range.
14% of the reports on this year sit in the engine, transmission, drivetrain or cooling systems — the four where a repair bill is usually four figures.
Every reported failure mode
| Failure mode | System | Reports | With reading | 25th | Median | 75th | Per 1,000 | Typical repair | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag inflator rupture | airbag | 97 | 21 | 60k | 84k | 116k | 0.8 | $0–$0 | Critical |
| Other body or interior problem | body | 31 | 23 | 60k | 80k | 96k | 0.3 | $200–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Other engine problem | engine | 19 | 15 | 35k | 77k | 88k | 0.2 | $300–$4,000 | High |
| Fuel tank, filler or EVAP failure | fuel | 18 | 13 | 62k | 79k | 135k | 0.1 | $250–$1,800 | Moderate |
| Other powertrain problem | transmission | 18 | 12 | 32k | 51k | 74k | 0.1 | $400–$4,500 | High |
| Other wheel or tire problem | wheels | 14 | 9 | 10k | 50k | 114k | 0.1 | $200–$1,500 | High |
| Other suspension problem | suspension | 13 | 12 | 35k | 67k | 104k | 0.1 | $350–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Other speed control problem | adas | 13 | 10 | 11k | 26k | 55k | 0.1 | $250–$2,000 | Critical |
| Fuel pump failure | fuel | 12 | 12 | 22k | 30k | 52k | 0.1 | $600–$2,600 | High |
| Airbag failed to deploy in a crash | airbag | 10 | 5 | — | 120k | — | 0.1 | $1,000–$5,000 | Critical |
| Rust or structural corrosion | body | 10 | 7 | — | 180k | — | 0.1 | $500–$6,000 | High |
| Other brake problem | brakes | 10 | 9 | 20k | 37k | 48k | 0.1 | $300–$1,800 | High |
| Other electrical problem | electrical | 9 | 6 | — | 93k | — | 0.1 | $250–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Control arm, ball joint or bushing failure | suspension | 8 | 8 | 39k | 71k | 110k | 0.1 | $400–$2,200 | High |
| Cruise control failure | adas | 7 | 4 | — | 58k | — | 0.1 | $200–$1,400 | High |
| Other visibility problem | glass | 7 | 7 | — | 25k | — | 0.1 | $150–$1,400 | Moderate |
| ABS module or sensor failure | brakes | 6 | 5 | — | 12k | — | 0.1 | $500–$2,400 | High |
| Other fuel system problem | fuel | 6 | 6 | — | 80k | — | 0.1 | $300–$2,200 | High |
| Misfire or rough idle | engine | 5 | 5 | — | 66k | — | 0.0 | $250–$1,600 | Moderate |
| Differential or transfer case failure | drivetrain | 5 | 2 | — | 22k | — | 0.0 | $900–$4,200 | High |
| Seat belt or retractor failure | airbag | 5 | 1 | — | 100k | — | 0.0 | $200–$900 | High |
| Overheating | cooling | 4 | 3 | — | 98k | — | 0.0 | $400–$3,500 | High |
| CV axle or driveshaft failure | drivetrain | 4 | 4 | — | 825 | — | 0.0 | $450–$2,200 | High |
| Wheel bearing or hub failure | drivetrain | 4 | 4 | — | 68k | — | 0.0 | $350–$1,200 | Moderate |
| Tire blowout or tread separation | wheels | 4 | 2 | — | 41k | — | 0.0 | $200–$1,500 | Critical |
| Loss of braking | brakes | 3 | 2 | — | 40k | — | 0.0 | $400–$3,000 | Critical |
| Parking brake failure | brakes | 3 | 1 | — | 73k | — | 0.0 | $250–$1,300 | Moderate |
| Tail light, brake light or signal failure | lighting | 3 | 3 | — | 119k | — | 0.0 | $100–$900 | Moderate |
| Other lighting problem | lighting | 3 | 3 | — | 114k | — | 0.0 | $120–$1,200 | Moderate |
| No-start or intermittent start failure | engine | 2 | 2 | — | 134k | — | 0.0 | $200–$1,800 | Moderate |
| Other steering problem | steering | 2 | 2 | — | 41k | — | 0.0 | $350–$2,400 | High |
| Other seat belt problem | airbag | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $200–$900 | High |
| Timing chain, belt or tensioner failure | engine | 1 | 1 | — | 81k | — | 0.0 | $1,200–$4,500 | Critical |
| Stalling while driving | engine | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $300–$2,500 | Critical |
| Thermostat failure | cooling | 1 | 1 | — | 62k | — | 0.0 | $250–$900 | Moderate |
| Transmission fluid leak | transmission | 1 | 1 | — | 5k | — | 0.0 | $300–$1,800 | Moderate |
| Shifter, linkage or stuck-in-park failure | transmission | 1 | 1 | — | 150k | — | 0.0 | $250–$1,400 | High |
| Fuel leak or fuel odor | fuel | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $300–$2,500 | Critical |
| Instrument cluster or gauge failure | infotainment | 1 | 1 | — | 30k | — | 0.0 | $350–$1,400 | Moderate |
| Master cylinder or brake booster failure | brakes | 1 | 1 | — | 60k | — | 0.0 | $450–$2,200 | Critical |
| Premature brake pad or rotor wear | brakes | 1 | 1 | — | 5 | — | 0.0 | $300–$1,400 | Moderate |
| Brake line, hose or caliper failure | brakes | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $250–$1,600 | Critical |
| Airbag warning light or occupant sensor fault | airbag | 1 | 1 | — | 60k | — | 0.0 | $300–$1,600 | High |
| Steering column or shaft failure | steering | 1 | 1 | — | 143k | — | 0.0 | $600–$2,500 | Critical |
| Door latch or handle failure | body | 1 | 1 | — | 25k | — | 0.0 | $250–$1,200 | High |
| Liftgate, tailgate or trunk failure | body | 1 | 1 | — | 76k | — | 0.0 | $250–$1,500 | Moderate |
| Seat, track or recliner failure | body | 1 | 1 | — | 50 | — | 0.0 | $300–$2,200 | High |
| Catalytic converter failure | emissions | 1 | 1 | — | 240k | — | 0.0 | $900–$3,500 | Moderate |
| Wiper or washer failure | glass | 1 | 1 | — | 41k | — | 0.0 | $120–$800 | Moderate |
| Software fault or failed update | software | 1 | 1 | — | 136k | — | 0.0 | $0–$600 | Moderate |
| Unclassified problem | other | 87 | 25 | 63k | 94k | 130k | 0.7 | — | Moderate |
Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound. Repair costs are typical independent-shop ranges for the failure, not figures from these reports.
How often, against how many were built
Scaled by an estimate of how many of these cars exist, the 2004 Ford Ranger draws about 3.8 per 1,000 vehicles, which puts it in the 77th percentile of complaint rates among 2004 vehicles we can rate.
That denominator is the weakest number on the page and it is fair to say so plainly. Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound.
The working figure is 120,775 vehicles. If the true number is twice that, every rate on this page is half what it says; the ranking against other 2004 vehicles, which is what the risk score uses, is far more robust than the rate itself.
What owners wrote
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint narratives, trimmed for length. The odometer reading is the one the owner gave.
Airbag inflator rupture
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2004 ford ranger. The contact stated that the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact received notification for NHTSA campaign numbers: 16v036000 (air bags) and 15v322000 (air bags); however, the parts needed were not available. The dealer confirmed that the parts were available for one of the recalls and would perform a temporary remedy for the other recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the delay. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 60,000. Vin tool confirms parts not available. Updated 06/15/16*lj the consumer stated the passenger side air bag was replaced. However, the driver's side needed to be replaced. Updated 06/28/16.*jb
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2004 ford ranger. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v036000 (air bags) and stated that the part was not available within a reasonable time frame to schedule the recall repair. The dealer did not give a specific date for when the part would become available. The manufacturer could not provide an estimated date for when the contact's vehicle would receive the recall repair. The contact was not experiencing a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
Other body or interior problem
I recently purchased a 2004 ford ranger edge, regular cab. I am 5'10", and sit with my seat as far back as it will go in the truck. This, unfortunately caused my rear window to pop out of the truck. I took the truck back to the dealer, where they said that's a common problem with the make and year of my truck, and all ford is doing is reinforcing the windows. The windows are not a problem, it is the seat. The seat was not designed correctly for the truck, but ford is not willing to redesign the seats, recall the trucks, or upgrade trucks to extended cabs. This poses a problem because even after the window is fixed, the problem is going to happen again. And "god forbid" I ever get into a rear-end collision - what happens to my window, me, my seat, etc?! This problem ends up being more serious than ford is willing to take responsibility for, and I strongly feel this should be reported. I know for a fact it is not just my truck with the problem - a dealer and I went around trying out other trucks to see if they had the same problem on the lot, and sure enough, we pushed the seat all the way back, and the windows popped out. This was…
I just bought a 2004 ford ranger regular cab in aug 2004. About 2 weeks ago after a heavy rain the whole inside of my vehicle was wet. It was wet from both the driver and the passenger head rests to the floor. It took a little over a week for the vehicle to dry out. I took it to the ford dealer that I bought it from and they told me that I had a defective window. They did not even have to look at the truck to tell me what the problem was. They had to order a new back window for me. The assistant service manager told me that the problem the seat back pushes out the back window and water can get inside. I am 6'4" and I have to have the seat all the way back to drive. When they replaced the window I talk to the auto glass company that they sub the work out to. He told me that this was a very common problem in the ranger regular cabs. He said that he has had a few vehicles that come in every 3 months to get a new rear window. I have also called ford and spoke with them about the problem. They offered little help. My new truck now smells like mold and mildew, but they will do nothing to fix that, even though it is their fault, or the…
Other engine problem
The check engine light on my 2004 ford ranger kept coming on, I was told by one dealer that it was an emission signal and that it would reset. It did but kept coming back. The truck then started running bad, so I took it to another dealer, who told me that there was a technical service bulletin out about this problem and they had to replace both of my engines heads. And of course because of the miles on my truck, I would have to pay for these repairs. I said that if ford knew about this defect then why haven't they recalled these engines. *nm
2004 ford ranger with 3.0 liter fuel injection. Both cylinder heads cracked around exhaust valve seats. Both heads had to be replaced. Mileage on vehicle is 46,000 miles and not abused. *nm
Recalls on the 2004 model year
NHTSA has issued 12 recall campaigns covering the 2004 Ford Ranger, affecting an estimated 620,544 vehicles. A recall is a different kind of evidence from a complaint: it is the regulator and the manufacturer agreeing that something has to be fixed, and the fix is free for as long as the car exists.
The campaigns cover air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module and air bags:frontal. Whether the work was actually done on the car in front of you is a question only the VIN can answer, and the manufacturer or NHTSA will answer it free.
Recalls also distort complaint counts. Publicity about a campaign reminds owners that complaining is possible, so reports for a recalled component often spike after the recall rather than before it.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
231,942 vehicles 2023-04-28- Defect
- 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.
- Consequence
- An incorrectly installed inflator may not properly inflate the passenger air bag, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
- 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.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
98,550 vehicles 2023-02-24- Defect
- 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.
- Consequence
- An incorrectly installed inflator may not properly inflate the passenger air bag, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
- 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.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
144,340 vehicles 2021-02-17- Defect
- 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.
- Consequence
- 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.
- 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.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
1,067 vehicles 2021-02-16- Defect
- 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.
- Consequence
- 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.
- 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.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
328,213 vehicles 2017-12-11- Defect
- 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.
- Consequence
- 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.
- 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…
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
328,213 vehicles 2017-12-11- Defect
- 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.
- Consequence
- 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.
- 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.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
361,692 vehicles 2016-01-25- Defect
- 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.
- Consequence
- 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.
- 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.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
362,327 vehicles 2015-05-28- Defect
- 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.
- Consequence
- 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.
- 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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
26,715 vehicles 2011-07-13- Defect
- 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)…
- Consequence
- Non-functioning lights could increase the risk of a crash.
- 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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
42,540 vehicles 2009-05-11- Defect
- 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.
- Consequence
- Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
- Remedy
- 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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
3,593 vehicles 2006-07-17- Defect
- 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.
- Consequence
- Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and may possibly result in a vehicle crash.
- Remedy
- 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.
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
1,395 vehicles 2004-07-14- Defect
- On certain pickup trucks, the frame may have a center rail section flange that was not formed properly.
- Consequence
- 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.
- 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.
Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the car's age. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before assuming it was done.
How it ranks in the 2004 field
The score at the top of the page, placed among its peers. The zones are the same thresholds the scorer applies, read out of the scorer itself, so the picture and the band word cannot disagree.
Scores are ranked within the model year, never across years, because an older car has had longer to accumulate reports.
- Left fewer and less serious reports
- Right more, or worse
- Marker this vehicle
Where 2004 sits in the model line
High risk for a 2004 — 138th riskiest of the 329 2004 vehicles we can rate. Every score on this site is a rank inside its own model year, which is what makes a 2004 and a 2019 comparable at all.
Across the 23 model years of this car that carry enough reports to score, 1996 comes out best at 58 and 2023 worst at 81, with 2004 itself at 68.
If the model year is negotiable, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001 and 1998 score lower than 2004 by a margin worth acting on. Same body, same engines, different luck — usually a supplier change or a mid-cycle fix, which the complaint data can show but never explain.
Within the 2004–2011 generation specifically, 2005 is the strongest year at 67 and 2009 the weakest at 74.
Scores compare each year against other cars of the same model year, so a low number on an older car is a real result and not an artefact of age.
Shorter is better. Years with too few reports to score are shown without a bar rather than as a zero, because no data is not good news.
Within the 2004-2011 generation, 2005 Ford Ranger scores best at 67 and 2009 Ford Ranger worst at 74.
What to look at before buying one
The mileages below are where the first quarter of reports for each mode had already been filed, which makes them the point at which a fault is worth looking for rather than the point at which it happens: other wheel or tire problem from about 10k, other speed control problem from about 11k, other brake problem from about 20k and fuel pump failure from about 22k.
On a 2004 Ford Ranger with more miles than that on it, the useful question to put to a seller or a mechanic is whether other wheel or tire problem has been dealt with, and if so with what parts and at whose expense. A car that has already had the repair is in a different position from one that has not.
None of this is a diagnosis. It is a list of what other owners of the same model year reported, ordered by when they reported it, which is a good place to point an inspection and a poor place to stop.
The limits of complaint data
462 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork. Every count on this page is therefore a floor: it is the number of owners who went to the trouble of filing with a federal agency, which is a small and self-selected fraction of the owners who had the fault.
Of those 462 reports, 258 carried an odometer reading, so the mileages here describe 56% of the sample rather than all of it. Owners also round: readings pile up on multiples of ten thousand, which is why this site publishes "about 90,000 miles" and not "91,438".
Named failure modes come from matching phrases in the complaint text, so a badly worded complaint can land in the wrong bucket. The effect washes out across hundreds of reports and does not wash out across five.
And nothing here predicts what one car will do. These are other people's complaints, filed years apart, on cars maintained by strangers. Read the page as a map of where this model year has previously gone wrong, then have the specific car in front of you inspected.
Questions this page answers
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Ford Ranger?
The most-reported failures are airbag inflator rupture (97 reports, median 85,000 miles), other body or interior problem (31 reports, median 80,000 miles) and other engine problem (19 reports, median 75,000 miles). Counts come from owner complaints filed with NHTSA, which are voluntary, so they show what owners bothered to report rather than every fault that occurred.
At what mileage do 2004 Ford Ranger problems start?
Other speed control problem is the earliest failure mode to show up, with a median reported mileage of 25,000 miles and a quarter of reports before 10,000 miles. Across all failure modes on this year, the median report sits at 67,000 miles.
Is the 2004 Ford Ranger reliable?
It scores 68 out of 100 on our risk index, which is high — 138th riskiest of the 329 2004 vehicles we can rate. The score is a comparison against other 2004 vehicles, not a prediction about any individual car, and it is built from complaint rates, severity and how early failures appear.
Which year of the Ford Ranger is best?
Within the 2004–2011 generation, 2005 scores best at 67 out of 100 and 2009 worst at 74. Same body, same engines, different luck.
Where this comes from. Every figure above is computed from NHTSA owner complaints and recall records for this exact make, model and year. Complaints are voluntary and self-selected, so treat counts as a floor. The methodology page writes out each formula, and the same numbers are available as JSON.
What breaks at my mileage Compare with another car
Source Owner complaints and recall records published by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, model years 1996–2027 Figures rebuilt Published by AtWhatMileage How every figure is computed