1986 Ford Ranger problems
The Ford Ranger is a compact or mid-size pickup marketed globally by Ford over a series of generations, varying between both in-house or outside development and manufacturing — and with a hiatus in North America from 2011–2018.
Debuting as a compact pickup in North America in 1982 for the 1983 model year, the Ranger was later introduced in some South American countries. From 1998 to 2011, the Ranger nameplate was used for models developed by Mazda for sale outside the North American market. In 2011, Ford introduced the first Ranger based on the T6 platform. Considered a mid-size pickup truck, the model was developed in-house by Ford Australia. In that same year, the North American-market Ranger was discontinued, leaving the T6 platform-based Ranger as the sole Ranger model worldwide.
For the 2019 model year, the Ranger was reintroduced in North America using the globally-marketed T6 model. It is manufactured at the Michigan Assembly Plant at Wayne, Michigan. The Ranger is smaller than the F-150 and larger than the Maverick in the Ford North American pickup truck range, while for markets outside the Americas it is typically the only Ford pickup offered for sale.
The second generation of the T6-based Ranger was released in 2021 for worldwide markets, using a revised T6 platform.
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Common 1986 Ford Ranger problems
The Ford Ranger, first introduced in 1983, is known for its reliability and ruggedness.
One of the most common problems with the 1986 Ford Ranger is engine misfiring, which can lead to power loss, stalling, and mild tremors. To diagnose and address the problem, it is recommended to consult a mechanic for a thorough inspection and diagnosis.
Another issue that has been reported by Ford Ranger owners is stalling when attempting to start the vehicle from cold. Again, it is recommended to consult a mechanic for a proper diagnosis and repair.
The 1986 Ford Ranger has also been reported to have loose steering wheels, which can cause the vehicle to wander from side to side on the highway. If you notice any steering issues with your Ranger, it is recommended to visit a mechanic for a wheel alignment and inspection of the steering components.
In addition to these issues, earlier models of the Ford Ranger, including the 1986 model, have struggled with transmission problems, such as shaky or delayed transmission, gear slips, and transmission overheating.
Despite these common issues, the Ford Ranger has received high safety ratings from experts, including a 96% score in crash testing by Euro NCAP and a 9 out of 10 rating for safety by USNews.com.
In summary, the 1986 Ford Ranger has been reported to have common issues such as engine misfiring, stalling, loose steering wheels, and transmission problems. If you own a 1986 Ford Ranger or are considering purchasing one, it is recommended to be aware of these potential issues and to consult a mechanic for regular inspections and maintenance.
What year did Ford Ranger have problems?
Ford Ranger recent recalls
| Affected model dates | Issue |
|---|---|
| 01/09/18 - 31/05/19 | Heavy loading could cause the rear differential to fail |
| 01/12/16 - 28/02/19 | Rear silencer may detach from the exhaust pipe creating an accident risk |
| 01/01/04-31/12/06 | Gas generator on front airbag may be defective which could cause uncontrolled inflation |
What is the most common problem with the Ford Ranger?
Common engine problems on a Ford Ranger include a turbo failure and engine crank damage which causes excessive overheating, dark smoke from the exhaust, and a dip in fuel economy. Engine problems can land your car in serious trouble. Thus, it is always better to consult a mechanic right after you've spotted any faults.
Are old Ford Rangers reliable?
A: Yes, some Ford Ranger model years have proven less reliable than others. It's best to avoid the following years: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2011, and 2019. These years have been subject to numerous customer complaints and issues.
What engine is in a 1986 Ford Ranger?
2.9-liter V6
The 1986 model year saw a 2.9-liter V6 with 140 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque replace the 2.8-liter in the Ranger lineup.
What is the best years for Ford Ranger to avoid?
A: Yes, some Ford Ranger model years have proven less reliable than others. It's best to avoid the following years: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2011, and 2019. These years have been subject to numerous customer complaints and issues.
What engine is in a 1986 Ford Ranger?
2.9-liter V6
The 1986 model year saw a 2.9-liter V6 with 140 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque replace the 2.8-liter in the Ranger lineup.
What year did Ford Ranger have problems?
Ford Ranger recent recalls
| Affected model dates | Issue |
|---|---|
| 01/09/18 - 31/05/19 | Heavy loading could cause the rear differential to fail |
| 01/12/16 - 28/02/19 | Rear silencer may detach from the exhaust pipe creating an accident risk |
| 01/01/04-31/12/06 | Gas generator on front airbag may be defective which could cause uncontrolled inflation |
How reliable is an old Ford Ranger?
The Ford Ranger has received above-average reliability ratings from JD Power and Consumer Reports. RepairPal ranks the used Ford Ranger with a 4.0/5 reliability ranking, which is #3 in its class. With few recalls and consumer complaints in its history, the used Ford Ranger is a reliable truck for sale near you.
1986 Ford Ranger car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford Ranger problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Seat belts problems
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1986 Ford Ranger vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1986 Ford Ranger
The NHTSA has received 42 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1986 Ford Ranger. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1986 Ford Ranger vehicles.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1901-01-01
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: CONSUMER WOULD LIKE INFORMATION REGARDING A 1986 FORD RANGER SHE SOLD TO HER SON. *KB
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-05-15
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT DOES NOT LATCH PROPERLY. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1991-01-01
- VIN: 1FTCR14T8GP
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CATASTROPHIC SHUTDOWN AT ANY SPEED, ENGINE STOPS RUNNING. DT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-06-09
- Fire: 1
- VIN: ADD
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING. ALSO, SAW FLAMES COMING FROM UNDER THE DASH. VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-06-11
- VIN: 1FTCR14A9GP
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IGNITION SWITCH WOULD STICK. WOULD SHORT OUT EVERTHING CONNECTED TO IT. HAD EVERYTHING RELATED TO IGNITION SWITCH & WIRING REPLACED DUE TO BEING BURNED.*AK
STEERING,SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FTCR14A9GP
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IGNITION HAS SHORTED OUT 3 TIMES. DEFECT KEEPS REOCCURRING.* AK CONSUMER STATES HAS NOW HAPPENED 4 TIMES, IGNITION FAILED TO DISENGAGE STARTER SOLENOID AFTER RELEASING BATTERY, CAUSED OVER HEATING OF STARTER, SHORTED TEMP GUAGE, RADIO, AND PANEL, INDICATOR LIGHTS, BUT DID NOT BLOW FUSES AS IT DID JUNE 11,2000. IT CAUSED BOTH FUEL PUMPS TO SHORT OUT, THE HIGH PRESSURE PUMP APPEARED TO HAVE WELDED MARKS ON OUTSIDE CASING OF PUMP, WHEN PURCHASED DEALER STATED NO DEFECTS BUT HAD JUST COME OUT OF FORD'S SHOP, HOOD HAS MARK OF COMPULSION AND MELTED PAINT ON TOP HOOD, CROSS MEMBER IS ISDE HOOD HAS OUTSIDE SHEET METAL, ALSO SHORTED ALTERNATOR ALONG WITH STARTER, STARTER SOLENOID JUNE 1998 IT APPEARS THE SHORT STARTED IN THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR THEN WENT TO THE INJECTOR HARNESS, CONSUMER HAS REPORTED TO MANUFACTURER CONSUMER ALSO HAD FRONT BRAKES REPLACED AS WELLS AS TIE ROD END AND WHEEL BALANCED AND TIRES ROTATED.*JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-24
- VIN: 1FTCR1OAZGU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-02-28
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: ON 2/25/2000 I BOUGHT THESE TIRES AT SEARS AUTO CENTER IN FINDLAY OHIO. THEY HAVE NOT MAINTAINED THE CORRECT AIR PRESURE. I HAVE TO PUT AIR IN THEM EVERY OTHER DAY . THEY ARE NOT SAFE TO DRIVE ON BECAUSE THEY ARE CONSTANTLY LOOSING AIR PRESSURE. I HAVE BEEN BACK TO SEARS ON 4/21/2000,6/14/2000,7/10/2000 AND THEY SAID THEY WOULD TAKE A LOOK AT THEM AND EACH TIME THE TIRES CONTINUED TO LOOSE AIR PRESURE. ON 9/22/2000 I WENT TO SEARS AGAIN AND THEY SAID THEY WOULD LOOK AT THE TIRES. I SAID THAT YOU HAVE ALREADY LOOKED AT THEM 4 TIMES AND THEY CONTINUE TO LEAK AND I WANTED TO KNOW WHAT THEY WERE GOING TO DO ABOUT IT. THEY ASKED ME WHAT KIND OF TIRES THEY WERE AND I TOLD THEM FIRESTONE RESPONSE. THEY SAID THAT FIRESTONE IS RECALLING ALL OF THEIR TIRES AND THAT I SHOULD CONTACT FIRESTONE MYSELF. I CHECKED ON THE FIRESTONE WEB SIGHT AND THESE TIRES ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. NONE THE LESS THEY ARE DEFECTIVE AND UNSAFE. I NEED SOME HELP AT GETTING THESE TIRES REPLACED BEFORE THEY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. SEARS WONT STAND BEHIND THEM AND THEY AREN'T IN THE RECALL. PLEASE HELP!!!!! SINCERELY NEAL MACKEDANZ [email protected]. *AK( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P19575S14 )
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: GAS TANKS WILLNOT FILL PROPERLY AND LEAKS. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-01-01
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY
- Summary: ABS SYSTEM IS WORKING INTERMITTENTLY. ALSO, SUN ROOF DOESN'T WORK, AND WATER PUMP HAD TO BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, VEHICLE IS SHIFTING HARD. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-08-26
- VIN: 1FTCR14A2GP
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILED TO RELEASE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE FAILS INTERMITTENTLY.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FTBR10CGUA
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STALLS AND ENGINE DIES OUT FOR NO REASON. CAUSE UNKNOWN. *AK
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-06-08
- VIN: PLEASE FILL
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: STUDS ON TIRES KEEP COMING LOOSE, CAUSING THE TIRE TO SEPARATE FROM THE WHEELS. THEY HAVE BEEN REPLACED AT LEAST 4 TIMES BY THE TIRE COMPANY. HAS NOT TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP AS OF YET. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-10-10
- VIN: 1FTBR10A8GU
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT DOES NOT LATCH. THE SPRING IN THE BUCKLE IS BROKEN. THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-02-17
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH AND SEAT BELTED, THE DEFECTIVE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT BECAME UNLATCHED, CAUSING THE OCCUPANT TO BE THROWN OUT AND RAN OVER BY THE VEHICLE. *AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-10-11
- VIN: 1FTBR10TXGU
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: LEAK IN EITHER THE RUBBER FUEL LINES OR HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSES ROUTED ALONG THE LEFT SIDE OF THE V-6 MOTOR.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-10-11
- VIN: 1FTBR10TXGU
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FIRE--RESULTED FROM A LEAK IN EITHER THE RUBBER FUEL LINES OR HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSES ROUTED ALONG THE LEFT SIDE OF THE V6 MOTOR.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-07-21
- VIN: 1FTCR11A9GU
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: REVERSE GEAR THRUST WASHER BROKE, CAUSING REVERSE AND OVERDRIVE GEARS TO CLASH, TRANSMISSION TO FREEZE, LOCKING UP TIRES.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-01-11
- VIN: 1FTBR1OT5GU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IGNITION MODULE AND STARTER ASSEMBLY FAILED CAUSING STALLING.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-12-29
- VIN: 1FTBR1OT5GU
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL PUMP AND SENDER ASSEMBLY FAILED.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-05-23
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Fire: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE PARKED IN DRIVEWAY, UPON STARTING, FIRE BROKE OUT IN THE IGNITION SWITCH AREA DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL SHORT. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FTCR14A8GP
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: AFTER PARKING, SHORT WHILE LATER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM STEERING COLUMN, THEN FLAMES SHOT OUT OF IGNITION SWITCH WHILE PUSHING DOWN DRIVE WAY. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FTCR14A8GP
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: AFTER PARKING, SHORT WHILE LATER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM STEERING COLUMN, THEN FLAMES SHOT OUT OF IGNITION SWITCH WHILE PUSHING DOWN DRIVE WAY. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: AFTER BEING PARKED FOR APPROX. 10 HOUR, FOUND VEHICLE ENGULFED IN FLAMES, FIRE DEPT WAS EXTINQUISHING, AND MADE NO DETERMINATION AS TO WHY IT STARTED. *AK
1986 Ford Ranger recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 5 recalls for different components of the 1986 Ford Ranger.
- Manufacturer: AIMCO PRODUCTS INC.
- Components: 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.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: WIRING FOR THE POWER LUMBAR SEAT SYSTEM WAS ROUTED DIRECTLY BENEATH THE SEAT CUSHION SPRINGS AND MAY BE ABRADED BY THE SPRINGS.
- Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN A SHORT CIRCUIT WHICH MAY CREATESUFFICIENT HEAT TO START A FIRE IN THE SEAT CUSHION PAD AND/OR TRIM COVER.
- Remedy: INSTALL A FUSE WITHIN THE POWER LUMBAR ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: SPRING LOCK FUEL LINE COUPLING MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ENGAGED.
- Consequence: COUPLING COULD DISENGAGE DUE TO FUEL PRESSURE,VIBRATION, AND ENGINE MOVEMENTS; THIS WOULD CAUSE LOSS OF FUEL WHICH, INPRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, CREATES A FIRE RISK.
- Remedy: INSTALL RETAINER CLIPS OVER THE COUPLINGS TO PREVENT COUPLING SEPARATION AND FUEL LEAKAGE.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: NYLON FUEL LINES ON THE FUEL RETURN SIDE OF THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR ASSEMBLY MAY CRACK. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: FUEL LINE COULD LEAK AND, IF AN IGNITION SOURCE IS PRESENT, CREATE THE POTENTIAL FOR A FIRE.
- Remedy: REPLACE NYLON FUEL HOSES WITH RUBBER HOSES.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
- Summary: THE ELECTRONIC ENGINE CONTROL WIRING HARNESS INSULATION MAY BE DAMAGED DUE TO COPPER SPIKES PRODUCED DURING THE WELDING OF ITS WIRES. THIS CREATES A POTENTIAL FOR A SHORT CIRCUIT BETWEEN THE WIRES WHICH ENERGIZE THE FUEL PUMP, CAUSING SOME FUEL INJECTORS TO OPEN, DISCHARGING FUEL INTO THE ENGINE. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: FUEL DISCHARGED INTO THE ENGINE WOULD EVENTUALLY LEAK THROUGH THE EXHAUST SYSTEM TO THE GROUND. THIS COULD RESULT IN A FIRE IF A SOURCE OF IGNITION IS PRESENT.
- Remedy: REPAIR WIRING HARNESS, CHECK ENGINE AND CATALYST FOR DAMAGE.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1986 Ford Ranger problems:
possibly buying a 1986 ford ranger issues? - Ford Truck Enthusiasts ...
May 7, 2009 ... The only problem I have had it with it is a quirky staying on fast idle sometimes. The only items I have had to replace are shocks, tires, ...
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