1987 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 1987 Ford Ranger problems
Based on complaints from owners of the Ford Ranger 1987, several common problems have been reported:
- Lack of Engine Power Off-Idle: Another reported problem is the lack of engine power off-idle. This issue results in the truck lacking power consistently. Potential causes for this problem could include a vacuum leak, carbon buildup in the IAC valve, or a worn-out engine. Owners are advised to check for vacuum leaks in the dried-out hoses, inspect the IAC valve for carbon buildup, and ensure the SPOUT connector is properly jumped when checking and setting the timing.
- Electrical System Troubles: The 1987 Ford Ranger lacks a check engine light on the dashboard, making it challenging to diagnose issues without a scanner. Owners have reported difficulties with electrical problems, such as pinging, stalling, and erratic engine behavior. To address these issues, it is recommended to use a diagnostic scanner to check for trouble codes, test the TPS output voltage, and invest in a Digital Voltmeter (DVM) for diagnosing electrical problems effectively.
These common problems reported by owners of the Ford Ranger 1987 highlight the importance of regular maintenance, thorough diagnostics, and timely repairs to ensure optimal performance and longevity of the vehicle.
What are the bad years for Ford Ranger?
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.
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.
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.
What is the fuel economy of a 1987 Ford Ranger?
Based on data from 14 vehicles, 345 fuel-ups and 79,833 miles of driving, the 1987 Ford Ranger gets a combined Avg MPG of 18.42 with a 0.33 MPG margin of error.
What are the bad years for Ford Ranger?
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.
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.
What engine did a 1987 Ford Ranger have?
The standard 2.9 liter engine is a multiple-port electronically fuel-injected V-6 rated at 140 horsepower. And for 1987 this powerful V-6 is equipped with a system that alerts you when the oil level is lower than normal.
What is the most common problem with Ford Rangers?
Intermittent crankshaft sensor failure is a common problem with a Ford Ranger. A dip in fuel efficiency, engine misfires, and sluggish acceleration are some of the aftermaths of a faulty crankshaft sensor. There is also a possibility that your Ranger won't start due to a faulty crankshaft sensor.
1987 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
- Seat belts problems
- Fuel system problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Gasoline problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1987 Ford Ranger vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1987 Ford Ranger
The NHTSA has received 57 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1987 Ford Ranger. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1987 Ford Ranger vehicles.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-04-15
- Fire: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TRUCK WAS BOUGHT USED AND DEALER MAINTAINED, IT SAT PARKED FOR 3 DAYS WITHOUT BEING TOUCHED DUE TO SON BEING IN A PICA CAST FROM CHEST TO FEET, AT APPROXIMATELY 2 AM THE LOCKED TRUCK HONKED AND WOKE ME UP, WHEN I WENT OUTSIDE I COULD SEE FLAMES IN THE PASSENGER SEAT SO GOT KIDS OUT OF THE HOUSE AS THERE WAS GAS LINE CLOSE AND CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WHICH WAS UNABLE TO SAVE THE VEHICLE, AS SOON AS THE DOOR OPENED IT EXPLODED INTO A BIG WHITE BALL NOT EVEN THE TIRES WERE ANY GOOD. FIRE DEPARTMENT SAID IT WAS THE COMPUTER THAT SHORTED OUT AND CAUGHT IT ON FIRE. CONTACTED DEALER AND WAS TOLD THERE WERE NO COMPLAINTS OF THIS HAPPENING BEFORE WITH THE COMPUTERS BUT THEY WOULD NOTATE IT. LOCATION OF OCCURANCE AND WAS RUPERT,IDAHO AND REPORTED TO FORD DEALER IN BURLEY,ID
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-08-19
- VIN: 1FTCR15T5HP
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1987 FORD RANGER. THE VEHICLE HAS FIRESTONE TIRES, SIZE 30X9.5/R15LT. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD BANGING SOUND FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE. HE INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE TREAD HAD COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE. HE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER IN REFERENCE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 02T014000 (TIRES:MARKINGS) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE TIRES EXCEEDED THE WARRANTY; THEREFORE, THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. HE STILL HAS POSSESSION OF THE TIRES. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 109,117. UPDATED 09/24/08. *LJ UPDATED 09/26/08. *JB
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-08-27
- VIN: 1FTBR10T8HU
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 75 BETWEEN NAPLES AND MIAMI FLORIDA, THE TREAD ON MY FIRESTONE FR 440 TIRE SEPARATED WHICH CAUSE MY FORD RANGER TRUCK TO FISH TAIL ON HIGHWAY. I CONTROLLED THE VEHICLE TO A STOP ON SHOULDER OF THE HIGHWAY. CALLED POLICE AND THEY DISPATCHED ROAD SERVICE. THE FIRESTONE P205/70R14 93S M+S TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE. THE TIRED DID NOT GO FLAT. THE SEPARATED TREAD DESTROYED THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL, TAIL PIPE AND PART OF THE VEHICLE BODY AROUND WHEEL WELL. *NM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-04-03
- Number Of Injuries: 5
- Crash: 1
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FTBR10AXHU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: I HAD JUST LEFT A RED LIGHT. I WAS THE 1ST VECHICLE INTHE NORTH LANE ON A TWO LANE STREET. THE SOUTH BOUND SIDE HAD ABOUT 8 CARS . THE LAST CAR HIT A CAR IN FRONT OF HIM, SHE HIT A JEEP IN FRONT OF HER, AND IMPACT CAUSED HER TO SWEARVE INTO THE NORTHBOUND SIDE WHERE I HIT HER IN IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. I HAD MY GRANDSON 9 IN THE FRONT WITH ME. MY GRANDDAUGHTER 16 AND HER FRIEND 15 WERE IN THE TRUCK BED. I JUST HAD A SMALL INDENTION IN THE FRONT OF MY TRUCK. THIS TRUCK WAS A 1987 LONG BED. RUNS GOOD. IT I THOUGHT WAS STEAMING MAYBE I BUSTED MY RADIATOR. MY CONCERN WAS THE CHILDREN. THEN IT STARTED SMOKING. A FIRE EXTINQUISHER WAS USED. A LITTLE WHILE LATER IT CAUGHT AND BURNED UP.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-09-09
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1FTCR10A9HU
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: WHEN ACCELERATING ON A FLAT STRAIGHT HIGHWAY FROM 30 MPH, THE TRUCK JERKED TO THE RIGHT WENT INTO THE DITCH AND ROLLED SEVERAL TIMES, TOTALLING THE VEHICLE. INVESTIGATING OFFICER COMMENTED THAT THE BOLTS THAT HOLD THE CAB ONTO THE FRAME ONE WAS MISSING AND ANOTHER WAS SHEARED OFF. TRUCK RECENTLY HAD A REBUILT TRANSMISSION AND ENGINE INSTALLED AND HAD HAD REGULAR "SAFETY CHECKS" AT A LOCAL SHOP. NO NOTICABLE LEANING OR OTHER INDICATORS THAT THE PART WAS ABOUT TO FAIL. THIS KIND OF BOLT SHOULD LAST THE LIFETIME OF THE VEHICLE! NLM
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-08-27
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: LUGS ON RIGHT REAR BROKE OFF WHEN TIGHTENING. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1992-08-21
- VIN: 1FTCR11A3HU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: I'V HAD TO REPLACE THE IGNITION MODULE 3 TIMES SINCE THE FIRST DATE OF THE FIRST TIME OF BREAKING DOWN.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-08-23
- Fire: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE WAS PARKED/ IDLING WHEN IT SUDDENLY CAUGHT ON FIRE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-02-01
- VIN: FILL IN
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH FRONT FUEL TANK ON DUAL TANK ASSEMBLY, FELL OFF, AND WAS BEING DRAGGED BY VEHICLE. PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-01-21
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1FTCR15T0HP
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH ON HIGHWAY ENGINE SHUT OFF, AND CONSUMER WAS ALMOST REAR ENDED. THERE WAS NO PRIOR WARNING. CONSUMER HAS NOT CONTACTED DEALER YET. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1992-08-15
- VIN: 1FTCR14T2HP
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: PROBLEM HAS PERSISTED REGARDLESS OF REPLACEMENTS, VERY DANGEROUS. OVERALL, HEAT UP OF ENGINE, ETC SEEMS TO BE A MAJOR FACTOR.*AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-03-03
- VIN: 1FTCR15TOHP
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FTCR11A2HU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: NO SUMMARY
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-01
- VIN: 1FTBR10A7HU
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT LATCH WILL NOT STAY LATCHED... EITHER IT WILL NOT LATCH AT ALL, OR WILL LATCH AND THEN COME UN-LATCHED AS I AM DRIVING.. THIS OCCURS AT ANY SPEED, AND ALSO WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STOPPED. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-06-16
- VIN: 1FTCR10A9HU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHEN THE FTI MODUAL WENT OUT I WAS IN THE FAST LANE AND ALMOST WAS HIT BY A SEMI TRUCK TRYING TO PULL THE TRUCK TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, THERE WAS NO PWR STEERING OR BRAKES, THE EMERGENSY BRAKE WAS USED TO STOP THE TRUCK.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-12-14
- Fire: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ELECTRICAL COMPUTER SHORT OUT WAS THE POSSIBLE CAUSE OF VEHICLE FIRE. *MJS
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-12-15
- VIN: 1FTBR10C2HU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: GAS MILEAGE HAS DECREASED TO 6 MILES PER GALLON. NO FUEL LEAKS HAVE BEEN FOUND. BASIC PARTS HAVE BEEN CHANGED SUCH AS FUEL FILTER, PLUGS AND WIRES, AIR FILTER. TIMING HAS BEEN CHECKED AND SET CORRECTLY. HOWEVER, NONE OF THESE REPAIRS HAVE IMPROVED THE GAS MILEAGE.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FTBR10C7HU
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: BALL JOINT DID NOT CONTAIN GREASE FITTINGS RESULTING IN RUSTING.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FTBR10C7HU
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: PITMAN ROD THAT CONTROLS THE STEERING FAILED, SHEARED END.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1989-11-30
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: THE PAINT ON MY TRUCK STARTED PEALING ABOUT 2 YEARS AFTER PURCHASE / WENT TO DEALER SAID (S.O.L.) WARRANTY OVER. I HEARD THERE IS ACLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AGAINST FORD FOR THIS PROBLEM IWOULD LIKE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS THANKS
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-06-10
- VIN: 1FTBR10C7HV
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: STEERING COLUMN BROKE WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING, CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. DEALER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FTBR10A6HU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE BACKING OUT OF DRIVEWAY SMOKE APPEARED FROM DASH COLUMN. VEHICLE THEN CAUGHT FIRE DO TO A FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH. VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS. *AK
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-09-05
- VIN: 1FTCR15TOPH
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: :DRIVING DOWN HIGHWAY AND VEHICLE STARTED TO SWAY TO THE LEFT AND THERE WAS LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AFTER IT STARTED TO SWAINGY FOR A SECOND TIME. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-06-07
- VIN: 1FTCR11T1HU
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: WHEN INSERTING THE BELT INTO THE BUCKLE THE BELT WILL NOT LOCK INTO THE BUCKLE. WHILE DRIVING THE BELT WILL COME APART, AND THE OCCUPANTS WILL NOT BE LOCKED INTO THE SEAT BELT BECAUSE OF THE BELT NOT LOCKING WHEN INSERTING INTO THE BUCKLE. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FTCR14TOHP
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT LATCHES FAIL TO RELEASE WHEN RELEASE BUTTON IS PRESSED. *AK
1987 Ford Ranger recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 5 recalls for different components of the 1987 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: WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
- Summary: WHEEL LUG NUT CONE ANGLES DO NOT MATCH LUG NUT SEATING ANGLES.
- Consequence: NUTS COULD LOOSEN IN SERVICE CREATING POTENTIAL FORWHEELS TO SEPARATE FROM TRUCK.
- Remedy: REPAIR TO PREVENT LOOSENING OF LUG NUTS.
- 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: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
- Summary: THE BUCKLE PORTION OF THE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY ANCHORED TO THE FLOOR.
- Consequence: IF THIS CONDITION EXISTS, THE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY WOULDNOT WITHSTAND A SUBSTANTIAL IMPACT LOAD AND WOULD BE A POTENTIAL FOR PERSONALINJURY.
- Remedy: INSPECT AND MAKE PROPER INSTALLATION OF SEAT BELT AND BUCKLE ANCHOR BOLTS, IF NECESSARY.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
- Summary: STICKERS CONCERNING HANDLING AND MANEUVERABILITY WHICH ARE AFFIXED TO DRIVERS SUN VISOR SLEEVES DO NOT MEET CRITERIA FOR PERMANENT ADHESION.
- Consequence: VEHICLES DO NOT MEET FORMATS SPECIFIED BY PARTS 573 AND579 OF 49CFR.
- Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE MAILED NEW SUN VISOR SLEEVES WITH ALL APPLICABLE DECAL INFORMATION PERMANENTLY AFFIXED.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1987 Ford Ranger problems:
Q&A: Ford Ranger Fuel Injector Problems - 87 Ford Ranger ...
Feb 6, 2007 ... fuel pressure..OR CRANKING..COMMON PROBLEM… This is the third time for this vehicle - 87 ford ranger - no injector pulse - 87 is the only year ...
Intermittent fuel pump issues with a 1987 ford ranger | The Ranger ...
Would also recommend checking the plug at the sending unit...the plastic gets brittle and they fall apart fairly often. One more place to check ...
Q&A: 1987 Ford Ranger Fuel Filter - Find Answers Here
Feb 6, 2008 ... A common problem with the kind of issue your describing on the 1987 Ranger is a bad distributor stator, when it goes bad it cause erratic ...
1987 Ford Ranger Problems & Recalls - The Ranger Station
Consequence: Coupling could disengage due to fuel pressure, vibration, and engine movements; this would cause loss of fuel which, in presence of an ignition ...
1987 Ranger with 2.3 Problems - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
Jan 22, 2010 ... ... - 2012 Ranger & B-Series - 1987 Ranger with 2.3 Problems ... All of the code explainations are from Ford ... - maybe there's a common voltage supply ...
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