The frame and suspension is rotting here is a rust hole in my frame where the coil spring goes. The truck body has no other signs of rust and has never been abused or neglected.
The worst 1994 Ford Ranger problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Brakes115
- Fuel system63
- Tires54
- Transmission49
- Suspension30
- Electrical25
- Acceleration23
- Engine23
- Body21
- Steering19
- Seats17
- Visibility13
- Seat belts11
- Lights10
- Airbags3
- Wheels3
- Locks1
Specific symptoms reported on the 1994 Ford Ranger
Brake failure 28Tire blowout 21ABS 16Fuel leak 14Stalling 13Fire or smoke 9Pulling 9Adaptive cruise 8Grinding brakes 7Fuel pump 7Ball joint 5
Recalls 4
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: hydraulic
- What is wrong
- The studs which attach the brake master cylinder to the power brake vacuum booster assembly can develop stress corrosion cracking after being operated for an extended period of time in the southern california location.
- Risk
- If a crack occurs, it could result in one or both studs fracturing. The master cylinder could then separate from the vacuum booster, when the brakes are applied, preventing the service brakes from activating increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the power brake vacuum booster assembly.
Recall number 96V024001 · Recall details
Vehicle speed control
- What is wrong
- During extreme cold, northern climate winter conditions, ice can form in the throttle body of the engine causing the throttle plate to remain in the highway cruising position after the accelerator is released or the speed control is deactivated.
- Risk
- The vehicle stopping distances can be increased possibly resulting in an accident.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the air intake duct and valve assembly with revised units.
Recall number 95V231001 · Recall details
Parking brake: conventional
- What is wrong
- The parking brake control self-adjust pawl does not line up properly with the self-adjust rachet causing the pawl to slip over one or more teeth in the rachet.
- Risk
- When the above occurs, it can result in parking brake system ineffectiveness. The parking brake will not hold the vehicle, causing the vehicle to roll freely, if the transmission is not left in gear.
- Remedy
- A wedge will be installed which will serve to lock the parking brake self-adjust mechanism pawl into engagement with the rachet. Also, owners will be advised to release and reapply the parking brake whenever tooth skip occurs and will be reminded to always turn off the engine and leave the vehicle in gear when the vehicle is parked.
Recall number 94V169001 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- The front fuel lines have a section of flexible hose that is susceptible to cracking which can allow fuel leakage.
- Risk
- Leaking fuel can result in a fire when exposed to a source of ignition.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the front fuel line assembly.
Recall number 94V111001 · Recall details
See all 4 recalls for the 1994 Ford Ranger
Defect investigations
Separation of master cylinder
Ford continues to sudy the problem attempting to determine why stud fractures are not frequently occurring in other parts of the country.likewise, odi continues gathering information to ascertain whether the recall scope should include other geographical areas.if evidence indicates the scope should be expanded, odi will reopen the investigation as warranted.
EA95018
Technical service bulletins for the 1994 Ford Ranger 100
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- New transmission cooler flusher - service tips
- Some vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission and a 4.0L ohv engine may exhibit a noise /...
- Some vehicles equipped with 4.0L ohv engines may exhibit a loud a/c clutch engagement
- Some vehicles equipped with the 4.0L ohv engine may exhibit an engine noise which may be perceived by the...
- Owner notification program supplement 7 revised information - regarding replacement of wilderness at tires
- Information on climate control, loud a/c clutch cycling noise
- Some vehicles may exhibit heater core leaks
- Information regarding transmission fluid usage charts
- Some vehicles may exhibit a loud compressor cycling noise
- Some vehicles may exhibit loud a/c clutch cycling noise condition
1994 Ford Ranger fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3L 4‑cyl | RWD | 18-19 | 22-24 | 20-21 |
| 2.3L 4‑cyl | 4WD | 18 | 23 | 20 |
| 3.0L 6‑cyl | RWD | 16-17 | 22-23 | 18-19 |
| 3.0L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 15-17 | 20-22 | 17-19 |
| 4.0L 6‑cyl | RWD | 15-16 | 20-22 | 16-18 |
| 4.0L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 14-15 | 18-20 | 16-17 |
What 1994 Ford Ranger owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Drove my truck one day all was fine. Drove it the next day and felt a strange vibration. While driving I noticed the truck wanted to keep pulling hard to the right. Inspection of tires revealed the left front tire was was not touching the completely in contact with the road. Tread is good. Looks like belt failure. Scarry. Have pictures. It is a cornell 1000. P215-70r14.
1994 ford ranger. Consumer writes in regards to rusted frame on vehicle. *ld the consumer stated the frame rusted and broke releasing the gas tank from the vehicle, while driving. The consumer requested to be reimbursed or replace the frame. Updated 10/25/2017
Tl* the contact owns a 1994 ford ranger. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 20 MPH, there was a strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The contact observed from the front driver mirror side a trail. In addition, there was fuel leaking from the vehicle. An independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle, where it was determined that there was a crack in the fuel line. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 94v111001 (fuel system/gasoline). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 123,000.
Frame is rusted completely parts falling off and motor mounts have rusted apart. Rear bumber almost rusted away and falling off.
Passenger side frame rusted just behind the front wheel. This is a potential safety issue and will cause the truck to fail the state safety inspection rendering the truck useless. Unless it brakes before that time. Drivers side in better condition.
Noticed a clunking noise if the right front of the vehicle during turning, stopping and going over small bumps. Figured it would be something simple and took it to my mechanic. He said it was a rusted frame mount and to take it to a body shop. So I did and the second opinion was that the frame was rusted completely in two just if front of the right shock mount. I climbed under the vehicle and it truly is rusted completely into two pieces. I don't know what is keep the front right wheel where it belongs. Unsafe to drive. Parked for now. Where do I turn now? No pun intended.
Rear left spring shackle and mount rusted off. Big rust hole in the frame beside fuel tank on left side.
Since approximately 2000 I have been unable to fill the truck with gas. I can not fill the tank, if I do the fuel will just spill on the ground. Hose from fuel fill to tank must be cracked.
Fuzion touring tires p195/70r14 91t tread separating at <14kmiles. I bought this set of tires and rims used from a friend who had bought the set of tires from on online tire retailer, in early 2013 (tire dot code jefj can 4412 made in china). The rims and tires were installed on a 1996 ford ranger 2wd initially and then on my 1994 ford ranger xlt 2wd. Front two tires began to feel wobbly and vibrate excessively. Upon inspection, the tires were disfigured and out of round. Upon closer inspection both front tires appeared as if the inner belts had peaked in the center of the tire on the tread surface (like the tread surface had been folded around the perimeter of the tire), but not all the way around the tires. This was the obvious cause of the vibration. Tires replaced and everything was fine. The replacement tires were put on the rear and the two remaining fuzion tires were moved to the front. A couple of months later, one of the fuzion tires now on the front repeated the same problem I had with the other two. Obviously there is a defect in the tires for 3 of 4 to go bad in exactly the same way with in such a close time range. The 4th tire appears to be ok, however due to the problem with the other three, I am replacing it too. If you have these tires and experience vibration, immediately investigate the shape of the tire tread surface for disfigurement - if you find any, immediately replace the tire. I can provide photos as needed.
Compare the 1994 Ford Ranger
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Other model years
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Questions about the 1994 Ford Ranger
Is the 1994 Ford Ranger reliable?
Owners have filed 437 complaints about the 1994 Ford Ranger, 1.9 times a typical Ranger model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1994 Ford Ranger?
Brakes, with 115 complaints, typically around 126,000 miles. Next is fuel system (63).
How many recalls does the 1994 Ford Ranger have?
4 recalls, covering service brakes, hydraulic, vehicle speed control and parking brake.
Was there a recall on the 1994 Ford Ranger brakes?
Yes, 2 recalls: 96V024001, 94V169001. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Ford Ranger have bad brakes?
The Ford Ranger model years with the most brakes complaints are 1994 (115 complaints), 1999 (88 complaints) and 2000 (78 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 1994 Ford Ranger get?
Official estimates for the 1994 Ford Ranger range from 16 to 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.3L 4-cyl, RWD) gets 18-19 city and 22-24 highway.
VIN decoder
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