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1994 Ford Ranger problems

The most common problem on the 1994 Ford Ranger is brakes, typically around 126,000 miles. It has 1.9 times the complaints of a typical Ranger model year.

Typical year1.9x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
437
Recalls
4
Service bulletins
100
Worst area
Brakes
Fuel economy
16-21mpg

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.

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: hydraulicReported February 5, 1996 · 108,000 vehicles affected
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 controlReported December 5, 1995 · 26,000 vehicles affected
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: conventionalReported September 7, 1994 · 835,791 vehicles affected
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 fittingsReported June 13, 1994 · 11,400 vehicles affected
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 cylinderOpened June 19, 1995, closed April 2, 1996

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.

See all 100 bulletins for the 1994 Ford Ranger

1994 Ford Ranger fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.3L 4‑cylRWD18-1922-2420-21
2.3L 4‑cyl4WD182320
3.0L 6‑cylRWD16-1722-2318-19
3.0L 6‑cyl4WD15-1720-2217-19
4.0L 6‑cylRWD15-1620-2216-18
4.0L 6‑cyl4WD14-1518-2016-17

What 1994 Ford Ranger owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Aug 7, 2019 · Body, Suspension · NJ

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.

Filed May 15, 2018 · Tires · 120,000 miles · FL

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.

Filed Oct 25, 2017 · Body · CA

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

Filed Jul 15, 2016 · Fuel system · 123,000 miles · NJ

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.

Filed Jun 10, 2016 · Body · 205,000 miles · NC

Frame is rusted completely parts falling off and motor mounts have rusted apart. Rear bumber almost rusted away and falling off.

Filed Jan 31, 2016 · Body · 170,000 miles · VA

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.

Filed Aug 17, 2015 · Brakes, Steering · IN

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.

Filed Jan 17, 2015 · Body, Suspension · 51,000 miles · MO

Rear left spring shackle and mount rusted off. Big rust hole in the frame beside fuel tank on left side.

Filed Oct 30, 2014 · Fuel system · 45,000 miles · WA

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.

Filed Sep 20, 2014 · Tires · 227,066 miles · AZ

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.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 1994 Ford Ranger before you buy

Compare the 1994 Ford Ranger

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Other model years

199019911992199319941995199619971998199920002001200220032004200520062007200820092010201120142016201720192020202120222023202420252026

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.

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