NHTSA vehicle safety data
2006 Ford Ranger Recalls, Ratings & Complaints
The 2006 Ford Ranger has 12 NHTSA recall campaigns and 272 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Ford dealer.
NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2006 Ford Ranger, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
2006 Ford Ranger owner complaints
Owners have filed 272 complaints with NHTSA about the 2006 Ford Ranger, describing incidents dated January 1, 2006 to October 7, 2026.
Most-cited components
- Air Bags 175 complaints
- Structure 26 complaints
- Suspension 20 complaints
- Engine 19 complaints
- Fuel/Propulsion System 16 complaints
- Unknown or Other 16 complaints
Of the 272 complaints on file, 14 report a crash and 2 a fire; across all 272 complaints, owners report 10 injuries and 4 deaths (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Newest complaints
ODI #11769825 · Filed
The contact owns a 2006 Ford Ranger. Before purchasing the vehicle, the vehicle was involved in a crash and the driver's side air bag had deployed. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 17V787000 (Air Bags) and 17V788000 (Air Bags). In 2019, the vehicle was taken to the…
ODI #11651972 · Filed
The contact owned a 2006 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while at a stop light, a crash occurred involving two other vehicles. During the crash, one of the other vehicles crashed into the contact’s vehicle, causing severe damages to the front-end of the vehicle; however, the air bags failed to…
ODI #11647594 · Filed
The contact owns a 2006 Ford Ranger. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V788000 (Air Bags). The contact stated that while stopped at a red light, both driver and passenger front air bags deployed without impact. The contact lost control and the vehicle then crashed into…
Replacement Air Bag Inflator Incorrectly Installed
NHTSA #23V306000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Passenger Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice
Reported April 28, 2023 · Ford Motor Company
Potentially affected: 231,942 vehicles
Repair completion: 20.96% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Ford campaign 23S08 · Owners notified May 22, 2023
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
An incorrectly installed inflator may not properly inflate the passenger air bag, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Manufacturer 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.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Replacement Air Bag Inflator Incorrectly Installed
NHTSA #23V125000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Passenger Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice
Reported February 24, 2023 · Ford Motor Company
Potentially affected: 98,550 vehicles
Ford campaign 23S08 · Owners notified April 5, 2023
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
An incorrectly installed inflator may not properly inflate the passenger air bag, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Manufacturer 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.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode
NHTSA #21V076000 · Air Bags — Frontal · NHTSA notice
Reported February 17, 2021 · Ford Motor Company
Potentially affected: 144,340 vehicles
Repair completion: 36.18% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Ford campaign 21S05 · Owners notified March 17, 2021 · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation
Recall group: Takata airbag inflators
Defect description
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.
Safety 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.
Manufacturer 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.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode
NHTSA #21V081000 · Air Bags — Frontal · NHTSA notice
Reported February 16, 2021 · Ford Motor Company
Potentially affected: 1,067 vehicles
Repair completion: 42.83% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Ford campaign 21S05 · Owners notified March 17, 2021 · Vehicles built May 13, 2003 – October 27, 2011 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation
Recall group: Takata airbag inflators
Defect description
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.
Safety 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.
Manufacturer 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.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode
NHTSA #18V022000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Passenger Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice
Reported January 11, 2018 · Ford Motor Company
Potentially affected: 33,310 vehicles
Repair completion: 75.78% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Ford campaign 18S02 · Owners notified January 16, 2018 · Vehicles built September 21, 2005 – December 15, 2005 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation
Recall group: Takata airbag inflators
Defect description
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2006 Ford Ranger trucks. Ford is requesting owners NOT TO DRIVE these vehicles until they have been repaired. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode. On January 11, 2018, Ford Motor Company (Ford) notified NHTSA that they are recalling 2,700 model year 2006 Ranger vehicles built with passenger-side air bag inflators. As of February 9, 2018, Ford is expanding the recall to a total of 33,310 model year 2006 Ranger vehicles built with passenger-side air bag inflators. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
Safety consequence
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with sharp metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants, potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Manufacturer remedy
Ford will notify owners instructing them to not drive their vehicles, and dealers will replace the passenger side air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall for the original population began on January 16, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S02.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Driver Side Air Bag Inflator May Explode
NHTSA #18V023000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Driver Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice
Reported January 11, 2018 · Ford Motor Company
Potentially affected: 33,310 vehicles
Repair completion: 75.78% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Ford campaign 18S02 · Owners notified January 16, 2018 · Vehicles built September 21, 2005 – December 15, 2005 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation
Recall group: Takata airbag inflators
Defect description
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2006 Ford Ranger trucks. Ford is requesting owners NOT TO DRIVE these vehicles until they have been repaired. On January 11, 2018, Ford Motor Company (Ford) notified NHTSA that they are recalling 2,700 model year 2006 Ranger vehicles built with driver-side air bag inflators . As of February 9, 2018, Ford is expanding the recall to a total of 33,310 model year 2006 Ranger vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
Safety consequence
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with sharp metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants, potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Manufacturer remedy
Ford will notify owners instructing them to not drive their vehicles, and dealers will replace the front driver side air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall for the original population began on January 16, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S02.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Driver Side Air Bag Inflator May Rupture
NHTSA #17V787000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Driver Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice
Reported December 11, 2017 · Ford Motor Company
Potentially affected: 328,213 vehicles
Repair completion: 51.17% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Ford campaign 17S42 · Owners notified January 16, 2018 · Vehicles built March 24, 2003 – May 4, 2006 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation
Recall group: Takata airbag inflators
Defect description
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.
Safety 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.
Manufacturer 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.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture
NHTSA #17V788000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Passenger Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice
Reported December 11, 2017 · Ford Motor Company
Potentially affected: 328,213 vehicles
Repair completion: 51.17% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Ford campaign 17S42 · Owners notified December 22, 2017 · Vehicles built March 24, 2003 – May 4, 2006 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation
Recall group: Takata airbag inflators
Defect description
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.
Safety 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.
Manufacturer 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. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S42.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Driver Side Air Bag Inflator May Rupture
NHTSA #16V036000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Driver Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice
Reported January 25, 2016 · Ford Motor Company
Potentially affected: 361,692 vehicles
Repair completion: 0.15% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Ford campaign 16S03 · Owners notified February 26, 2016 · Vehicles built March 24, 2003 – May 4, 2006 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation
Recall group: Takata airbag inflators
Defect description
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.
Safety 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.
Manufacturer 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.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Passenger Front Air Bag Inflator May Rupture
NHTSA #15V322000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Passenger Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice
Reported May 28, 2015 · Ford Motor Company
Potentially affected: 362,327 vehicles
Repair completion: 30.44% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Ford campaign 15S22 · Owners notified December 4, 2015 · Vehicles built March 24, 2003 – May 4, 2006 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation
Recall group: Takata airbag inflators
Defect description
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.
Safety 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.
Manufacturer 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.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
STEERING COLUMN MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH/FMVSS 108
NHTSA #11V352000 · Exterior Lighting — Tail Lights · NHTSA notice
Reported July 13, 2011 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Potentially affected: 26,715 vehicles
Ford campaign 11C18 · Owners notified August 15, 2011
Defect description
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) THAT MAY EXPERIENCE DEFORMATION. A MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WITH A DEFORMED SLIDER MAY MALFUNCTION CAUSING THE TURN SIGNAL, TAIL LIGHTS, HAZARD WARNING SIGNAL FLASHERS AND/OR BRAKE LIGHTS NOT TO ACTIVATE.
Safety consequence
NON-FUNCTIONING LIGHTS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Manufacturer 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.
Notes
FORD'S SAFETY RECALL NO. 11C18.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
WIPER MOTOR GREASE
NHTSA #05V520000 · Visibility — Windshield Wiper/Washer — Motor · NHTSA notice
Reported November 9, 2005 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Potentially affected: 199,942 vehicles
Ford campaign 05S40 · Owners notified November 22, 2005 · Vehicles built August 29, 2005 – October 17, 2005 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, PASSENGER CARS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITHOUT GREASE BEING APPLIED TO THE OUTPUT SHAFT GEAR.
Safety consequence
AFTER A PERIOD OF CONTINUOUS USE ON THE HIGH SPEED SETTING, LACK OF GREASE ON THE OUTPUT SHAFT GEAR MAY CAUSE THE GEAR TO DISTORT OR FRACTURE DURING OPERATION RESULTING IN A LOSS OF WIPER FUNCTION. INOPERATIVE WIPERS UNDER INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS COULD CAUSE A CRASH DUE TO IMPAIRED VISIBILITY.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WIPER MOTOR FOR THE PRESENCE OF GREASE AND GREASE THE WIPER MOTOR GEARS IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 22, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673 OR LINCOLN/MERCURY AT 1-800-521-4140.
Notes
FORD RECALL NO. 05S40. CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
Other Ford Ranger model years
Check your 2006 Ford Ranger VIN
Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Ford Ranger at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
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