Reliability & 5-year cost of ownership — 2004 Ford Ranger
NHTSA data on file today
The 2004 Ford Ranger has 12 NHTSA recall campaigns and 405 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #23V306000 Replacement Air Bag Inflator Incorrectly Installed NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V125000 Replacement Air Bag Inflator Incorrectly Installed NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V076000 Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V081000 Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V788000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V787000 Driver Side Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V036000 Driver Side Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V322000 Passenger Front Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #11V352000 STEERING COLUMN MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH/FMVSS 108 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #09E025000 FMVSS 108/REPLACEMENT HEADLAMPS/AMBER REFLECTOR NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #06E065000 FMVSS 108/AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #04V331000 FORD/FRAME NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Air Bags 189 complaints
- Structure 46 complaints
- Suspension 29 complaints
- Power Train 27 complaints
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic 19 complaints
- Vehicle Speed Control 19 complaints
Of the 405 complaints on file, 42 report a crash and 3 a fire; across all 405 complaints, owners report 35 injuries and 2 deaths (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Below average
Estimated 5-year repair + maintenance cost: $5,000–$12,000AI estimate — not from NHTSA data
The 2004 Ford Ranger has a high number of recalls, primarily related to airbag issues, and numerous owner complaints, suggesting reliability concerns. The most problematic areas appear to be airbags and structural components, indicating potential safety risks and maintenance challenges. Limited data on other mechanical issues suggest a cautious approach when assessing long-term reliability.
Most-common failures
| Part | Typical mileage (AI estimate) | Cost range (AI estimate) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbags | Unknown | $400–$1,200 | very common |
| Frame and underbody | Unknown | $500–$1,500 | common |
| Suspension | 80,000–120,000 miles | $300–$1,000 | occasional |
AI estimate — not from NHTSA data: the mileage bands and repair-cost ranges above. Get a written repair quote before you budget.
Scheduled maintenance to budget
Routine items every owner should plan for.
- Oil and filter changes
- Brake pad and rotor replacement
- Tire rotations and balance
- Transmission fluid change
- Coolant system flush
- Spark plug replacement
- Timing belt check and replacement
Warning signs to watch for
Symptoms that signal a major upcoming repair.
- Airbag warning light
- Frame rust or damage
- Squeaking or creaking suspension
- Unusual braking sensation
- Vibration at high speeds
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2004 Ford Ranger at the time. The rating is an AI assessment; cost and mileage figures are AI estimates, not NHTSA data.