2006 Ford Ranger
The Verdict
The 2006 Ford Ranger has 269 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are electrical (174 complaints) and body (56 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 46/100, it earns a "Proceed with Caution" rating. If you're shopping for a Ford Ranger, consider the 2020 model year which has 55% fewer complaints.
Safe Bet
The 2020 has 55% fewer complaints
View the 2020 Ford Ranger dashboard →
Klunk Score: Proceed with Caution
About average for complaint volume. Research the specific issues before buying.
How is this calculated?
The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.
Recalls 2
Active safety recalls from NHTSA for this vehicle year.
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 f...
Risk
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 s...
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 or...
Reported Nov 1, 2018
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 Com...
Risk
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 seri...
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...
Reported Nov 1, 2018
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Under the Hood
Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.
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Complaints
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 deploy. The Fire Department was called to the scene and removed the front driver’s side door to free the contact from the vehicle. The contact sustained a neck injury and was later taken by her daughter to seek medical attention. A Police report was filed at the scene. The vehicle was destroyed and towed away. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V081000 (AIR BAGS). The contact was concerned that after the recall repair was performed, the air bag failed to deploy during the crash. The failure mileage was 98,000.
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 the rear of another vehicle. The contact received shoulder and neck injuries, medical attention was needed. The second vehicle occupant also sustained a back injury and medical attention was sought. A police report was filed but the information was not available. The contact cut the air bags out with a pocket knife and the vehicle was taken to the resident. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the dealer refused to diagnose or repair the vehicle under the recall until the SRS system and passenger seat belt were repaired since it was locked. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and was transferred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 220,000.
Problem with fuel pump city switch keeps burning up and causing my truck to to die while I’m driving it. I have got it checked by a mechanic shop and the problem keeps happening. The fuel pump, the cut off switch and the connector and wires have all been replaced and it still continues to happen. This has been happening for years and is causing me to almost get in a car accident.
My truck has been to the dealer on a number of occasions. The dealership (Access Ford, Corpus Christi, Texas) claims that the air bag was replaced. I brought the truck to the dealership in for the airbag issue in January 2017. When I kept receiving notices about the recall and checking the data bases (data bases noted the recall as not completed) I brought the truck back to the dealership in April 2023. Again a check of the recall data bases noted that the recall was not completed. During the April 2023 visit the dealership stated that it was a documentation issue and would recheck the air bag part and ID number and reenter it into the system. Checked the data bases recently and found that the recall was still in effect. Called Ford corporate customer service and they referred me to the dealership. Spoke to a service writer [XXX] at the dealership on June 20,2023 and she stated that there was some issues with their warranty person and would look into the issue and try and get my recall data updated accordingly. As of today (June 26, 2023) checked the data bases and the airbag recall has not been completed. My insurance company is believes that failure to prove that the recall was completed may have a negative effect on my vehicle insurance if an accident occurs. Can this confusion be rectified or do I need to take the truck in again to the dealer? (Copy of receipts for work done attached.) INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
2006 FORD RANGER- Consumer states "2021 I was driving and my air bag deployed as I slightly turned my wheel while driving. It’s hard to remember but The airbag total incapacitated me causing me to hit a tree head on. I am now disabled suffering a traumatic brain injury, and multiple injuries, I am now disabled unable to work and had to leave college. I talked to ford and they ignored me. This isn’t a legal request, it’s not for a law suit, I didn’t file against takata, but my 3 year old son was with me , he wasn’t hurt but it greatly effected him, and my ability to be a father. I need all reports and data involving accidents caused by the takata air bag deploying while driving, I specifically only want reports involving the 2004-2006 ford ranger with the air bag defect. Is that something you can help me with? This is so important. I know there has been deaths and vehicle was a ford ranger, and rangers have been in countless accidents due to air bag. This research is for myself, and I’ve been trying but I can’t find the reports, specially only ones involving ford rangers. "
Frame front and rear are rusted to the point the vehicle is no longer roadworthy. The truck only has 68,410 miles on it.
Takata Recall. The contact was a Florida Highway Patrolman who was filing a complaint on behalf of the deceased owner of a 2006 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that the driver of the vehicle was involved in a minor traffic collision; however, the driver suffered fatal injuries due to the driver's side air bag deployment. The driver was pronounced deceased at the scene of the collision. A police report was filed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The caller related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V023000 (Air Bags). The failure mileage was unknown.
Frame prematurely rotting out in critical areas near fuel tank/middle of vehicle frame
The spare tire stabilizing bracket rusted away and fell off. The rear shackles for the springs broke on both sides, and is coming up through the bed. The frame has rusted apart and it’s not possible to bolt a new shackle for the rear springs on. The body is not rusting out. They used inferior steel on the frame and it has rusted away. They should do a recall on these like other manufacturers have. This is a serious safety issue. I bought this truck new, and it only has 98000 mikes on it.
THE REAR FRAME CROSSMEMBER RUSTED TO THE POINT WHERE THE SPARE TIRE IT SUPPORTS ALMOST FELL OUT. I NOTICED IT WAS HANGING ABOUT 6' LOW SO I CAUGHT IT BEFORE IT FELL. THE ENTIRE PART IS HORRIBLY CORRODED. NOTE THAT THE WOOD WAS TEMPORARILY INSTALLED TO HOLD THE STEEL UP TO DRIVE HOME.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD RANGER EQUIPPED WITH COOPER TIRES, TIRE LINE: TRENDSETTER A/W, TIRE SIZE: 27X10R16, DOT NUMBER: R7HCC2T0117. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SET OF TIRES WERE CRACKING AROUND THE RIM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AS OF YET. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE TIRES WERE NOT UNDER RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 190,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE GETTING THE VEHICLE INSPECTED HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 140,000. *BF THE CONSUMER STATED REPAIRING THE VEHICLE WOULD COST MORE THAN VEHICLE'S WORTH.
MAIN ENGINE SEAL KEEPS LEAKING EVEN AFTER REPLACING 3 TIMES. WHEN PARKED OIL LEAKS OUT ON GROUND. VERY EXPENSIVE PART TO KEEP REPLACING.
THE FRAME OF MY RANGER HAS RUSTED BADLY , CAUSING THE REAR SPRING SHACKLES TO NO LONGER BE ATTACHED TO THE FRAME.ALSO THE BED OF THE TRUCK HAS RUSTED AWAY BADLY. I I SPOKE TO A GUY WHO SPECIALIZES IN FRAME / AXLE REPAIR . AFTER INSPECTING IT , HE TOLD ME THAT THE ONLY OPTION TO REPAIR MY TRUCK WAS TO REPLACE THE FRAME , BECAUSE THE FRAME IS RUSTED TOO BADLY TO BE ABLE TO BE WELDED , HE SAID THE ONLY OTHER OPTION WAS TO JUNK IT . THE TRUCK HAS 102,000 MILES ON IT AND IS OTHERWISE IN GOOD CONDITION . I HAD PLANNED TO OWN IT FOR YEARS TO COME . NOW I AM AFRAID TO TRUST IT . AND I WOULD NOT FEEL RIGHT ABOUT SELLING IT TO SOMEONE ELSE . I USE THIS TRUCK TO HAUL HAY TO FEED MY LIVESTOCK , BUT NOW I AM AFRAID TO LOAD IT UP AND DRIVE DOWN THE ROAD WITH IT .I HAD THE TIRES REPLACED AND THE SERVICE CENTER NOTED ON THE PAPERWORK THAT THE FRAME WAS BAD AND NEEDED TO HAVE THE SPRING MOUNTINGS FIXED ..,
LEFT SIDE REAR FRAME...WHERE THE REAR SPRING SHACKLE ATTACHES TO THE THE FRAME RUSTED AWAY. THE FRAME RUSTED AWAY, NO WHERE ELSE IS THERE RUST THROUGH...THE LEAF SPRING ENDED UP BEING SUPPORTED BY THE BED OF TRUCK. SPRING IS ATTACHED TO THE REAR AXLE. AXLE CAN BECOME FREE WHEELING AT ANY TIME. THE RIGHT SIDE REAR SHACKLE ATTACHMENT LOOKS AS IF THE FRAME IS GOING TO FAIL ANY MOMENT ...I CAN NOT BELIEVE THE FRAME RUSTS AWAY WHILE THE REST OF THE BODY IS OK.....A TEMPORARY REPAIR HAS BEEN MADE WITH A 4 X 4 BOLTED TO THE FRAME AND SPRING.
THE FRAME AND BED IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. SO MUCH SO THAT THE ONE OF THE LEAF SPRINGS BROKE LOOSE AND CAME THROUGH THE BOTTOM OF THE BED WHILE DRIVING DOWN A STRAIGHT STRETCH OF ROAD. THE TRUCK IS NOW COMPLETELY NOT DRIVABLE. I HAVE HEARD SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SAME MAKE/MODEL/YEAR TRUCK. EVEN FROM PEOPLE WHERE THEIR CITIES DON'T SALT THE ROADS IN THE WINTER.
WHILE DRIVING THE SPARE TIRE RACK FELL FROM THE TRUCK. SINCE THE EVAP CANISTER FROM THE GAS TANK IS ATTACHED TO THE SPARE TIRE RACK IT TO WAS DAMAGED WITH THE CANISTER BEING BROKEN OPEN WHILE THE RACK SCRAPPED ON THE ROAD. AFTER FURTHER INSPECTION OF THE FRAME IT WAS FOUND THAT THE GAS TANK SUPPORT BRACKETS HAD FALLEN COMPLETELY OFF LEAVING ONLY A THIN STRAP SUPPORTING THE GAS TANK. THE FRAME ALSO SHOWED EXTENSIVE CORROSION ON THE FRONT CROSSMEMBER WHICH SUPPORTS THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS. BRAKE LINE SUPPORT TABS ON THE FRAME WERE ALSO FOUND TO HAVE COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE FRAME AT THE WELD. THESE ARE VERY DANGEROUS SITUATIONS AND FOR HIGHWAY SAFETY AND THE TRUCKS SHOULD BE RECALLED. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR ATTENTION IN THIS MATTER.
THE BODY ON MY FX4 FORD RANGER IS IN REALLY GREAT CONDITION, THE FRAME IS RUSTING AWAY. MOSTLY ON THE DRIVER SIDE BED. IS THERE ANY RECALL ON THIS. THANKS FOR YOUR TIME. SINCERELY [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
THE FRAME ON THIS 2006 FORD RANGER IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT AND IS NO LONGER SAFE TO DRIVE.
AS I WAS DRIVING HEADED TO MY DOCTORS APPOINTMENT DOWN THE FREEWAY AND AS I EXITED THE OFF RAMP MY VEHICLE SHUT OFF WITH TRAFFIC BE HIDE ME AND I COASTED OFF TO THE SIDE. I LEARNED THAT IT WAS MY INERTIA SWITCH THAT CAUSE MY VEHICLE TO SHUT OFF. THE VIBRATION OF THE ROAD REFLECTOR AND SMALL POTHOLES WHICH CAUSE INERTIA SWITCH TO SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF. MY TRUCK HAS STALLED OUT AFTER EXITING THE FREEWAY AND ON SMALL STREETS. I KEPT TAKING MY VEHICLE TO THE FORD DEALER TO SEE WHY MY TRUCK NEVER STARTS AND WOULD ALWAYS SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY. FINALLY ONE MACHINIC AT THE FORD DEALER TOLD ME THAT THE INERTIA HAD BEEN ENGAGED AND THAT WAS THE REASON WHY MY VEHICLE LOST POWER AND WOULDN'T START.
269 total