CarBrief

NHTSA has 404 owner complaints on file for the 2004 Ford Ranger, and 189 of them name the air bags[1][2]. The truck also has a long list of air bag inflator recalls that every owner or buyer should check on the truck[3][4].

404owner complaints[1]
10recalls[5]
15–23MPG combined (EPA)[6]

Most reported problems

These are owner reports sent to NHTSA. They are not verified, and one complaint can name more than one component. The counts are not adjusted for how many trucks were sold[1].

Here are the largest component groups:

Component group Complaints Crashes Injuries
Air bags[2] 189 24 23
Structure[7] 46 0 3
Suspension[8] 29 2 3
Power train[9] 27 3 1
Engine[10] 24 1 0
Brakes[11] 23 7 2
Speed control[12] 19 4 2
Tires[13] 17 2 2

Overall, 42 complaints mention a crash, 3 a fire and 2 a death[1].

Air bags. In the sample of 12 air bag complaints we read, 10 describe air bags that did not deploy in a crash, and 2 describe cruise control and the horn working only some of the time[2]. The median mileage at failure was 89,000[2].

Structure. In the sample of 12 we read, 7 describe rust or corrosion on the frame, bed, spare tire bracket or tailgate cables, and 1 describes an owner hurt while stepping into the truck[7]. Median mileage was 84,000[7].

Suspension. In the sample of 12, 4 describe rust on the frame or suspension mounts, 3 describe uneven tire wear tied to alignment or suspension, and 3 describe a wheel bearing or wheel assembly failure[8].

Power train. In the sample of 12, 5 describe a transmission that slipped, shifted on its own or hunted for gears, and 3 describe a driveline clunk or drivetrain failure[9]. Two describe a fire, one from a transmission fluid leak and one after a clutch failure[9]. The median mileage was 32,000[9].

Recalls

NHTSA lists 10 recalls for the 2004 Ranger[5]. For every recall except the frame rail one (04V331), the facts say the repair is free of charge[3][14][15][16][17][18][19][4][20]. Check with a Ford dealer or NHTSA to see which ones are still open on your truck, because our facts do not say.

Fuel economy

EPA lists 2WD ratings with 2.3L 4-cylinder, 3.0L 6-cylinder and 4.0L 6-cylinder engines, and 4WD ratings with the 3.0L and 4.0L[22][23][24][25][26]. All use regular gas[22][26]. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not 2004 prices.

Version City / Hwy / Combined Annual fuel cost
2WD 2.3L, automatic[22] 19 / 24 / 21 $3,200
2WD 2.3L, manual[6] 21 / 27 / 23 $2,900
2WD 3.0L, automatic[23] 16 / 21 / 18 $3,700
2WD 3.0L, manual[27] 16 / 21 / 18 $3,700
2WD 4.0L, automatic[24] 15 / 20 / 17 $3,950
2WD 4.0L, manual[28] 15 / 21 / 17 $3,950
4WD 3.0L, automatic[25] 15 / 18 / 16 $4,200
4WD 3.0L, manual[29] 15 / 19 / 17 $3,950
4WD 4.0L, automatic[26] 14 / 18 / 15 $4,450
4WD 4.0L, manual[30] 14 / 17 / 15 $4,450

The best combined rating is 23 mpg and the lowest is 15 mpg[6][26]. EPA lists a second 2WD 4.0L automatic entry with the same numbers as the one above[31].

Safety ratings

NHTSA has not rated the 2004 Ranger in its 5-Star Safety Ratings, for either the Super Cab or the Regular Cab[32][33].

Engine and size

Engine sizes in the EPA data are 2.3L 4-cylinder, 3.0L 6-cylinder and 4.0L 6-cylinder[22][23][24]. The dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US trucks.

Variant Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
Reg cab Styleside short box[34] 187 in 69 in 64 in 112 in 3,069 lb
Reg cab Styleside short box 4x4[35] 187 in 69 in 68 in 112 in 3,408 lb
Reg cab Styleside long box[36] 200 in 69 in 65 in 117 in 3,069 lb
Reg cab Styleside long box 4x4[37] 200 in 69 in 68 in 117 in 3,510 lb
Reg cab Flareside short box[38] 187 in 69 in 64 in 112 in 3,069 lb
Reg cab Flareside short box 4x4[39] 187 in 70 in 64 in 112 in 3,069 lb

How 2004 compares with other years

1995: 321 complaints, 1 recalls19951996: 413 complaints, 2 recalls1997: 411 complaints, 1 recalls1998: 582 complaints, 7 recalls19981999: 760 complaints, 5 recalls2000: 676 complaints, 4 recalls2001: 527 complaints, 4 recalls20012002: 346 complaints, 3 recalls2003: 243 complaints, 1 recalls2004: 404 complaints, 10 recalls40420042005: 289 complaints, 9 recalls2006: 272 complaints, 12 recalls2007: 270 complaints, 5 recalls20072008: 326 complaints, 5 recalls2009: 169 complaints, 7 recalls2010: 156 complaints, 8 recalls20102011: 235 complaints, 5 recalls2019: 270 complaints, 11 recalls2020: 130 complaints, 7 recalls20202021: 118 complaints, 6 recalls2022: 37 complaints, 5 recalls2023: 18 complaints, 4 recalls20232024: 94 complaints, 13 recalls2025: 44 complaints, 13 recalls2026: 7 complaints, 8 recalls2026
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Ranger model year. The 2004 is highlighted[5].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
19953211
19964132
19974111
19985827
19997605
20006764
20015274
20023463
20032431
200440410
20052899
200627212
20072705
20083265
20091697
20101568
20112355
201927011
20201307
20211186
2022375
2023184
20249413
20254413
202678

The 2004 model year has 404 complaints and 10 recalls on file[5]. Six Ranger model years have more complaints: 1996 (413), 1997 (411), 1998 (582), 1999 (760), 2000 (676) and 2001 (527)[5]. The years next to it have fewer, with 243 for 2003 and 289 for 2005[5].

On recalls, four years have more than 2004: 2006 (12), 2019 (11), 2024 (13) and 2025 (13)[5]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat the comparison as a rough guide.

Should you buy a used 2004 Ford Ranger?

The air bag recalls are the first thing to settle. Several cover inflators that could rupture, and two tell owners not to drive until the repair is done[17][18]. Ask a Ford dealer or NHTSA to confirm that every recall is completed before you buy or keep driving the truck. Owners in the complaint samples also describe rust on the frame and body and air bags that did not deploy, so a close inspection of the frame is sensible[2][7][8]. Fuel economy runs from 15 to 23 mpg combined depending on engine and drive[6][26].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most reported problems with the 2004 Ford Ranger?
Air bags are the largest complaint group with 189 of 404 complaints[1][2]. Structure (46) and suspension (29) follow, and a sample of those complaints describes rust[7][8].
Does the 2004 Ford Ranger have recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 10, and eight deal with air bag inflators[5][3][4]. Two tell owners not to drive until the repair is done[17][18].
How many miles per gallon does a 2004 Ford Ranger get?
EPA combined ratings run from 15 mpg (4WD, 4.0L) to 23 mpg (2WD, 2.3L manual)[26][6].
Is the 2004 Ford Ranger safe?
NHTSA has not rated it in its 5-Star Safety Ratings[32][33]. It has air bag recalls that should be checked with a dealer or NHTSA[3][4].
How does the 2004 Ford Ranger compare with the 2003 and 2005 models?
The 2004 model year has 404 complaints and 10 recalls on file, against 243 complaints and 1 recall for 2003 and 289 complaints and 9 recalls for 2005[5]. The counts are not adjusted for sales.

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 404 owner complaints on file for the 2004 Ford Ranger (42 mention a crash, 3 a fire, 35 injuries, 2 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 189 complaints name the air bags component group (24 crashes, 0 fires, 23 injuries, median mileage at failure 89,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Recall 23V306, filed April 28, 2023: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  4. Recall 15V322, filed May 28, 2015: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  5. Owner complaints and recalls for every Ford Ranger model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  6. EPA rating for Ranger Pickup 2WD, 2.3L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 27 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  7. 46 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 84,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 29 complaints name the suspension component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 80,755). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 27 complaints name the power train component group (3 crashes, 2 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 32,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 24 complaints name the engine component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 71,665). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 23 complaints name the brakes component group (7 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 32,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 19 complaints name the speed control component group (4 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 42,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 17 complaints name the tires component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 35,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. Recall 23V125, filed February 24, 2023: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  15. Recall 21V076, filed February 17, 2021: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  16. Recall 21V081, filed February 16, 2021: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  17. Recall 17V788, filed December 11, 2017: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  18. Recall 17V787, filed December 11, 2017: Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  19. Recall 16V036, filed January 25, 2016: Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  20. Recall 11V352, filed July 13, 2011: Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights. NHTSA recall database
  21. Recall 04V331, filed July 14, 2004: Structure › Frame And Members › Underbody Shields. NHTSA recall database
  22. EPA rating for Ranger Pickup 2WD, 2.3L 4-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 24 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  23. EPA rating for Ranger Pickup 2WD, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 21 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  24. EPA rating for Ranger Pickup 2WD, 4.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 20 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  25. EPA rating for Ranger Pickup 4WD, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 18 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  26. EPA rating for Ranger Pickup 4WD, 4.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 18 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  27. EPA rating for Ranger Pickup 2WD, 3.0L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 21 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  28. EPA rating for Ranger Pickup 2WD, 4.0L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 21 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  29. EPA rating for Ranger Pickup 4WD, 3.0L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 19 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  30. EPA rating for Ranger Pickup 4WD, 4.0L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 17 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  31. EPA rating for Ranger Pickup 2WD, 4.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 20 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  32. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUPERCAB None: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  33. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, REGULAR CAB None: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  34. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, RANGER REG CAB STYLESIDE S/BOX: length 187 in, width 69 in, height 64 in, wheelbase 112 in, curb weight 3,069 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  35. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, RANGER REG CAB STYLESIDE S/BOX 4X4: length 187 in, width 69 in, height 68 in, wheelbase 112 in, curb weight 3,408 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  36. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, RANGER REG CAB STYLESIDE L/BOX: length 200 in, width 69 in, height 65 in, wheelbase 117 in, curb weight 3,069 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  37. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, RANGER REG CAB STYLESIDE L/BOX 4X4: length 200 in, width 69 in, height 68 in, wheelbase 117 in, curb weight 3,510 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  38. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, RANGER REG CAB FLARESIDE S/BOX: length 187 in, width 69 in, height 64 in, wheelbase 112 in, curb weight 3,069 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  39. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, RANGER REG CAB FLARESIDE S/BOX 4X4: length 187 in, width 70 in, height 64 in, wheelbase 112 in, curb weight 3,069 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.