What are the most common problems with the 2006 Ford Ranger?

Owners name the air bags group most often. Structure, suspension and engine groups follow.

Does the 2006 Ford Ranger have recalls?

Yes. The by-year count is on file. See the Recalls section on this page for the list.

Is the 2006 Ford Ranger reliable?

The complaint record is mixed, with 272 complaints on file. Rust and air bag stories stand out.

What is the gas mileage of the 2006 Ford Ranger?

See the fuel economy section on this page for the EPA figures.

Which year of the Ford Ranger is best?

See the by-year comparison section on this page, which is built from the same complaint and recall data.

2006 Ford Ranger Problems, Recalls and MPG

NHTSA has 272 owner complaints on file for the 2006 Ford Ranger^[1]. The air bags group is the biggest, with 175 complaints^[2].

272owner complaints^[1]

12recalls^[3]

15–23MPG combined (EPA)^[4]

Problems
Recalls
Fuel economy
Safety
Engine and size
By year
Verdict
FAQ

Most reported problems

Here are the complaint groups owners name most often, biggest first.

Air Bags. 175 complaints^[2]. In the stories we read, owners describe air bags that stayed shut in serious crashes, and waits for recall parts that were not yet available.
Structure. 26 complaints^[5]. Owners describe rusted frames and cross members, a spare tire that came loose on the road, and a door latch that kept the warning light on.
Suspension. 20 complaints^[6]. Owners describe worn wheel bearings, rusted and broken rear spring shackles, and a wheel that partly came off while driving.
Engine. 19 complaints^[7]. Owners describe stalling without warning, hard starting, a check engine light that stays on, and misfire codes.

Recalls

Newest first. Each recall covers only certain vehicles, so not every 2006 Ranger is necessarily included.

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module (23V306), April 2023. About 231,942 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury, stalling, an air bag that may not work as intended. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[8]
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module (23V125), February 2023. About 98,550 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury, stalling, an air bag that may not work as intended. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[9]
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module (21V076), February 2021. About 144,340 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: explosion, a crash, injury, death. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[10]
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module (21V081), February 2021. About 1,067 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: explosion, a crash, injury, death. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[11]
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module (18V023), January 2018. About 33,310 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: explosion, a crash, injury, death. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[12]
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module (18V022), January 2018. About 33,310 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: explosion, a crash, injury, death. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[13]
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module (17V788), December 2017. About 328,213 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury, death, an air bag that may not work as intended. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[14]
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module (17V787), December 2017. About 328,213 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury, death, an air bag that may not work as intended. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[15]
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module (16V036), January 2016. About 361,692 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury, death, an air bag that may not work as intended. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[16]
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module (15V322), May 2015. About 362,327 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury, death, an air bag that may not work as intended. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[17]
Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights (11V352), July 2011. About 26,715 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[18]
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor (05V520), November 2005. About 199,942 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, reduced visibility.^[19]

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on the engine and drive. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.

Version	City / highway / combined MPG	Annual fuel cost
Ranger Pickup 2WD, 2.3L 4-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive^[20]	19 / 24 / 21	$3,200
Ranger Pickup 2WD, 2.3L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive^[4]	21 / 27 / 23	$2,900
Ranger Pickup 2WD, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive^[21]	15 / 21 / 17	$3,950
Ranger Pickup 2WD, 3.0L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive^[22]	16 / 21 / 18	$3,700
Ranger Pickup 2WD, 4.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive^[23]	15 / 20 / 17	$3,950
Ranger Pickup 2WD, 4.0L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive^[24]	16 / 21 / 18	$3,700
Ranger Pickup 4WD, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[25]	15 / 19 / 16	$4,200
Ranger Pickup 4WD, 3.0L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[26]	15 / 19 / 17	$3,950
Ranger Pickup 4WD, 4.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[27]	14 / 18 / 15	$4,450
Ranger Pickup 4WD, 4.0L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[28]	14 / 18 / 16	$4,200

Safety ratings

Version	Overall	Frontal	Side	Rollover	Rollover risk
REGULAR CAB RWD/AWD^[29]	n/a	n/a	n/a	2	30.6%
SUPERCAB RWD/AWD^[30]	n/a	n/a	n/a	2	30.6%

Engine and size

These are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada, so US models can differ slightly.

Version	Length	Width	Height	Wheelbase	Curb weight
RANGER REG CAB FLARESIDE S/BOX^[31]	187 in	69 in	64 in	112 in	3,069 lb
RANGER REG CAB FLARESIDE S/BOX 4X4^[32]	187 in	70 in	64 in	112 in	3,069 lb
RANGER REG CAB STYLESIDE L/BOX^[33]	200 in	69 in	65 in	117 in	3,069 lb
RANGER REG CAB STYLESIDE L/BOX 4X4^[34]	200 in	69 in	68 in	117 in	3,510 lb
RANGER REG CAB STYLESIDE S/BOX^[35]	187 in	69 in	64 in	112 in	3,069 lb
RANGER REG CAB STYLESIDE S/BOX 4X4^[36]	187 in	69 in	68 in	112 in	3,408 lb

How 2006 compares with other years

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Ranger model year. The 2006 is highlighted^[3].

Show the numbers

Model year	Complaints	Recalls
1995	321	1
1996	413	2
1997	411	1
1998	582	7
1999	760	5
2000	676	4
2001	527	4
2002	346	3
2003	243	1
2004	404	10
2005	289	9
2006	272	12
2007	270	5
2008	326	5
2009	169	7
2010	156	8
2011	235	5
2019	270	11
2020	130	7
2021	118	6
2022	37	5
2023	18	4
2024	94	13
2025	44	13
2026	7	8

NHTSA's counts for the Ranger show 272 complaints and 12 recalls for 2006^[3]. Among the 25 model years listed, 13 have fewer complaints than 2006 and 11 have more^[3]. The fewest complaints are for 2026 (7) and the most are for 1999 (760)^[3]. These counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide. The chart above shows every year.

Should you buy a used 2006 Ranger?

The 2006 Ford Ranger draws most of its complaints from the air bags group^[2]. Rust shows up in the structure and suspension stories, so the frame deserves a close look on any used truck^[5]^[6]. Engine complaints are fewer, but stalling stories are worth taking seriously^[7]. These are unverified owner reports and the counts are not adjusted for sales^[1]. Check the recall list on this page before you buy.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2006 Ford Ranger?: Owners name the air bags group most often^[2]. Structure, suspension and engine groups follow^[5]^[6]^[7].
Does the 2006 Ford Ranger have recalls?: Yes. The by-year count is on file^[3]. See the Recalls section on this page for the list.
Is the 2006 Ford Ranger reliable?: The complaint record is mixed, with 272 complaints on file^[1]. Rust and air bag stories stand out^[2]^[5].
What is the gas mileage of the 2006 Ford Ranger?: See the fuel economy section on this page for the EPA figures.
Which year of the Ford Ranger is best?: See the by-year comparison section on this page, which is built from the same complaint and recall data^[3].

Keep exploring

Other model years of the Ford Ranger

2000 676 complaints, 4 recalls
2004 404 complaints, 10 recalls
2005 289 complaints, 9 recalls
2006 this page
2010 156 complaints, 8 recalls
2011 235 complaints, 5 recalls
2025 44 complaints, 13 recalls

Compare all model years of the Ford Ranger

Other Ford models from 2006

2006 Ford Freestyle 1,300 complaints, 1 recall
2006 Ford Mustang 575 complaints, 5 recalls
2006 Ford Taurus 318 complaints, 2 recalls

All Ford models

Similar cars from 2006: pickup trucks

2006 Chevrolet Colorado 236 complaints, 4 recalls
2006 Dodge Dakota Pickup 285 complaints, 5 recalls
2006 Honda Ridgeline 242 complaints, 12 recalls
2006 Nissan Titan 430 complaints, 5 recalls

All pickup trucks we cover

Facts and sources

NHTSA has 272 owner complaints on file for the 2006 Ford Ranger (14 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 10 injuries, 4 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
175 complaints name the air bags component group (10 crashes, 0 fires, 8 injuries, median mileage at failure 82,524). NHTSA vehicle records
Owner complaints and recalls for every Ford Ranger model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
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
26 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 70,000). NHTSA vehicle records
20 complaints name the suspension component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 90,000). NHTSA vehicle records
19 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 70,000). NHTSA vehicle records
Recall 23V306, filed April 28, 2023: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
Recall 23V125, filed February 24, 2023: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
Recall 21V076, filed February 17, 2021: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
Recall 21V081, filed February 16, 2021: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
Recall 18V023, filed January 11, 2018: Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
Recall 18V022, filed January 11, 2018: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
Recall 17V788, filed December 11, 2017: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
Recall 17V787, filed December 11, 2017: Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
Recall 16V036, filed January 25, 2016: Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
Recall 15V322, filed May 28, 2015: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
Recall 11V352, filed July 13, 2011: Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights. NHTSA recall database
Recall 05V520, filed November 9, 2005: Visibility › Windshield Wiper / Washer › Motor. NHTSA recall database
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
EPA rating for Ranger Pickup 2WD, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 21 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
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
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
EPA rating for Ranger Pickup 2WD, 4.0L 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
EPA rating for Ranger Pickup 4WD, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 19 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
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
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
EPA rating for Ranger Pickup 4WD, 4.0L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 18 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, REGULAR CAB RWD/AWD: rollover 2 stars; rollover risk 30.6%. NHTSA vehicle records
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUPERCAB RWD/AWD: rollover 2 stars; rollover risk 30.6%. NHTSA vehicle records
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
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
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
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
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
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

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.

2006 Ford Ranger: problems, recalls and fuel economy