Ford · Ranger · 2006
12
Recalls
271
Complaints
-
Not Rated
The 2006 Ford Ranger has 12 recalls and 271 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Most reported issue: air bags (169 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 22, 2026
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
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.
Remedy Status
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.
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.
Remedy Status
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.
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.
Remedy Status
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.
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.
Remedy Status
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.
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.
Remedy Status
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.
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.
Remedy Status
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.
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.
Remedy Status
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.
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.
Remedy Status
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.
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.
Remedy Status
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.
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.
Remedy Status
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.
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.
Remedy Status
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.
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.
Remedy Status
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. "
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.
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 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
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 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.
THE FRAME ON THIS 2006 FORD RANGER IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT AND IS NO LONGER SAFE TO DRIVE.
THE FRAME ON MY TRUCK JUST KEEPS FLAKING OFF! I AM IN FEAR OF A FRAME COLLAPSE. I PURCHASED THIS TRUCK NEW. THE FRAME SHOULD NOT BE DETERIORATING THIS WAY
WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED GOT A FUEL CAP LOOSE WARNING LIGHT ON DASH BOARD. PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY AND CHECKED AND IT WAS TIGHT. TOOK THE 2006 FORD RANGER TO THE REPAIR SHOP WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE CROSS FRAME THAT SUPPORTS THE SPARE TIRE UNDER THE BED HAS RUSTED FREE AT BOTH ENDS! IT WAS FORTUNATE THAT THE CABLE THAT LIFTS THE TIRE INTO PLACED WAS STILL ATTACHED. HAD THE TIRE COME LOOSE IT WOULD MOST LIKELY CAUSED THE REAR END TO LIFT UP AND AT 60 MPH IN MORNING RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC THAT WOULD BE SPECTACULAR! THE REASON FOR THE WARNINGLIGHT WAS THA AS THE FRAME BROKE LOOSE IT CRCKED THE CONNECTION TO THE EMISSIONS CANISTER THAT IS MOUNTED ON THE CORSS FRAMEMEMBER.
THIS VEHICLE WAS IN AN ACCIDENT AND IS NO LONGER IN MY POSSESSION. I DO NOT OWN THIS VEHICLE ANY LONGER. PLEASE UPDATE MY RECORDS AND REMOVE ME FROM THESE MAILING LISTS.
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.
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.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V788000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER RIVERSIDE FORD (2625 LUDINGTON ST, ESCANABA, MI 49829 (906) 786-1130) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Showing 1–20 of 25 complaints
The 2006 Ford Ranger has 12 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
NHTSA has received 271 owner-reported complaints for the 2006 Ford Ranger.
NHTSA has not published a safety rating for the 2006 Ford Ranger.
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2006 Ford Ranger are air bags (169 reports), structure (15 reports), suspension (8 reports).
Yes. NHTSA has 12 recalls on record for the 2006 Ford Ranger. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Look up recalls and complaints for any year, make, and model.
This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.