Complaints
50
Crashes
2
Fires
20
Injuries
4
Fatalities
—
Recalls
0
Worst 1986 Ford Ranger Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
#112 complaints
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
Fires:11
#27 complaints
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
Fires:3
#36 complaints
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Avg mileage:109,368 mi
Crash-related:1
Considering a 1986 Ford Ranger?
Check the actual VIN — every car is different.
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 1986 Ford Ranger.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH | 12 | — | 11 | — | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE | 7 | — | 3 | — | |
| SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY | 6 | 1 | — | 109,368 mi | |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION | 3 | — | 1 | — | |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY | 2 | — | — | — | |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY | 1 | — | — | — | |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH | 1 | — | 1 | — | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM | 1 | — | — | — | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE | 1 | — | — | — | |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM | 1 | — | 1 | — | |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY | 1 | — | — | — | |
| POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | 1 | — | — | — | |
| POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION | 1 | — | — | — | |
| SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR | 1 | — | — | — | |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP | 1 | — | — | — | |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS | 1 | — | — | — | |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC | 1 | — | 1 | — | |
| STEERING | 1 | — | — | — | |
| STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY | 1 | — | 1 | — | |
| SUSPENSION:FRONT | 1 | — | 1 | — | |
| TIRES | 1 | — | — | — | |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 1 | — | — | — | |
| VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY | 1 | — | — | — | |
| WHEELS | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS | 1 | — | — | — |
Other Ford Ranger Years
Wider context: See the full Ford Ranger reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 1986 Ford Ranger
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
Check Any VIN — $4.99