At a glance

Reported mileage172,096 mi

LocationNc, USA

ColorBlue

Last listed price$1,700

Open recalls8

Vehicle identity & specifications

Make

Ford

Model

Ranger

Year

1996

Trim

XLT

Body style

Pickup

Vehicle type

TRUCK

Engine

2.3L 4-cyl

Cylinders

4

Fuel type

Gasoline

Drivetrain

4x2

Doors

2

Assembly plant

EDISON, NEW JERSEY, UNITED STATES (USA)

Manufacturer

FORD MOTOR COMPANY

What's a 1996 Ford Ranger worth?

What comparable 1996 Ford Ranger vehicles are listed for — a quick gut-check before you negotiate.

Low

$700

Typical price

$1,311

High

$3,490

Most 1996 Ford Ranger listings fall between $700 and $3,490, from 8 comparable cars.

Is the seller's price fair? Get this exact VIN's current market value — retail, trade-in & loan value — in the full report.

See this car's exact value →

Full vehicle history report

$14.99 USD · one-time

What a full report checks for VIN 1FTCR14A9TTA17541

⚠️ 8 open safety recalls — shown above, free 🔒 Title & brand records 🔒 Accident & damage history 🔒 Salvage, total-loss & theft 🔒 Odometer & owner count 🔒 Liens & market valuation

A full report searches national title databases (NMVTIS) and licensed history providers for this VIN and shows whatever records are on file — not every vehicle has every record type. The decode, safety recalls and owner complaints above are always free.

📜 Title status Clean, salvage, rebuilt, junk, flood or lemon

🏷️ Title brand history Every brand ever applied, by state

🧾 Number of owners How many registrations on record

🛞 Odometer readings Reported mileage over time

🔎 Rollback check Mileage inconsistency / tamper flags

💥 Accident & damage Reported collisions and damage events

🚧 Total-loss records Insurance total-loss declarations

♻️ Salvage & auction Salvage-yard and auction history

🚓 Theft records Reported / recovered theft events

🏦 Liens & impounds Outstanding liens or impound records

🏷️ Sale & listing history Past marketplace and dealer listings

💰 Market valuation Estimated value for this exact spec

Unlock full report — $14.99 → or get up to 20 reports a month for $19.99/mo → One-time purchase · permanent access · VIN 1FTCR14A9TTA17541

Safety recalls 8

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

NHTSA Campaign #09E025000 · 11/05/2009

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Remedy: K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.

NHTSA Campaign #08E050000 · 11/08/2008

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

FORD IS RECALLING MODEL YEARS 1995-2003 WINDSTAR, 2000-2003 EXCURSION DIESEL, 1993-1997 AND 1999-2003 F-250 SD THROUGH F-550 SD DIESEL, 1992-2003 E-150 THROUGH E-550, 1995-2002 EXPLORER, 1997 AND 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, 1995-1997 AND 2001-2003 RANGER, AND 1994 F53 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS). THE SCDS MAY LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEA…

Remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS THAT DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS IN LINE WITH THE SCDS. ON 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH A LEAKING SCDS, DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR AND REPAIR AS NECESSARY. REPAIRS WILL BE COMPLETED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN

NHTSA Campaign #09V399000 · 13/10/2009

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

NHTSA Campaign #09E012000 · 07/04/2009

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

NHTSA Campaign #06E026000 · 23/03/2006

TIRES:TREAD/BELT

TIRE DESCRIPTION: FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT, SIZE P235/75R15, PRODUCED AT THE DECATUR, ILLINOIS TIRE PLANT AND ALL FIRESTONE RADIAL ATX AND RADIAL ATX II TIRES, SIZE P235/75R15. OPERATION OF THESE TIRES AT LOW INFLATION PRESSURES, HIGH SPEED, AND IN HOT WEATHER, CAN CONTRIBUTE TO SEPARATION OF THE TIRE TREAD.

Remedy: THE REPLACEMENT/REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM FOR THIS CAMPAIGN EXPIRED ON AUGUST 29, 2001. HOWEVER, CUSTOMERS SHOULD CONTACT FIRESTONE CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-465-1904 FOR POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE.

NHTSA Campaign #00T005000 · 21/08/2000

TIRES:TREAD/BELT

THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: FORD IS REPLACING ALL FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT 15, 16, AND 17 INCH TIRES MOUNTED ON FORD TRUCKS AND SUVS. FORD REPORTS TREAD SEPARATION CAN OCCUR DUE TO A COMBINATION OF THE SENSITIVITY OF THE TIRE DESIGN TO STRESS, AGING, AND MANUFACTURIN…

Remedy: THE REPLACEMENT/REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM FOR THIS CAMPAIGN EXPIRED ON MARCH 31, 2002. HOWEVER, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT FORD AT 1-877-917-3673 OR GO ON-LINE TO WWW.FORD.COM FOR POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE.

NHTSA Campaign #01X001000 · 22/05/2001

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

THE CERTIFICATION LABELS ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES HAS INCORRECT REAR TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE DESIGNATIONS. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO. 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS."

Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH CORRECT CERTIFICATION LABELS AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR INSTALLING THESE LABELS. DEALERS CAN INSTALL THIS LABEL IF THE OWNER SO DESIRES.

NHTSA Campaign #96V161000 · 29/08/1996

Get free recall alerts for this vehicle

We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.

Common problems & what to inspect

Based on 485 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1996 Ford Ranger, here are the most-reported problem areas — and exactly what to check before you buy.

💥 1 involved a crash 🔥 2 involved a fire 🚑 2 reported injuries

Structure 4 reports

🔍 Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.

Seat Belts 3 reports

🔍 Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.

Suspension 2 reports

🔍 Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.

Engine 2 reports

🔍 Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.

Air Bags 2 reports

🔍 Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.

Service Brakes 2 reports

🔍 Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.

Pre-purchase checklist

Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.

Owner complaints 485

Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 1996 Ford Ranger.

SEAT BELTS

Drivers side seat belt buckle does not work. The tongue on the long strap does not lock into the buckle at the seat. I think this may be a recall problem with other models and/or years, but not 1996 Ford Rangers.

NHTSA ODI #11509207

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

heading back from picking up meal at pizza hut when "POP" sound from front of truck and then cabin filled with smoke. within 20-30 seconds of exiting the car it was in flames (See attached photos) recall notification was never sent to current owner and current owner didnt own in 2009 when it was first recalled. Ford customer service informed that auto insurn…

Fire · NHTSA ODI #11496290

SEAT BELTS

Drivers side seat belt buckle does not release. Broken about ten years. Currently using middle seat belt buckle.

NHTSA ODI #11451244

SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE

MY 96 FORD RANGER HAS TREMENDOUS FRAME ROT ON THE DRIVE SIDE AT THE FRONT OF THE SPRING SHACKLES. SOMEONE HAD SPRAYED RHINO LINER LIKE MATERIAL ON THE ROT TO COVER IT UP OR TO TRY TO MAKE IT HOLD. THE REST OF THE FRAME IS IN OUTSTANDING CONDITION EXCEPT FOR IT BEING ALMOST BROKEN INTO AT THE GAS TANK STRAP AND FRONT SHACKLES. I HAVE REPLACED EVERY FRONT END …

NHTSA ODI #11366255

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ENGINE

NANO AND MICRO PARTICULATES/CONTAMINANTS HAVE BEEN SPRAYED FROM AN AIRLINER AND CAUSED SEVERE DAMAGE TO MY BODY AND MY VEHICLE; IT INCLUDES FLAKES, TUBULES AND HIGHLY REFLECTIVE PARTICLES AND METALS. THE VEHICLE HAS STALLED AND LOST TWO GEARS AS A RESULT. IT HAS A GAS LEAKING ISSUE CAUSED BY THE TECHNOLOGY. I HAVE HAD TO GO TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM. MY VEHICLE…

1 injured · NHTSA ODI #11300548

AIR BAGS

TAKATA RECALL. I CRASHED MY 1996 FORD RANGER IN 2010. BOTH AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. MY COLLISION SHOP REPLACED THE AIRBAGS WITH UNKNOWN YEAR FORD RANGER AIRBAGS, BUYING SOME NEW PARTS FROM FORD TO COMPLETE THE INSTALL. THERE IS NO WAY TO KNOW IF THESE ARE RECALLED TAKATA AIRBAGS WITHOUT AN INSPECTION. MY LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP, VARSITY FORD IN ANN ARBOR MI, IS …

NHTSA ODI #11176583

ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1996 FORD RANGER. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, FLAMES APPEARED UNDER THE HOOD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS UNKNOWN. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TOWED, BUT WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND OPENED A CASE. THE DEALER WAS …

Fire · NHTSA ODI #11173291

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD RANGER. WHILE DRIVING DOWN A HILL AT LESS THAN APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TREE. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR BRUISING, WHICH DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL TREATMENT. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE MONTHS LATER. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACT…

Crash · 1 injured · NHTSA ODI #11064581

+ 477 more complaints on record.