Problems · by component

2004 Ford Ranger structure problems

46 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2004 Ford Ranger cite structure, 11% of all 405 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 1 recall on this component.

Complaints
46
11% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
3
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the structure

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“Rear frame rusted and rotted..spare tire fell off entire evap can also..both sides rear frame shock and spring shackles rotted and broke off. Entire frame rotted and broke while driving ..on rear driver side frame rusted rotted and broke ..value of truck is not worth what estimates are ..gas tank hangers rusted and rotted many other pieces of frame rusted rotted through..truck is now unsafe to drive an probably unsellable due to broken rusted rotted frame..”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 12, 2022StructureODI 11451628
“The contact owns a 2004 Ford Ranger. The contact stated while doing routine maintenance at a local mechanic, the mechanic found that the rear sub-frame assembly was rusted through and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V331000 (Structure) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 15, 2021StructureODI 11436915
“RUSTED AND ROTTEN OUT FRAME. THE REST OF THE VEHICLE IS IN REAL GOOD CONDITION. FRAME IS CRACKED THRU IN A FEW PLACES AND CLOSE TO WERE THE SPRING IS MOUNTED TO THE FRAME.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 21, 2021StructureODI 11413292
“2004 FORD RANGER EDGE HAS RUSTED ROTTEN REAR FAME, SHACKELS RUSTED, SHOCKS RUSTED, BED RUSTED UNDER BEDLINER BUMPER FELL OFF. BEAUTIFUL TRUCK WITH NO BODY RUST. THE REAR SECTION OF FRAME IS ROTTEN. FRAME WILL CERTAINLY BREAK DOWN TO MAKE THE TRUCK NOT DRIVEABLE SHORTLY. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO FIND A USED FRAME IN THE SALVAGE YARD, BECAUSE THEY ARE ALREADY RUSTED THROUGH. HELP!!!!”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 2, 2021StructureODI 11406139
“INCREDIBLE AMOUNTS OF PREMATURE RUST ON FRAME AND SUSPENSION PARTS, SHACKLE BRACKETS RUSTED AWAY COMPLETELY AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. FRAME IS RUSTING AT AN UNPRECEDENTED PACE!?”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 22, 2020Suspension, StructureODI 11340818
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT SOLOMON FORD, LLC (502 NATIONAL PIKE W, BROWNSVILLE, PA 15417 (724) 785-5500), THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED AND MAY DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE SOON. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 21,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 22, 2020StructureODI 11325551

Showing 6 of 46 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 5, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

1 recall on this component

Structure: underbody shields

Free remedy

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, THE FRAME MAY HAVE A CENTER RAIL SECTION FLANGE THAT WAS NOT FORMED PROPERLY.

StructureReported Jul 14, 2004NHTSA 04V331000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 5, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Other 2004 Ranger problem areas