2004 Ford Ranger
Common problems & what to know before you buy
Before you message the seller, know the documented failure patterns, repair cost exposure, and risk level for the 2004 Ford Ranger.
Recalls on the 2004 Ford Ranger
Air bags: frontal
These vehicles may be equipped with a driver or passenger frontal air bag inflator used as a replacement service part, that may explode due…
Air bags: frontal
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2004-2006 Ranger vehicles that may be equipped with a driver or passenger frontal air bag…
Air bags: inflator module
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is superseding a previous recall for certain 2004-2006 Ford Ranger trucks to implement a final repair.
9 more in the guide, with whether each one was done on the car you're looking at.
Source: NHTSA
What 405 owners reported
Source: NHTSA
2004 Ford Ranger at a glance
- Trims
- FX4XLXLT
- Engine
- 4.0L 6-Cylinder, 2.3L 4-Cylinder, 3.0L 6-Cylinder
- Transmission
- Manual 5-spd, Automatic 5-spd, Automatic 4-spd
- Drivetrain
- 4WD, RWD
- Fuel
- Gasoline
- Body style
- Truck
Other Ford Ranger years
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Frequently asked questions
What are the common problems with the 2004 Ford Ranger?
Owners have filed 405 complaints about the 2004 Ford Ranger with NHTSA, most often about the air bags. There are 12 recall campaigns covering this model year. Squeezed's free research-backed buyer guide cross-references these against documented failure patterns and mileage-stage risks, sorted by severity, in about a minute.
Is the 2004 Ford Ranger reliable?
Reliability depends heavily on the specific configuration and how the car was maintained. Start with the 12 open recall campaigns on this model year and confirm the work was completed. Generate a Squeezed buyer guide for this exact vehicle to see a reliability snapshot, repair-cost exposure, and the questions to ask the seller before you buy.
Should I still get a pre-purchase inspection on a 2004 Ford Ranger?
Always. A Squeezed buyer guide is the triage step before the inspection: it shows you the documented failure patterns and what to check so you can decide which 2004 Ford Ranger listings are even worth a mechanic's time, then walk into the PPI knowing exactly what to look for.
Squeezed is a buyer guide based on public data and industry patterns, not a mechanical inspection. Always get a professional pre-purchase inspection before you buy.