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3.0

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
46,235 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1997 Ford Ranger fuel system problems

fuel system problem

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1997 Ford Ranger Owner Comments

problem #19

Aug 202010

Ranger

  • 72,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 1997 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that when the vehicle is filled with gasoline, the gas will spill back out. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was told that the bottle neck on the filler cap is corroded. This causes a strong smell of gas when driving the vehicle. The dealer was very familiar with the failure, but the vehicle is no longer under warranty all and there is no recall. The failure mileage was 72000 and current mileage was 75000.

- Del Rio, TX, USA

problem #18

Jan 012006

Ranger 4-cyl

  • miles
This complaint is in reference to a 1997 Ford Ranger and fuel filler hose being faulty. The hose itself has cracks in it and leaks fuel upon refill presenting a fire hazard as well as an environmental hazard due to the fuel vapors that are allowed to escape to the environment due to the cracks in faulty fuel filler hose. This is a potential fire hazard and an environmental protection Agency issue. Please put forth an effort to correct problem before fire, injuries, and, potential deaths are sustained, issue a recall.

- Tallahassee, FL, USA

problem #17

Jan 302008

Ranger 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
The fuel filler hose on my mother-in-laws 1997 Ford Ranger developed numerous cracks where it attaches to the tank. This problem results in gasoline spills whenever she completely fills the tank. The tank is in close proximity to the exhaust system which creates a fire hazard. This problem seems to be common with 1990-1997 Ranger, according to numerous online posts.

- Arlington, TX, USA

problem #16

Nov 242007

Ranger 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 96,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 1997 Ford Ranger. The contact experienced a major fuel leak and smelled a strange odor in the passenger compartment. Two independent mechanics confirmed that there was a failed fuel filler tube. The mechanics also stated that he would have to pay $800 to have the fuel filler tube replaced. The contact stated that fuel leaks from the fuel tank every time he adds fuel to the vehicle. The failure has occurred ever since the vehicle was purchased and has since become progressively worse. The manufacturer stated that there were no recalls on his vehicle and the failure was his responsibility. The contact is concerned that a fire may occur at any time. He has photos if needed. The vehicle does not have cruise control. The failure mileage was 96,000 and current mileage was 97,479.

- St Petersburg, FL, USA

problem #15

May 152005

Ranger 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
Noted fuel running onto the ground while refueling vehicle. Investigation revealed that a rubber portion of the fuel filler assembly near the entrance to the fuel tank had split. Contacted local Ford dealership. They offered to order a replacement fuel filler assembly but did not offer any other assistance despite the obvious safety issue involved. Part cost exceeds $400. Estimated labor is ~$200. Note: This same problem is documented by others. See complaint numbers 10151411, 870010 & 10110378. I did not search the database for other model years but there is sufficient anecdotal evidence to indicate that this has been an extremely widespread problem with both Ford Ranger and Mazda B-series vehicles for several model years.

- Columbus, IN, USA

problem #14

Nov 092006

Ranger 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 68,000 miles
Fuel filler tube cracked where it enters the fuel tank, allowing fuel to leak when filling up.

- Kensington, NH, USA

problem #13

Nov 212006

Ranger 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 23,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

1997 Ford Ranger. Whenever I fill up with gas, it leaks out the vent or the filler tube. Not exactly sure yet. If I push the fuel nozzle all the way in the filler I can get almost a full tank before it leaks out the bottom. If I just install the filler hose and let it fill automatically it will start leaking almost immediately.

- California City, CA, USA

problem #12

Nov 012006

Ranger 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,000 miles
: the contact stated while parked in the driveway a puddle of gas was noticed under the vehicle and an odor of gas was present inside the vehicle. It was driven to an independent repair shop who determined the filler pipe was cracked and needed to be replaced. The dealer was alerted.

- Fresno, CA, USA

problem #11

Feb 052004

Ranger 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 2,000 miles
Fuel filler hose cracked leading to large amount of fuel spillage. Part is not available separately from dealer and no aftermarket parts are available. Assembly to replace part consisted of parts that were unnecessary to the proper repair.

- South Beloit, IL, USA

problem #10

Aug 302002

Ranger 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 50,000 miles
During fueling of vehicle a strong smell of gas was occurring at each fueling. I first noticed what appeared to be moisture under the truck and being in a high temp/humidity environment thought it was ac condensation. Recently while not running the ac noticed the leakage and crawled under the truck and smell the liquid. It was gas. I am very concerned since the leak is very close to the exhaust system and as well as being an environmental (epa) hazard. It is amazing the ECM module fuel evaporative emission sensor does not detect the defect in the closed loop emission system and set an emission error fault code. I would like to know how many gallons of fuel leaked due to this conditions. It is important we have 'no ozone action days' where refueling is restricted but allow known defects. An investigation should be conducted to determine which Ford models /years used this less than robust fuel supply connection systems. If a proper design fmea and sha (safety hazard analysis) were conducted for the fuel supply tube and its mating connections. This condition should reported for a recall for the potential safety, emissions issues (health, ozone) and determine why the ECM does not detect a evaporative emissions leak condition.

- Johnson Bayou, LA, USA

problem #9

Jan 152006

Ranger 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 132,992 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

So many fuel spills under the vehicle when filling the tank.

- Calexico, CA, USA

problem #8

Nov 082005

Ranger 4WD 6-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 125,000 miles
1997 Ford Ranger reeks fuel during filling at pump. Stops when filling stops. Checked fuel fill line and tank, found large crack in fill line above hose clamp. Tank and line have never been removed before. This type of hose shouldn't be splitting. Contacted several auto stores only available at dealer. Cost $200+ in my area.

- Chesapeake, VA, USA

problem #7

Aug 282005

Ranger 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 55,000 miles
I have been smelling gas from between the cab and bed of the truck, a 1997 Ford Ranger 2.3L. I pulled the bed off the frame and found the gas filler neck split at both the top and bottom at the hose clamps. The splits are severe enough to cause gas to leak from the fuel tank as well as fumes. This is a dangerous situation and should be addressed by the manufacturer.

- Granite City, IL, USA

problem #6

Aug 132005

Ranger 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 44,475 miles
Safety defect: The gasoline refill hose to the gas tank is cracked at both ends. Recently, I totally filled the gas tank, and gasoline spilled under the hot vehicle and catalytic converter. I discovered that 3 cracks in the refuel hose caused the spill. My truck is a 1997 Ford Ranger; however, even after 8 years this hose should not have such large cracks. My Ford Ranger is typical, and I would suspect that others have this same defect but perhaps in a more moderate way. I visually inspected the cracks at both ends and they are located at the connection point to the gas tank and the external gas input port. Note: The gasoline spill stopped after refueling and after the gasoline inside the hose had spilled to the ground. I have not yet replaced the hose.

- Abilene, TX, USA

problem #5

Sep 202004

Ranger 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While fueling vehicle at the gas station the driver noticed at a full tank the gasoline leaked from the filler neck onto the ground. Took vehicle to dealer for inspection, and mechanic deetermined that the tank needed to be replaced.

- Puyallup, WA, USA

problem #4

Jan 021998

Ranger 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While driving at any speed consumer smelled gasoline coming from the rear. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle and drove it to a body shop for inspection. Mechanic determined that the fuel filler hose needed to be replaced.

- Long Beach, CA, USA

problem #3

Aug 012003

Ranger 4-cyl

  • 90,000 miles
The gas filler hose cracked which caused gasoline to leak onto the exhaust pipe and the ground.

- Tecate, CA, USA

problem #2

May 142002

Ranger 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
After filling up gas tank, fuel will leak out while driving. Cause unknown. Dealer notified. The fuel leak was due to fuel filler pipe failure.

- Tehachapi, CA, USA

problem #1

Jul 091996

Ranger

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While driving can smell gasoline in interior of truck, cab area, owner suspects leak in fuel injector, checked by dealer, found no leaks. Dealer replaced gas tank filler neck.

- Port St Lucie, FL, USA

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