Independent · Not affiliated with NHTSA or any automaker MethodologyData sourcesData refreshed Oct 6, 2026

1984 Ford Ranger: Problems, Recalls and MPG

What this means

NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 1984 Ford Ranger, most recently filed September 1984. Owners have filed 12 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system.

Data summary generated from official records. Methodology Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026
Caution Fewer than 50 complaints filed. With this few reports, patterns may not be meaningful.
Recalls 6campaigns 2 fuel system · 1 latch · 1 suspension Source: NHTSA Complaints 12filed Owner reports, 1983–1992 shown Source: NHTSA ODI Fuel economy 26mpg combined $2,512/yr at this week's prices Source: EPA · EIA Specs 2.2 L 4-cyl· 4-speed manual 31 engine and transmission configurations Source: NHTSA vPIC
Compare

Recalls (6)

NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 1984 Ford Ranger. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.

Check on NHTSA ↗
Listed for 1984 Ford Ranger. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 84V111000 Filed Sep 25, 1984

STRUCTURE:HOOD ASSEMBLY:LATCHES

Latches/locks/linkages · hood · latch
Official NHTSA text
Summary
SECONDARY HOOD LATCH COMPONENTS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY POSITIONED DURING ASSEMBLY. IF THE HOOD IS NOT CLOSED TIGHTLY, OR IS INADVERTENTLY RELEASED, THE SECONDARY LATCH MAY NOT WORK AND THE HOOD MAY FLY UP WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Remedy
THE HOOD ASSEMBLY WILL BE INSPECTED AND THE HOOD AND LATCH COMPONENTS WILL BE ADJUSTED, IF NECESSARY, WITHOUT CHARGE TO THE OWNER.
Repair progress not yet reported460,918 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 84V111000
Listed for 1984 Ford Ranger. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 84V104000 Filed Sep 6, 1984

SUSPENSION

Suspension
Official NHTSA text
Summary
WEIGHT RATING INFORMATION IS INCORRECT ON VEHICLE MANUAL LABELS AND RATING DECALS.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH THE REVISED VEHICLE INFORMATION. IF VEHICLE WEIGHT IS FOUND TO BE GREATER THAN THAT SPECIFIED ON WEIGHT RATING, THE AFFECTED VEHICLE"S REAR AXLE MAY BE REPURCHASED FROM FORD. A PRICE ADJUSTMENT WILL ALSO BE MADE IF APPROPRIATE.
Repair progress not yet reported19 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 84V104000
Listed for 1984 Ford Ranger. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 84V082000 Filed Jul 9, 1984

FUEL:FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY:CAP:FILLER

Fuel system, gasoline · storage · tank assembly · filler pipe and cap
Official NHTSA text
Summary
IF TRUCK IS STRUCK FROM THE SIDE, THE CAP ON THE FUEL TANK COULD BECOME UNSEALED, ALLOWING UNSAFE LEAKAGE OF FUEL. THIS IS A FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY". LEAKAGE CAN BE CAUSED BY AN ORANGE-COLORED PLASTIC DIESEL FUEL INFORMATION RING WHICH IS FOUND AROUND THE FUEL TANK NECK, OR BY THE TETHER.
Remedy
UPON INSPECTION, FUEL CAP TETHERS WILL BE REPLACED OR DIESEL FUEL INFORMATION RINGS WILL BE REMOVED.
Repair progress not yet reported302,500 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 84V082000
Listed for 1984 Ford Ranger. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 84V023000 Filed Mar 6, 1984

WHEELS:LOCKING MECHANISM

Wheels · lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
Official NHTSA text
Summary
COMPONENTS IN THE LOCKING HUBS WERE IMPROPERLY HEAT-TREATED AND MAY CRACK OR FRACTURE UPON ENGAGEMENT OF THE FRONT DRIVE AXLES. THE BROKEN COMPONENT ON THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL MAY BECOME JAMMED AGAINST THE NUT.
Remedy
CAM ASSEMBLIES IN FRONT WHEEL AUTOMATIC LOCKING HUBS WILL BE REPLACED.
Repair progress not yet reported3,320 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 84V023000
Listed for 1984 Ford Ranger. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 83V134000 Filed Dec 20, 1983

INTERIOR SYSTEMS:RESTRAINT:BELT ANCHOR AND ATTACHM

Seat belts · front · anchorage
Official NHTSA text
Summary
THE BOLTS THAT ATTACH THE D-SHAPED RING FOR THE SHOULDER BELT ARE INADEQUATELY SUPPORTED BY THE MATERIAL IN WHICH THEY ARE MOUNTED. THE ATTACHMENT DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES".
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW ATTACHING HARDWARE TO IMPROVE THE STRENGTH OF THE MOUNTING.
Repair progress not yet reported530,000 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 83V134000
Listed for 1984 Ford Ranger. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 83V115000 Filed Nov 7, 1983

FUEL:FUEL TANK:AUXILLARY

Fuel system, gasoline · storage · auxillary tank
Official NHTSA text
Summary
VEHICLES MAY HAVE FUEL OR VAPOR LINE DAMAGE CAUSED WHEN AN INCORRECT PROCEDURE WAS USED IN TIGHTENING BOLTS ON ADJACENT COMPONENTS DURING ASSEMBLY. THE FUEL TANK MAY BECOME DAMAGED DUE TO A LOOSE CROSS MEMBER THAT SUPPORTS IT.
Remedy
VEHICLES WILL BE INSPECTED AND, WHEN NECESSARY, FUEL AND VAPOR LINES WILL BE REPLACED AND THE CROSS MEMBER WILL BE TIGHTENED.
Repair progress not yet reported1,548 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 83V115000

PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.

Which Ranger years had the most recalls?Best & worst years →Every recall for the Ford RangerAll model years →Where is the VIN on my car?VIN location guide →

Owner complaints (12)

12 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The electrical system is mentioned most often.

2involved a crash
6involved a fire
5injuries reported
0deaths reported

As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.

Most-reported components

Complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1984 Ford Ranger, by component (top 9). One complaint can list several components, so these add up to more than 12.Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 · Report a data error

How 1984 compares with other Ranger years

Best and worst Ranger years →
11 12 27 35 50 89 73 105 132 189
1983198419851986198719881989199019911992
This year (1984)Other yearsStill collecting reports

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fuel economy: up to 26 mpg combined

26
mpg combined
25
city
28
highway
EPA annual fuel cost
$3,700
CO₂ tailpipe
392 g/mi
EPA class
Small Pickup Trucks

What it costs you to run

$2,512per year
$209per month
577gallons a year

Miles ÷ 26 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.

EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.

Specs by configuration

1984 Ford Ranger configurations with EPA data
Engine · transmissionDriveCity / Hwy / CombEPA $/yrCO₂ g/mi
2.2 L 4-cyl · 4-speed manual2-Wheel Drive25 / 28 / 26$3,700392
2 L 4-cyl · 4-speed manual2-Wheel Drive21 / 28 / 24$2,800370
2 L 4-cyl · 5-speed manual2-Wheel Drive20 / 26 / 22$3,050404
2.3 L 4-cyl · 4-speed manual2-Wheel Drive19 / 24 / 21$3,200423
2.3 L 4-cyl · 5-speed manual2-Wheel Drive19 / 24 / 21$3,200423
2.3 L 4-cyl · 4-speed manual2-Wheel Drive19 / 24 / 21$3,200423
2.3 L 4-cyl · 5-speed manual2-Wheel Drive19 / 24 / 21$3,200423
2.8 L 6-cyl · 4-speed manual2-Wheel Drive18 / 23 / 20$3,350444
2.3 L 4-cyl · 5-speed manual4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive18 / 23 / 20$3,350444
2.3 L 4-cyl · 3-speed automatic2-Wheel Drive18 / 22 / 19$3,550468
2.3 L 4-cyl · 4-speed manual2-Wheel Drive17 / 22 / 19$3,550468
2.3 L 4-cyl · 5-speed manual2-Wheel Drive17 / 22 / 19$3,550468
2.8 L 6-cyl · 5-speed manual2-Wheel Drive17 / 24 / 19$3,550468
2.3 L 4-cyl · 4-speed manual4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive18 / 21 / 19$3,550468
2.8 L 6-cyl · 4-speed manual4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive17 / 22 / 19$3,550468
2.3 L 4-cyl · 3-speed automatic2-Wheel Drive18 / 20 / 19$3,550468
2.8 L 6-cyl · 4-speed manual2-Wheel Drive17 / 22 / 19$3,550468
2.8 L 6-cyl · 3-speed automatic2-Wheel Drive16 / 21 / 18$3,700494
2.3 L 4-cyl · 4-speed manual4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive16 / 21 / 18$3,700494
2.3 L 4-cyl · 5-speed manual4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive16 / 22 / 18$3,700494
2.8 L 6-cyl · 5-speed manual2-Wheel Drive16 / 22 / 18$3,700494
2.3 L 4-cyl · 4-speed manual4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive17 / 20 / 18$3,700494
2.8 L 6-cyl · 5-speed manual4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive15 / 21 / 17$3,950523
2.3 L 4-cyl · 4-speed manual2-Wheel Drive16 / 18 / 17$3,950523
2.8 L 6-cyl · 3-speed automatic2-Wheel Drive15 / 19 / 17$3,950523
2.8 L 6-cyl · 4-speed manual4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive15 / 19 / 17$3,950523
2.8 L 6-cyl · 5-speed manual4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive15 / 20 / 17$3,950523
2.3 L 4-cyl · 4-speed manual2-Wheel Drive16 / 19 / 17$3,950523
2.8 L 6-cyl · 3-speed automatic4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive15 / 17 / 15$4,450593
2.8 L 6-cyl · 4-speed manual2-Wheel Drive13 / 15 / 14$4,800635
2.8 L 6-cyl · 3-speed automatic4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive13 / 15 / 14$4,800635

Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.

Used blue SUV on a sunny dealer lot with its hood open and a clipboard on the fender

Looking at a 1984 Ranger for sale?

Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.

All Ranger years

Where to next

Which Ranger years drew the fewest complaints?Best & worst years →1985 Ford Ranger report27 complaints · 1 campaigns →1983 Ford Ranger report11 complaints · 5 campaigns →Have a VIN? Decode itVIN decoder →

1984 Ford Ranger FAQ

How many recalls does the 1984 Ford Ranger have?

NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns: 84V111000 (latch), 84V104000 (suspension), 84V082000 (fuel system), 84V023000 (wheel), 83V134000 (seat belt), 83V115000 (fuel system). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.

What are the most common 1984 Ford Ranger problems?

Owners filed 12 complaints with NHTSA. Electrical system (2), Engine and engine cooling (2), Visibility (2) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.

What mpg does the 1984 Ford Ranger get?

EPA rates the 2.2 L 4-cyl · 4-speed manual version at 25 city, 28 highway and 26 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.

How does the 1984 Ranger compare with other years?

Among the 1983–1992 Ford Ranger model years at least five years old, the 1983 drew the fewest complaints (11) and the 1992 the most (189). The 1984 drew 12. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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