VehicleVerdict

Ford Ranchero years to avoid

Across 1968–1979, no single Ranchero year stands out as one to avoid by our thresholds. The 1979 drew the most complaints; 1977 the fewest.

3

Total complaints

19

Recall campaigns

1968–1979

Years covered

0

Years to avoid

Complaints by model year

Ford Ranchero NHTSA complaints by model year2 complaints1968: 0 complaints1970: 0 complaints1971: 0 complaints1972: 0 complaints1973: 1 complaints1974: 0 complaints1975: 0 complaints1976: 0 complaints1977: 0 complaints1979: 2 complaints
Ford Ranchero NHTSA complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Every Ranchero year

YearComplaintsRecalls
197924
197702
197602
197503
197401
197314
197203
197101
197001
196801

Common questions

What is the best year for the Ford Ranchero?

By complaint volume, 1977 has the cleanest NHTSA record among Ranchero years with enough data to compare.

How many recalls does the Ford Ranchero have?

Across all model years, the Ranchero has 19 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 3 consumer complaints on file.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.