The 1997 Ford Ranger is a pickup truck that came with a choice of 2.3L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl and 4.0L 6-cyl engines. At 29 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.
| Body style | Standard Pickup Trucks |
|---|---|
| Engines | 2.3L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl, 4.0L 6-cyl |
| Transmissions | Automatic 4-spd, Manual 5-spd, Automatic 5-spd |
| Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
| Fuel economy | 14–21 city / 19–24 highway / 16–22 combined MPG |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $3,050–$4,200 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles) |
| Tailpipe CO₂ | 404–555 grams per mile |
| Versions tested by EPA | 10 configurations: Ranger Pickup 2WD, Ranger Pickup 4WD |
| Age | 29 years |
Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data. Your car's exact equipment may differ.
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall covering the 1997 Ford Ranger. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking the car, but check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which apply to yours.
Ford is recalling model years 1995-2003 windstar, 2000-2003 excursion diesel, 1993-1997 and 1999-2003 f-250 sd through f-550 sd diesel, 1992-2003 e-150 through e-550, 1995-2002 explorer, 1997 and 2002 mercury mountaineer, 1995-1997 and 2001-2003 Ranger, and 1994 f53 vehicles equipped with the texas instruments speed control…
Risk: A vehicle fire could occur with or without the engine running.
Owners have filed 411 complaints about the 1997 Ford Ranger with NHTSA. 40 reports involved a crash and 8 reports involved a fire. Owners reported 44 injuries.
Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.
Manufacturers have filed 202 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 1997 Ford Ranger. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.
Front axle leaks fluid from vent tube - vehicles equipped with 4x4 or awd. *tt
General (PCM) power train control module programming procedures. *tt
General power train control module (PCM) programming procedures. *tt
Rear leaf spring noise. *tt
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).
NHTSA opened 2 defect investigations covering the 1997 Ford Ranger.
Front seat belt
There is no summary currently available
Steering knuckle separations
There is no summary currently available
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It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. As a heavier vehicle, its scrap weight adds to the offer. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.
Yes. We buy 1997 Rangers that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.
Yes. Open recalls don't prevent a junk sale. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 1997 Ford Ranger; you can check whether any are still open on yours with the VIN lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.
Data retrieved October 2026.
Get a free offer in minutes. Towing is always free and you get paid at pickup.