One problem related to brake fluid leak has been reported for the 1996 Ford Ranger. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Truck was parked on the garage pad for a week. I opened the hood and checked all fluid levels, and found the brake fluid a little low. Topped off the master cylinder and got back into the truck. Started engine, and pushed the brake pedal. It went to the floor, got out of the truck and heard fluid dripping. I looked under the truck and saw a puddle of brake fluid near the left rear wheel. I asked my wife to push the pedal down and I saw brake fluid spraying from the main steel brake line. Could have been a serious accident as the truck was used one week prior to the accident to haul a full load of fire wood.