Two problems related to brake drum shoes/linings have been reported for the 2004 Ford Ranger. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2004 Ford Ranger based on all problems reported for the 2004 Ranger.
I recently had to repair (at my cost) to have my rear brakes redone due to them locking up. Upon removal of the drums it was very evident that the brake shoes were delaminated (separated) causing my rear end of my truck to lock up and not move. This because this is not a wear issue. This is a safety issue. Truck has 46k miles. I am looking to trade it in on a Toyota, which will be the first japanese vehicle that I have ever considered. Rust is also starting to form between the bed and the gate.
I just had a conversation with a man by the name of brian at the phone number 1800-392-Ford (that the dealer gave me) about my problem. I am very upset and will be filing a complaint about this as a safety issue to the safer cargov website. Among others. This is in regards to my 2004 for Ranger edge 4x4. I just recently had to repair (at my cost) to have my rear brakes redone due to them locking up. Upon removal of the drums it was very evident that the brake shoes were delaminated (separated) causing my rear end of my truck to lock up and not move. Knowing that Ford does not cover wear items" I figured that they would cover this because this is not a wear issue. This is a safety issue. Brake shoes should not separate (wear yes, separate no). A truck with 37 k miles should not have rear brake pads come apart period. If this is what Ford calls quality then im very disappointed in my purchase. And as of now I am disappointed about the lack of concern of the potential safety problem this could cause. Its a good thing that I was not going 50 mph or higher when it locked up. Or on top of that have another person in the vehicle . . Safety? or wear? your call quality ?.