Two problems related to tailgate 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.
Extreme rust including frame, bed side panels, bed floor, tailgate. Noticed spare tire fell from underside due to rust of frame. Luckily found while vehicle was parked. Frame cross members almost rusted through. Inspection may not pass soon.
My wife sat on the tailgate of the vehicle, and both tailgate support cables snapped at the same time causing her to be dropped onto the ground, and injuring her knee. Neither of the cables had shown any physical damage, and the rubber exterior coating of the cables was still fully intact. Upon my inspecting the cables after they had broken, both steel cores were in fact corroded.