CR bases it "problem areas" on replies to its questionnaires. It pretty much
treats all items that need repair actions the same (whether they cost $10 or
$1000, whether they are covered by warranty or not, etc.). There was a
recall on the Rangers ( and some Mazda) for the multifunction switch for
vehicles built in the 90's. Therefore virtually every Ranger owner that
responded to the CR questionnaire would report a problem with this
electrical component. Therefore, CR would show this as a problem area. The
multifunction switch was the big hitter that gives the Rangers a black eye.
Otherwise the electrical system is pretty average.

Ed

Thanks for the reply, Ed.  
( I've owne several cars for an extended periods of time and found that
any problems pretty well  tracked the Consumer Reports data. )