2003 Ford Ranger

Price & value

We don't guess at prices. Get a real value for the exact truck from Kelley Blue Book, then see how the asking price compares.

Owner's manual

Get the free official owner's manual from Ford's owner manual library. Choose 2003 Ranger. It covers maintenance schedules, fluids, towing limits and warning lights. Older years may not be listed online.

Recalls

These are recalls NHTSA lists for 2003 Ford Ranger trucks as a group. A recall may cover only some of them (certain engines, cabs or build dates), and many trucks have already had the free repair. Only a VIN check shows whether a particular truck still needs it.

• Vehicle Speed Control

  Oct 2009 · #09V399000

  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 DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS).

  Read more: details, risk and fix

  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 DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS). THE SCDS MAY LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.

  Risk: A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.

  Fix: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS THAT DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS IN LINE WITH THE SCDS. ON 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH A LEAKING SCDS, DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR AND REPAIR AS NECESSARY. REPAIRS WILL BE COMPLETED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT [phone removed].

• Exterior Lighting:Headlights

  May 2009 · #09E025000

  DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES.

  Read more: details, risk and fix

  DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

  Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

  Fix: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT [phone removed].

• Exterior Lighting

  Apr 2009 · #09E012000

  SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES.

  Read more: details, risk and fix

  SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

  Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

  Fix: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT [phone removed].

• Exterior Lighting

  Jul 2006 · #06E065000

  CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES.

  Read more: details, risk and fix

  CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

  Risk: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

  Fix: AJ MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AJ MOTORSPORT AT [phone removed].

• Exterior Lighting

  May 2006 · #06E049000

  CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.

  Read more: details, risk and fix

  CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

  Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

  Fix: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT [phone removed].

Owner complaints by area

Reports owners filed with NHTSA. They aren't verified, and one complaint can mention more than one area. Tap an area to read the most recent ones.

• Structure43

  4 involved a crash

  • Filed Jun 2023 · Also filed under Wheels, Service Brakes

    Truck has no spare tire, totally missing the assembly and bracket originally used to hold the tire (have a junk one in the bed). The crossmember under the truck is about 50% intact is getting ready to fall off. Brake lines and rocker panals rotted out as well. Holes in the frame starting and a patch was already needed on the frame (drivers side rear). As well as a loose bed. The truck is very clean on top but underneath is rotting away like it has 200000 miles on it(truck is at 77,000). I want to remove the rust and coat it but im scared of punching through cause spots are brittle.

  • Filed Apr 2023 · Also filed under Suspension

    The frame of my truck has rotted through. The strap that holds the gas tank has nothing to connect to, i think the tank could fall to the ground under the right circumstances. The frame has a large whole in it and i fear it will break very soon. I had to remove the spare tire because i feared it would fall off the truck. I had to replace both connectors that held the leaf springs to the frame,and was told there wasn't much left to connect them to.

  • Filed Aug 2022

    The contact owns a 2003 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, an abnormal, rattling noise began to emit from the rear of the vehicle without warning. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that the rear cross members had rotted out due to severe corrosion. The contact also stated that the fuel tank was no longer being supported due to the failure. An independent mechanic inspected the vehicle and deemed the vehicle unsafe to drive. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.

  • Filed May 2021

    THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HER HUSBAND WAS DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE SPARE TIRE DETACHED FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN BACK TO THE RESIDENCE AND INSPECTED. THE DRIVER NOTICED THAT THE UNDERCARRIAGE AND SUB-FRAME WERE SEVERELY CORRODED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE LOCAL DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE SUB-FRAME HAD RUSTED OUT AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 131,000

  • Filed Sep 2020 · Also filed under Suspension, Electrical System

    BODY, FRAME AND SUSPENSION HAVE ALL BEEN RUSTED OUT. BUMPER RECENTLY JUST FELL OFF DUE TO RUST (WHILE PARKED). DOORS WON'T SHUT COMPLETELY DUE TO RUST, WHICH HAS LED TO THE INTERIOR LIGHT REMAINING ON OR PERIODICALLY TURNING ON THROUGHOUT THE DAY/NIGHT AND KILLING THE BATTERY. ENTIRE TRUCK IS ONE BIG PILE OF RUST ON WHEELS.

  • Showing the 5 most recent of 43.
• Vehicle Speed Control40

  11 involved a crash · 1 involved a fire

  • Filed Aug 2016 · Also filed under Seat Belts

    CRUSE-CONTROL IS VERY FLIMSY,SOME TIMES IT WILL NOT WORK,,, HAVE TO HOLD IT FROM BACK SIDE WHEN TRYING TO START CONTROL.IN MOTION, ON HIGHWAY.

  • Filed Jul 2016

    VEHICLE ACCELERATES WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED. SO FAR ONLY HAS HAPPENED AT SLOW SPEEDS WHILE PARKING THE VEHICLE. I'VE SEEN A JUMP OF 1,000 RPM'S WHEN IT OCCURS, BUT IF YOUR PRESSING HARD ENOUGH ON THE BRAKES YOU CAN CONTROL THE ACCELERATION

  • Filed Apr 2016

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD RANGER. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO REVERSE, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING AND CRASHED INTO A WALL. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

  • Filed Feb 2015 · Also filed under Structure

    2003 FORD RANGER SUDDENLY ACCELERATED UPON ATTEMPTING TO PARK. I WAS PULLING INTO MY PARKING SPOT WHILE APPLY THE BRAKES WHEN MY VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, JUMPED A SNOW BANK AND HIT A LIGHT POLE. INDEPENDENT WITNESS REPORTED THE VEHICLE JUST TOOK OFF, REAR WHEELS RAPIDLY STARTED TURNING. I CONTACTED FORD MOTOR CO. WHO DID NOT SEEM TOO CONCERNED ABOUT THE INCIDENT AND HAD NO INTEREST TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE.

  • Filed Oct 2014 · Also filed under Fuel/Propulsion System

    BOUGHT THE 2003 RANGER NEW IN JAN 2004. LAST WEEK, AFTER COMING TO A STOP AT RED LIGHT, IT SUDDENLY BEGAN REVVING UP DRASTICALLY ( 3000 + RPM'S). BRAKE HARDER TO KEEP IT FROM RAMMING CAR IN FRONT. PUT IN PARK AND TURNED OFF WITH KEY. RE-STARTED AND IT RAN NORMALLY. IT HAS DONE THIS TWICE MORE SINCE THEN, ONCE WHEN I PUT IT IN REVERSE TO BACK OUT OF PARKING SPOT. BOTH TIMES IT RAN NORMALLY AFTER THE INCIDENT. NEVER HAD THIS HAPPEN BEFORE. CHECKED MATS AROUND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, ALL CLEAR. THERE ARE 66,720 MILES ON ODOMETER, NO MAJOR PROBLEMS 'TILL NOW. ??? *TR

  • Showing the 5 most recent of 40.
• Service Brakes34

  6 involved a crash

  • Filed Jun 2023 · Also filed under Structure, Wheels

    Truck has no spare tire, totally missing the assembly and bracket originally used to hold the tire (have a junk one in the bed). The crossmember under the truck is about 50% intact is getting ready to fall off. Brake lines and rocker panals rotted out as well. Holes in the frame starting and a patch was already needed on the frame (drivers side rear). As well as a loose bed. The truck is very clean on top but underneath is rotting away like it has 200000 miles on it(truck is at 77,000). I want to remove the rust and coat it but im scared of punching through cause spots are brittle.

  • Filed Oct 2014 · Also filed under Suspension, Power Train

    THE VEHICLE WAS RIDING VERY ROUGH AS THOUGH SOME ONE WAS KNOCKING ON THE ENGINE WITH A HAMMER. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER ( GENE EVANS FORD ) WHICH IS WHERE I PURCHASE IT FROM, ALL I WAS TOLD WAS THAT IS WHAT A TRUCK SUPPOSE TO SOUND LIKE. I CONTINUE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THE ROUGHNESS OF THE TRUCK, NO ONE WAS CONCERN ABOUT MY COMPLAINTS. NOW HERE IT IS SEPTEMBER 2010, I TAKE MY TRUCK FOR A OIL CHANGE AND TIRE ROTATION IN NEW JERSEY AND THE REPAIR SHOP WRITES UP A INVOICE STATING MY REAR AXLE NEEDS AN ADJUSTMENT. THE FORD DEALERSHIPS HAS SERVICE MY VEHICLE ALL THIS TIME AND TO ME THEY MADE SURE THIS WOULD NOT BE DETECTED. I HAD AN ACCIDENT ON JANUARY 4,2014 AND MY AXEL IS NOW BENT FROM A SMALL IMPACT BECAUSE IT WAS NO GOOD FROM THE DAY I BOUGHT THE TRUCK. AUTO NATION WAS GOING TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE AND WHEN [XXX] THE MANAGER SAW THE INVOICES WITH THE DIAGNOSIS ABOUT THE ADJUSTMENT OF THE AXEL AND THE 2010 DATE ON IT, SOMEONE THERE TOLD STATE FARM THAT I DID NOT WANT THEM TO FIX THE TRUCK. IN ALL HONESTY THEY ARE THE ONLY ONE I WANTED TO HANDLE THIS REPAIR SO THEY COULD GIVE ME A BRAND NEW AXEL OR A BRAND NEW VEHICLE INSTEAD THEY LIED TO EVERYONE AND WALKED AWAY FROM THE PROBLEM. I HAD AND HAVE SUBMITTED CORRESPONDENTS TO FORD ALSO I HAD ASK TO SPEAK TO FORD REPRESENTATIVES AT SEVERAL DEALERSHIPS, I WAS TOLD BECAUSE OF THE HIGH MILEAGE THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. THE MOST PECULIAR THING IS THAT ALL THE DEALERSHIP MADE SURE THAT NO ONE ADDRESS THE PROBLEM WITH THE AXLE ALTHOUGH THEY HAD BEEN ROTATING THE TIRES AND ALL AND ANY OTHER KIND OF REPAIRS THEY AS PROFESSIONALS KNEW THE TRUCK NEEDED. BEING A WOMAN NEEDED YOUR VEHICLE PROPERLY MAINTAINED AS TO ENJOY THE LONGEVITY OF SOMETHING YOU DEPEND ON DAY TO DAY JUST TO HAVE SOMEONE TO TAKE IT FOR GRANTED TO PRETEND THEY HAVE DONE YOUR TRUCK A VIABLE SERVICE TO KEEP YOU SAFE AND ON THE ROAD AT ALL TIME. HELP!!!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

  • Filed Jun 2014 · Also filed under Suspension, Structure

    LOST ALL BRAKES WHILE DRIVING. FOUND ALL BRAKE LINES ROTTED AND IN NEED OF REPLACEMENT. WHILE REPLACING LINES, NOTICED EXCESSIVE FRAME AND CROSS MEMBER DETERIORATION FROM RUST. BED CROSS MEMBERS COMPLETELY RUSTED AWAY AND REAR SPRING HANGERS RUSTED SO BAD THEY ARE READY TO BREAK OFF. *JS

  • Filed Jul 2013

    BOUGHT TRUCK USED AT 66018 MILES TRUCK NEEDED FRONT ROTORS TURNED ON 2/27/10 @ 79730 MILES (ROTORS WARPED) REPLACED FRONT ROTORS ON 12/31/11 (ROTORS WARPED) TRUCK AGAIN NEEDS FRONT ROTORS TURNED ON 7/18/13 @103055 MILES (ROTORS WARPED) TO DATE AT APPROXIMATELY EVERY 12,500 MILES THE FRONT ROTORS NEED TO BE TURNED. THE SAME BRAKE PADS ARE ON FROM WHEN I BOUGHT THE TRUCK WITH 37,037 MILES ON THEM. *TR

  • Filed Feb 2013

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 96,000.

  • Showing the 5 most recent of 34.
• Hydraulic29

  5 involved a crash

  • Filed Jan 2012 · Also filed under Service Brakes

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD RANGER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH THE CONSUMER'S SON DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND HIS FOOT UNINTENTIONALLY DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DUE TO THE CLOSE PROXIMITY OF BOTH PEDALS. THE DRIVER CRASHED INTO A FENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000. UPDATED 02/14/12*LJ UPDATED 02/22/12

  • Filed Dec 2011 · Also filed under Suspension, Service Brakes

    THE RIGHT REAR BRAKE DRUM HAD A 2" PIECE RUSTED OUT, THE LEFT REAR BRAKE HAD RUSTED SO BAD IT HAD BROKEN LOOSE IN THE DRUM AND THE SHACKLES HAD RUSTED COMPLETELY OFF. THE VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN LEFT OUTSIDE ALWAYS GARAGED, NEVER BEEN IN HIGH WATER OR EXPOSED TO A HIGH LEVEL OFF SALT. THE UNDER CARRIAGE IS ALWAYS WASHED AFTER ROAD SALT HAS BEEN APPLIED. THE UNDER CARRIAGE HAS MORE RUST THAN NORMAL FOR A VEHICLE TAKEN CARE OF AS THIS ONE. THE MECHANIC [name removed] ON IT. IN 2010 THE REAR SHOCKS HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THEY HAD BEEN RUSTED THROUGH. *KB

  • Filed Dec 2011 · Also filed under Service Brakes

    BRAKE ROTORS SOLD BY ADVANCE AUTO PARTS AS AN "EXACT FIT" FOR THIS VEHICLE WERE INSTALLED WITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS AND ALL ASSOCIATED COMPONENTS FOR A BRAKE REPAIR (PADS, CALIPERS, BEARINGS, SEALS, ABS RINGS) WERE ALSO INSTALLED AND SEEMED TO FIT PERFECTLY. AFTER ASSEMBLY I NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE PADS WERE ONLY PARTIALLY BEARING ON THE BRAKE ROTOR, WITH THE PADS OVERLAPPING THE EDGE OF THE ROTORS. I DID NOT NOTICE THIS CONDITION UNTIL BOTH NEW FRONT ROTORS HAD BEEN REPLACED AND ALL COMPONENTS EXCEPT THE TIRES/WHEELS HAD BEEN REPLACED. UPON FURTHER RESEARCH, THE ROTORS SOLD AS AN "EXACT FIT" (SELECTED FOR ME BY THE COUNTER MAN AT MY LOCAL ADVANCE AUTO PARTS STORE) WERE APPROXIMATELY 1 INCH SMALLER IN DIAMETER AS THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT ROTORS. I CONTACTED ADVANCE CUSTOMER SERVICE TO INFORM THEM OF THIS PROBLEM AND THEY DENIED ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR INSTALLATION OF IMPROPER PARTS. SEVERAL REVIEWS POSTED ON THE STORE'S WEBSITE INDICATE THAT OTHER PEOPLE HAVE INSTALLED THESE ROTORS AND ARE DRIVING AROUND WITH THEM DESPITE THE FACT THEY ARE NOT THE PROPER ROTORS FOR THIS 4 WHEEL ANTILOCK BRAKE VEHICLE (THEY DO FIT RANGERS WITH REAR WHEEL ANTILOCK BRAKES). THIS IS A MURPHY'S LAW SITUATION IN WHICH A CONSUMER CAN INSTALL THESE PARTS AND DRIVE AROUND WITH THEM, UNAWARE OF THE POTENTIAL FOR BRAKE FAILURE. THE FINAL INSTALLATION LOOKS NORMAL AND I WOULD NOT HAVE NOTICED UNLESS I HAD MADE A CLOSE INSPECTION AND FOUND THAT THE BRAKE PADS WERE NOT IN FULL CONTACT WITH THE ROTOR SURFACE BECAUSE OF THE SMALLER THAN SPECIFICATION DIAMETER. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE THE ADVANCE AUTO PARTS WEBSITE AND STORE COMPUTER SYSTEM LIST THEM AS AN EXACT FIT FOR THE VEHICLE WHEN, IN FACT, THEY ARE NOT. THEY CAN BE INSTALLED AND DRIVEN WITHOUT THE INSTALLER REALIZING THAT THEY ARE THE WRONG SIZE. THIS REQUIRES AN IMMEDIATE NOTICE AND RECALL AND ADVANCE SHOULD BE SANCTIONED. *TR

  • Filed May 2011 · Also filed under Service Brakes

    2003 FORD RANGER STEEL BRAKE LINE ROTTED AND FAILED. 26,000 MILES WELL MAINTAINED VEHICLE. CAUSE BRAKE FAILURE. FORTUNATELY NO ACCIDENT INCIDENT. STEEL LINE ROTTED AT FITTING OVER REAR AXLE WHERE IT ATTACHES TO FLEX LINE TO THE AXLE HOUSING. OTHER RUST AND CORROSION ISSUES PLAGUE THIS VEHICLE. *TR

  • Filed Mar 2011 · Also filed under Service Brakes

    THIS PROBLEM HAS APPEARED ALL OF A SUDDEN WITHOUT WARNING. BRAKES FADE AT LOW SPEEDS. THE PEDAL SINKS TO THE FLOORBOARD. THIS CONDITION OCCURS RANDOMLY. I HAVE TOPPED OFF THE BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR. THIS HAS NOT CHANGED THE SITUATION. I'VE REVIEWED THE INTERNET FOR POTENTIAL REMEDIES AND HAVE DISCOVERED MANY OTHERS WITH THE SAME OR SIMILAR PROBLEM. *TR

  • Showing the 5 most recent of 29.
• Air Bags25

  11 involved a crash

  • Filed Apr 2023 · Also filed under Electrical System, Unknown or Other

    Airbag warning light always on.

  • Filed Aug 2019 · Also filed under Suspension, Wheels

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 FORD RANGER. WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THE SPINDLE ON THE DRIVER SIDE TIRE ROD BROKE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE SWERVED FROM LANE TO LANE THE VEHICLE WENT OFF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE BECAME AIR BORN AND CRASHED IN A TREE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELTS WOULDN'T BUCKLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CUT FROM THEIR EAR TO THEIR THROAT FROM THE SEAT BELT, THE CONTACT ALSO HAD A BURN MARK FROM THE SEAT BELT. THE CONTACT SOUGHT MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT'S BROTHER WAS IN THE VEHICLE WAS AS WELL. THEY SUSTAINED AN INJURY BUT DIDN'T RECEIVE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT'S BROTHER SUSTAINED A CRACKED RIB. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS THE ONLY VEHICLE EVOLVED IN THIS CRASH. NO OTHER MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NEEDED. A POLICE REPORT WAS MADE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,000.

  • Filed Aug 2019

    I BOUGHT THIS TRUCK USED ,IS THERE A RECALL ON THE AIRBAGS OR ANY OTHER RECALLS OF ANY KIND ?? THANKS *DT *TR

  • Filed Jun 2018

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO FRIENDLY FORD (address removed) TO BE REPAIRED PER AN UNKNOWN AIR BAG RECALL. UPON ARRIVING AT THE DEALER, THE CONTACT WAS CHARGED A FEE TO REPLACE WIRES THAT WERE CUT DURING THE AIR BAG REPLACEMENT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED ANOTHER RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V788000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT HAD NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,000.

  • Filed Nov 2017

    AIR BAG LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON AND THE DEALERSHIP SAYS THAT IT IS A DEFECT WITH THE AIRBAG. I DO NOT WANT TO PAY FOR THE PRICE OF REPLACING IT ~ IF IT IS THE COMPANIES FAULT THAT MADE THE AIRBAG.

  • Showing the 5 most recent of 25.
• Suspension23

  3 involved a crash

  • Filed Apr 2023 · Also filed under Structure

    The frame of my truck has rotted through. The strap that holds the gas tank has nothing to connect to, i think the tank could fall to the ground under the right circumstances. The frame has a large whole in it and i fear it will break very soon. I had to remove the spare tire because i feared it would fall off the truck. I had to replace both connectors that held the leaf springs to the frame,and was told there wasn't much left to connect them to.

  • Filed May 2021

    I had been noticing some squeaking form the rear of my 2003 Ford Ranger. I thought it was my breaks. It turned out that the mounts for the rear springs had rusted out. My mechanic also noticed a hole, in the frame, resulting from rust. The hole is located on the inside surface of the frame on the passenger side just forward of the passenger compartment. Since the hole was discovered I stopped using the Ranger due to safety concerns.

  • Filed Sep 2020 · Also filed under Electrical System, Structure

    BODY, FRAME AND SUSPENSION HAVE ALL BEEN RUSTED OUT. BUMPER RECENTLY JUST FELL OFF DUE TO RUST (WHILE PARKED). DOORS WON'T SHUT COMPLETELY DUE TO RUST, WHICH HAS LED TO THE INTERIOR LIGHT REMAINING ON OR PERIODICALLY TURNING ON THROUGHOUT THE DAY/NIGHT AND KILLING THE BATTERY. ENTIRE TRUCK IS ONE BIG PILE OF RUST ON WHEELS.

  • Filed Sep 2020

    CHASSIS ROTTING OUT. LOST SPARE TIRE CARRIER AND REAR FRAME SUPPORT. SPRING PERCH ROTTED OFF CHASSIS. OTHER AREAS ARE BEGINNING TO ROT OUT ON FRAME RAILS! THINGS CAME APART IN MOTION BUT WAS ABLE TO SAFELY REMOVE UPON STOPPING

  • Filed Aug 2019 · Also filed under Air Bags, Wheels

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 FORD RANGER. WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THE SPINDLE ON THE DRIVER SIDE TIRE ROD BROKE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE SWERVED FROM LANE TO LANE THE VEHICLE WENT OFF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE BECAME AIR BORN AND CRASHED IN A TREE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELTS WOULDN'T BUCKLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CUT FROM THEIR EAR TO THEIR THROAT FROM THE SEAT BELT, THE CONTACT ALSO HAD A BURN MARK FROM THE SEAT BELT. THE CONTACT SOUGHT MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT'S BROTHER WAS IN THE VEHICLE WAS AS WELL. THEY SUSTAINED AN INJURY BUT DIDN'T RECEIVE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT'S BROTHER SUSTAINED A CRACKED RIB. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS THE ONLY VEHICLE EVOLVED IN THIS CRASH. NO OTHER MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NEEDED. A POLICE REPORT WAS MADE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,000.

  • Showing the 5 most recent of 23.
• Engine And Engine Cooling18

  1 involved a fire

  • Filed Nov 2007 · Also filed under Power Train

    2003 FORD RANGER 4.0L 4WD AT. TWO OF THE SIX VALVE SEATS IN THE ENGINE DROPPED CAUSING THE ENGINE TO LOSE COMPRESSION AFTER LESS THAN 70K MILES. NOTICED LOSS OF POWER, TOOK IT IN AND HAD TO PAY OVER $2K IN REPAIRS EVEN THOUGH IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. THE VALVE SEATS WERE REPLACED. THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED BUT A FEW MONTHS LATER WHILE MERGING TO FREEWAY SPEEDS THE CAR STALLED AND WOULD NOT RE-START. TOWED IT IN TO FIND THAT THE ENGINE HAD JUMPED TIMING AND BENT ALL SIX CRANK ARMS. AGAIN, REPAIRS WERE MADE. TOP END OF THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED INCLUDING THE CRANKS. THIS IS RIDICULOUS FOR A TRUCK WITH LESS THAN $70K MILES ON. I FEEL THE ORIGINAL REPAIR COSTS UPWARDS OF $2,000.00 SHOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY AS IT WAS AN INTERNAL ENGINE ISSUE AND BEEN REIMBURSED. ALSO A NEW ENGINE SHOULD BE INSTALLED OR VEHICLE TRADED AS THIS ENGINE IS OBVIOUSLY DEFECTIVE. ALL THE MEANWHILE THE MAIN REASON FOR TAKING THE VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIRS THREE TIMES PRIOR WAS TO FIX THE HUGE THUMP AND DELAY ON ACCELERATION THAT ALMOST CAUSED ME TO GET IN AN ACCIDENT! THE DEALER SAID THIS WAS NORMAL FOR 4WD TRUCKS AND THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. YET EVERY 4WD I'VE DRIVEN, EVEN ONES WITH OVER 100K MILES ON THEM, ACCELERATE SMOOTHLY WITH NO THUMPING OR DELAY IN ACCELERATION. NEARING THE EXPIRATION ON MY WARRANTY DUE TO MILEAGE, I FEEL THE DEALERSHIP WAS TRYING TO PUSH THE ACTUAL REPAIRS OFF UNTIL THEN. THEY EVEN SAID THAT THE CAUSE OF THE THUMP WAS THAT THE TRANSMISSION MOUNTS WERE LOOSE. SO THEY "REPAIRED" THAT BUT IT HAD NO EFFECT AND THE ISSUE STILL REMAINS. THIS IS WHERE I STAND CURRENTLY AND AM TRYING TO GET THE TRUCK BACK IN THE SHOP, ONCE AGAIN, TO HAVE THIS ISSUE FIXED SO THAT I DO NOT ACTUALLY GET IN AN ACCIDENT. AND TO ADD TO THAT, THERE IS ONCE AGAIN A LOSS IN POWER, SO WE'LL FIND OUT IF THE VALVE SEATS HAVE ONCE AGAIN DROPPED... *TR

  • Filed Jun 2007

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD RANGER. WHILE DECELERATING AT 10 MPH, ALL OF THE FLUID SPILLED OUT FROM THE CLUTCH CYLINDER OR EITHER A FAILED HOSE. THE CONTACT IS UNCERTAIN AND THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED. HE IS CERTAIN, HOWEVER, THAT OIL WAS LEAKING BETWEEN THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE OWNER'S RESIDENCE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 49,710.

  • Filed Feb 2007

    TRUCK BUCKS/JERKS DURING DRIVE CYCLE WHEN IN 3RD OR 4TH GEAR, RPM ~2500. *JB

  • Filed Sep 2006

    A FAILED ROLLER ROCKER DESTROYED A CAM AND LIFTER AFTER ONLY 66,000 MILES. 3,000 MILES PREVIOUS I HAD TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER WHO SAID THEY COULDN'T HEAR THE NOISE. BY THE TIME THEY COULD HEAR IT, THE DAMAGE HAD MORE THAN TRIPLED. THE FAILURE WAS DEFINITELY CAUSED BY THE DEFECTIVE ROLLER ROCKER(THE PART IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION). *NM

  • Filed Oct 2005

    DT: THE CONSUMER STATED THAT HIS 2003 FORD RANGER CAUGHT ON FIRE ON 9-30-05. THE VEHICLE STARTED SMOKING WHILE IN MOTION. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER. THE FIRE WAS VIEWED COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED. THE TRUCK WAS DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS. THE CONSUMER FELT THAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED NO PRIOR PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED HIS INSURANCE COMPANY. THE TRUCK WAS TOWED TO A JUNK YARD IN ILLINOIS. PICTURES WERE TAKEN OF THE ENGINE AND THE VEHICLE ITSELF. THE CONSUMER PLANNED TO NOTIFY THE MANUFACTURER ABOUT THE FIRE. *AK (11/22/05) A POPPING NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE ENGINE AND IT BEGUN TO LOSE POWER. THE CONSUMER POPPED THE HOOD AND SAW FIRE COMING OUT OF THE ENGINE. BY THE TIME THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED, THE ENGINE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. *SC

  • Showing the 5 most recent of 18.
• Electrical System17

  6 involved a fire

  • Filed Apr 2023 · Also filed under Air Bags, Unknown or Other

    Airbag warning light always on.

  • Filed Sep 2020 · Also filed under Suspension, Structure

    BODY, FRAME AND SUSPENSION HAVE ALL BEEN RUSTED OUT. BUMPER RECENTLY JUST FELL OFF DUE TO RUST (WHILE PARKED). DOORS WON'T SHUT COMPLETELY DUE TO RUST, WHICH HAS LED TO THE INTERIOR LIGHT REMAINING ON OR PERIODICALLY TURNING ON THROUGHOUT THE DAY/NIGHT AND KILLING THE BATTERY. ENTIRE TRUCK IS ONE BIG PILE OF RUST ON WHEELS.

  • Filed Nov 2019 · Also filed under Engine

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD RANGER. AFTER STARTING THE ENGINE AND TURNING ON THE HEATER, SMOKE AND FLAMES WERE PRESENT INSIDE THE VEHICLE COMING FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE VENTS. A FIRE EXTINGUISHER WAS USED TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. AUTONATION FORD MOBILE (901 EAST 1-65, SERVICE RD SOUTH, MOBILE, AL) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. THE VIN WAS INVALID.

  • Filed Aug 2018

    ENGINE STOPS RUNNING WITH NO WARNING. HAPPENED 3 TIMES IN LESS THAN A MILE, UNDER 35 MPH.STARTED BACK UP .GAUGES WERE NORMAL WITH PLENTY OF FUEL. 1ST TIME ENGINE QUIT, I HAD JUST STARTED MOVING , NEXT 2 TIMES I WAS MOVING UNDER 35 MPH AALL TOOK PLACE IN LESS THAN 1/4 MILE IN TRAFFIC

  • Filed Feb 2017 · Also filed under Exterior Lighting, Engine

    I PURCHASE THIS TRUCK BRAND NEW FROM GENE EVANS FORD IN AUGUST 2003. I STARTED COMPLAINING TO THEM A WEEK LATER THAT THE TRUCK RIDES AS THOUGH MY BUTT IS HITTING THE PAVEMENT ON A TRIP I TOOK. EVERYONE IGNORED MY CONCERN IN THE SERVICE AND SALES DEPARTMENT. WHEN THE PROBLEM WAS FINALLY NOTICE. I WAS SOLD A BRAND NEW TRUCK WITH A SEVERE BENT AXLE AND THEY WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING TO REPAIR THE TRUCK NOR GIVE ME ANOTHER ONE. THEY ALL PLAYED DUMB AND STUPID AS TO NEVER SEEING THE PROBLEM IN THE BEGINNING. FORD STILL OWES ME RESTITUTION. DEALERSHIP SHOULD NOT BE ABLE TO DEFRAUD THE PUBLIC ON DAMAGE VEHICLES PAYING A FORTUNE FOR JUST TO KILL YOU OR SOMEONE ELSE. GENE EVANS KNEW THERE WAS A PROBLEM FROM THE ONSET. THERE HAS BEEN A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH THIS TRUCK IN THE PAST, PRESENT AND MOST LIKELY IN THE FUTURE CONSIDERING THE REPAIRS THAT HAS ALREADY BEEN PUT INTO THE TRUCK OUT OF MY POCKET. MY VEHICLE DOES EVERTHING IN ALL MOTION AND NO MOTION AT ALL. DANGEROUS THINGS HAPPENS INCLUDING, CUTTING OFF CONSTANTLY, LIGHTS ARE DIM ON THE OUTSIDE SO IT IS VERY HARD TO SEE AT NIGHT,RAIN COMING IN THE REAR WINDOW, TRUCK STARTED SMOKING, FILLED THE RESERVOIR AND OVER FLOWED SPEWING THE ANTIFREEZE ALL OVER THE ENGINE. IT SOUNDED LIKE FOOD WAS FRYING IN VERY HOT GREASE. THERE IS A STINKING ODOR, SMELLS LIKE VERY STRONG URINE . SICKENING FEELING COMES OVER ME AND ANYONE IN THE TRUCK.ABS AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS WILL NOT GO OFF. THE PASSENGER WINDOW IS MOVING SLOW AS THOUGH IT IS GOING TO STOP. TRUCKS JUMPS WHICH CAUSING ME TO BOUNCE UP AND DOWN WHILE IDLING OR AT A STOP.

  • Showing the 5 most recent of 17.
• Power Train16

  2 involved a crash

  • Filed Jul 2025

    Ford knows about the problems with the dual clutch and they are refusing to fix them. I have been giving the run around om trying to get my car fixed. I am a disabled veteran and all I get is they can't help. I just found out about these cars have this problem and ford has know about his problem for years.. they need to fix this. They again to be held according selling bad products to the public.

  • Filed Oct 2014 · Also filed under Suspension, Service Brakes

    THE VEHICLE WAS RIDING VERY ROUGH AS THOUGH SOME ONE WAS KNOCKING ON THE ENGINE WITH A HAMMER. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER ( GENE EVANS FORD ) WHICH IS WHERE I PURCHASE IT FROM, ALL I WAS TOLD WAS THAT IS WHAT A TRUCK SUPPOSE TO SOUND LIKE. I CONTINUE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THE ROUGHNESS OF THE TRUCK, NO ONE WAS CONCERN ABOUT MY COMPLAINTS. NOW HERE IT IS SEPTEMBER 2010, I TAKE MY TRUCK FOR A OIL CHANGE AND TIRE ROTATION IN NEW JERSEY AND THE REPAIR SHOP WRITES UP A INVOICE STATING MY REAR AXLE NEEDS AN ADJUSTMENT. THE FORD DEALERSHIPS HAS SERVICE MY VEHICLE ALL THIS TIME AND TO ME THEY MADE SURE THIS WOULD NOT BE DETECTED. I HAD AN ACCIDENT ON JANUARY 4,2014 AND MY AXEL IS NOW BENT FROM A SMALL IMPACT BECAUSE IT WAS NO GOOD FROM THE DAY I BOUGHT THE TRUCK. AUTO NATION WAS GOING TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE AND WHEN [XXX] THE MANAGER SAW THE INVOICES WITH THE DIAGNOSIS ABOUT THE ADJUSTMENT OF THE AXEL AND THE 2010 DATE ON IT, SOMEONE THERE TOLD STATE FARM THAT I DID NOT WANT THEM TO FIX THE TRUCK. IN ALL HONESTY THEY ARE THE ONLY ONE I WANTED TO HANDLE THIS REPAIR SO THEY COULD GIVE ME A BRAND NEW AXEL OR A BRAND NEW VEHICLE INSTEAD THEY LIED TO EVERYONE AND WALKED AWAY FROM THE PROBLEM. I HAD AND HAVE SUBMITTED CORRESPONDENTS TO FORD ALSO I HAD ASK TO SPEAK TO FORD REPRESENTATIVES AT SEVERAL DEALERSHIPS, I WAS TOLD BECAUSE OF THE HIGH MILEAGE THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. THE MOST PECULIAR THING IS THAT ALL THE DEALERSHIP MADE SURE THAT NO ONE ADDRESS THE PROBLEM WITH THE AXLE ALTHOUGH THEY HAD BEEN ROTATING THE TIRES AND ALL AND ANY OTHER KIND OF REPAIRS THEY AS PROFESSIONALS KNEW THE TRUCK NEEDED. BEING A WOMAN NEEDED YOUR VEHICLE PROPERLY MAINTAINED AS TO ENJOY THE LONGEVITY OF SOMETHING YOU DEPEND ON DAY TO DAY JUST TO HAVE SOMEONE TO TAKE IT FOR GRANTED TO PRETEND THEY HAVE DONE YOUR TRUCK A VIABLE SERVICE TO KEEP YOU SAFE AND ON THE ROAD AT ALL TIME. HELP!!!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

  • Filed Feb 2011

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD RANGER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY, THE CONTACT STARTED THE IGNITION AND WHEN THE GEAR WAS SHIFTED INTO REVERSE, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED TO RESPOND. THE OVERDRIVE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90,000.

  • Filed Jul 2010

    WHEN STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT WITH THE BRAKE APPLIED AND THE ENGINE IDLING IN DRIVE (AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION) THE ENGINE REVVED UP SIGNIFICANTLY. WHEN IT DID I PUSHED ON THE BRAKE AS HARD AS I COULD AND THE REAR WHEEL SPUN. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING MAYBE 3 OR 4 TIMES A YEAR FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS AND MOST OF THE TIME CAN BE STOPPED BY RELEASING THEN QUICKLY PRESSING ON THE BRAKE. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME IT HAS HAPPENED WHERE SOMEONE COULD HAVE BEEN HURT AND I RECEIVED A TICKET FOR THE INCIDENT. *TR

  • Filed Mar 2010

    FAULTY CLUTCH DESIGN ON 2003 FORD RANGER 4.0L WITH MAZDA M50-R1 5 SPEED TRANSMISSION: PLEASE RESEARCH THIS PROBLEM. PREMATURE FAILURE RATE APPROACHES 100% AND RECURS AGAIN WITHIN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. THIS PROBLEM IS NOT UNIQUE TO THE 2003 MODEL YEAR. THE HYDRAULIC MECHANISM OF THE CLUTCH IS AT FAULT. IT CANNOT MAINTAIN ADEQUATE PRESSURE TO ALLOW ENOUGH PEDAL TRAVEL TO SHIFT THE TRANSMISSION. RECOMMENDED FIXES INCLUDE REPLACING THE ENTIRE CLUTCH OR THE SLAVE CYLINDER/THROWOUT BEARING, AND MASTER CYLINDER FOR CLUTCH SYSTEM. ALL OF THESE SHORT LIVED FIXES ARE VERY EXPENSIVE AS THE TRANSMISSION MUST BE REMOVED EXCEPT FOR THE MASTER CYLINDER. JUST BLEEDING THE SYSTEM IS EXPENSIVE IF THE LEEK IS INTERNAL, WHICH IS USUALLY THE CASE. *TR

  • Showing the 5 most recent of 16.
• Fuel System13

  1 involved a crash · 3 involved a fire

  • Filed Sep 2010 · Also filed under Gasoline

    DIFFICULTY IN FILLING GASOLINE IN 2003 FORD RANGER. IT SEEMS TO BE A SYSTEMIC PROBLEM THAT MANY RANGER OWNERS EXPERIENCE. NOT ONLY IS IT A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE OF THE CONSTANT SPLASH-BACK OF GASOLINE WHEN FILLING, BUT IT'S ALSO AN ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD WITH ALL THE SPILLED GASOLINE ON THE GROUND. *TR

  • Filed Jul 2010 · Also filed under Gasoline

    WHILE STATIONARY AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, A SMELL OF GASOLINE ENTERED THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT FOLLOWED A FEW SECONDS LATER BY A MUFFLED EXPLOSION IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FOLLOWED QUICKLY BY BLACK SMOKE AND FLAMES POURING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND UNDER THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED FORWARD OF THE TRUCK BED. *TR

  • Filed Mar 2010 · Also filed under Gasoline, Vehicle Speed Control

    THE FIRST TIME THE CAR ENGINE STARTED RACING UNCONTROLLABLY I WAS AT A STOP SIGN. THE SECOND TIME, THE SAME DAY 3/10/2010 I TURNED A CORNER AND WE TOOK OFF AT A VERY HIGH SPEED. BOTH TIMES I PUT THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL AND "GOOSED" THE GAS PEDAL AND THE ENGINE SETTLED DOWN TO A NORMAL SPEED. 2003 FORD RANGER. *TR

  • Filed May 2009 · Also filed under Gasoline

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SLOW TO FILL WITH FUEL. ONCE THE TANK WAS FILLED, GASOLINE WOULD SPILL BACK OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY COULD NOT REPAIR THE FAILURE. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT INSTALLED A NEW FUEL FILTER IN THE VEHICLE IN MARCH OF 2008. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 50,000. UPDATED 6/15/09 *CN UPDATED 06/16/09.*JB

  • Filed Jan 2009 · Also filed under Gasoline

    FAILURE OCCURS ON A 2003 RANGER EDGE 4WD 4.0L EXTENDED CAB, IN THIS CASE, AS WELL AS IN MANY OTHER MODEL YEARS AND STYLES OF THE FORD RANGER PICKUP. FORD DESIGN FLAW IN PLACEMENT OF FUEL PUMP CUTOFF SWITCH (INERTIA SWITCH) IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT WHERE IT CAN BE EASILY KICKED (TRIGGERED) BY PASSENGER. DESCRIPTION OF INCIDENT: 1. ENGINE TURNED OFF AT SUPERMARKET, VEHICLE PARKED ON A COLD JANUARY NIGHT. PASSENGER INADVERTENTLY TRIPS FUEL PUMP CUTOFF SWITCH WITH FOOT WHILE EXITING THE VEHICLE. PARTIES RETURN TO A VEHICLE THAT WILL CRANK BUT WILL NOT START. UNAWARE OF FORD'S DESIGN FLAW, PARTIES WALK HOME IN FREEZING TEMPERATURES BURDENED WITH VALUABLES AND GROCERIES. INTERNET RESEARCH ON WIKI ANSWERS SITE REVEALS TRIPPED FUEL CUTOFF SWITCH AS COMMON PROBLEM AS A RESULT OF A DESIGN FLAW THAT PLACES SAID SWITCH WITHIN EASY KICKING DISTANCE OF PASSENGER'S FEET. OWNER RETURNS TO TRUCK NEXT DAY, RE-SETS THE SWITCH AND VEHICLE STARTS NORMALLY. 2. THE FAILURE OCCURS WHENEVER PASSENGER RAISES THEIR RIGHT FOOT, INADVERTENTLY MAKING CONTACT WITH THE SWITCH. 3. THE FAILURE WAS CORRECTED BY RE-SETTING THE SWITCH, BUT DESIGN FLAW PERSISTS. THIS DESIGN FLAW COULD BE EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS IF SWITCH WAS KICKED (TRIGGERED) AT SPEED ON CROWDED FREEWAYS OR IN REMOTE LOCATIONS. THIS IMPROPER PLACEMENT MAY BE PURPOSEFUL TO KEEP FORD REPAIR TECH'S BUSY, AS THIS DESIGN FLAW IS FOUND IN MANY MODEL YEARS AND STYLES OF THE RANGER PICKUP. VEHICLES SHOULD BE RECALLED TO HAVE SWITCH RE-MOUNTED UP A MINIMUM OF 4 INCHES, OR REROUTED AND PLACED UP UNDER THE DASH SO INADVERTENT TRIGGERING COULD NOT OCCUR BY PASSENGER SHIFTING FEET OR EXITING VEHICLE. *TR

  • Showing the 5 most recent of 13.
• Unknown or Other12

  • Filed Apr 2023 · Also filed under Electrical System, Air Bags

    Airbag warning light always on.

  • Filed Jan 2019 · Also filed under Engine

    ENGINE QUIT RUNNING,TOOK TO MECHANIC. SPARK PLUG OVERHEATED BLEW WIRE OFF. ENGINE HAD WATER IN OIL. ENGINE IS RUINED. WAS ON HIGHWAY.HAD TO USE WRECKER TO MECHANIC.ONLY 160,000 MILES ON HIGHWAY. THOUGHT RECALL ON FORD TRUCKS TO ENGINES GIVING AWAY PREMATURELY.

  • Filed Sep 2018

    MY 2003 FORD RANGER EDGE FRAME HAS RUSTED AROUND THE FUEL STRAP ON THE DRIVER SIDE. THE FRAME HAS RUSTED CLEAR THROUGH AND BROKE IN HALF. I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET AS THIS IS SIMILAR TO WHAT WAS HAPPENING TO THE TOYOTA TRUCK THAT HAD IT'S FRAME RECALLED.

  • Filed Feb 2018 · Also filed under Suspension

    FRAME AND CHASSIS HAS SEVERE ROT FRAME IS ALSO CRACKED. BUMPER FELL OFF WHILE DRIVING REAR BUMPER. THIS IS A 2003 FORD RANGER 5 SPEED 2 WHEEL DRIVE IT HAS LESS THAN 81000 MILES ON IT. THE BUMPER FELL OFF WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN. I DO NOT HAVE PICTURE OF FRAME BUT IF ASKED I COULD GET SOME.

  • Filed Aug 2017

    THE SPARE TIRE CARRIER(THE SHEET METAL PART THAT IS ATTACHED TO THE FRAME)RUSTED AND FELL OFF THE TRUCK WHILE THE TRUCK WAS GOING DOWN THE ROAD.

  • Showing the 5 most recent of 12.
• Tires10

  1 involved a crash

  • Filed Aug 2014 · Also filed under Structure

    THE UNDER-BED SPARE TIRE HOLDER ROTTED OFF THE FRAME AND DROPPED THE ENTIRE ASSEMBLY TO THE GROUND WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVING. *TR

  • Filed Dec 2009

    I HAD A TIRE BLOWOUT DUE TO TREAD SEPARATION. CAUSED ME TO LOSE CONTROL ON THE FREEWAY AND I WENT DOWN A 40 FOOT EMBANKMENT THROUGH A STATE CHAINLINK FENCE AND I LANDED IN A CONCRETE WATER DRAINAGE DITCH. RESULTING IN MY TRUCK BEING A TOTAL LOSS. *TR

  • Filed Jul 2009

    MY WIFE WAS DRIVING OUR FORD RANGER WHEN A GOODYEAR WRANGLER TIRE HAD A SIDEWALL BLOWOUT IN 3 SPOTS. SHE HIT NOTHING OR RAN OVER NOTHING. TIRE SIZE IS AS FOLLOWS ( 235/75R15) 105S M + S . *TR

  • Filed Jul 2005

    IN MAY 2005, I FOUND THAT I HAD A NAIL IN ON OF MY WRANGLER GOODYEAR TIRES AND I TOOK THE TRUCK TO GOODYEAR. WHEN THEY REMOVED THE TIRE THEY FOUND A CRACK NEAR THE BEAD. THE TIRE ONLY HAD 20,000 MILES ON IT. THEY CLAIMED THIS WAS THE FAULT OF FORD MOTOR COMPANY FOR IMPROPER MOUNTING OF TIRE. THEY CLAIMED THIS WAS COMMON. MY TIRE WAS REPLACED IMMEDIATELY WITH AN ADJUSTED FOR WEAR. I CONTACTED GOODYEAR AND FORD AND BOTH BLAMED THIS PROBLEM ON THE OTHER. BOTH COMPANIES SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF THEIR DECEPTIVE PRACTICES. IT IS GOOD THAT I HAD A NAIL IN MY TIRE OR I COULD HAVE BEEN INJURED WITH A BLOWOUT.

  • Filed Apr 2005 · Also filed under Wheels

    PROBLEMS WITH THE SIZE OF THE SPARE TIRE EQUIPMENT ON FORD RANGER.*MR THE SPARE AND WHEEL ARE NOT THE SAME SIZE OR SAME SPEC AS THE REST OF THE TIRES. THE SPARE WAS NOT RATED TO CARRY THE WEIGHT OF A FULLY LOADED TRUCK. THE TRUCK HAS 4 WHEEL ANTILOCK BRAKES BUT THE USE OF THE SPARE TIRE AND WHEEL RENDERED THE ANTILOCK BRAKES INOPERATIVE. *BF *NM

  • Showing the 5 most recent of 10.
• Engine9

  1 involved a fire

  • Filed Dec 2020 · Also filed under Fuel/Propulsion System

    WHEN AT STOP LIGHT ENGINE RPMS GO UP HIGH WHERE IT IS HARD TO HOLD VEHICLE STILL WITH BRAKES.

  • Filed Nov 2019 · Also filed under Electrical System

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD RANGER. AFTER STARTING THE ENGINE AND TURNING ON THE HEATER, SMOKE AND FLAMES WERE PRESENT INSIDE THE VEHICLE COMING FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE VENTS. A FIRE EXTINGUISHER WAS USED TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. AUTONATION FORD MOBILE (901 EAST 1-65, SERVICE RD SOUTH, MOBILE, AL) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. THE VIN WAS INVALID.

  • Filed Jan 2019 · Also filed under Unknown or Other

    ENGINE QUIT RUNNING,TOOK TO MECHANIC. SPARK PLUG OVERHEATED BLEW WIRE OFF. ENGINE HAD WATER IN OIL. ENGINE IS RUINED. WAS ON HIGHWAY.HAD TO USE WRECKER TO MECHANIC.ONLY 160,000 MILES ON HIGHWAY. THOUGHT RECALL ON FORD TRUCKS TO ENGINES GIVING AWAY PREMATURELY.

  • Filed Feb 2017 · Also filed under Electrical System, Exterior Lighting

    I PURCHASE THIS TRUCK BRAND NEW FROM GENE EVANS FORD IN AUGUST 2003. I STARTED COMPLAINING TO THEM A WEEK LATER THAT THE TRUCK RIDES AS THOUGH MY BUTT IS HITTING THE PAVEMENT ON A TRIP I TOOK. EVERYONE IGNORED MY CONCERN IN THE SERVICE AND SALES DEPARTMENT. WHEN THE PROBLEM WAS FINALLY NOTICE. I WAS SOLD A BRAND NEW TRUCK WITH A SEVERE BENT AXLE AND THEY WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING TO REPAIR THE TRUCK NOR GIVE ME ANOTHER ONE. THEY ALL PLAYED DUMB AND STUPID AS TO NEVER SEEING THE PROBLEM IN THE BEGINNING. FORD STILL OWES ME RESTITUTION. DEALERSHIP SHOULD NOT BE ABLE TO DEFRAUD THE PUBLIC ON DAMAGE VEHICLES PAYING A FORTUNE FOR JUST TO KILL YOU OR SOMEONE ELSE. GENE EVANS KNEW THERE WAS A PROBLEM FROM THE ONSET. THERE HAS BEEN A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH THIS TRUCK IN THE PAST, PRESENT AND MOST LIKELY IN THE FUTURE CONSIDERING THE REPAIRS THAT HAS ALREADY BEEN PUT INTO THE TRUCK OUT OF MY POCKET. MY VEHICLE DOES EVERTHING IN ALL MOTION AND NO MOTION AT ALL. DANGEROUS THINGS HAPPENS INCLUDING, CUTTING OFF CONSTANTLY, LIGHTS ARE DIM ON THE OUTSIDE SO IT IS VERY HARD TO SEE AT NIGHT,RAIN COMING IN THE REAR WINDOW, TRUCK STARTED SMOKING, FILLED THE RESERVOIR AND OVER FLOWED SPEWING THE ANTIFREEZE ALL OVER THE ENGINE. IT SOUNDED LIKE FOOD WAS FRYING IN VERY HOT GREASE. THERE IS A STINKING ODOR, SMELLS LIKE VERY STRONG URINE . SICKENING FEELING COMES OVER ME AND ANYONE IN THE TRUCK.ABS AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS WILL NOT GO OFF. THE PASSENGER WINDOW IS MOVING SLOW AS THOUGH IT IS GOING TO STOP. TRUCKS JUMPS WHICH CAUSING ME TO BOUNCE UP AND DOWN WHILE IDLING OR AT A STOP.

  • Filed May 2016

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD RANGER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE SPARK PLUG SHOT OUT OF THE ENGINE AND LEFT A LARGE HOLE IN THE ENGINE BLOCK. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND WAS LATER TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN [name removed] SPARK PLUG BLOWOUT AND STATED THAT A REPAIR KIT WAS NEEDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL DEALER. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REMEDIED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 142,000.

  • Showing the 5 most recent of 9.
• Seat Belts9

  3 involved a crash

  • Filed Nov 2017 · Also filed under Steering, Air Bags

    I WAS RECENTLY AN ACCIDENT DURING WHICH 3 THINGS OCCURRED THAT CONTRIBUTED TO MY INJURIES. THE FIRST THING THAT HAPPENED WAS STEERING WHEEL LOCKUP PREVENTING ME FROM TURNING OUT OF THE WAY. THE 2ND & 3RD THINGS OCCURRED WHEN THE TRUCK WAS IN FREE FALL. FIRST OF ALL THE SEATBELT FAILED TO RESTRAINED MY BODY DURING THE ACCIDENT SENDING ME STRAIGHT INTO THE STEERING WHEEL DURING WHICH TIME THE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. SO THERE WAS NOTHING TO BRAKE MY IMPACT TO SAID STEERING WHEEL. ALL OF THE THIS TOOK PLACE ON A FREEWAY AT HIGH SPEEDS I WAS LUCKY THAT MY INJURIES WERE NOT WORSE THEN THEY ARE AND IN TIME THEY WILL HEAL. I WAS LUCKY, BUT THE NEXT PERSON MAY NOT BE SO, YOU NEED TO LOOK INTO THIS MATTER THOROUGHLY BECAUSE THE NEXT PERSON MAY DIE AS A RESULT OF THESE SAFETY FAILURES, AND THAT IS SOMETHING NONE US WANT.

  • Filed Aug 2016 · Also filed under Vehicle Speed Control

    CRUSE-CONTROL IS VERY FLIMSY,SOME TIMES IT WILL NOT WORK,,, HAVE TO HOLD IT FROM BACK SIDE WHEN TRYING TO START CONTROL.IN MOTION, ON HIGHWAY.

  • Filed Aug 2016

    THIS IS MY SECOND RANGER. THE FIRST(1998) I HAD AN ACCIDENT IN,THE SEAT BELT NEVER EMPLOYED, I RECEIVED CONCUSSION, I HAVE NOTICED THE SAME WITH THIS 2003 RANGER, SEAT BELT WILL NOT STAY TIGHT, OR EMPLOY WHEN JERKED ON.STATIONARY.

  • Filed Jan 2010

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD RANGER WHICH WAS PURCHASED IN 2008. SHE STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT WOULD NOT LATCH INTO THE LATCH MECHANISM. NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER NOR DEALER WERE CONTACTED TO DATE. THE CONTACT WAS NOT AWARE IF THERE WERE ANY RECALLS ON HER SPECIFIC VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNDER 108,000. UPDATED 02/1710 *BF UPDATED 02/19/10

  • Filed Dec 2007

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD RANGER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH DOWNHILL IN INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A DITCH ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE ROAD. DURING THE CRASH, THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER ONCE AND LANDED IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THE CONTACT WAS WEARING HIS SEAT BELT PRIOR TO THE CRASH; HOWEVER, HE NOTICED THAT THE SEAT BELT WAS UNFASTENED AS HE ATTEMPTED TO EXIT THE VEHICLE AFTER THE CRASH. HE HAS NOT FILED A FORMAL COMPLAINT WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 40,700. UPDATED 02-07-08. *KB

  • Showing the 5 most recent of 9.
• Gasoline9

  1 involved a crash · 2 involved a fire

  • Filed Sep 2010 · Also filed under Fuel System

    DIFFICULTY IN FILLING GASOLINE IN 2003 FORD RANGER. IT SEEMS TO BE A SYSTEMIC PROBLEM THAT MANY RANGER OWNERS EXPERIENCE. NOT ONLY IS IT A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE OF THE CONSTANT SPLASH-BACK OF GASOLINE WHEN FILLING, BUT IT'S ALSO AN ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD WITH ALL THE SPILLED GASOLINE ON THE GROUND. *TR

  • Filed Jul 2010 · Also filed under Fuel System

    WHILE STATIONARY AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, A SMELL OF GASOLINE ENTERED THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT FOLLOWED A FEW SECONDS LATER BY A MUFFLED EXPLOSION IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FOLLOWED QUICKLY BY BLACK SMOKE AND FLAMES POURING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND UNDER THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED FORWARD OF THE TRUCK BED. *TR

  • Filed Mar 2010 · Also filed under Fuel System, Vehicle Speed Control

    THE FIRST TIME THE CAR ENGINE STARTED RACING UNCONTROLLABLY I WAS AT A STOP SIGN. THE SECOND TIME, THE SAME DAY 3/10/2010 I TURNED A CORNER AND WE TOOK OFF AT A VERY HIGH SPEED. BOTH TIMES I PUT THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL AND "GOOSED" THE GAS PEDAL AND THE ENGINE SETTLED DOWN TO A NORMAL SPEED. 2003 FORD RANGER. *TR

  • Filed May 2009 · Also filed under Fuel System

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SLOW TO FILL WITH FUEL. ONCE THE TANK WAS FILLED, GASOLINE WOULD SPILL BACK OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY COULD NOT REPAIR THE FAILURE. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT INSTALLED A NEW FUEL FILTER IN THE VEHICLE IN MARCH OF 2008. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 50,000. UPDATED 6/15/09 *CN UPDATED 06/16/09.*JB

  • Filed Jan 2009 · Also filed under Fuel System

    FAILURE OCCURS ON A 2003 RANGER EDGE 4WD 4.0L EXTENDED CAB, IN THIS CASE, AS WELL AS IN MANY OTHER MODEL YEARS AND STYLES OF THE FORD RANGER PICKUP. FORD DESIGN FLAW IN PLACEMENT OF FUEL PUMP CUTOFF SWITCH (INERTIA SWITCH) IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT WHERE IT CAN BE EASILY KICKED (TRIGGERED) BY PASSENGER. DESCRIPTION OF INCIDENT: 1. ENGINE TURNED OFF AT SUPERMARKET, VEHICLE PARKED ON A COLD JANUARY NIGHT. PASSENGER INADVERTENTLY TRIPS FUEL PUMP CUTOFF SWITCH WITH FOOT WHILE EXITING THE VEHICLE. PARTIES RETURN TO A VEHICLE THAT WILL CRANK BUT WILL NOT START. UNAWARE OF FORD'S DESIGN FLAW, PARTIES WALK HOME IN FREEZING TEMPERATURES BURDENED WITH VALUABLES AND GROCERIES. INTERNET RESEARCH ON WIKI ANSWERS SITE REVEALS TRIPPED FUEL CUTOFF SWITCH AS COMMON PROBLEM AS A RESULT OF A DESIGN FLAW THAT PLACES SAID SWITCH WITHIN EASY KICKING DISTANCE OF PASSENGER'S FEET. OWNER RETURNS TO TRUCK NEXT DAY, RE-SETS THE SWITCH AND VEHICLE STARTS NORMALLY. 2. THE FAILURE OCCURS WHENEVER PASSENGER RAISES THEIR RIGHT FOOT, INADVERTENTLY MAKING CONTACT WITH THE SWITCH. 3. THE FAILURE WAS CORRECTED BY RE-SETTING THE SWITCH, BUT DESIGN FLAW PERSISTS. THIS DESIGN FLAW COULD BE EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS IF SWITCH WAS KICKED (TRIGGERED) AT SPEED ON CROWDED FREEWAYS OR IN REMOTE LOCATIONS. THIS IMPROPER PLACEMENT MAY BE PURPOSEFUL TO KEEP FORD REPAIR TECH'S BUSY, AS THIS DESIGN FLAW IS FOUND IN MANY MODEL YEARS AND STYLES OF THE RANGER PICKUP. VEHICLES SHOULD BE RECALLED TO HAVE SWITCH RE-MOUNTED UP A MINIMUM OF 4 INCHES, OR REROUTED AND PLACED UP UNDER THE DASH SO INADVERTENT TRIGGERING COULD NOT OCCUR BY PASSENGER SHIFTING FEET OR EXITING VEHICLE. *TR

  • Showing the 5 most recent of 9.
• Steering7

  4 involved a crash · 1 involved a fire

  • Filed Nov 2017 · Also filed under Air Bags, Seat Belts

    I WAS RECENTLY AN ACCIDENT DURING WHICH 3 THINGS OCCURRED THAT CONTRIBUTED TO MY INJURIES. THE FIRST THING THAT HAPPENED WAS STEERING WHEEL LOCKUP PREVENTING ME FROM TURNING OUT OF THE WAY. THE 2ND & 3RD THINGS OCCURRED WHEN THE TRUCK WAS IN FREE FALL. FIRST OF ALL THE SEATBELT FAILED TO RESTRAINED MY BODY DURING THE ACCIDENT SENDING ME STRAIGHT INTO THE STEERING WHEEL DURING WHICH TIME THE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. SO THERE WAS NOTHING TO BRAKE MY IMPACT TO SAID STEERING WHEEL. ALL OF THE THIS TOOK PLACE ON A FREEWAY AT HIGH SPEEDS I WAS LUCKY THAT MY INJURIES WERE NOT WORSE THEN THEY ARE AND IN TIME THEY WILL HEAL. I WAS LUCKY, BUT THE NEXT PERSON MAY NOT BE SO, YOU NEED TO LOOK INTO THIS MATTER THOROUGHLY BECAUSE THE NEXT PERSON MAY DIE AS A RESULT OF THESE SAFETY FAILURES, AND THAT IS SOMETHING NONE US WANT.

  • Filed Mar 2016 · Also filed under Engine

    CARQUEST WATER PUMP NEW 18420011 (T4188) COMPLETE FAILURE AFTER 100 MILES. A NEW WATER PUMP WAS INSTALLED ONTO A 2003 FORD RANGER V6 3.0 VIN-V TRUCK. HE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN BETWEEN 25 - 60 MPH OFF AND ON FOR APPROXIMATELY 1 WEEK TOTALING ABOUT 100 MILES. UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS (30-35 MPH) AND WITH SLIGHT ACCELERATION, THE BEARING HOUSING SHEARED OFF FROM THE WATER PUMP BODY LAUNCHING THE COOLING FAN/CLUTCH INTO THE RADIATOR. POWER STEERING FAILED (NO DRIVE BELT) AND THE COOLING SYSTEM DUMPED IT'S CONTENTS. THE BODY OF THE PUMP IS STILL INTACT TO THE VEHICLE, BUT THE REST OF IT CAME OFF. UPON INSPECTION OF AN IDENTICAL PART FROM THE SAME STORE, THERE IS AN APPARENT CASTING COLOR DIFFERENCE ON THE PUMP. IT APPEARS THAT THERE IS A CASTING DEFECT PRESENT IN THE PUMP AND THE INSTALLED PUMP BROKE ALMOST PERFECTLY ALIGNED TO THE CASTING COLOR DIFFERENTIATION.

  • Filed Dec 2015

    "TAKATA RECALL" DRIVING HOME ON DEC 23, 2015 AND TURNING IN MY DRIVEWAY SOMETHING IN THE STEERING COLUMN ON RHE DRIVERS SIDE OF FIRE WALL LET GO AND THERE WAS NO WAY TO CONTROL THE STEERING. THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD JUST SPIN AROUND. VERY SCAREY BUT NO ACCIDENT .

  • Filed Oct 2014

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 FORD RANGER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY LOOSE AND FAILED TO OPERATE. THE CONTACT CRASHED THE VEHICLE INTO A BARRICADE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A BROKEN JAW, THREE BROKEN RIBS, AND HIS SPINE WAS INJURED, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

  • Filed Dec 2005

    DT: THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING AT 45 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE HIT A PATCH OF ICE ON THE ROAD. HE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND HIT A DITCH. THE VEHICLE THEN ROLLED AND HIT AN EMBANKMENT. THE VEHICLE T BUSTED IN TO FLAMES. THE OCCUPANTS WERE ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE BEFORE IT EXPLODED. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED AT THIS TIME TO DETERMINE WHAT CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO EXPLODE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED.*AK

  • Showing the 5 most recent of 7.
• Fuel/Propulsion System6

  1 involved a crash

  • Filed Dec 2020 · Also filed under Engine

    WHEN AT STOP LIGHT ENGINE RPMS GO UP HIGH WHERE IT IS HARD TO HOLD VEHICLE STILL WITH BRAKES.

  • Filed May 2018

    EVERY SO OFTEN WHEN I STEP ON THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATE ONE TIME I ALMOST BACKED INTO SOMEBODY THERE'S BEEN A LOT OF COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET ABOUT THIS HAPPENING TO THEIR FORD RANGER 2003

  • Filed Jan 2016

    I WAS BACKING DOWN A DRIVEWAY WHEN THE TRUCK ACCELERATED FULL THROTTLE WHILE I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDDLE. I ENDED UP CRASHING INTO A TREE TOTALING MY 2003 FORD RANGER XLT.

  • Filed Aug 2015

    THE POCKET ON THE FRAME THAT HOLDS THE FUEL TANK STRAPS RUSTED OUT. THIS COULD CAUSE THE FUEL TANK TO FALL OFF WHILE DRIVING AND CAUSE A FIRE OR EXPLOSION.

  • Filed Oct 2014 · Also filed under Vehicle Speed Control

    BOUGHT THE 2003 RANGER NEW IN JAN 2004. LAST WEEK, AFTER COMING TO A STOP AT RED LIGHT, IT SUDDENLY BEGAN REVVING UP DRASTICALLY ( 3000 + RPM'S). BRAKE HARDER TO KEEP IT FROM RAMMING CAR IN FRONT. PUT IN PARK AND TURNED OFF WITH KEY. RE-STARTED AND IT RAN NORMALLY. IT HAS DONE THIS TWICE MORE SINCE THEN, ONCE WHEN I PUT IT IN REVERSE TO BACK OUT OF PARKING SPOT. BOTH TIMES IT RAN NORMALLY AFTER THE INCIDENT. NEVER HAD THIS HAPPEN BEFORE. CHECKED MATS AROUND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, ALL CLEAR. THERE ARE 66,720 MILES ON ODOMETER, NO MAJOR PROBLEMS 'TILL NOW. ??? *TR

  • Showing the 5 most recent of 6.
• Exterior Lighting6

  1 involved a fire

  • Filed Feb 2017 · Also filed under Electrical System, Engine

    I PURCHASE THIS TRUCK BRAND NEW FROM GENE EVANS FORD IN AUGUST 2003. I STARTED COMPLAINING TO THEM A WEEK LATER THAT THE TRUCK RIDES AS THOUGH MY BUTT IS HITTING THE PAVEMENT ON A TRIP I TOOK. EVERYONE IGNORED MY CONCERN IN THE SERVICE AND SALES DEPARTMENT. WHEN THE PROBLEM WAS FINALLY NOTICE. I WAS SOLD A BRAND NEW TRUCK WITH A SEVERE BENT AXLE AND THEY WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING TO REPAIR THE TRUCK NOR GIVE ME ANOTHER ONE. THEY ALL PLAYED DUMB AND STUPID AS TO NEVER SEEING THE PROBLEM IN THE BEGINNING. FORD STILL OWES ME RESTITUTION. DEALERSHIP SHOULD NOT BE ABLE TO DEFRAUD THE PUBLIC ON DAMAGE VEHICLES PAYING A FORTUNE FOR JUST TO KILL YOU OR SOMEONE ELSE. GENE EVANS KNEW THERE WAS A PROBLEM FROM THE ONSET. THERE HAS BEEN A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH THIS TRUCK IN THE PAST, PRESENT AND MOST LIKELY IN THE FUTURE CONSIDERING THE REPAIRS THAT HAS ALREADY BEEN PUT INTO THE TRUCK OUT OF MY POCKET. MY VEHICLE DOES EVERTHING IN ALL MOTION AND NO MOTION AT ALL. DANGEROUS THINGS HAPPENS INCLUDING, CUTTING OFF CONSTANTLY, LIGHTS ARE DIM ON THE OUTSIDE SO IT IS VERY HARD TO SEE AT NIGHT,RAIN COMING IN THE REAR WINDOW, TRUCK STARTED SMOKING, FILLED THE RESERVOIR AND OVER FLOWED SPEWING THE ANTIFREEZE ALL OVER THE ENGINE. IT SOUNDED LIKE FOOD WAS FRYING IN VERY HOT GREASE. THERE IS A STINKING ODOR, SMELLS LIKE VERY STRONG URINE . SICKENING FEELING COMES OVER ME AND ANYONE IN THE TRUCK.ABS AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS WILL NOT GO OFF. THE PASSENGER WINDOW IS MOVING SLOW AS THOUGH IT IS GOING TO STOP. TRUCKS JUMPS WHICH CAUSING ME TO BOUNCE UP AND DOWN WHILE IDLING OR AT A STOP.

  • Filed Jun 2014

    THE FRONT TURN SIGNAL DO NOT WORK ALL THE TIME. *TR

  • Filed Feb 2014 · Also filed under Electrical System

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS SUDDENLY BEGAN TO FLICKER FOLLOWED BY THE VEHICLE STALLING. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND RETURNED THE NEXT DAY TO DISCOVER THE VEHICLE HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE AND WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A WRECKING YARD AND WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FIRE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 185,000. *TR

  • Filed Feb 2006

    FOG LAMP LENSES ON 2003 FORD RANGER PICK-UP TRUCK KEEP CRACKING. DEALER CLAIMS ROADSIDE DEBRIS IS THE CAUSE. HOWEVER, BOTH LENSES HAVE CRACKED TWICE AT THE SAME TIME. COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN MADE TWICE TO FORD MOTOR CO. WHICH HAS NO RECALL RECORD FOR THIS TYPE OF INCIDENT. *NM

  • Filed Oct 2003

    I WAS BLINDED BY ONCOMING HEAD LIGHTS NOT SET TO HIGH BEAM AND DISTRACTION FROM VERY BRIGHT HEAD LIGHTS IN REAR VIEW MIRROR (ALSO NOT ON HIGH BEAM). THE SOURCE IS FORD RANGER PICKUPS BUILT IN THE LAST 5 YEARS. OTHER MAKES OF TRUCKS AND SUV'S CAN BE BAD, BUT THE RANGER IS THE WORST OF THE BUNCH. *LA

  • Showing the 5 most recent of 6.
• Latches/Locks/Linkages5

  • Filed Sep 2010

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 60 MPH THE HOOD ON HIS VEHICLE CAME OPEN AND OBSCURED HIS VISION. THE LATCH ON THE HOOD AND THE HOOD CABLE ALSO FAILED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE REPAIRS WOULD BE APPROXIMATELY $260.00 AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 86,000. UPDATED 12/22/10 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED HE FIXED THE PROBLEM HIMSELF. UPDATED 12/23/10

  • Filed Nov 2008 · Also filed under Structure

    WHILE USING RAMPS TO LOAD LAWN EQUIPMENT INTO THE BED OF MY 2003 FORD RANGER PICKUP, BOTH OF THE TAILGATE LIMIT CABLES BROKE SIMULTANEOUSLY. EXAMINATION OF THE FAILED CABLED INDICATED THEY BOTH BROKE AT THE SAME LOCATION, ROUGHLY THE MIDPOINT OF THE CABLE WHERE IT IS FOLDED WHEN THE TAILGATE IS IN THE UP POSITION. IT WOULD APPEAR THAT WATER MIGHT HAVE ENTERED THE CABLE SHEATH AND RUSTED THE CABLE. THIS FAILURE RESULTED IN THE TAILGATE DROPPING APPROXIMATELY SIX INCHED AND NEARLY CAUSING TWO PERSONS PLUS HEAVY EQUIPMENT TO FALL TO THE GROUND. THIS COULD HAVE RESULTED IN SERIOUS INJURY. THIS APPEARS TO BE A CLASSIC DESIGN FLAW. I TRIED TO GET NEW CABLES FROM FORD, BUT THEY ARE ON BACKORDER PENDING RE-DESIGN (ACCORDING TO THE PARTS DEPARTMENT AT THE FORD DEALER I WENT TO). THIS SEEMS TO INDICATE THAT FORD IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT HAS NOT NOTIFIED ITS CUSTOMERS. *TR

  • Filed Jun 2008

    THE STEEL CABLES THAT SUPPORT THE TAIL GATE OF MY 2003 FORD RANGER FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE TAILGATE DROPPED AND IT THE BUMPER. HAD I BEEN STANDING ON THE TAIL GATE OR HAD A LOAD PLACED ON IT I WOULD HAVE FALLEN TO THE GROUND OR THE LOAD WOULD HAVE DROPPED WHICH EITHER WOULD HAVE CAUSED INJURY. THE CABLES FAILED DUE TO CORROSION. THEY ARE COVERED BY A PLASTIC SLEEVE WITH OPEN ENDS WHICH ALLOWS WATER TO ENTER THE CABLE ASSEMBLY AND BECOME TRAPPED CAUSING THE CABLE TO CORRODED PREMATURELY. *TR

  • Filed May 2005 · Also filed under Electrical System

    2003 FORD RANGER EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE DOOR LOCKS.*MR DOOR LOCKED SPONTANEOUSLY, WAS INFORMED THAT FORD COULD NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER HAD TO PURCHASE A SPARE KEY TO KEEP OUTSIDE THE TRUCK. *BF *NM

  • Filed Jul 2004

    WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS BEING BY PASSED BY AN 18 WHEELER. THE AIR BLAST POPPED THE HOOD OPEN AND THE SAFETY CATCH KEPT THE HOOD FROM OPENING COMPLETELY. *AK *SC *JB

• Wheels4

  2 involved a crash

  • Filed Jun 2023 · Also filed under Structure, Service Brakes

    Truck has no spare tire, totally missing the assembly and bracket originally used to hold the tire (have a junk one in the bed). The crossmember under the truck is about 50% intact is getting ready to fall off. Brake lines and rocker panals rotted out as well. Holes in the frame starting and a patch was already needed on the frame (drivers side rear). As well as a loose bed. The truck is very clean on top but underneath is rotting away like it has 200000 miles on it(truck is at 77,000). I want to remove the rust and coat it but im scared of punching through cause spots are brittle.

  • Filed Aug 2019 · Also filed under Suspension, Air Bags

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 FORD RANGER. WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THE SPINDLE ON THE DRIVER SIDE TIRE ROD BROKE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE SWERVED FROM LANE TO LANE THE VEHICLE WENT OFF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE BECAME AIR BORN AND CRASHED IN A TREE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELTS WOULDN'T BUCKLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CUT FROM THEIR EAR TO THEIR THROAT FROM THE SEAT BELT, THE CONTACT ALSO HAD A BURN MARK FROM THE SEAT BELT. THE CONTACT SOUGHT MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT'S BROTHER WAS IN THE VEHICLE WAS AS WELL. THEY SUSTAINED AN INJURY BUT DIDN'T RECEIVE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT'S BROTHER SUSTAINED A CRACKED RIB. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS THE ONLY VEHICLE EVOLVED IN THIS CRASH. NO OTHER MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NEEDED. A POLICE REPORT WAS MADE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,000.

  • Filed Apr 2016 · Also filed under Suspension

    SPIN OUT AND FISHTAILING ISSUE. I WAS TURNING A CORNER AND I STEPPED DOWN TO GET OUT OF THE WAY OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THE TIRES BEGIN TO SPINOUT; I LOST CONTROL OF THE TRUCK, CRASHED INTO THE CURB, AND BLEW OUT THREE NEW TIRES AND BENT 3 RIMS. I ALSO HAD SOME SMALL DAMAGE TO THE TRUCK'S BODY. THIS SPINOUT HAS HAPPEN ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION. MOST VEHICLES WOULD BURN RUBBER, HOWEVER THIS TRUCK SPINOUTS AND HAS SOME FISHTAILING WHICH I CONSIDER A SAFETY ISSUE. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT TO DO TO STOP THIS FROM HAPPENING AGAIN AND KNOW IF THERE ARE OTHER FORD RANGER TRUCK OWNERS HAVING THE SAME ISSUE.

  • Filed Apr 2005 · Also filed under Tires

    PROBLEMS WITH THE SIZE OF THE SPARE TIRE EQUIPMENT ON FORD RANGER.*MR THE SPARE AND WHEEL ARE NOT THE SAME SIZE OR SAME SPEC AS THE REST OF THE TIRES. THE SPARE WAS NOT RATED TO CARRY THE WEIGHT OF A FULLY LOADED TRUCK. THE TRUCK HAS 4 WHEEL ANTILOCK BRAKES BUT THE USE OF THE SPARE TIRE AND WHEEL RENDERED THE ANTILOCK BRAKES INOPERATIVE. *BF *NM

• Other4

  1 involved a fire

  • Filed Oct 2007 · Also filed under Fuel System, Gasoline, Fuel System

    WAS DRIVING ON STATE HWY.20 @ 615PM, WHEN I NOTICED NO POWER WHEN I PRESSED ON THE ACCELERATOR, RPM SHOT TO 4000, THEN DROPPED DOWN WITH NO POWER,CARS BEHIND ME WERE FLASHING THERE LIGHTS, ARMS WAVING OUT THERE WINDOWS WHEN THE CAR CAME TO MY SIDE THEY WERE FRANTICALLY YELLING THAT I WAS ON FIRE. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED TO THE SIDE OF HWY. AND FLAMES WERE ROLLING INTO THE CAB OF THE TRUCK, IT WAS IN 2 WAVES THEN I WAS ABLE TO OPEN MY DOOR AND EXIT THE TRUCK.NOW FLAMES WERE ROLLING OUT OF THE REAR DRIVER SIDE WHEEL WELL, LUCKILY I HAD A FIRE EXTINGWISHER IN THE BED OF THE TRUCK WHICH I EXTINGWISHED IN THE WHEEL WHELL AND AS FAR BACK AS I COULD REACH,THIS PUT OUT THE FIRE,BUT NOT WITHOUT EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE UNDERNEATH OF TRUCK INCLUDING THE GAS TANK WHERE GRASS VALLEY FORD DETERMINED THE FIRE ORINGINATED.AS THE HOT SPOT IS VERY DISTINGUISHING.FORD MOTOR CO IN DEARBORN MI.SENT ME A LETTER SAYING THEY WILL NOT ADDRESS THIS FAILER,AND WILL NOT GIVE ME ANY INFORMATION TO CONTACT ANYONE THAT CAN HELP RESOLVE THIS MATTER.A 4 YEAR OLD TRUCK THAT HAS NO MODIFICATIONS,AND HAS BEEN WWELL TAKEN CARE OF SHOULD NOT BURST INTO FLAMES,ENDANGERING LIVES.THEY ARE AT THIS POINT OFFERING NO ASSISTANCE TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM.I CAN PROVIDE ESTIMATES FROM THE DEALERSHIP WITH PARTS LIST INCLUDED AS WELL AS THEM DETERMING THAT IT WAS A FIRE ORIGINATING AT THE GAS TANK..THERE WERE NO EVENTS LEADING TO THIS FAILER, NEVER A GAS SMELL JUST INSTANTLY INTO FLAMES..THANKS FOR YOUR TIME IN THIS MATTER..

  • Filed Mar 2007 · Also filed under Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Fuel System

    TWO THINGS ON MY 2003 FORD RANGER SUPERCAB 2 WD : 1.) FRONT BRAKES ARE BAD, AND CONTINUE TO BE BAD, DUE TO BAD DESIGN OF FRONT ROTORS. THE ORIGINAL OEM ROTORS FAIL, DUE TO WARPING, RESULTING IN A MOST THE AGGRAVATING PULSING WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED. THIS RESULTS IN INADEQUATE STOPPING WHEN NEEDED, AND COULD CAUSE A VERY SEVERE ACCIDENT !!! 2.) THE FUEL CUTOFF SAFETY SWITCH ( WHATEVER IT IS CALLED) ABOVE THE FRONT PASSENGER LEG AREA (ON WALL -INSIDE CAB) IS DEFECTIVE, CAUSING SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES TO THE OCCUPANTS, DUE TO VEHICLE LOSING ALL POWER DURING OPERATION. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME NOW 10+ TIMES IN THE LAST 6 MONTHS. SOMETIMES WHILE IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, WITH NO WHERE TO GO WHEN ALL POWER IS LOST, GAUGES GO WACKY,LOSE STEERING CONTROL, ETC. AS SOON AS THE SWITCH IS "RESET", BY PUSHING IN ON IT FROM THE TOP OF IT, AND TURNING VEHICLE KEY TO ON POSITION FOR 3-5 SECONDS, THEN BACK OFF ( PER OWNER'S MANUAL) THE VEHICLE SEEMS FINE,,,UNTIL, RANDOMLY IT HAPPENS AGAIN WHEN YOU LEAST EXPECT IT. THE MANUAL SAYS THIS SWITCH IS FOR "SAFETY" CONCERNS , WHEN AFTER AN ACCIDENT, IT SHUTS OFF FUEL SUPPLY, ETC....BUT MY TRUCK HAS NEVER BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENT WHATSOEVER, AND THIS DEVICE IS NOW BECOMING A GREAT POTENTIAL ACCIDENT PRODUCER IN ITSELF !!!!! THE "INCIDENT DATE" IS MULTIPLE DATES !!!!! AND THEY ARE STILL CONTINUING AS OF TODAY 8 MARCH 2008 * I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY MECHANICS THE OEM BRAKES ROTORS ARE DEFECTIVE, BUT SINCE THERE IS NO RECALL, I WOULD HAVE TO PAY AGAIN,,,AND AGAIN,,,AND AGAIN...WHICH IS JUST NOT RIGHT. *JB

  • Filed Jul 2005 · Also filed under Fuel System

    I HAVE A 2003 FORD RANGER REGULAR CAB 2 WHEEL DRIVE TRUCK. ON 5 OCCASIONS THE EMERGENCY FUEL SHUTOFF SWITCH LOCATED INSIDE THE CAB ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FIRE WALL HAS BEEN DISLODGE BY THE PASSENGER GETTING THERE FOOT ON THE CONNECTOR AND DISCONNECTING THE POWER PLUG FROM THE SWITCH THIS CAUSES THE TRUCK TO STALL IMMEDIATELY. I HAVE ONLY OWNED THIS TRUCK FOR APPROX 90 DAYS. IF THIS HAPPENS AT THE WRONG TIME THIS COULD GET SOMEONE HURT OR KILLED.

  • Filed Oct 2003 · Also filed under Fuel System

    AFTER DRIVING 52 MILES (10 MILES CITY & 42 MILES HIGHWAY) WITH A FULL TANK OF FUEL, THE FUEL GAUGE SHOWS THAT THE VEHICLE USED 1/4 TANK OF FUEL. VEHICLE GETS BETWEEN 17 & 20 MILES TO THE GALLON. APPROXIMATE RANGE PER 1/4 TANK SHOULD BE BETWEEN 83 & 98 MILES. VEHICLE HAS A 19.5 GALLON FUEL TANK. THE FUEL GAUGE COMES OFF OF FULL VERY QUICKLY AND WHEN FILLING THE TANK WITH THE FUEL GAUGE IN THE RED (JUST OFF OF EMPTY) IT WILL ONLY TAKE 13.7 GALLONS OF FUEL. THE TANK HAS BEEN DRAINED AND FILLED TO VERIFY THAT THE TANK IS A 19.5 TANK. THE FUEL GAUGE AND FUEL METER HAVE ALSO BEEN REPLACED WITHOUT ANY CHANGE IN THE CONDITION. WAS ADVISED BY FORD THAT THIS IS NORMAL OPERATION EVEN THOUGH THERE IS A SERVICE BULLETIN (NHTSA # 0179/FORD #01-11-2) TO ADDRESS THIS EXACT CONCERN FOR 2001 MODEL YEAR FORD RANGERS. THE SUMMARY DESCRIPTION STATES: SOME VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE 3/26/2001 MAY EXHIBIT A FUEL GAUGE THAT DROPS FROM FULL TOO FAST OR INDICATES LESS THAN THE ACTUAL FUEL LEFT IN HE TANK (EXCESSIVE TANK RESERVE). WAS ADVISED THAT THIS APPROXIMATE 6 GALLON RESERVE WAS THERE TO ALLOW THE CUSTOMER TO MAKE IT TO A FILLING STATION SAFELY WITH THE TANK ON E. THIS IS TELLING ME THAT WHEN THE TANK READS ALMOST EMPTY THERE IS STILL OVER A QUARTER TANK OF FUEL IN THE TANK. WITH THE GAUGE READING THIS WAY YOU ARE NOT SURE HOW MUCH FUEL YOU HAVE. FOR THE PRICE OF VEHICLES, CONSUMERS SHOULD NOT HAVE TO RELY ON CALCULATING THEIR MILEAGE AND USING THE ODOMETER TO GUESS THERE FUEL RANGE. I THOUGHT THIS WAS THE PURPOSE OF THE FUEL GAUGE. *LA

• Parking Brake3

  • Filed May 2010

    1. NO WARNING OR EVENT. 2. PARKING BRAKE CABLE SHEARED OFF BY LEAF SPRING. HAPPENED WHEN TRUCK WAS LOADED WITH 700 LBS IN BED OF TRUCK ( WITHIN RATED CAPACITY ). RESULTING IN LOSS OF PARKING BRAKES AND POSSIBLE RUNAWAY VEHICLE. 3. REPLACED BROKEN CABLE BUT FAILURE WILL HAPPEN AGAIN UNLESS THE CABLE GUIDE IS MODIFIED TO PREVENT THE SPRING FROM CHOPPING INTO THE CABLE ( NEEDS RAISED AN INCH ). *TR

  • Filed Oct 2008 · Also filed under Service Brakes, Hydraulic

    WHEN RELEASING THE PARKING BRAKE DURING WET CONDITIONS THE LININGS STICK TO THE DRUMS, THIS IS ESPECIALLY A PROBLEM IN THE WINTER MONTHS AS THEY WILL FREEZE. THIS ALSO CAUSES THE BRAKES TO BE EXTREMELY SENSITIVE DURING THE FIRST 5 MILES (APPROX) OF BRAKING. WHEN THE VEHICLE SERVICE BRAKES ARE APPLIED THE REAR WHEEL GRAB HARD AND THE ABS TRIES TO RELEASE THEM AND CAN'T. I HAVE HAD TWO FAULTS ON THE ABS DUE TO THIS. THIS IS NOT A ONE TIME THING THIS HAPPENS SO FREQUENTLY THAT DURING WET/FREEZING CONDITIONS I ACTUALLY USE A 4X4 WOOD BLOCK TO HOLD THE VEHICLE IN PLACE.. *TR

  • Filed May 2003 · Also filed under Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Visibility

    THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED AND WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP PROPERLY AND ACTED AS IF THE BRAKES WERE MANUAL, THE BRAKES HAD TO BE PUMPED BEFORE THE TRUCK STOPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE SHOP PREVIOUSLY BECAUSE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE FAILED TO RELEASE. *JB *TS

• Seats2

  • Filed Oct 2016

    ENTERING THE TRUCK I LEANED BACK WHILE GETTING SEAT BELT ON. SEAT SUPPORT BROKE CAUSING THE SEAT TO FALL BACK AGAINST THE BACK SEATS. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THANK GOODNESS.

  • Filed Sep 2012

    DRIVERS SEAT BACK COLLAPSED DUE TO A FAILURE OF A BOLT. *TR

• Equipment2

  • Filed Jan 2004

    SILVER COATING AROUND A/C AND HEATER UNIT IS COMING OFF AND THE INSIDE DOOR HANDLES RATTLE AND ARE LOOSE. *CB

  • Filed Jan 2004 · Also filed under Engine And Engine Cooling

    VEHICLE HAS DIED ON INTERSTATE FOUR TIMES AND HAD TO BE TOWED IN. FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-392-FORD STATES THAT THEY DON'T WANT TO REPLACE THE VEHICLE. I AM TOLD I SHOULD CONTINUE TO GET IT REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY. MY CONCERN IS FOR THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY WHEN WE ARE WAITING HOURS IN A SNOWSTORM FOR THE TOW TRUCK TO ARRIVE. I HAVE OWNED 8 FORDS IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS. THAT IS ABOUT TO CHANGE BECAUSE FORD MOTOR STATES THAT THEY HAVE FOLLOWED THE LETTER OF THE LAW CONCERNING REPAIRS UNDER THE WARRANTY. WE HAVE NOW REPLACED ONE FORD WITH A LEXUS AND ARE TOTALLY AMAZED AT THE DIFFERENCE OF ATTITUDE TOWARDS THE CUSTOMER. AT OUR FIRST FREE LEXUS OIL CHANGE MY WIFE WAS GIVEN A DOZEN LONG STEM ROSES. WHAT DO YOU THINK SHE IS SAYING ABOUT FORD THESE DAYS? NOW I UNDERSTAND WHY PEOPLE ARE BUYING MORE FOREIGN CARS AND TRUCKS.

• Child Seat1

  1 involved a crash

  • Filed Mar 2010 · Also filed under Air Bags, Structure

    2003 FORD RANGER PASSENGER AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY UNTIL 2 OR 3 SEC. AFTER THE ACCIDENT TRUCK HIT TREE ABOUT 40 MPH DRIVERS AIR BAG WENT OFF PASSENGERS DID NOT GO OFF PASSENGER BROKE BACK REAR BED OF TRUCK CAME INTO TRUCK LEAVING A ARROW SHAPE PEACE OF STEAL APPROX 4" LONG INSIDE OF TRUCK CAB WARE A 4 TO 5 FOOT TALL PERSON WOULD HAVE IT PERCHED INTO HEAD BECAUSE OF BEING BELTED INTO SEAT. *TR

• Visibility1

  • Filed May 2003 · Also filed under Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Parking Brake

    THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED AND WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP PROPERLY AND ACTED AS IF THE BRAKES WERE MANUAL, THE BRAKES HAD TO BE PUMPED BEFORE THE TRUCK STOPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE SHOP PREVIOUSLY BECAUSE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE FAILED TO RELEASE. *JB *TS

Safety ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings from government crash tests. Ratings differ by cab style and 2WD/4WD, so check the row that matches the truck. Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings.