FaultScore

FaultScore report

2001 Ford Ranger problems

Owners have filed 687 complaints about the 2001 Ford Ranger with NHTSA between 2000 and 2026. The largest single group is the body & structure. Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 26 worst.

F

FaultScore 83/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Ford Ranger.

How this is worked out

The numbers

687

Complaints

85

Crashes reported

10

Fires reported

55

Injuries reported

5 complaints report a death.

84,702 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

18%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 93 vs 50 Severity 100 vs 50 Early failure 30 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 93
Against the median year of the Ford Ranger. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
22.6% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 30
18% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2001 compares with every other Ford Ranger

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2001 Ford Ranger

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Body & Structure 114 16.6%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 100,000 mi

Suspension 91 13.2%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 105,000 mi

Airbags 64 9.3%

48 crashes, 0 fires · median 55,800 mi

Brakes 63 9.2%

7 crashes, 1 fires · median 43,765 mi

6 crashes, 2 fires · median 73,232 mi

Median failure at 52,500 miles

Seat Belts 46 6.7%

8 crashes, 0 fires · median 98,627 mi

Tires 40 5.8%

6 crashes, 0 fires · median 38,000 mi

1 crashes, 1 fires · median 89,900 mi

1 crashes, 2 fires · median 81,000 mi

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 98,682 mi

2 crashes, 3 fires · median 99,999 mi

Lights 8 1.2%

Median failure at 50,000 miles

Steering 8 1.2%

Median failure at 50,000 miles

Wheels 6 0.9%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 70,500 mi

Equipment & Accessories 5 0.7%

2 crashes, 0 fires

Doors, Latches & Locks 5 0.7%

Median failure at 217,900 miles

Seats 5 0.7%

Median failure at 90,000 miles

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 5 0.7%

Median failure at 30,300 miles

Stability & Traction Control 3 0.4%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 50,000 mi

Exactly what failed

NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.

Body 54 27.0%
Frontal 33 16.5%
Underbody Shields 23 11.5%
Automatic Transmission 22 11.0%
Frame AND Members 19 9.5%
Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip 17 8.5%
Gasoline 16 8.0%
Buckle Assembly 16 8.0%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 7 1.9%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 7 1.9%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 25 6.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 63 16.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 58 15.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 67 17.9%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 111 29.6%
150,000+ miles 37 9.9%

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Dec 2000 peak 14 Apr 2026

NHTSA investigations into the 2001 Ford Ranger

An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.

EA05004 Opened 17 Feb 2005 Closed 6 Jul 2005 SEAT BELTS

FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

DURING THE INITIAL RECALL CAMPAIGN IN 2001, THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WERE INSPECTED BY FORD DEALERSHIPS USING A TEST TOOL THAT WOULD DETECT A DEFECTIVE FRONT SEAT OUTBOARD SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY.APPROXIMATELY ONE MILLION VEHICLES PASSED THE INSPECTION TEST FOR ONE OR BOTH FRONT BUCKLES.SUBSEQUENT TO THE RECALL SERVICE ACTION, ODI RECEIVED 15 CONSUMER REPORTS ALLEGING THAT A PASSED INSPECTION BUCKLE SUBSEQUENTLY FAILED TO LATCH OR INADVERTENTLY UNLATCHED DURING USE.IN ADDITION, FORD HAS IDENTIFIED 543 OWNER AND FIELD REPORTS ALLEGING BUCKLE FAILURE SUBSEQUENT TO PASSING THE INSPECTION TEST.FORD...

RQ04011 Opened 22 Oct 2004 Closed 17 Feb 2005 SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

UNDER RECALL CAMPAIGN (01V227), FORD RECALLED APPROXIMATELY 1.3 MILLION VEHICLES TO INSPECT AND IF NECESSARY REPLACE THE FRONT DRIVER AND/OR PASSENGER SEAT BELT BUCKLE.APPROXIMATELY 1.1 MILLION OWNERS RESPONDED BY TAKING THEIR VEHICLES TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION OF THE BUCKLE USING A SPECIALIZED BUCKLE TEST TOOL.FORD REPORTED THAT 829,927 VEHICLES HAD BOTH BUCKLES PASS THE TOOL TEST AND ANOTHER 167,336 VEHICLES HAD ONE BUCKLE PASS.ODI AND FORD RECEIVED COMPLAINTS ALLEGING SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE SHORTLY AFTER PASSING THE ORIGINAL RECALL INSPECTION SERVICE.COMPLAINANTS ALLEGED THAT THE BUCKLE...

Recalls on the 2001 Ford Ranger

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

United States — NHTSA

09V399000

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

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.

09E025000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

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.

09E012000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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.

07V336000

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER VEHICLES, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MOTOR HOMES CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.

Risk: THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.

06E065000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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.

06E049000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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.

01V227001

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND MINIVANS. EQUIPPED WITH SEAT BELTS SUPPLIED BY TRW. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE DRIVER'S AND/OR FRONT PASSENGER'S OUTBOARD SEAT BELT BUCKLE MAY NOT FULLY LATCH. FORD CROWN VICTORIA BUILT AT ST. THOMAS ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 4/17/00 - 5/29/01 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS BUILT AT ST. THOMAS ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 4/17/00 - 5/29/01. LINCOLN TOWN CARS BUILT AT WIXOM ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 3/27/00 - 5/30/01. LINCOLN NAVIGATORS BUILT AT MICHIGAN TRUCK PLANT FROM 4/11/00 - 5/31/01. FORD WINDSTARS BUILT AT OAKVILLE ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 3/23/00 - 5/30/01. FORD RANGERS BUILT AT TWIN CITIES PLANT FROM 3/28/00 - 5/30/01, AND ALSO AT THE EDISON PLANT FROM 3/13/00 - 5/25/01. FORD F-150 TRUCK BUILT AT NORFOLK PLANT FROM 4/18/00 - 5/25/00; AT ONTARIO PLANT FROM 5/10/00 - 5/28/01; AT KANSAS CITY PLANT FROM 9/11/99 - 5/25/01; AND AT CUAUTITLAN PLANT FROM 5/16/00 - 6/9/01. FORD SUPER DUTY F-250, F-350, F-450, AND F-550 TRUCKS BUILT AT KENTUCKY PLANT FROM 4/17/00 - 5/27/01; AND AT CUAUTITLAN PLANT FROM 5/16/00 - 6/19/01. FORD EXCURSIONS BUILT AT KENTUCKY PLANT FROM 4/17/00 - 10/2/00. FORD EXPEDITIONS BUILT AT MICHIGAN TRUCK PLANT FROM 4/11/00 -

Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE RESTRAINT SYSTEM MAY NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE OCCUPANT PROTECTION, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.

01X001000

TIRES:TREAD/BELT

THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: FORD IS REPLACING ALL FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT 15, 16, AND 17 INCH TIRES MOUNTED ON FORD TRUCKS AND SUVS. FORD REPORTS TREAD SEPARATION CAN OCCUR DUE TO A COMBINATION OF THE SENSITIVITY OF THE TIRE DESIGN TO STRESS, AGING, AND MANUFACTURING DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PLANTS. FORD IS REPLACING THESE TIRES TO PREVENT POSSIBLE PREMATURE TIRE FAILURE. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: THE VEHICLES LISTED BELOW MAY HAVE BEEN ORIGINALLY EQUIPPED WITH FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES OR MAY HAVE HAD WILDERNESS AT TIRES INSTALLED DURING THE FIRESTONE RECALL LAUNCHED IN AUGUST 2000. CERTAIN 1991 THROUGHT 2002 FORD EXPLORER CERTAIN 2001 THROUGHT 2002 EXPLORER SPORT, AND SPORT TRAC CERTAIN 1997 THROUGH 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER CERTAIN 1991 THROUGH 2001 RANGER CERTAIN 1999 THROUGH 2001 EXPEDITION CERTAIN 1991 THROUGH 1994, AND 1997 MODEL YEAR F-SERIES CERTAIN 1991 THROUGH 1994 BRONCO NOTE: BOTH ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT AND REPLACEMENT TIRES ARE AFFECTED.

Risk: SHOULD THE TREAD SEPARATE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2009292 492,877 units in Canada

Other

On certain vehicles, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn, potentially resulting in an underhood fire. The condition may occur either when the vehicle is parked or when it is in operation. Correction: Dealers will install a new switch or fused wiring harness. Note: This is an expansion of recall 2005028 (05S28) for vehicles not previously included in the campaign.

Recall 2007258 165,447 units in Canada

Electrical

On certain vehicles, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn, potentially resulting in an underhood fire. The failure mode appears to be different than that of Recall 2005028 (05S28). This time, the concern is with long term durability performance issues causing the switch to fail. Correction: Initially as an interim repair, owners will be instructed to return their vehicles to their dealers to have the speed control deactivation switch disconnected. As soon as replacement parts are available, owners will be instructed to return to the dealers for installation of a fused wiring harness designed to eliminate the potential risk of fire.

Recall 2001194 78,402 units in Canada

Seats And Restraints

Certain passenger and sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks, and minivans equipped with seat belts supplied by TRW. It is possible that the driver's and/or front passenger's outboard seat belt buckle may not fully latch. In the event of a crash, the restraint system may not provide adequate occupant protection, increasing the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will inspect the front outboard seat belt buckles and if the buckle fails the inspection process, it will be replaced.

Recall 2001002 8,497 units in Canada

Structure

Certain Explorer Sport, Explorer Sport Trac, Rander Edge and Ranger XLT vehicles may have a wire formed hood striker that may be susceptible to fatigue fractures. If the hood striker fractures, the hood may fly open while the vehicle is being driven. A hood fly-up while the vehicle is being operated may result in resuced driver visibility and, potentially, a vehicle crash. Correction: Hood striker will be replaced with a revised hood striker.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

Poca, WV Crash 1 injured

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

S10 DIRECT REPLY - A LETTER ADDRESSED TO PRESIDENT TRUMP REGARDING AN INCIDENT WITH A STUCK ACCELERATION PEDAL ON A 2001 FORD RANGER. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL STUCK TO THE FLOOR CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CRASH THROUGH 2 BUILDINGS AND INTO A BRICK WALL. THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL BUT, IT DID NOT SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN. THE VEHICLE'S ACCELERATOR PEDAL REMAINED STUCK TO THE FLOOR AFTER THE CRASH ENDED. THE CONSUMER SUFFERED MULTIPLE INJURIES THAT REQUIRED EMERGENCY SURGERY.

NHTSA complaint #11100948 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 120,000 miles LAS Vegas, NV Crash

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

FORD SENT OUT RECALL NOTICES FOR FAULTY TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH. MY 2001 FORD RANGER WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. I TOOK MY 2001 FORD RANGER TO A CERTIFIED FORD DEALERSHIP. I PICKED UP MY 2001 FORD RANGER FROM THE DEALERSHIP, AND NOW THE TRUCK STALLS OUT IN HOT WEATHER. IF I USE A/C, IT STALLS OUT. ONE DAY IT STALLED ON A CITY STREET, AND I WAS FORCED TO DRIVE INTO A IRON FENCE. PLEASE HELP. [XXX]. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA complaint #11083134 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 120,000 miles LAS Vegas, NV Crash

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

FORD SENT OUT RECALL NOTICES FOR FAULTY TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH. MY 2001 FORD RANGER WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. I TOOK MY 2001 FORD RANGER TO A CERTIFIED FORD DEALERSHIP. I PICKED UP MY 2001 FORD RANGER FROM THE DEALERSHIP, AND NOW THE TRUCK STALLS OUT IN HOT WEATHER. IF I USE A/C, IT STALLS OUT. ONE DAY IT STALLED ON A CITY STREET, AND I WAS FORCED TO DRIVE INTO A IRON FENCE. PLEASE HELP. [XXX]. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA complaint #11083134 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 245,000 miles Madison, KS Fire

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

HAD LEFT WORK AND DRIVEN APPROX. 12 MILES DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. WHILE GOING THROUGH NEXT TOWN DRIVING AT APPROX. 35 MPH, DRIVER SMELLED SMOKE .PROCEEDED APPROX. 3 CITY BLOCKS AND PULLED VEHICLE OVER ON SIDE OF ROAD. UPON OPENING HOOD OF TRUCK, FOUND ENGINE ENGULFED IN FLAMES. TOTAL LOSS OF TRUCK DUE TO UNDER HOOD FIRE.

NHTSA complaint #10968234 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 204,457 miles Lancaster, OH Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

HAD ELECTRICAL FIRE IN STEERING COLUMN AFTER JUST STARTING VEHICLE WHILE STILL IN PARK..

NHTSA complaint #10897445 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 52,000 miles Highmount, NY Crash

SUSPENSION

ENTIRE FRAME RUSTED OUT-GAS TANK-REAR SHACKLES-BUMPER FELL OFF.

NHTSA complaint #10683056 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

at 226,000 miles Orlando, FL

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2001 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop. The contact stated that there was smoke coming from underneath the hood. The brakes and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar failure; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 226,000.

NHTSA complaint #11729501 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 226,000 miles Orlando, FL

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2001 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop. The contact stated that there was smoke coming from underneath the hood. The brakes and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar failure; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 226,000.

NHTSA complaint #11729501 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 297,515 miles Beaverton, OR

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2001 Ford Ranger. It was later discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 153,244; however, at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 297,515.

NHTSA complaint #11726742 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 109,999 miles Hillsboro, OR

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2001 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle to the residence, it was discovered that the gauge on the odometer was not working. There was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 109,999 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was unknown. The contact called the previous owner, who confirmed that the odometer gauge was inoperable, and was not repaired.

NHTSA complaint #11672940 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 200,000 miles Creighton, NE

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE

The contact owns a 2001 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, it was discovered that the anti-theft system was inoperable and failed to function as designed. The anti-theft warning light was illuminated. The contact had to remove the key fob several times to start the vehicle. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.

NHTSA complaint #11642235 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Alamo, TX

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2001 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the contact's family member's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11505442 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Hampton Bays, NY

SUSPENSION

so I recently purchased this truck thinking it was all safe, the pictures were too good to be true thats for sure, When I brought the truck back the old owner even drove with me knowing what he just sold me. The next day I was so happy so I get it registered and insured and I was so eager to hope in and drive around in my new "safe" truck I also went out with my loved one and it sickens me that the old owner was ok with selling me a not so safe truck and I could have died if the frame bracket broke or the frame cracked while i was driving but when I started to look under I saw the problem and I was scared I saw that the upper control arm bracket mount was rusted and the strut tower as well it had a Hole forming and a crack on the strut tower. I also found out that there was a crack in the frame and i've looked up online and it seems that the frame and other components rust I don't know what to do. Im also a college student who is trying to get into the mechanic world and this scares me with how many trucks like this are out on the road.

NHTSA complaint #11494659 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Holbrook, NY

STRUCTURE:BODY

The rear frame rusted so bad the bumper fell off and the frame actually cracked. This is a common issue with the late 1990s & early 2000s Ford Ranger, I do not understand why this isn't a recall yet as is it very dangerous. This happened on the highway. The front end frame, engine and all the components work flawlessly while the rear frame is just crumbling in rust.

NHTSA complaint #11463502 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Fenton, MO

SUSPENSION

The rear leaf spring shackle rust causing the leaf spring to go through the bed. When going highway speeds the vehicle shakes and not safe to drive over 60.

NHTSA complaint #11462673 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Eastpointe, MI

SUSPENSION

The frame has rusted so bad it has completely separated from the body. The Ranger frame rusting is a known problem but it has not been recalled like the Toyota Takoma has been.

NHTSA complaint #11455156 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Eastpointe, MI

STRUCTURE:BODY

The frame has rusted so bad it has completely separated from the body. The Ranger frame rusting is a known problem but it has not been recalled like the Toyota Takoma has been.

NHTSA complaint #11455156 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 200,000 miles Fresno, CA

SEAT BELTS

The contact owns a 2001 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that the front passenger’s side seat belt would not latch properly. The contact also stated that the vehicle would hesitate upon the depression of the accelerator while driving at various speeds. The contact noticed that the temperature gauge would indicate the vehicle was hot once the hesitation started. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where both failures were linked to recalls. The mechanic linked the seat belt failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 01V227001 (Seat Belts) and the overheating failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V399000 (Vehicle Speed Control). The dealer was notified of both failures and informed her that the VIN was not included in either recall. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

NHTSA complaint #11444132 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Peabody, MA

STRUCTURE:BODY

The frame is rotted and broken on both side in the rear

NHTSA complaint #11436918 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bent Mountain, VA

SUSPENSION

Frame rusted in several places behind the cab at the rear spring shackles. Frame cracked both sides and bed is up against the cab and ready to break in two. Ford will not do anything. 145 k miles and the rest of the truck is in very good shape everything works except the cruise and is a loaded edge…..very upset just had a transmission rebuilt in it. Love the truck all the one I have looked at have the same issues over several years on fb marketplace and cannot find a good frame in any salvage yard. Didn’t Toyota’s have the same issues and they had a recall. Why doesn’t Ford have one? Call Ford directly and they won’t do a thing. Tried selling as is and replacing but can’t get a buyer for what I have in the truck. Trying to find a good frame to fix it now, but there are none out there. Very Dissatisfied.

NHTSA complaint #11426288 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

State Center, IA

STRUCTURE:BODY

I noticed that there was significantly more rust than there should be. There are places where the frame has rusted through. It is a major safety concern. I researched the issue and found several others with the same concern. I also found that Toyota has previously recalled several vehicles for the same issue.

NHTSA complaint #11426128 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 169,000 miles Fairview, TN

SEAT BELTS

PASSENGER SEATBELT RELEASES RANDOMLY FOR NO REASON.

NHTSA complaint #11398500 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 150,000 miles Mesa, AZ

SEAT BELTS

THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT DOESN'T LATCH AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATES SPORADICALLY. OCCASIONALLY FOR THE ENTIRE TRIP AND SOMETIMES IT GOES ON AND OFF THROUGHOUT THE TRIP, YET OTHER TIMES IT FUNCTIONS PROPERLY!

NHTSA complaint #11397662 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 150,000 miles Mesa, AZ

AIR BAGS

THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT DOESN'T LATCH AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATES SPORADICALLY. OCCASIONALLY FOR THE ENTIRE TRIP AND SOMETIMES IT GOES ON AND OFF THROUGHOUT THE TRIP, YET OTHER TIMES IT FUNCTIONS PROPERLY!

NHTSA complaint #11397662 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 113,902 miles Cortland, IL

SUSPENSION

REAR FRAME HAS RUSTED THROUGH. REAR DRIVER SIDE SPRING MOUNT HAS RUSTED AND BROKEN FROM THE FRAME. REAR BUMPER MOUNTS AND SPARE TIRE MOUNTS ARE RUSTED OUT. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY WHEN PROBLEM WAS DISCOVERED .

NHTSA complaint #11375642 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 113,902 miles Cortland, IL

STRUCTURE:BODY

REAR FRAME HAS RUSTED THROUGH. REAR DRIVER SIDE SPRING MOUNT HAS RUSTED AND BROKEN FROM THE FRAME. REAR BUMPER MOUNTS AND SPARE TIRE MOUNTS ARE RUSTED OUT. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY WHEN PROBLEM WAS DISCOVERED .

NHTSA complaint #11375642 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Kingston Springs, TN

SEAT BELTS

SEAT BELTS CONSTANTLY COMING UNBUCKLED. WHILE DRIVING AND STOPPED

NHTSA complaint #11349904 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Moreno Valley, CA

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

MY 2001 FORD RANGER 3.0 HAS A IDLE WHEN IM DEPRESSING THE CLUTCH IDLE WOULD STAY AROUND 1,300 RPM. HAPPENS USUALLY MORE WHEN AC IS ON.

NHTSA complaint #11328253 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Moreno Valley, CA

ENGINE

MY 2001 FORD RANGER 3.0 HAS A IDLE WHEN IM DEPRESSING THE CLUTCH IDLE WOULD STAY AROUND 1,300 RPM. HAPPENS USUALLY MORE WHEN AC IS ON.

NHTSA complaint #11328253 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 180,000 miles Glendale, AZ

SEAT BELTS

DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD MY SEAT BELT POPS OUT RANDOMLY ANY PHASE OF DRIVING AFTER I LATCHED IT AND PULLED ON IT TO CHECK. THIS HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES NOW.

NHTSA complaint #11327818 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lorado, WV

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

THE FRAMES ON THESE VEHICLES ARE PURE JUNK, THEY BREAK USUALLY ON THE DRIVERS SIDE RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE REAR SPRING SHACKLE OR AT IT, MINE IS BROKE JUST IN FRONT OF THE REAR SPRING SHACKLE OF THE REAR PART OF THE FRAME. IF YOU GO SEARCHING FOR A FRAME, AS I HAVE, YOU WILL FIND ALMOST ALL OF THESE VEHICLES IN DESCRIPTION WILL SAY THE FRAME IS SHOT WHICH IS THE CASE OF MOST FORDS IT SEEMS ANYMORE. IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A GOOD TRUCK IF NOT FOR THE FRAMES RUSTING DOWN AND POSSIBLY CAUSING SOMEONE TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT AND LOSE THEIR LIFE OVER THIS IF THEY DON'T KEEP CHECK ON THESE TUCKS. THIS TRUCK WAS AN EVERY DAY WORK VEHICLE AND I ENDED UP HAVING TO PARK IT AND FIND ANOTHER ONE BEFORE THE CHAOS STARTED WITH IT.

NHTSA complaint #11325883 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.