NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2001 Ford Ranger. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The frame is rotted and broken on both side in the rear
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.
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.
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.
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.
PASSENGER SEATBELT RELEASES RANDOMLY FOR NO REASON.
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!
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 .
SEAT BELTS CONSTANTLY COMING UNBUCKLED. WHILE DRIVING AND STOPPED
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. *TR
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. *TR
FRAME ROT ,STRUCTURAL CRACK IN LEFT SIDE REAR, DID NOT PASS NYS INSPECTION
TAKATA RECALL. MY VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY WHEN I GOT TO WORK I NOTHING MY REAR BUMPER FELL OFF WITH NO GIVEN WARNING AND I DIDN'T HEAR IT HIT THE GROUND I GOT HOME AND LOOKED UNDER THE FRAME AND NOTICED THE WHOLE FRAME WAS ROTTEN AWAY AND IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE
I PURCHASED A USED 2001 FORD RANGER, WENT TO HAVE IT INSPECTED AND THERE WAS SEVERE RUST UNDERNEATH OF THE FRAME TO THE POINT THE INSPECTOR SAID IT WAS HIGHLY DANGEROUS TO BE DRIVING MY VEHICLE AROUND. WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE WAS ANY RECALLS FOR THE TRUCKS FRAME UNDERNEATH? WILL PROVIDE PICTURES IF NEEDED.
BACK LEAF SPRING RUST OUT.
THESE ARE PICTURES OF THE FRAME ON MY RANGER. THE FRAME IS RUSTING OUT AND IT ONLY HAS 76,619 MILES ON IT. MY MECHANIC FOUND THIS WHEN I WAS HAVING THE BRAKE LINE REPAIRED AND HE LIFTED THE TRUCK.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD RANGER. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH OVER A RAILROAD TRACK, THE SPARE TIRE LOOSENED FROM THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD, LOOKED UNDERNEATH, AND NOTICED NOTHING BUT RUST WHERE THE FRAME FOR THE SPARE TIRE WAS LOCATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 136,092. *BF *TR
THE FRAME ON THIS TRUCK HAS RUSTED TO THE POINT WHERE IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE REAR BUMPER ACTUALLY FELL OF THE VEHICLE WHILE IT WAS BEING DRIVEN. I TOOK OFF THE BED AND CUT OFF THE REAR PART OF THE FRAME AND WELDED ON A NEW REAR SECTION AND PUT ON NEW LEAF SPRING HANGERS AND RE INSTALLED THE BUMPER A FEW YEARS AGO AND RE COATED THE FRAME WITH PAINT BUT NOW IT HAS GOTTEN WORSE TO THE POINT WHERE I CAN NO LONGER DRIVE IT AS THERE ARE ACTUAL HOLES RUSTED THRU. IT NEEDS A FRAME REPLACEMENT OR IT JUST A PARTS VEHICLE.
I CAN'T BUCKLE MY SEATBELT. THE MECHANISM JAMES WHEN I ATTEMPT TO BUCKLE MY SEAT BELT.
FRAME IS ROTTED EVERYWHERE FOR THE MOST PART SPARE TIRE IS ABOUT TO FAIL OFF ISN'T SAFE TO HAUL ANYTHING IN THE BED
2001 FORD RANGER FRAME IS RUSTED OUT BAD. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS SINCE SO MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. FORD SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF THEMSELVES FOR MAKING A VEHICLE THAT THE FRAME ONLY LASTS 15 TO 17 YEARS!
BODY FRAME RUSTED TO THE POINT I NOTICED THE BUMPER WAS HANGING DOWN ON DRIVERS SIDE, AS I LOOKED UNDER THE TRUCK IN MY DRIVEWAY I HAD SEEN THE SHACKLE WAS BROKEN AND THE PLATE OVER THE SPARE TIRE WAS CRACKED WHICH COULD HAVE CAUSE THE TIRE TO FALL OUT FROM UNDER THE TRUCK OR BUMPER WHICH WAS NOT CONNECTED ON DRIVERS SIDE BECAUSE OF RUST ALSO FRAME HAD TO BE REPAIRED THESE ARE THE REPAIRS I HAD DONE, REPLACED REAR FRAME SECTION FROM REAR AXLE SNUBBERS TO BUMPER, REPLACED REAR SHACKLES-REPLACED RIGHT SIDE REAR FRAME SHACKLE MOUNT REPAIRED CROSSMEMBER FOR GAS TANK RIGHT SIDE-REPAIR RIGHT FRONT FRAME RAIL ROUND CONTRO; ARM TO TRANS CROSSMEMBER COST WITH LABOR $973.69
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.
FRAME IS RUSTING AWAY. BOTH REAR SHOCK MOUNTS. GAS TANK HOLDING STRAPS. BOTH CHASIS RAILS ARE RUSTING AWAY WITH BIG CHUNKS OF STEEL FALLING OFF. TRANS CROSS MEMBER RUSTING AWAY
THE DRIVER SEAT BELT BUCKLE UNEXPECTED UNLOCKS WHILE DRIVING. IT HAS BEEN HAPPENING MULTIPLE TIMES BEFORE.
FRAME RUSTED EVEN THOU WE PAID FOR UNDERCOATING NO ACCIDENT TRYING TO PREVENT ACCIDENT WITHOUT SCRAPING THE VEHICLE CAN SEND PICTURES, BUT THIS FORM DOES NOT WORK
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE MADE A NOISE BY THE WHEEL BEARING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE WHEEL BEARING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CERTIFIED MECHANIC ALSO STATED THAT THE FRAME AND THE LEAF SPRINGS WERE SEVERELY RUSTED, CAUSING THE LEAF SPRINGS TO DETACH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 182,000.
"TAKATA RECALL" I HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE AIR-BAGS ON MY 2001 FORD RANGER EDGE 2WD EXTENDED CAB SMALL PICKUP TRUCK. I AM AFRAID THEY'RE AIR DEFECTIVE AND NEED TO BE REPAIRED OR REPLACED. COULD YOU PLEASE INFORM ME WHAT I NEED TO DO. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). PLEASE TELL ME WHAT I NEED TO DO *PM
FRAME IS RUSTED BADLY AT POINTS WHERE CONTROL ARM CONNECTS TO FRAME AND CROSS MEMBERS WHERE HOLDS GAS TANK. BODY IS IN PERFECT CONDITION AND ONLY ISSUE IS IN THE FRAME . IT'S UNSAFE TO DRIVE ANY LONGER. IF CONTROL ARM BREAKS OFF THE FRAME COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH TO PASSENGERS AND OTHERS ON HIGHWAY.
FRAME HAS EXCESSIVE RUST/CORROSION.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD RANGER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A PARKING LOT, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT PARTS OF BOTH THE RIGHT AND LEFT SIDE OF THE STEERING WHEEL WERE MELTED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AT 800-424-9393 AND ASKED THE CONTACT TO CALL NHTSA. A CASE NUMBER WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000.
BACK HALF OF FRAME RUST OUT CROSSMEMBERS AND GAS TANK BRACKET. BECOMES UNSAFE
BOUGHT A USED 2001 FORD RANGER AFTER DRIVING IT FOR A MONTH OR SO SHOCKS WERE REALLY BAD LOOKED UNDERNEATH TO FIND TWO CLEAN CRACKS THROUGH FROM NEAR BACK SHOCKS NOT SURE IF BAD SHOCKS ARE TO BLAME OR WEAK FRAME
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD RANGER. UPON INSPECTION, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE FRAME EXPERIENCED SEVERE CORROSION. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER OPERABLE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 82,000. *TT *TR
SERIOUS STRUCTURAL FRAME RUST AFFECTING AREAS RELATED TO SUSPENSION (SHOCKS, BRACKETS/SHACKLES OF LEAF SPRING) WHILE THE REST OF THE TRUCK, INCLUDING THE BODY IS GENERALLY UNAFFECTED BY ANY SERIOUS RUST.
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.
I TOOK MY FORD RANGER TO BE INSPECTED AND WAS TOLD THE REAR BUMPER MOUNT HAD TO BE FIXED DUE TO RUST. I MADE AN APPOINTMENT TO GET THAT FIXED AND WHEN THE GARAGE THAT I TOOK THE TRUCK TO WENT TO FIX THE THAT PROBLEM THEY TOLD ME THEY COULDN'T FIX IT BECAUSE THE REAR FRAME WAS ROTTED. I HAD BEEN RUNNING THE TRUCK BEFORE THIS PROBLEM ARRIVED SO NOW I HAVE A VEHICLE WITH ONLY 169000 MILES ON IT AND IT WONT PASS INSPECTION. THE REST OF THE TRUCK IS IN GOOD CONDITION. I HAVE A G M C PICK-UP WITH 230500 MILES ON IT AND THE FRAME IS STILL GOOD. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED AN UPDATE. UPDATED 10/23/2017*JS
THE REAR OF THE CAB/FRONT OF BED AT THE FRAME HAS EXTENSIVE RUST. THIS CAUSES THE TRUCK TO SAG BADLY AND BECOME UNSAFE
RUSTY FRAME,
HAD ELECTRICAL FIRE IN STEERING COLUMN AFTER JUST STARTING VEHICLE WHILE STILL IN PARK..
FRAME BAD.SPARE TIRE FALL OFF AND BACK BUMPER FALL OFF.SPARE TIRE FALL OFF WHEN I WAS PARKING IN A PARKING SPACE.FRAME IS IN VERY BAD CONDITON.
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). *TR
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026