2003 Ford Ranger Complaint Log

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE SURROUNDING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE FIRE WENT OUT BY ITSELF. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT OCCUPIED AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,300. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

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.

"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 .

FRAME RUSTED-TOOK IT TO BE REPAIRED. WAS TOLD IT IS NOT REPARABLE. TOO RUSTY AND FAR GONE TO FIX. TAKE IT OFF THE ROAD. NOT SAFE TO DRIVE.THE REST OF IT IS STILL IN GOOD SHAPE.

I WAS DRIVING MY FORD AND THE BACK BUMPER DROPPED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE, SENDING IT AND THE SPARE TIRE TO THE PAVEMENT. AFTER FURTHER INVESTIGATION, IT HAS BEEN DETERMINED THAT THE FRAME IS RUSTED THROUGH AND ONLY HOLDING ON BY A SMALL BIT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. ALSO, THE SPARE TIRE SUPPORT IS ONLY HOLDING BY APPROXIMATELY 1 1/2 INCHES. IN ADDITION, THE CROSS MEMBER FORWARD OF THE SPARE TIRE SUPPORT THAT SUPPORTS THE EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS CONTROLS IS VIRTUALLY ROTTED IN HALF.

WHILE REPLACING FUEL SYSTEM CANISTER I HAD TO REMOVE SPARE TIRE AND NOTICED CROSS SECTION OF FRAME RUSTED THROUGH. I ALSO NOTICED STRAP FOR HAS TANK RUSTED TROUGH. I WILL NEED TO REPLACE AT MY EXPENSE BOTH.

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.

THIS COMPLAINT IS ABOUT MY 2003 FORD RANGER EDGE 4X4 THAT HAS 70,000 MILES ON IT . MY TRUCK LOOKS GREAT BUT I JUST FOUND OUT THAT MY FRAME IS GONE AN I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT THIS COULD HAPPEN ITS SO FAR GONE ( RUSTED AWAY ) . I HAVE BEEN ONLINE AN HAVE FOUND THAT I'M NOT THE ( ONLY ONE ) WITH A RANGER THAT STILL LOOKS GREAT THAT IS RUSTED AWAY LIKE MINE , TOYOTA STEPPED UP AN TOOK CARE OF IT'S CUSTOMER'S I'M SURE THEY GOT A PUSH TO DO IT . BY O D I . FORD NEEDS TO STEP UP AN FIX THIS FOR US RANGER OWNER .I WILL HAVE TO PARK MY TRUCK AN WAIT TO HEAR IF YOUR DEPARTMENT CAN HELP US BUYER'S OF AMERICAN PRODUCTS. *TR

CHASSIS AND SUSPENSION EXHIBITS EXCESSIVE CORROSION FOR THE YEAR AND MILES. VERY HEAVILY CORRODED AND PITTED WHILE THE EXTERIOR IS RUST FREE. THE TRUCK IS A 2003 WITH 90000 MILES. *TR

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.

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

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.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD RANGER. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 244,000.

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

TRUCK MADE A CLUNKING NOISE GOING AROUND A TURN. CHECKED IT OUT AND FOUND THE REAR SPRING SHACKLE AND HANGER HAD RUSTED OFF. WHEN REPLACING FOUND THE SPARE TIRE WELL AND HANGER ALL RUSTED WHICH COULD HAVE DROPPED THE SPARE TIRE ONTO THE ROAD. ALSO THE FRAME IS RUSTED COMPLETELY THROUGH AND NEEDS REPAIRED. ALSO WITH IT RUSTED AT THE REAR WHERE THE HITCH ATTACHES I COULD LOSE ANYTHING I MAYBE TRAILERING. MY FRAME IS HORRIBLE FOR THE YEAR AND UNSAFE. *JA

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

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

ENGINE STALLS AND WON'T RE-START DUE TO IMPROPER ACTIVATION OF THE PASSIVE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM (PATS) WHICH IS FAULTY. ENGINE SHUTS OFF, NO POWER ASSIST, LIGHTS REMAIN FUNCTIONAL, ANTI-THEFT DASHBOARD LIGHT STARTS TO BLINK. VEHICLE WILL RE-START ONLY AFTER REMOVING AND RE-INSTALLING THE #19 FUSE TO RE-SET THE SYSTEM. IT MAY REQUIRE SEVERAL RE-SETS OF THIRTY OR MORE SECONDS EACH, AFTER WHICH THE VEHICLE MAY RUN NORMALLY FOR A SHORT DISTANCE OR UP TO SEVERAL MONTHS OF NORMAL DRIVING. THERE ARE FOLKS WHO SHARED THEIR SIMILAR EXPERIENCES ON-LINE ALERTING ME TO THE RE-SET PROCEDURE. I AM TOLD THE SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM REQUIRES THE REPLACEMENT OF THE POWER CONTROL MODULE, WHICH THE PATS IS PART OF, AND THAT IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO OTHERWISE DISABLE THE PATS ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM. *TR

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

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE HORN ACTIVATED ON ITS OWN. WHEN THE CONTACT PROCEED TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE SHE NOTICED THE VEHICLE ON FIRE AND SPREADED TO THE VEHICLE THAT WAS PARKED NEXT TO IT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CONFIRMED THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 78,000.

THE REAR FRAME IS RUSTED SO BAD IT WON'T PASS INSPECTION. THE REST OF THE TRUCK IS IN GREAT SHAPE. *TR

I DISCOVERED THAT THE TRUCK BED HAD RUSTED COMPLETELY THROUGH AND HAS SEVERE RUST ON THE FRAME AS WELL. THE REST OF THE TRUCK IS IN VERY GOOD CONDITION WITH NO RUST SHOWING ANYWHERE. ALL OF THE RUST IS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE TRUCK BED. IT APPEARS TO HAVE STARTED AT THE HEAT SHIELDS. THE TRUCK HAD A SPRAYED IN RHINO LINING THAT FORD SOLD WHEN I BOUGHT THE TRUCK NEW WHICH HID THE PROBLEM UNTIL THE BED GAVE WAY COMPLETELY AND NOW HAS ONE 5"X 8" HOLE AND ANOTHER SMALLER HOLE. *TR

BODY, CHASSIS, AND ALL SUSPENSION IS RUSTED TO A NON-REPAIRABLE CONDITION. BOLTS HAVE TO BE CUT TO FREE, BODY UNDERPINNINGS HAVE DENIGRATED TO NOTHING, AND PAINT IS BUBBLING. *TR

STRUCTURE ROTTING OUT HAD TO REPLACE SHOCK MOUNT AND A STRUT TO PASS INSPECTION. NOW HAVE 34000 MILES ON IT AND THE SPARE TIRE CASING SEPARATED FROM THE BODY, THE STRUT HOLDING THE TRANSMISSION IS RUST SO I CAN'T TRUST IT TO DRIVE. THE BODY IS IN PERFECT SHAPE. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC STOP, THE ENGINE PMS INCREASED ABNORMALLY TO 3000. THE CONTACT HELD THE BRAKE DOWN WITH EXTREME FORCE AS THE TIRES BEGAN TO SPIN AND MAKE A SCREECHING NOISE.THE VEHICLE WAS ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE ABNORMALLY BUT THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP THE FAILURE BY ABRUPTLY APPLYING THE BRAKES AND POWERING THE VEHICLE OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS OVER TEN YEARS OLD, THEY WERE UNABLE TO PERFORM A DIAGNOSIS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 218,000.

THE TRUCK STALLED IN TRAFFIC. ACTED AS IF IT WAS OUT OF GAS, BUT HAD HALF A TANK OF FUEL. CALLED TOW TRUCK. LUCKILY THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO SHOW ME THE INERTIA SWITCH, AND HOW TO RESET IT. WAS CHARGED 50 DOLLARS FOR THIS, DID NOT HAVE TO TOW VEHICLE. SINCE THEN IT HAS TRIPPED MANY TIMES WHEN I HAVE A PASSENGER, IT'S PLACEMENT IS SUCH THAT A PASSENGER'S FEET WILL TRIP IT VERY EASILY. IT NOW ALSO TRIPS FOR NO REASON, NO PASSENGER, NO BUMPING IT ETC. IT HAS TRIPPED WHILE DRIVING IN THE FAST LANE OF FREEWAY, NO PASSENGER IN VEHICLE. THIS IS VERY SCARY AND DANGEROUS. I HAD TO PULL TO LEFT SIDE OF FREEWAY, WITH NO POWER BRAKES, NO POWER STEERING ETC. EXIT VEHICLE, GO TO PASSENGER SIDE OPEN DOOR AND RESET SWITCH. VERY DANGEROUS. THIS "SAFETY FEATURE" CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT, NOT TO MENTION THE MULTITUDE OF REPORTS I HAVE READ OF PEOPLE HAVING VEHICLES TOWED AND REPLACING FUEL PUMPS WHEN THE ISSUE WAS ACTUALLY THIS SWITCH. I WAS LUCKY TO GET A TOW TRUCK DRIVER THAT WAS AWARE OF THE BAD DESIGN, AND IT ONLY COST ME THE 50 DOLLAR MINIMUM FEE FOR HIM SHOWING UP. I CALLED FORD, AND THEY WERE NO HELP AT ALL. THEY DENIED EVEN KNOWING THAT A PROBLEM EXISTS WITH THIS PART. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED IN FORD. *TR

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

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND CRASH INTO A CURB. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILE AND INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED AND THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO STATED THAT THE CONTACT NEEDED TO WRITE A LETTER AND MAIL IT INTO FORD. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000.

I WAS ATTACHING UTILITY TRAILER TO MY TRUCK. I JUMPED IN THE TRAILER TO GET THE BALL TO SEAT IN THE RECEIVER AND NOTICED THE BUMPER PULLED AWAY FROM THE BODY OF THE TRUCK. I LOOKED UNDER NEATH AND SAW THE FRAME BROKE IN FRONT OF WHERE THE TRAILER HITCH WAS ATTACHED TO THE FRAME. THE METAL IS PAPER THIN THERE.I'M CURIOUS IF THERE IS A RECALL AS THIS SEEMS VERY DANGEROUS. MY CELL # IS[XXX].THANK-YOU. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

VEHICLE WITH CRUISE CONTROL PROBLEM (NOT ENGAGING) SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WHILE DRIVER WAS ACCELERATING FROM STOPLIGHT. REACHED APPROX. 45 MPH UNDER FORCED ACCELERATION BEFORE WAS ABLE TO PULL ONTO SIDE ROAD, STAND ON BRAKE, SHIFT TO NEUTRAL, TURN OFF ENGINE. RESTART ENGINE STILL HAD ENGINE RACING. SECOND RESTART DITTO. TAPPED ACCELERATOR, ENGINE RETURNED TO NORMAL RPM. WHEW! WAS IN PROCESS OF PURCHASING VEHICLE, DEALERSHIP (NOT FORD) REPLACED CRUISE CONTROL CABLE, CRUISE NOW WORKING, NO REPEAT OF PROBLEM. *TR

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.

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 EVEN COMMENTED ON IT. IN 2010 THE REAR SHOCKS HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THEY HAD BEEN RUSTED THROUGH. *KB

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

THE RANGERS FRAME COATING SYSTEM IS FAILING IN SEVERAL AREAS. THE PAINT IS JUST PEELING OFF. THERE IS ALSO A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF RUST ON THE UNDERBODY OF THE CAB AND TRUCK BED. THIS VEHICLE HAS LESS THEN 55000 MILES AND ORIGINALLY IN THE STATE OF VA. THE VEHICLE WAS WILLED TO ME AND JUST BROUGHT TO THE STATE OF MA. IN AUGUST OF 2011. IT HAS NOT BEEN EXPOSED TO A NEW ENGLAND WINTER ROAD CONDITIONS. THE WINTER ROAD CONDITIONS WILL ONLY COMPOUND THE ISSUE. I CAN PROVIDE PICTURES UPON REQUEST. I STRONGLYRQUEST THAT SOME ACTION BE TAKEN TO INVESTIGATE THE PAINT SYSTEM FAILURE. *TR

HIT A CAR ON THE FREEWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 50-55 MPH. FRONT END AND LEFT FRONT TIRE DAMAGED, HOOD TENTED, TRIPPED FAILSAFE IN FUEL LINE, BUT NEITHER DRIVER NOR PASSENGER AIRBAG DEPLOYED. *TR

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

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

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.

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

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RPMS INCREASED TO 4,000, CAUSED THE TIRES TO SMOKE, AND THE ENGINE TO SUDDENLY ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT PLACED THE VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL GEAR, RELEASED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE FUNCTIONED NORMALLY. THE CONTACT REMOVED THE CRUISE CONTROL LINKAGE; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 63,000. ...UPDATED 11-12-13 *BF

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH THE CABLE FOR THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL SUDDENLY FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE STOPPED BY TAKING THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND REPAIRED BY THE DRIVER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000. UPDATED 02/09/11*LJ UPDATED 03/03/11

I OWN A 2003 FORD RANGER I BOUGHT NEW. ON NOVEMBER 26 2010 I PULLED INTO THE PARKING LOT @ WORK AND MY CLUTCH AND BRAKE PEDALS FELL TO THE FLOOR CAUSING A MINOR CRASH. THE PIVOT BRACKET THAT HOLDS THE STEEL PEDALS IS MADE FROM CAST ALUMINUM. I HAVE BEEN A ALUMINUM WELDER FOR OVER 10 YEARS AND IN MY OPINION THIS BRACKET IS VERY SUBSTANDARD. I SEARCHED THE WEB AND FOUND THAT OTHER PEOPLE HAD THE SAME THING HAPPEN ON RANGERS AND OTHER TRUCKS AND FORD CARS. IF I WAS ON THE ROAD THIS COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE. I SENT PICTURES AND A PIECE OF THE BRACKET TO A RECALL INVESTIGATOR. HE SAID ITS NOT A COMMON FAILURE SINCE HE CANT FIND ANY COMPLAINTS. *TR

WHEN I ACCELERATE QUICKLY WITH MY 2003 FORD RANGER, THE VEHICLE'S ACCELERATOR GETS STUCK AND WILL NOT RETURN TO NORMAL UNTIL I TURN OFF THE IGNITION AND PUT IT IN PARK. AFTER A MINUTE WHEN I START IT UP EVERYTHING IS NORMAL. BAD COMPUTER?? *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2003 FORD RANGER PICK UP. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME BED WAS EXCESSIVELY ROTTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN WHO CONFIRMED THAT THERE WAS SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO THE CENTER FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE 53,000. UPDATED 9/29/14*CN

SPARE TIRE CARRIER RUSTED OFF OF TRUCK SO WE THEN TOOK FURTHER INVESTIGATION. MY HUSBAND LAID UNDER THE BED OF THE TRUCK TO LOOK AT IT AND THEN SEEN A HOLE IN THE FLOOR OF THE TRUCK BED. SO RIGHT THEN HE REMOVED THE BED LINER THAT WAS IT IN AND SURE ENOUGH THERE WAS A HUGE HOLE. THEN ALSO SEEN THE FRAME WAS BROKEN AND RUSTED VERY BADLY. SO HE REMOVED THE TRUCK BED ITSELF FROM THE FRAME AND SEEN HOW BAD THE DAMAGE WAS. IT HAS SINCE CRACKED DUE TO THE OBSCENE AMOUNT OF RUST OF THE FRAME OF THE TRUCK. THERE ARE ALSO RUST SPOTS IN SEVERAL SPOTS ON THE BODY OF THE TRUCK BUT ARE NOT AS CONCERNED ABOUT THAT AS THE FACT THAT THE FRAME IS BROKEN. THE DEALERSHIP SO FAR IS NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS. WE FEEL THEY HAVE TRIED TO COVER IT UP. WE HAVE FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE AND ARE STILL WAITING FOR A RESPONSE FROM THE DEALERSHIP. FORD MOTOR COMPANY IS NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR IT. WE HAVE PICTURES AVAILABLE WHICH WE HAVE SHOWN TO A MECHANIC AT OUR CLOSET FORD DEALERSHIP AND HE STATED THIS WAS ABSOLUTELY UNBELIEVABLE. THIS IS A 2003 FORD RANGER. HAS NOT BEEN WRECKED OR DAMAGED IN ANY WAY. *TR

AS I SLOWLY PULLED MY 2003 FORD RANGER INTO A PARKING SPACE AT WORK THIS MORNING WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE THE TRUCK SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. I APPLIED THE BRAKE HARDER AND THE TRUCK STOPPED. I VERIFIED THAT I DID NOT HAVE MY FOOT ON BOTH THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR, ONLY ON THE BRAKE. *TR

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

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

I HAVE A 2003 FORD RANGER, WHEN I APPLY THE BRAKES THE VEHICLE SURGES. FORWARD; I PUT THE TRUCK IN PARK & SHUT OFF THE IGNITION. WHEN I RESTART. IT RETURNS TO NORMAL. THIS HAPPENS ON ONCE IN A WHILE. *TR

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