2001 Ford Ranger
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Ford › Ranger › 2001
These records cover every 2001 Ford Ranger. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
9 recalls name the 2001 Ford Ranger. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
A vehicle fire could occur with or without the engine running.
Remedy
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 1-888-222-2751.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
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 1-626-272-1798.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
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 1-909-598-7589.
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 and remedy
Risk
This could result in an underhood fire.
Remedy
Dealers will install a fused wiring harness. owners of the passenger cars included in this campaign will be instructed to return their vehicles to their dealers to have the speed control deactivation switch disconnected as an interim repair. as soon as repair parts are available (expected october 2007), owners will be instructed to return to the dealers for installation of a fused wiring harness. the recall began on august 13, 2007, and mailing completed by september 19, 2007. owners may contact ford at 1-888-222-2751.
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 and remedy
Risk
Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and may possibly result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Aj motorsport will notify owners and offer reimbursement for the lamps. the recall began on july 31, 2006. owners may contact aj motorsport at 626-618-2026.
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 and remedy
Risk
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
Remedy
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 1-909-610-7211.
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.…
Risk and remedy
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.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the front outboard seat belt buckles and if the buckle fails the inspection process, it will be replaced. owner notification began july 25, 2001. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1-866-436-7332.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Should the tread separate at highway speeds, a vehicle crash could occur, possibly resulting in personal injury or death.
Remedy
The replacement/reimbursement program for this campaign expired on march 31, 2002. however, customers can contact ford at 1-877-917-3673 or go on-line to www.ford.com for possible assistance.
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles with steel hoods and certain pickup trucks equipped with sheet molding compound hoods. a wire formed hood striker could be susceptible to fatigue fractures. if the hood striker fractures, the hood could fly open while the vehicle IS being driven.
Risk and remedy
Risk
A hood fly-up while the vehicle IS being operated could result in reduced driver visibility.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the hood striker.
Owner complaints
515 complaints62 involved a crash9 involved a fire49 injuries4 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine · 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…
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.
- 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.
- 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…
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.
- 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…
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.
- 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…
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.
- 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…
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Structure › Body · 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.
- 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…
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.
- Structure › Body
The frame is rotted and broken on both side in the rear
- 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…
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.
- 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.
- Seat belts
Passenger seatbelt releases randomly for no reason.
- Air bags · 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!
- Structure › Body · 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 .
- Seat belts
Seat belts constantly coming unbuckled. While driving and stopped
- Engine · 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. *tr
- 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. *tr
- 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…
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.
- Unknown or other
Frame rot ,structural crack in left side rear, did not pass nys inspection
- Structure › Body
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.
- Fuel/propulsion system · Structure › Body · Suspension
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
- Unknown or other
Back leaf spring rust out.
- Structure › Body
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.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- 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…
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 tested and examined over 100 warranty-returned buckles and found that 44% of the buckles had no problem or a condition not related to the recall inspection (non-latch related buckle damage or foreign contamination).warranty claims were highest during the 18-month period after the start of the recall (july 2001) and have been declining during the past 24 months.over the past 12 months, ford has received approximately 12 warranty claims per month out of a vehicle population of about one million.complaints counts are also decreasing.during the past seven months, odi has received only two complaints. A safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.accordingly, this investigation IS closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that a safety-related defect does not exist.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.
- 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…
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 failed by either not latching or false-latching (partial engagement of the latch to the latch plate).a false-latched buckle may release with minor movement or impact against the buckle housing including inadvertent release while the vehicle IS in motion.odi IS upgrading this recall query to an engineering analysis (ea05-004) to further analyze the field performance of those vehicles that ford dealers passed (one or both buckles) using ford's inspection test (997,263 vehicles).
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10177863This article supersedes TSB 19-2026 to update the vehicle model years affected. Some 2000 and newer Ford/Lincoln/Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended.
- 10156863Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition
- 10155551Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition
- 10026389Ford: certain 1999-2001 model year vehicles up to 6000 lb gvwr registered in new york and certain 2001 vehicles up to 6000 lb gvwr registered in the state of maine, certified for sale in california-federal emission warranty refund.
- 10021051Possible engine damage - install special service tools prior to removing crankshaft pulley bolt.
- 10020173Possible engine damage - install special service tools prior to removing crankshaft pulley bolt - service tip.
- 10018746Buck/jerk and miss during drive cycle above 3000 rpm - no dtc - 3.0L 2V gas and ffv engine.
- 10017891Front axle leaks fluid from vent tube - vehicles equipped with 4X4 or AWD.
- 10017860Malfunction indicator lamp coming on with diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) p0171, p0172, p0174 and/or p0175 (fuel system too rich or lean).
- 10014165Aluminum corrosion - service tip.
- 10014138Safety belt retraction speed.
- 10014096Revised procedure for adjusting alignment on all suspensions - new right hand upper control arm design for torsion bar front suspensions.
- 10014086General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10013414Driveshaft thump clunk on light acceleration from stop or when braking and coming to a stop.
- 10013369General power train control module (pcm) programming procedures.
- 10013315High idle at cold start.
- 10013300Inside door pull handle loose - vehicles built before 11/15/2002 and equipped with power windows/door locks.
- 10013116Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminated - system lean diagnostic trouble codes (dtc's) - service tips. Various models including 2004 f-series.
- 10013075Engine timing service tools / service tip.
- 10011150Rattle noise from primary chain drive area 2000-3000 rpm - 4.0L SOHC engine.
- 10008608Equipped with a hard tonneau cover. * mj
- 10008587Driveshaft-thump/clunk heard on light acceleration from a stop or when braking and coming to a stop.
- 10008586Thump/bump on acceleration from a stop or when braking from driveshaft area-4x2 automatic transmission super cab edge models only.
- 10008580Lamp-brake-invadvertent disabling of brake shift interlock.
- 10008552Rear leaf spring noise.
- 10008547Boom/vibration at 1800-2200 rpm, rough idle.
- 10008359Diagnostic trouble code (dtc) c1233 & c1234 - replace anti-lock brake system euc.
- 10008351New tonneau cover lock cylinder retainer clips released for service.
- 10008311Frame mounted front bumper brackets service kit.
- 10008305Noise-gear whine noise in 1ST and 2ND gear only-vehicles equipped with 5r55e transmission and 4.0L engine only.
- 10008304Engine-gear driven synchronizers-incorrect installation-camshaft position synchronizer (cmp) installation tool correct application.
- 10008280Thump/clunk on light acceleration from stop or when braking and coming to a stop on certain 4X4 super cab equipped with automatic transmission and steel driveshaft.
- 10008252Streamlined diagnostic procedure for vehicles with malfunction indicator lamp (mil) on and diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) p0401, p0402, p1400 or p1401. Additional symptoms may include runs rough, lacks power, surge, poor fuel economy.
- 10008223Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) on with diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0171, p0172, p0174 or p0175.
- 10008154Bed extender component replacement service tip.
- 10008153Inoperable latches, locks and/or lift struts on vehicles equipped with a hard tonneau cover.
- 10008146Tool kit contains the timing peg used to lock the crankshaft in place when performing crankshaft pulley or engine timing service.
- 10007396Cooling system fan noise when cold.
- 10007366Safety belt pretensioner diagnostic trouble codes (dtc) b1877 and/or b1881.
- 10007360Streamlined diagnostic procedure for vehicles with malfunction indicator lamp on and diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) p0401, p0402, p1400 or p1401. Additional symptoms may include runs rough, lacks power, surge, poor fuel economy.
Every Ford Ranger model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.