2003 Ford Ranger
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2003 Ford Ranger. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
5 recalls name the 2003 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.
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.
Owner complaints
243 complaints37 involved a crash11 involved a fire43 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Power train
Ford knows about the problems with the dual clutch and they are refusing to fix them. I have been giving the run around om trying to get my car fixed. I am a disabled veteran and all I get is they can't help. I just found out about these cars have this problem and ford has know about his problem for years.. they need to fix this. They again to be held according selling bad products to the public.
- Service brakes · Structure › Body · Wheels
Truck has no spare tire, totally missing the assembly and bracket originally used to hold the tire (have a junk one in the bed). The crossmember under the truck is about 50% intact is getting ready to fall off. Brake lines and rocker panals rotted out as well. Holes in the frame starting and a…
Truck has no spare tire, totally missing the assembly and bracket originally used to hold the tire (have a junk one in the bed). The crossmember under the truck is about 50% intact is getting ready to fall off. Brake lines and rocker panals rotted out as well. Holes in the frame starting and a patch was already needed on the frame (drivers side rear). As well as a loose bed. The truck is very clean on top but underneath is rotting away like it has 200000 miles on it(truck is at 77,000). I want to remove the rust and coat it but im scared of punching through cause spots are brittle.
- Structure › Body · Suspension
The frame of my truck has rotted through. The strap that holds the gas tank has nothing to connect to, i think the tank could fall to the ground under the right circumstances. The frame has a large whole in it and i fear it will break very soon. I had to remove the spare tire because i feared it…
The frame of my truck has rotted through. The strap that holds the gas tank has nothing to connect to, i think the tank could fall to the ground under the right circumstances. The frame has a large whole in it and i fear it will break very soon. I had to remove the spare tire because i feared it would fall off the truck. I had to replace both connectors that held the leaf springs to the frame,and was told there wasn't much left to connect them to.
- Air bags · Electrical system · Unknown or other
Airbag warning light always on.
- Structure › Frame and members
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, an abnormal, rattling noise began to emit from the rear of the vehicle without warning. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that the rear cross members had rotted out due to severe corrosion. The contact also…
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, an abnormal, rattling noise began to emit from the rear of the vehicle without warning. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that the rear cross members had rotted out due to severe corrosion. The contact also stated that the fuel tank was no longer being supported due to the failure. An independent mechanic inspected the vehicle and deemed the vehicle unsafe to drive. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.
- Suspension
I had been noticing some squeaking form the rear of my 2003 Ford Ranger. I thought it was my breaks. It turned out that the mounts for the rear springs had rusted out. My mechanic also noticed a hole, in the frame, resulting from rust. The hole is located on the inside surface of the frame on the…
I had been noticing some squeaking form the rear of my 2003 Ford Ranger. I thought it was my breaks. It turned out that the mounts for the rear springs had rusted out. My mechanic also noticed a hole, in the frame, resulting from rust. The hole is located on the inside surface of the frame on the passenger side just forward of the passenger compartment. Since the hole was discovered I stopped using the Ranger due to safety concerns.
- Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields
The contact owns a 2003 ford ranger. The contact stated while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the spare tire detached from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was driven back to the residence and inspected. The driver noticed that the undercarriage and sub-frame were severely…
The contact owns a 2003 ford ranger. The contact stated while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the spare tire detached from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was driven back to the residence and inspected. The driver noticed that the undercarriage and sub-frame were severely corroded. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The mechanic stated that the sub-frame had rusted out and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 131,000
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
When at stop light engine rpms go up high where it IS hard to hold vehicle still with brakes.
- Electrical system · Structure › Body · Suspension
Body, frame and suspension have all been rusted out. Bumper recently just fell off due to rust (while parked). Doors won't shut completely due to rust, which has led to the interior light remaining on or periodically turning on throughout the day/night and killing the battery. Entire truck IS one big pile of rust on wheels.
- Suspension
Chassis rotting out. lost spare tire carrier and rear frame support. spring perch rotted off chassis. other areas are beginning to rot out on frame rails! things came apart in motion but was able to safely remove upon stopping
- Structure › Body
Two years ago, a crunching noise while turning was determined to be that both rear spring brackets had rusted through and broken, leaving the rear of the leaf springs unattached to the frame. both were replaced without incident. this week, while doing routine maintenance, I noticed the front…
Two years ago, a crunching noise while turning was determined to be that both rear spring brackets had rusted through and broken, leaving the rear of the leaf springs unattached to the frame. both were replaced without incident. this week, while doing routine maintenance, I noticed the front fuel tank hanger was out of place. upon examination, one side of the fuel tank hanger was completely disconnected from the frame. the cross member and the hanger for the fuel tank bracket IS completely rusted away. the frame has no structural support in that area and nothing IS supporting the front of the fuel tank. it IS unacceptable that ford IS allowed to produce frames that rust away right under the vehicle so quickly. this truck body looks fine, however, the bed IS rusted away in two places and this frame cross member IS completely gone.
- Structure › Body
The fuel tank strap bracket on the frame rotted out and the strap IS now hanging loose. The strap looks to be rusty but wasn't the issue it IS where the t-shape end on the strap hooks to the frame/bracket that IS the problem if the other straps are taking up all the weight and were to break this…
The fuel tank strap bracket on the frame rotted out and the strap IS now hanging loose. The strap looks to be rusty but wasn't the issue it IS where the t-shape end on the strap hooks to the frame/bracket that IS the problem if the other straps are taking up all the weight and were to break this could cause the gas tank to fall out. This may have happened while driving on city streets. Salt spread throughout the winter and wet conditions would be the best cause for this to happen resulting in rust and corrosion. Also common for the leaf spring shackles and mounts to rot out and come apart this IS also another safety issue in itself. This also applies to the mazda b2300 through the b4000 series pick ups since they use the same ranger frames. *tr
- Electrical system · Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2003 ford ranger. After starting the engine and turning on the heater, smoke and flames were present inside the vehicle coming from the driver's side vents. A fire extinguisher was used to extinguish the flames. The cause of the failure was not determined. Autonation ford…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 ford ranger. After starting the engine and turning on the heater, smoke and flames were present inside the vehicle coming from the driver's side vents. A fire extinguisher was used to extinguish the flames. The cause of the failure was not determined. Autonation ford mobile (901 east 1-65, service rd south, mobile, al) and the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000. The vin was invalid.
- Structure › Body
A few weeks ago my spare tire fell off my truck while driving on lakeshore drive in hewitt, nj 07421. Thankfully it rolled off onto the side of the road so no one else hit it. Yesterday I noticed the back end of the truck looked twisted only to find that the rear passenger side frame IS completely…
A few weeks ago my spare tire fell off my truck while driving on lakeshore drive in hewitt, nj 07421. Thankfully it rolled off onto the side of the road so no one else hit it. Yesterday I noticed the back end of the truck looked twisted only to find that the rear passenger side frame IS completely snapped. Only to further discover the entire frame, suspension, and various other components are rotting horribly. My vehicle has under 70,000 miles. I had an older toyota tacoma a few years ago that was recalled due to frame rust and it was fully handled. However, the rust and rot on this ford ranger make the 1997 tacoma frame look nearly new. I can no longer drive this vehicle as it IS not safe. Ironically, it seem that this IS or has happened to nearly every ford ranger from the early 2000s. Personally I feel with the overwhelming amount of web evidence (literally thousands) ford should be held responsible. Please see the photos I've attached. Thank you.
- Air bags · Suspension · Wheels
TL* the contact owned a 2003 ford ranger. While driving at 35 mph, the spindle on the driver side tire rod broke. As a result, the contact lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle swerved from lane to lane the vehicle went off the road. The vehicle became air born and crashed in a tree. The air…
TL* the contact owned a 2003 ford ranger. While driving at 35 mph, the spindle on the driver side tire rod broke. As a result, the contact lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle swerved from lane to lane the vehicle went off the road. The vehicle became air born and crashed in a tree. The air bags did not deploy and the seat belts wouldn't buckle. The contact sustained a cut from their ear to their throat from the seat belt, the contact also had a burn mark from the seat belt. The contact sought medical attention. the contact's brother was in the vehicle was as well. They sustained an injury but didn't receive medical attention. The contact's brother sustained a cracked rib. The contact's vehicle was the only vehicle evolved in this crash. No other medical attention was needed. A police report was made. The vehicle was totaled. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. No assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 129,000.
- Air bags
I bought this truck used ,IS there a recall on the airbags or any other recalls of any kind ?? Thanks *dt *tr
- Engine · Unknown or other
Engine quit running,took to mechanic. spark plug overheated blew wire off. Engine had water in oil. engine IS ruined. was on highway.had to use wrecker to mechanic.only 160,000 miles on highway. thought recall on ford trucks to engines giving away prematurely.
- Structure › Body
Severe frame rot (rust) at aprox. 85000 miles, already replaced left rear leaf spring mount (aprox. 2 years ago) frame cross braces are rusting through including the spare tire mount.10/10/16. My belief IS that there was little or no corrosion resistant appliad to these frames upon vehicle…
Severe frame rot (rust) at aprox. 85000 miles, already replaced left rear leaf spring mount (aprox. 2 years ago) frame cross braces are rusting through including the spare tire mount.10/10/16. My belief IS that there was little or no corrosion resistant appliad to these frames upon vehicle assambly. Good usable parts are hard if not impossible to find as most are as bad or worse than my existing parts. I believe this issue exists when vehicle IS stationary or in motion.
- Unknown or other
My 2003 ford ranger edge frame has rusted around the fuel strap on the driver side. The frame has rusted clear through and broke in half. I have seen several complaints on the internet as this IS similar to what was happening to the toyota truck that had it's frame recalled.
- Electrical system
Engine stops running with no warning. Happened 3 times in less than a mile, under 35 mph.started back up .gauges were normal with plenty of fuel. 1ST time engine quit, I had just started moving , next 2 times I was moving under 35 mph aall took place in less than 1/4 mile in traffic
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2003 ford ranger. The contact took the vehicle to friendly ford (2800 n telegraph rd, monroe, mi 48162) to be repaired per an unknown air bag recall. Upon arriving at the dealer, the contact was charged a fee to replace wires that were cut during the air bag replacement. The…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 ford ranger. The contact took the vehicle to friendly ford (2800 n telegraph rd, monroe, mi 48162) to be repaired per an unknown air bag recall. Upon arriving at the dealer, the contact was charged a fee to replace wires that were cut during the air bag replacement. The contact received another recall notification for nhtsa campaign number: 17v788000 (air bags). The contact had not taken the vehicle back to the dealer. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 4,000.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Every so often when I step on the brake and accelerate one time I almost backed into somebody there's been a lot of complaints on the internet about this happening to their ford ranger 2003
- Structure › Body
Frame in rear of vehicle has holes on both the left side and right side. Also where the spare tire IS held IS also rotted out , can not hold a spare tire. Also the cross member that holdes the the gas tank strap IS also rotting.due to the rotted frame the truck IS unable to tow anything with. Other than the frame the truck IS in good condition
- Suspension · Unknown or other
Frame and chassis has severe rot frame IS also cracked. Bumper fell off while driving rear bumper. This IS a 2003 ford ranger 5 speed 2 wheel drive it has less than 81000 miles on it. The bumper fell off while the vehicle was being driven. I do not have picture of frame but if asked I could get some.
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 2003 ford ranger. While taking the vehicle to receive new tires at schierl tire and service center (1002 s 8TH street, medford, wi 54451; 715-748-2963), the contact was informed that the rear frame near the shackles and bumper was severely rusted. The rust was so bad that…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 ford ranger. While taking the vehicle to receive new tires at schierl tire and service center (1002 s 8TH street, medford, wi 54451; 715-748-2963), the contact was informed that the rear frame near the shackles and bumper was severely rusted. The rust was so bad that nothing could be attached to the frame. The contact called medford motors (105 wisconsin avenue, medford, wi 54451; 715-748-3700) who informed the contact that the failure was premature and the frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 135,000.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Brake lights inoperative
This pe was opened based on technical service bulletin (tsb) #05-6-19 issued by ford motor company and service bulletin #09-008/5 issued by mazda motor corporation to address concerns of the center high mounted stop light (chmsl) wiring harness chaffing. The tsb's affected the ford super cab and mazda cab plus…
This pe was opened based on technical service bulletin (tsb) #05-6-19 issued by ford motor company and service bulletin #09-008/5 issued by mazda motor corporation to address concerns of the center high mounted stop light (chmsl) wiring harness chaffing. The tsb's affected the ford super cab and mazda cab plus vehicles only.service technicians contacted the ford hotline because it was difficult for the technicians to diagnose and locate the cause of the inoperative brake lights.ford and mazda issued the tsb's to aid technicians in the identification and repair of the wire chafe condition.of all warranty claims submitted to ford for brake lamp failure, ford identified only 120 that were related to wire chafe near the chmsl, and most (115 of the 120) were reported for the super cab chmsl. Odi's review of ford's warranty claims and complaint data reveals a declining trend for the super cab and that trend closely parallels the trend for the standard cab as well.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 no safety-related defect exists.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.
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
- 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.
- 10017889Brake lamp concerns.
- 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.
- 10013077Various 2003 vehicles equipped with premium CD-6 radios - CD-6 shuffle feature between discs not available.
- 10013075Engine timing service tools / service tip.
- 10011169Grabbing condition from rear drum brakes.
- 10010719Oil leak from oil filter adapter - 4.0L SOHC engine built before 4/1/2004.
- 10009338Rough running, misfire and a lack of power due to a loss of compression.
- 10008608Equipped with a hard tonneau cover. * mj
- 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.
- 10008356Passenger side power door lock inoperative or intermittent operation.
- 10008351New tonneau cover lock cylinder retainer clips released for service.
- 10008329No start/no communication-contact request.
- 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.
- 10008295Uneven tire wear on 4X4S equipped with goodyear p245/75r15 tires.
- 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.
- 10008223Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) on with diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0171, p0172, p0174 or p0175.
- 10008180Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) on with diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0442 (evaporative emission system leak detected).
- 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.
Every Ford Ranger model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.