2003 Ford Ranger problems
The Ford Ranger is a compact or mid-size pickup marketed globally by Ford over a series of generations, varying between both in-house or outside development and manufacturing — and with a hiatus in North America from 2011–2018.
Debuting as a compact pickup in North America in 1982 for the 1983 model year, the Ranger was later introduced in some South American countries. From 1998 to 2011, the Ranger nameplate was used for models developed by Mazda for sale outside the North American market. In 2011, Ford introduced the first Ranger based on the T6 platform. Considered a mid-size pickup truck, the model was developed in-house by Ford Australia. In that same year, the North American-market Ranger was discontinued, leaving the T6 platform-based Ranger as the sole Ranger model worldwide.
For the 2019 model year, the Ranger was reintroduced in North America using the globally-marketed T6 model. It is manufactured at the Michigan Assembly Plant at Wayne, Michigan. The Ranger is smaller than the F-150 and larger than the Maverick in the Ford North American pickup truck range, while for markets outside the Americas it is typically the only Ford pickup offered for sale.
The second generation of the T6-based Ranger was released in 2021 for worldwide markets, using a revised T6 platform.
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Common 2003 Ford Ranger problems
The 2003 Ford Ranger has several common problems that owners have reported. These issues range from engine and transmission problems to electrical and structural faults.
- Transmission Problems: Transmission issues are common in both automatic and manual Ford Rangers. These problems include unusual slippage with the gearbox, transmission fluid leaks, and recalls. Any slipping or dragging is a clear sign of a potential transmission issue, and you should also be wary of any burning smells while driving. Concerns over your transmission should be dealt with swiftly by replacing any faulty parts.
- Oil Pump Issues: Owners of Ford Rangers commonly encounter issues related to the oil pump. Whether it's an audible rattle or the oil pressure light coming on, it's usually caused by deteriorating or poor parts used in this component. Depending on which component in your oil pump is creating the issue, you may require replacement parts to avoid any further engine issues.
- Fuel Injector Issues: If you notice your engine light coming on, unsteady idling, or find your engine misfires at times, you probably have fuel injector issues. This has been noted as a common problem for some Ford Rangers, with the cause often being a dirty or clogged filter. However, if your fuel injector is faulty, it will require a replacement to restore proper working order.
- MAF Sensor Issues: The mass airflow sensor (MAF) can also cause similar symptoms to faulty fuel injectors. The sensor on your Ford Ranger could be defective, but it may simply be that it is too dirty to detect air levels properly, meaning that cleaning it could restore normality.
- Excessive Rust on the Frame: Rust is a common problem in the 2003 Ford Ranger, particularly on the frame. Rust holes and broken frames have been reported, which can lead to severe structural issues. It's essential to address any rust issues promptly to avoid further damage.
- Spare Tires Fall Off: Due to excessive undercarriage rust, spare tires can fall off, posing a severe safety hazard. It's crucial to address any rust issues promptly to avoid this problem.
- Electrical Issues: Electrical problems, such as headlights and panel lights beginning to flicker, have been reported. In some cases, these issues have led to engine stalling and even trucks catching on fire. It's essential to address any electrical issues promptly to avoid further damage.
- Transmission Recall: There have been recalls related to the vehicle speed control system, with some drivers reporting that their cars actually speed up when they apply the brakes. Additionally, the transmission can have difficulty shifting gears when it starts to go, indicating potential transmission issues.
- Suspension and Steering System Rust: Structure takes the lead in complaints, with many of these having to do with suspension and steering systems having rusted through over the years. This can lead to significant safety issues and should be addressed promptly.
In summary, the 2003 Ford Ranger has several common problems that owners have reported. These issues range from engine and transmission problems to electrical and structural faults. It's essential to address any issues promptly to avoid further damage and ensure the safety of the vehicle.
What problems does a 2003 Ford Ranger have in it?
Top 2003 Ford Ranger Problems
- Engine Buck/Misfire at Freeway Speeds. ...
- 1991 ford ranger bogging down when accelerating to much. ...
- Hard to Start Cold, Stalling at Idle. ...
- Synchronizer Shaft For the Camshaft Position Sensor May Make Noise. ...
- Rough Idle and Stalling. ...
- Rear Drum Brakes Grab, Lock when First Driving.
Was 2003 a good year for Ford Ranger?
The 2003 Ford Ranger is not a comfortable daily-driver or a roomy family vehicle. It's a tight fit, entertainment options are limited, and the interior material feels cheap. But, for the price, it's probably the most capable, versatile, and reliable work truck available right now.
What year did Ford Ranger have problems?
Ford Ranger recent recalls
| Affected model dates | Issue |
|---|---|
| 01/09/18 - 31/05/19 | Heavy loading could cause the rear differential to fail |
| 01/12/16 - 28/02/19 | Rear silencer may detach from the exhaust pipe creating an accident risk |
| 01/01/04-31/12/06 | Gas generator on front airbag may be defective which could cause uncontrolled inflation |
What is the common problem with Ford Ranger?
Common engine problems on a Ford Ranger include a turbo failure and engine crank damage which causes excessive overheating, dark smoke from the exhaust, and a dip in fuel economy. Engine problems can land your car in serious trouble. Thus, it is always better to consult a mechanic right after you've spotted any faults.
What problems does a 2003 Ford Ranger have in it?
Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.
Was 2003 a good year for Ford Ranger?
The 2003 Ford Ranger isn't the freshest compact pickup on the market, but it has aged gracefully. We like this truck plenty, especially when equipped with the available 207-horse V6 engine.
What is the best years for Ford Ranger to avoid?
A: Yes, some Ford Ranger model years have proven less reliable than others. It's best to avoid the following years: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2011, and 2019. These years have been subject to numerous customer complaints and issues.
What is the common problem with Ford Ranger?
Common engine problems on a Ford Ranger include a turbo failure and engine crank damage which causes excessive overheating, dark smoke from the exhaust, and a dip in fuel economy. Engine problems can land your car in serious trouble. Thus, it is always better to consult a mechanic right after you've spotted any faults.
2003 Ford Ranger car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford Ranger problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Structure problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Air bags problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2003 Ford Ranger vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2003 Ford Ranger
The NHTSA has received 242 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2003 Ford Ranger. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2003 Ford Ranger vehicles.
STRUCTURE,WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-04-10
- VIN: 1FTZR45E43T
- Components: STRUCTURE,WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: 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.
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-04-04
- VIN: 1FTZR45EX3T
- Components: SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-04-04
- VIN: 1FTYR44E73P
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Airbag warning light always on.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-07-12
- VIN: 1ftyr15e93p
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-04-20
- VIN: 1FTYR10U33T
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-05-10
- VIN: 1FTZR45E53P
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-12-18
- VIN: 1FTYR11U33T
- Components: ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: WHEN AT STOP LIGHT ENGINE RPMS GO UP HIGH WHERE IT IS HARD TO HOLD VEHICLE STILL WITH BRAKES.
SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-09-23
- VIN: 1FTZR45E73T
- Components: SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-12-24
- VIN: 1FTZR45E73T
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-07-13
- VIN: 1FTZR45E93P
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-05-03
- VIN: 1FTYR14U73P
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-11-11
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FTZR45E23T
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-09-20
- VIN: 1FTZR45E33T
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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.
SUSPENSION,AIR BAGS,WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-08-10
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1FTYR10D53P
- Components: SUSPENSION,AIR BAGS,WHEELS
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-08-21
- VIN: 1FTYR14V43P
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: I BOUGHT THIS TRUCK USED ,IS THERE A RECALL ON THE AIRBAGS OR ANY OTHER RECALLS OF ANY KIND ?? THANKS *DT *TR
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-12-20
- VIN: 1FTYR111U73
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-10-10
- VIN: 1FTZR45E53P
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-09-07
- VIN: 1FTYR11U73T
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-06-18
- VIN: 1FTZR45E03P
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-01-18
- VIN: 1FTYR14U74P
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-08-01
- VIN: 1FTZR15E33P
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-04-29
- VIN: 1FTZR45E23T
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-09-30
- VIN: 1FTYR10D03P
- Components: SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-12-05
- VIN: 1FTYR15EX3P
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-09-13
- VIN: 1FTZR45E43P
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: AIR BAG LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON AND THE DEALERSHIP SAYS THAT IT IS A DEFECT WITH THE AIRBAG. I DO NOT WANT TO PAY FOR THE PRICE OF REPLACING IT ~ IF IT IS THE COMPANIES FAULT THAT MADE THE AIRBAG.
2003 Ford Ranger recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 5 recalls for different components of the 2003 Ford Ranger.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Manufacturer: DOPE, INC.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Manufacturer: SABERSPORT
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Manufacturer: AJ MOTORSPORT
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Manufacturer: CK MOTORSPORT, INC.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
Negative 2003 Ford Ranger car reviews
Positive 2003 Ford Ranger car reviews
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Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to share my experience with my Ranger. I bought it brand new with only 11 miles on it and I've put 62,000 miles on it so far. I'm happy to report that I haven't had any issues or problems with it, and I've only had to change the fluids and replace the tires once. The cab is perfect for two people, and the jumper seats in the back work well for short distances with two more passengers. The bed is just the right size, and with the tow package, it can pull more than it looks. Off-road, it feels right at home, and on the road, it drives wonderfully. Overall, I absolutely love my Ranger! Thanks for listening.
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I've had many compact trucks, but the Ranger beats them all. The quality of the ride and the durability are by far the best I've experienced. Whether off-road or on the road, the Ranger handles excellently. I would definitely recommend a Ranger to anyone looking for a midsize truck.
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I absolutely love driving this truck every day! This is actually my second Ranger and I must say, I'm really impressed with all the changes. My 2003 Edge regular cab 4x2 came with a 3.0L V6 and a 5-speed manual transmission, and let me tell you, this engine can really pull! There are so many options and packages available that anyone should be able to find exactly what they're looking for. And by the way, Edmunds, please stop saying that the Ranger needs a V8, because you neglect to mention this for the Tacoma, Frontier, S-10 or Sonoma. If you opt for the 4.0L or the 3.0L in the regular cab, you'll see that there's power aplenty in this compact truck, which offers the best features and value on the market.
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Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to share my experience with the Ranger trucks. I've owned three of them over the past 14 years and I must say, they are a great value for the price. I've had the 2.3, 2.9, and now the 4.0L engines, and the 4.0L is definitely the most powerful. I absolutely love the truck's design, both inside and out. Currently, I only have 885 miles on it, but based on my experience with the last two, I'm confident that it will be reliable. If you're considering purchasing one, I highly recommend getting the 4.0L engine. Just be sure to keep an eye on the speedometer, because this truck can really fly down the road!
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I've had this truck for three weeks now and I'm really enjoying it! The handling is wonderful and it's easy to drive, much like a car. However, it still has the full capacity of a truck. The acceleration is quick and the 5-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly. Plus, the AC is ice cold! Lastly, I love the MP3 stereo system. You can burn hours of music on one disc.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2003 Ford Ranger problems:
My wife and I are looking at a 2003 Ford Ranger, 88k miles. The ...
Nov 5, 2021 ... Mines a 2.5l and it's the second one I've owned and I sold the other one with 250k miles and I still had no reliability issues with it. They're ...
2003 Ford Ranger Problems and Complaints - 13 Issues
Problem with your 2003 Ford Ranger? Our list of 13 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2003 Ford Ranger.
2003 Ford Ranger XLT 4D V6 reliability? : r/Ford
Apr 16, 2022 ... I've had both the 3.0 and 4.0 No issues with either but the 4.0 is considered the better option by most everyone.
2003 Ford Ranger Review, Problems, Reliability, Value, Life ...
Jan 5, 2023 ... Do Owners Recommend the 2003 Ford Ranger? Shirley H. It's decent it runs good and is reliable but rusted out easily . We've had it for four ...
Q&A: Common Problems with 2003 Ford Ranger 4.0 Engine ...
Oct 19, 2015 ... The most common cause for the type of problem is usually caused by a failing fuel pump, when the pump fails its common for it to over heat and ...
Other years of Ford Ranger
Are you having problems with your 2003 Ford Ranger?
Morton Toy 2024-10-06
I have been experiencing some issues with my current truck, an '89 Mazda B2200. Despite my fond memories of it, the truck's gas mileage has been poor, starting at around 15 mpg and dropping to 13 mpg with the use of air conditioning. Additionally, the bouncing bed has been a major issue, causing the rear end of the truck to bounce excessively on bumpy roads. As a tall driver at 6'4
Tatum Howe 2024-10-06
This vehicle has been a constant source of frustration for me. Despite only having 74,000 miles on it when I purchased it 2 years ago, it has broken down numerous times and caused me endless problems. However, I am confident in my decision to take it to the auto repair shop and have it fixed once again.
Bertha Russel 2024-09-19
I see that you previously owned a 2002 Edge 4-door before purchasing your current vehicle. However, this time you opted for the extended cab without the 4 doors and it seems like it may not have been the best decision. If I may, I would like to suggest that when purchasing the extended cab, it may be worth considering the 4-door option. Thank you for sharing your experience!
Rashad Medhurst 2024-02-12
I think they are alright for the money. It doesn't do anything great but it does get you there and back. If you're looking for a great all-around truck, I wouldn't choose it as the one.