Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
180–25K
4725–50K
6250–75K
5175–100K
71100–150K
33150K+
282 reports with mileage · 388 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Tires. Review the 139 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Structure. Review the 105 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Suspension. Review the 72 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
86 crash reports12 fire reports64 injury reports
What owners actually said
670 reports
101,000 miles · Jul 19, 2006
Parking Brake
EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLES THAT RUN TOGETHER BY THE REAR END, HAVE RUBBED TOGETHER TO THE POINT OF WARRING THROUGH THE SHEATHING. THIS HAS STARTED TO CAUSE THE REAR EMERGENCY BRAKES TO STICK WHEN THE EMERGENCY BRAKE IS RELEASED AFTER BEING SET. I THINK THIS COULD BE COME A BIG SAFETY CONCERN DOWN THE ROAD, BY EITHER FAILING TO WORK…
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EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLES THAT RUN TOGETHER BY THE REAR END, HAVE RUBBED TOGETHER TO THE POINT OF WARRING THROUGH THE SHEATHING. THIS HAS STARTED TO CAUSE THE REAR EMERGENCY BRAKES TO STICK WHEN THE EMERGENCY BRAKE IS RELEASED AFTER BEING SET. I THINK THIS COULD BE COME A BIG SAFETY CONCERN DOWN THE ROAD, BY EITHER FAILING TO WORK, OR RELEASE. IT'S A POOR DESIGN ON FORDS PART AND COULD BE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN THANKS FOR YOUR TIME. ALSO WHAT'S UP WITH THE ENGINE PAN GASKET FORD USED ON THIS TRUCK MINE IS LEAKING BADLY AND I'VE HEARD MOST OF THEM DO. ARE THERE ANY RECALLS? THANKS AGAIN STEV ANDERSON. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10162919
130,000 miles · Jun 26, 2006
Power Train
TRANSMISSION ACTED AS IF IN NEUTRAL. HAD TO MANUALLY SHIFT DOWN TO BE ABLE TO MOVE VEHICLE OFF ROAD. THIS SITUATION COULD HAVE PRESENTED A REAL TRAFFIC HAZARD HAD IT OCCURRED WHEN I NEEDED TO PULL OUT QUICKLY, OR IF THERE WERE LOTS OF TRAFFIC. RESEARCHED PROBLEM ON THIS SITE AND FOUND SERVICE BULLETINS WHICH MENTION THE PROBL…
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TRANSMISSION ACTED AS IF IN NEUTRAL. HAD TO MANUALLY SHIFT DOWN TO BE ABLE TO MOVE VEHICLE OFF ROAD. THIS SITUATION COULD HAVE PRESENTED A REAL TRAFFIC HAZARD HAD IT OCCURRED WHEN I NEEDED TO PULL OUT QUICKLY, OR IF THERE WERE LOTS OF TRAFFIC. RESEARCHED PROBLEM ON THIS SITE AND FOUND SERVICE BULLETINS WHICH MENTION THE PROBLEM: 10013414, 10014086 AND 10013369. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10160725
131,000 miles · May 2, 2006
Exterior Lighting
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED SMOKE CAME FROM THE STEERING COLUMN WHILE ATTEMPTING TO USE THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL. ALTHOUGH THE DEALER WAS CONSULTED NO INSPECTIONS WERE MADE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10156650
100,310 miles · Apr 14, 2006
Parking Brake
ON APRIL 8TH 2006 THE FRONT PARKING BRAKE CABLE ON MY 2000 FORD RANGER BROKE DUE TO WEAR FROM A METAL CLIP USED TO HOLD THE CABLE SLEEVE IN PLACE. WHEN I TRIED TO REPLACE THE CABLE I DISCOVERED THAT THE PARKING BRAKE ASSY. WAS MANUFACTURED SO THAT THE PARKING BRAKE/E-BRAKE PEDAL ASSY ALSO HAS TO BE REPLACED, BECAUSE THERE IS NO …
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ON APRIL 8TH 2006 THE FRONT PARKING BRAKE CABLE ON MY 2000 FORD RANGER BROKE DUE TO WEAR FROM A METAL CLIP USED TO HOLD THE CABLE SLEEVE IN PLACE. WHEN I TRIED TO REPLACE THE CABLE I DISCOVERED THAT THE PARKING BRAKE ASSY. WAS MANUFACTURED SO THAT THE PARKING BRAKE/E-BRAKE PEDAL ASSY ALSO HAS TO BE REPLACED, BECAUSE THERE IS NO WAY TO REMOVE THE BROKEN CABLE FROM THE PEDAL ASSY. THE COST OF THE PART IS $85.00 FOR THE PEDAL ASSY. AND $35.00 FOR THE CABLE ASSY. PARTS ARE ONLY AVAILABLE THROUGH THE DEALER ON SPECIAL ORDER ONLY. MY CONCERN IS THAT IF PEOPLE HAVE TO PAY THAT MUCH FOR SOMETHING THEY SHOULDN'T HAVE TO REPLACE, THEN THEY WONT REPLACE THE BROKEN CABLE AND POTENTIALLY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT OR WORSE, DEATH TO SOMEONE. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10155361
85,000 miles · Jan 28, 2006
Interior Lighting
DOOR AJAR LIGHT/ DOME LIGHT COMES ON. ALSO BUZZER COMES ON WHENEVER MAKING RIGHT OR LEFT TURNS . EVEN GOING OVER BUMP CAN TRIGGER THIS ON 2000 FORD RANGER. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10148902
108,000 miles · Dec 30, 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Other
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE DROVE NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT PASS THE STATE INSPECTION. THE DEALER DISCOVERED THE FLEXIBLE FUEL SENSOR DETERIORATED WHICH MAY BE DUE TO THE ROAD SALTS USED IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK. IT WAS TAKEN TO AN I…
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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE DROVE NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT PASS THE STATE INSPECTION. THE DEALER DISCOVERED THE FLEXIBLE FUEL SENSOR DETERIORATED WHICH MAY BE DUE TO THE ROAD SALTS USED IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK. IT WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE FLEXIBLE FUEL SENSOR. THIS VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED BY THE CALIFORNIA EMISSION STANDARDS.*AK UPDATED 01/25/06. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10146533
49,800 miles · Dec 29, 2005
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED ABS ENGAGED INTERMITTENTLY WHILE STOPPING. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN. NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10146331
Mileage unknown · Dec 22, 2005
Electrical System
IN OUR 2000 FORD RANGER, THE DOME LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY REMAINS ON WHEN THE CAR IS OFF. THE LIGHT AND THE "DOOR AJAR" INDICATOR WILL INTERMITTENTLY REMAIN ON WHILE THE CAR IS BEING DRIVEN, CAUSING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS NIGHT-DRIVING CONDITIONS. THIS HAS DRAINED THE CAR'S BATTERY, STRANDING THE OWNER. THIS HAS HAPPENED OVER 20 …
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IN OUR 2000 FORD RANGER, THE DOME LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY REMAINS ON WHEN THE CAR IS OFF. THE LIGHT AND THE "DOOR AJAR" INDICATOR WILL INTERMITTENTLY REMAIN ON WHILE THE CAR IS BEING DRIVEN, CAUSING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS NIGHT-DRIVING CONDITIONS. THIS HAS DRAINED THE CAR'S BATTERY, STRANDING THE OWNER. THIS HAS HAPPENED OVER 20 TIMES IN THE MONTH OF DECEMBER AND COUNTLESS TIMES SINCE THIS PROBLEM BEGAN IN THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER. THIS FAILURE WAS UNPROVOKED, NO INDICATOR OF ANY OTHER PROBLEM WAS GIVEN AND THE DRIVER IS AT A LOSS AS TO HOW TO CORRECT THE FAILURE WITHOUT TAKING THE CAR TO THE DEALER. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10145927
50,000 miles · Dec 21, 2005
Power Train
TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10145870
Mileage unknown · Dec 20, 2005
Suspension
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE FRONT TIRES HAD ABNORMAL WEAR, AND THE FRONT END WOULD SHAKE WHEN DRIVING OVER BUMPY ROADS. HE CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY STATED THERE WERE NO RECALLS. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO REPAIR SHOP, AND THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE FRONT UPPER BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS …
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DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE FRONT TIRES HAD ABNORMAL WEAR, AND THE FRONT END WOULD SHAKE WHEN DRIVING OVER BUMPY ROADS. HE CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY STATED THERE WERE NO RECALLS. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO REPAIR SHOP, AND THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE FRONT UPPER BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS REPAIR WAS MADE AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. *AK
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH TRW SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES. THE BUCKLE BASE OF THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED AND THEREFORE DO NOT PASS THE LOAD BEARING REQUIREMENT OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DATE CODE ON CERTAIN SEAT BELT BUCKLES OF YOUR VEHICLE AND REPLACE ALL SEAT BELT BUCKLES THAT FALL WITHIN THE SUSPECT DATE CODE RANGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 26, 2000. 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 1-800-392-3673.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L OHC ENGINES. ENGINE COOLANT CIRCULATION THROUGH THE HEATER CIRCUIT IS PREVENTED BECAUSE OF A PLUGGED HEATER RETURN TUBE (WATER PUMP INLET TUBE) AT THE WATER PUMP. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE INTENT OF FMVSS NO. 103, "WINDSHIELD DEFROSTING AND DEFOGGING SYSTEMS."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: AS A RESULT OF NO HEAT IN THE HEATER CIRCUIT, DEFROST PERFORMANCE IS COMPROMISED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PLUGGED HEATER WATER RETURN TUBES.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0
No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
2000 Ford Ranger Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year