IllustrationREAR FRAME ON RANGER IS RUSTING. THE SLOT WHERE THE GAS TANK STRAP HOOKS ON TO THE FRAME HAS RUSTED AWAY THIS CAUSED THE GAS TANK TO DROP THE WHOLE BACK FRAME LOOKS BAD. *TR
2001 Ford Ranger
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Ranger years
Owner complaints for the 2001 Ford Ranger are substantially higher than the model-year median of 144.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Ranger years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
330–25K
5025–50K
4450–75K
5275–100K
73100–150K
29150K+
281 reports with mileage · 234 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.
- Structure. Review the 112 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Suspension. Review the 87 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Air Bags. Review the 62 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
62 crash reports9 fire reports40 injury reports
Suspension complaints
87 reportsNOTICED MY TRUCK WAS SITTING CROOKED. TOOK IT TO REPAIR SHOP TO HAVE REPAIRED. ABOUT 2 HOURS AFTER I DROPPED IT OFF THE REPAIR SHOP CALLED MY PHONE AND ASKED ME TO COME TO THEIR SHOP. THE MECHANIC SHOWED ME THE RUSTED SPRING SHACKLES AND RUSTED SPRING HANGERS AND THE RUSTED FRAME. THIS SHOP WOULD NOT PUT MY TRAILER HITCH BACK ON…
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NOTICED MY TRUCK WAS SITTING CROOKED. TOOK IT TO REPAIR SHOP TO HAVE REPAIRED. ABOUT 2 HOURS AFTER I DROPPED IT OFF THE REPAIR SHOP CALLED MY PHONE AND ASKED ME TO COME TO THEIR SHOP. THE MECHANIC SHOWED ME THE RUSTED SPRING SHACKLES AND RUSTED SPRING HANGERS AND THE RUSTED FRAME. THIS SHOP WOULD NOT PUT MY TRAILER HITCH BACK ON BECAUSE HE SAID MY RUSTY FRAME WOULD NOT HOLD IT UP. I TOOK MY TRUCK BACK TO A FORD DEALER FOR THEM TO LOOK AT. THEY TOLD ME THAT THE TRUCK WAS PAID FOR, WARRANTY WAS OUT AND AS FAR AS THEY WERE CONCERNED THE PROBLEM WAS MINE. I TRIED TO TELL THE DEALER THAT THIS DIDN,T HAPPEN OVERNIGHT. HE DIDN,T CARE. I HAVE HAD PARTS OF THE FRAME PLATED SO IT WOULDN,T BREAK INTO. GAS TANK BRACKETS HAVE RUSTED OFF. MAIN FRONT CROSSMEMBER HAS RUST HOLES IN IT. THIS TRUCK WAS ONLY 7 YEARS OLD AND ITS JUNK. TRIED TO TRADE IT OFF AT A DEALER FIRST THING THEY LOOK AT IS THE FRAME. THE DEALERS KNOW THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE FRAMES RUSTING. AND MINE IS NOT THE ONLY ONE IN THE AREA WITH RUSTED FRAME PROBLEMS. MY SON HAS A 2004 FORD THATS ALMOST AS BAD AS MINE. I HAVE A 1955 FORD TRUCK THAT HAS A BETTER FRAME UNDER IT THAN MY 2001. SAD BUT TRUE. I TOOK EXCELLENT CARE OF MY TRUCK FOR THOSE FIRST 7 YEARS BUT WHO CRAWLS UNDER THEIR CAR OR TRUCK TO CHECK FOR RUST. YOU EXPECT SOME BUT NOT TO THIS EXTENT. *TR
REAR LEAF SPRING HANGERS FAILED & SEPARATED FROM THE FRAME DUE TO CORROSION CAUSING THE LEAF SPRING TO DAMAGE THE BED OF THE TRUCK AS THE LEAF SPRING DROVE THROUGH THE SKIN OF THE TRUCK BED. *TR
I BROUGHT MY 2001 FORD RANGER IN FOR IT'S ANNUAL NEW YORK INSPECTION. THE INSPECTOR POINTED OUT THAT THE FRAME WAS DANGEROUSLY WEAK DUE TO RUST BY THE REAR SHACKLE BRACKETS WHICH THE LEAF SPRING IS ATTACHED TO. I HAD THESE BRACKETS REPLACED A FEW YEARS EARLY BECAUSE ONE RUSTED OUT AND BROKE. I WOULD HAT TO THINK WHAT WOULD HA…
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I BROUGHT MY 2001 FORD RANGER IN FOR IT'S ANNUAL NEW YORK INSPECTION. THE INSPECTOR POINTED OUT THAT THE FRAME WAS DANGEROUSLY WEAK DUE TO RUST BY THE REAR SHACKLE BRACKETS WHICH THE LEAF SPRING IS ATTACHED TO. I HAD THESE BRACKETS REPLACED A FEW YEARS EARLY BECAUSE ONE RUSTED OUT AND BROKE. I WOULD HAT TO THINK WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF MY FRAME FAILED WHILE ON A INTERSTATE AT 65 MPH. I AM 63 YEARS OLD AND NEVER DID I HAVE A FRAME RUST OUT. I TOOK THE CAR TO A SHOP WHICH WELDED NEW STEEL ON THE FRAME BOTH SIDES.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE WORN. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,944…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE WORN. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,944. THE LOWER BALL JOINTS HAD TO BE REPLACED. UPDATED 05/06/11
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD RANGER XLT. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR WHEELS WERE SITTING LOWER TO THE GROUND THAN USUAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE REAR SUSPENSION WAS REPAIRED. A FEW YEARS LATER, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR FACILITY TO…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD RANGER XLT. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR WHEELS WERE SITTING LOWER TO THE GROUND THAN USUAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE REAR SUSPENSION WAS REPAIRED. A FEW YEARS LATER, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR FACILITY TO BE INSPECTED WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THE ENTIRE UNDERCARRIAGE WAS SEVERELY CORRODED. IN ADDITION, THE HINGES WHICH HELD THE FUEL TANK TO THE FRAME WERE SEVERELY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 104,000. UPDATED 01/25/11*LJ THE VEHICLE ALSO HAD AN EVAP LEAK.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD RANGER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDERGOING A FRONT END ALIGNMENT, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE DEFECTIVE, LOOSE, AND WORN. HE STATED THAT THE STEERING WAS FINE AND HE COULD NOT TELL THAT THERE WAS AN ISSUE PRIOR TO THE REPAIR VISIT. THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED NO AS…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD RANGER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDERGOING A FRONT END ALIGNMENT, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE DEFECTIVE, LOOSE, AND WORN. HE STATED THAT THE STEERING WAS FINE AND HE COULD NOT TELL THAT THERE WAS AN ISSUE PRIOR TO THE REPAIR VISIT. THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 43,000.
I HAVE A 2001 FORD RANGER 4X THAT IS MAINLY USED FOR DRIVING TO WORK. IT IS ONLY TAKEN OFF THE PAVEMENT TO UNLOAD MATERIALS OR REMOVE WOOD, ETC FROM THE BACK OF MY PROPERTY. I HAD NEW TIRES PUT ON AT 75,000 MILES AND WAS TOLD THAT I NEEDED WHEEL ALIGNMENT. SINCE I QUESTIONED THIS, I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER FOR THE ALIGNMENT. T…
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I HAVE A 2001 FORD RANGER 4X THAT IS MAINLY USED FOR DRIVING TO WORK. IT IS ONLY TAKEN OFF THE PAVEMENT TO UNLOAD MATERIALS OR REMOVE WOOD, ETC FROM THE BACK OF MY PROPERTY. I HAD NEW TIRES PUT ON AT 75,000 MILES AND WAS TOLD THAT I NEEDED WHEEL ALIGNMENT. SINCE I QUESTIONED THIS, I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER FOR THE ALIGNMENT. THEY TOLD ME THAT MY BALL JOINTS NEEDED REPLACEMENT FOR $500, WHICH I ALSO DOUBTED. I TOLD THEM TO DO THE ALIGNMENT BUT NOT THE BALL JOINT REPLACEMENT. I HAVE HAD NO REASON TO SUSPECT THAT THE BALL JOINTS ARE BAD BUT IF THEY ARE THEN I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THEM REPLACED. I AM 65 AND HAVE GONE THROUGH A LOT OF CARS. I HAVE HAD SOME FOR NEARLY 200,000 MILES BUT THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THAT I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE BALL JOINTS NEED REPLACEMENT. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD AND THEY PROVIDED NOT HELP. THEY SAID TO TAKE IT TO A DEALER AND THAT THEY WILL PROBABLY CHARGE ME TO LOOK AT IT. *TR
I GOT AN 2001 FORD RANGER USED. NOTICED SOMETHING STRANGE WITH THE HANDLING. I ALSO NOTICED A BANGING ON THE FLOOR ON ROUGH ROADS. IT TOOK ME A TWO MONTHS TO FIND THE PROBLEM. BOTH BOLTS OR THE ANTI SWAY BAR WERE BROKEN ON THE FRONT END. *TR
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED UPON INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE THE BALL JOINT BOOTS WERE NOTICED DETERIORATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY REPLACED THE LOWER BALL JOINTS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED. THE UPPER BALL JOINTS FAILED AS WELL. THE TIMING COVER GASKET WAS REPLACED. UPDATED 03/22/06. *JB
Official recalls
409V399000 · Vehicle Speed Control
Oct 13, 2009
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 & remedy
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.
07V336000 · Vehicle Speed Control
Aug 3, 2007
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.
01V227001 · Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly
Jul 16, 2001
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. THOMAS ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 4/17/00 - 5/29/01. LINCOLN TOWN CARS BUILT AT WIXOM ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 3/27/00 - 5/30/01. LINCOLN NAVIGATORS BUILT AT MICHIGAN TRUCK PLANT FROM 4/11/00 - 5/31/01. FORD WINDSTARS BUILT AT OAKVILLE ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 3/23/00 - 5/30/01. FORD RANGERS BUILT AT TWIN CITIES PLANT FROM 3/28/00 - 5/30/01, AND ALSO AT THE EDISON PLANT FROM 3/13/00 - 5/25/01. FORD F-150 TRUCK BUILT AT NORFOLK PLANT FROM 4/18/00 - 5/25/00; AT ONTARIO PLANT FROM 5/10/00 - 5/28/01; AT KANSAS CITY PLANT FROM 9/11/99 - 5/25/01; AND AT CUAUTITLAN PLANT FROM 5/16/00 - 6/9/01. FORD SUPER DUTY F-250, F-350, F-450, AND F-550 TRUCKS BUILT AT KENTUCKY PLANT FROM 4/17/00 - 5/27/01; AND AT CUAUTITLAN PLANT FROM 5/16/00 - 6/19/01. FORD EXCURSIONS BUILT AT KENTUCKY PLANT FROM 4/17/00 - 10/2/00. FORD EXPEDITIONS BUILT AT MICHIGAN TRUCK PLANT FROM 4/11/00 - 5/31/01.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
00V394000 · Structure:body:hood:hinge And Attachments
Nov 28, 2000
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A HOOD FLY-UP WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING OPERATED COULD RESULT IN REDUCED DRIVER VISIBILITY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HOOD STRIKER.
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
2EA05004 · Front Seat Belt Buckle Assembly
Opened Feb 17, 2005 · Closed Jul 6, 2005
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts; Seat Belts:front: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 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.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Seat Belts
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.
Seat Belts:front: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 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.
RQ04011 · Front Seat Belt Buckle Assembly
Opened Oct 22, 2004 · Closed Feb 17, 2005
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts:front: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 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).