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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 →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

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

What owners actually said

515 reports
91,000 miles · May 4, 2009
Vehicle Speed ControlCrashFireInjury

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD RANGER. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLE BECAME ENGULFED WITH SMOKE. THE CONTACT PASSED OUT AND THE VEHICLE RAN OFF THE ROAD AND INTO A HOUSE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT CAUSED CUTS AND BRUISES ON HIS BODY. …

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD RANGER. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLE BECAME ENGULFED WITH SMOKE. THE CONTACT PASSED OUT AND THE VEHICLE RAN OFF THE ROAD AND INTO A HOUSE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT CAUSED CUTS AND BRUISES ON HIS BODY. HE WAS THE ONLY OCCUPANT IN THE VEHICLE AND WAS WEARING HIS SEAT BELT AT THE TIME OF THE CRASH. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WAS A RECALL NOTICE IN 2007 FOR THE CRUISE CONTROL, IN WHICH THE DEALER PERFORMED THE REPAIRS. THE FORD MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET BEEN NOTIFIED. THE VIN AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER WERE UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,000.

NHTSA ODI #10267652

136,000 miles · Apr 15, 2009
Structure

I PURCHASED A 2001 FORD RANGER XLT TWO YEARS AGO AND WHEN I WENT TO GET A STICKER ON IT LAST YEAR I HAD TO PUT A LOT OF MONEY INTO HAVING PART OF THE FRAME REPLACED DUE TO ROT. THIS YEAR I TOOK IT TO QUIRK FORD IN AUGUSTA TO SEE WHAT IT WOULD NEED BEFORE MY STICKER AND WAS TOLD THAT EVEN IF I GET THE BASIC REGULAR MAINTENANCE DO…

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I PURCHASED A 2001 FORD RANGER XLT TWO YEARS AGO AND WHEN I WENT TO GET A STICKER ON IT LAST YEAR I HAD TO PUT A LOT OF MONEY INTO HAVING PART OF THE FRAME REPLACED DUE TO ROT. THIS YEAR I TOOK IT TO QUIRK FORD IN AUGUSTA TO SEE WHAT IT WOULD NEED BEFORE MY STICKER AND WAS TOLD THAT EVEN IF I GET THE BASIC REGULAR MAINTENANCE DONE TO GET A STICKER ($3K) IT WOULD NEVER GET A STICKER AGAIN DUE TO THE ROT IN THE ROCKER PANELS AND THE FRAME. I'VE CONTACTED FORD AS IT IS ONLY 8 YEARS OLD AND SHOULDN'T BE IN THAT CONDITION. THEY WILL DO NOTHING ABOUT IT. I AM STUCK WITH PAYING THE REMAINDER $5800 I OWE ON THE VEHICLE AND I CAN'T GET OUT OF IT DUE TO THE NEGATIVE EQUITY BECAUSE OF THE CONDITION THE VEHICLE IS IN. I AM THE ONLY SOURCE OF INCOME FOR OUR FAMILY OF 3 RIGHT NOW AND I CAN'T AFFORD TO MAKE TWO VEHICLE PAYMENTS. I LIVE TOO FAR FROM WORK TO WALK. IT REALLY UPSETS ME THAT I'M STUCK WITH NO OPTIONS FOR AN ISSUE THAT SHOULDN'T EVEN BE. ISN'T THERE SOMETHING THAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT THIS?? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10265482

69,000 miles · Feb 16, 2009
Air BagsCrashInjury

I WAS INVOLVED IN A HIGH SPEED COLLISION IN MY 2001 FORD RANGER 4X4 PICKUP ON THE MORNING OF TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2009. I WAS DRIVING ALONG A COUNTY ROAD AT 55 M.P.H. WHEN A 2003 FORD RANGER SUDDENLY MADE A LEFT TURN IN FRONT OF ME. I HAD THE RIGHT OF WAY AS THE OTHER VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN BEFORE DECIDING TO TURN…

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I WAS INVOLVED IN A HIGH SPEED COLLISION IN MY 2001 FORD RANGER 4X4 PICKUP ON THE MORNING OF TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2009. I WAS DRIVING ALONG A COUNTY ROAD AT 55 M.P.H. WHEN A 2003 FORD RANGER SUDDENLY MADE A LEFT TURN IN FRONT OF ME. I HAD THE RIGHT OF WAY AS THE OTHER VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN BEFORE DECIDING TO TURN. I COULD NOT AVOID THE OTHER VEHICLE AND STRUCK ITS DRIVER SIDE DOOR TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 50 - 55 M.P.H. WITH THE FRONT END OF MY VEHICLE. MY AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY, AND I SUSTAINED SEVERE WHIPLASH, SEATBELT BRUISING, BRUISED SHINS FROM HITTING THE BOTTOM OF THE DASHBOARD,, AS WELL AS TORN MUSCLES IN MY NECK ON EITHER SIDE OF MY LARYNX. ON AUGUST 1, 2008, I WENT TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP IN MY TOWN TO HAVE A RECALL REPAIR PERFORMED ON THE AIRBAG IN MY TRUCK. WERE THE CRASH EVEN MORE SERIOUS, THE FAILURE OF THE AIRBAG COULD HAVE RESULTED IN MORE SEVERE OR EVEN FATAL INJURIES. AS OF NOW, I HAVE MANY MONTHS AND POSSIBLY YEARS OF PHYSICAL THERAPY AHEAD OF ME. I AM VERY CONCERNED AND DISAPPOINTED THAT THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IN A HIGH SPEED FRONT END CRASH AS THEY WERE DESIGNED TO DO. I BELIEVE MY INJURIES WOULD BE MUCH LESS SEVERE HAD THEY DEPLOYED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10258888

Mileage unknown · Jan 21, 2009
Fuel System, GasolineFire

ON NOV. 22, 2008 MY SON JEREMIAH GOHN WAS KILLED AS A RESULT OF A FIRE IN THE CAB OF HIS TRUCK. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10255827

82,000 miles · Jan 12, 2009
Air BagsSeat BeltsCrashInjury

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD RANGER. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE SLID ON A PATCH OF SNOW. THE REAR WHEELS LOST TRACTION AND THE VEHICLE FLIPPED OVER TWICE BEFORE CRASHING INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE STRUCK A TREE. THE DRIVER SUFFERED BRUISED RIBS ON THE LEFT SIDE AND A STIFF NECK. THE PA…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD RANGER. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE SLID ON A PATCH OF SNOW. THE REAR WHEELS LOST TRACTION AND THE VEHICLE FLIPPED OVER TWICE BEFORE CRASHING INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE STRUCK A TREE. THE DRIVER SUFFERED BRUISED RIBS ON THE LEFT SIDE AND A STIFF NECK. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED MAJOR BRUISES EVERYWHERE INCLUDING HER BACK, LEGS, AND WRISTS. SHE ALSO SUSTAINED A SEVERE BUMP ON HER BACK AND MINOR CUTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND IS CURRENTLY PARKED IN THE CONTACT'S DRIVEWAY. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN INSPECTED BY A MECHANIC OR DEALER. THE CONTACT IS ASSUMING THAT THE VEHICLE IS DESTROYED. HE WILL WAIT UNTIL THE SPRING TO CHECK THE FRAME ON THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER, HE BELIEVES THAT THE PASSENGER SHOULD NOT HAVE SUSTAINED THAT MUCH BRUISING AND INJURIES. THE CONTACT ALSO BELIEVES THAT THERE IS A DEFECT WITH THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT. DURING THE CRASH, THE SEAT BELT DID NOT TIGHTEN UP, WHICH ALLOWED THE PASSENGER'S BODY TO JERK AROUND AND BECOME BRUISED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 82,000. UPDATED 02/05/09 *BF UPDATED 02/09/09. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10254681

60,000 miles · Nov 28, 2008
Power Train

BOUGHT 2001 FORD RANGER IN 2005, 18 MONTHS LATER GEARBOX NEEDED REBUILD DUE TO LOSS OF GEAR SELECTION ON AUTO BOX. STILL THE GEARS SOMETIMES DO NOT ENGAGE AND THE O/D LIGHT COMES ON AND GEAR CHANGES ARE ROUGH. I BELIEVE THIS IS A DEFECT IN THE TRANSMISSION FROM WHAT I HAVE READ. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10250083

89,000 miles · Nov 26, 2008
StructureInjury

MY 2001 FORD RANGER PICKUP WITH 89,000 MILES WHICH IS ALWAYS PARKED IN THE GARAGE AT NIGHT HAD BOTH TAILGATE CABLES SNAP IN THE MIDDLE WHILE MY KNEES WERE ON IT. I WAS REACHING FOR SOME GROCERIES INSIDE THE CANOPY AND BOTH CABLES SNAPPED, CAUSING MY KNEES TO BE HURT AND MY TAILGATE DENTED ON THE BUMPER. I WENT TO GRESHAM FORD P…

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MY 2001 FORD RANGER PICKUP WITH 89,000 MILES WHICH IS ALWAYS PARKED IN THE GARAGE AT NIGHT HAD BOTH TAILGATE CABLES SNAP IN THE MIDDLE WHILE MY KNEES WERE ON IT. I WAS REACHING FOR SOME GROCERIES INSIDE THE CANOPY AND BOTH CABLES SNAPPED, CAUSING MY KNEES TO BE HURT AND MY TAILGATE DENTED ON THE BUMPER. I WENT TO GRESHAM FORD PARTS DEPARTMENT AND THEY TOLD ME IT WAS COMMON. I ALSO READ OTHER PEOPLES EXPERIENCE ON THE SAME ISSUE. ALTHOUGH THE TAILGATE CABLES ARE COVERED IN A RUBBER/PLASTIC COATING, THE ENDS ARE OPEN LEAVING WATER TO ACCESS AT THESE POINTS AND TO POOL IN THE MIDDLE WHEN THE TAILGATE IS SHUT. THUS LEAVING THE BRAIDED CABLE TO RUST IN THE MIDDLE. IT WAS SUPPOSE TO HOLD 500 POUNDS OF PRESSURE AND IT BROKE ON MY 180 POUND WEIGHT. IT COULD HAVE CAUSED MORE INJURY IF I HAD BEEN STANDING OR LOADING SOMETHING HEAVIER ON THE TAILGATE. GM AND CHEVY HAD A RECALL ON THIS EXACT SAME ISSUE. THEY REPLACED THE CABLES WITH A SEALED END.I CALLED FORD ON NOV 24, 2008 AND THEY SAID THAT THERE WASN'T ANY RECALL AND COULDN'T HELP ME. THIS PROBLEM NEEDS TO BE FIXED BEFORE SOMEONE ELSE GETS KILLED. I WAS INJURED AND MY TRUCK HAS DENTS BECAUSE FORD REFUSES TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE. THEY COULD ISSUE NEW CABLES DURING MAINTENANCE VISITS OR INFORM OWNERS BEFORE SOMEONE ELSE GETS HURT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10249946

108,000 miles · Nov 9, 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling

I HAVE A 2001 FORD RANGER EDGE. IT HAS A 3.0L V6 ENGINE, A 5-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION. IT HAS APPROXIMATELY 108,000 MILE ON IT. I RECENTLY HAD A COMPONENT FAIL IN THE INTERNAL ENGINE. IT WAS A CAM SYNCROZINER. IT COST $467.08 TO REPAIR. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS WAS AN EXTREMELY COMMON PROBLEM BY MY LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP. I WAS ALSO…

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I HAVE A 2001 FORD RANGER EDGE. IT HAS A 3.0L V6 ENGINE, A 5-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION. IT HAS APPROXIMATELY 108,000 MILE ON IT. I RECENTLY HAD A COMPONENT FAIL IN THE INTERNAL ENGINE. IT WAS A CAM SYNCROZINER. IT COST $467.08 TO REPAIR. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS WAS AN EXTREMELY COMMON PROBLEM BY MY LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT IF THIS COMPONENT IS NOT FIXED IMMEDIATELY, THAT IT COULD CAUSE THE OIL PUMP TO THE ENGINE TO FAIL, RESULTING IN THE ENGINE LOSING POWER. THIS COULD CAUSE THE LOSS OF BRAKES, AND STEERING. I WAS TOLD BY SEVERAL OTHER RANGER OWNERS TO RECOMMEND THIS TO THE NHTSA. IT SHOULD BE RECALLED AND ALL 3.0L RANGER'S SHOULD HAVE THERE SYNCHRONIZER REPAIRED OR REPLACED. THIS COMPONENT FAILING COULD RESULT IN MAJOR ENGINE DAMAGE, INJURY AND DEATH. THANK YOU! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10248212

43,000 miles · Sep 26, 2008
Suspension

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.

NHTSA ODI #10243499

Mileage unknown · Sep 16, 2008
Fuel System, Gasoline

MY 2001 FORD RANGER'S RPM'S DROP SUDDENLY WHEN SLOWING DOWN. ONCE I COME TO A COMPLETE STOP THE RPM WILL SURGE OR THE VEHICLE WILL QUIT. I HAVE TO PUT ONE FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND THE OTHER ON THE GAS TO KEEP THE CAR RUNNING AND STOP THE SURGING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10242489

Official recalls

4

09V399000 · 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

2

EA05004 · 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).