IllustrationMY 2001 XLT HAD THE FACTORY FIRESTONE WILDERNESS HT TIRE SIDE WALL BLEW OUT ON THE FREEWAY. I ALMOST LOST CONTROL. THE TRUCK ONLY HAS 053265 MILES ON IT, THE TIRE TREAD WAS GOOD AND TIRES HAVE BEEN ROTATED AND BALANCE EVERY 6000 MILES. I E-MAILED FORD AND FIRESTONE, I HAVE PICTURES OF THE TIRE. *JB
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
What owners actually said
515 reportsFELT REAR BRAKES LOCKING, TOOK OFF REAR DRUMS FOUND THE LEFT REAR BRAKE SHOES HAD FALLEN APART. THEY WERE CAUSING THE REAR DRUMS TO LOCK UP. THE SHOES FELL COMPLETELY OFF THE RIVETS AND CAUSED SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO THE DRUMS. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 45,000 MILES ON IT I WILL BE GOING TO THE DEALER TOMORROW. *NM
FAILURE OCCURED WHILE COMING TO A STOP IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. THERE WAS NO HEAVY APPLICATION OF BREAK OR HARD STOP. THERE WAS THE METAL CLUNK SOUND, THEN WHILE MOVING FROM A STOP, THERE WAS HEAVY RATTALING AND BUMPING FELT UP THROUGH THE SHIFT LEVER. SAME COMPLAINT AS DOCUMENTED BY 10119127. *NM
GOODYEAR WRANGLER RT/S FRONT TIRES CUPPING BADLY, RECOMMENDED TIRE ROTATION CAUSED ALL FOUR TIRES TO BE BADLY CUPPED RESULTING IN SERIOUS VIBRATION AND DIFFICULTY IN CONTROL ON WET OR ICY SURFACES. INTERNET SEARCH SHOWS MANY PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. TIRES WERE A REPLACEMENT BY FORD OF FIRESTONE TIRES WHICH WERE OEM. IT SEEM…
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GOODYEAR WRANGLER RT/S FRONT TIRES CUPPING BADLY, RECOMMENDED TIRE ROTATION CAUSED ALL FOUR TIRES TO BE BADLY CUPPED RESULTING IN SERIOUS VIBRATION AND DIFFICULTY IN CONTROL ON WET OR ICY SURFACES. INTERNET SEARCH SHOWS MANY PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. TIRES WERE A REPLACEMENT BY FORD OF FIRESTONE TIRES WHICH WERE OEM. IT SEEMS THAT TIRE FAILURE OR ACCIDENTS MAY WELL RESULT WITH THE CUPPING OF GOODYEAR TIRES. FORD DEALER SAYS TIRES ARE DEFECTIVE BUT THE WARRANTY HAS RUN OUT AND FORD IS NOT RESPONSIBLE. FORD DEALER (TASCA FORD CRANSTON, RI) RECOMMENDED ALL TIRES BE REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE! THESE TIRES HAVE ONLY 14,000 MILES ON THEM! *JB
WHILE STARTING VEHICLE MY WIFE WAS NOTIFIED BY HER CO-WORKER THAT GAS WAS LEAKING ONTO THE PAVEMENT UNDER THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO OUR DEALER WHERE WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. WE WERE TOLD BY THE SERVICE MANAGER THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL LINE WAS DAMAGED POSSIBLY BY ROAD DEBRIS, WHICH WE HAD REPLACED…
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WHILE STARTING VEHICLE MY WIFE WAS NOTIFIED BY HER CO-WORKER THAT GAS WAS LEAKING ONTO THE PAVEMENT UNDER THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO OUR DEALER WHERE WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. WE WERE TOLD BY THE SERVICE MANAGER THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL LINE WAS DAMAGED POSSIBLY BY ROAD DEBRIS, WHICH WE HAD REPLACED BY THE DEALER. HOWEVER BEING THE VEHICLE IS A 2001 FORD RANGER PICKUP TRUCK WITH 42,523 MILES I FEEL THIS SHOULD BE A SAFETY CONCERN DUE IN PART THAT IF MY WIFE'S CO-WORKER DID NOT SEE THE PROBLEM AND MY WIFE CONTINUED DRIVING THE VEHICLE CERTAINLY A FIRE AND POSSIBLY SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH COULD HAVE OCCURRED. *NM
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE VIBRATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH. IT WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE TIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ADDITIONALLY, THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT OF RECALL CAMPAIGN # 01X001000, CONCERNING THE TIRES. HOWEVER, THE DEALER DID NOT REPLACE THE TIRES UNDER THIS RECALL; THEY SUGGESTED THE …
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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE VIBRATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH. IT WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE TIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ADDITIONALLY, THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT OF RECALL CAMPAIGN # 01X001000, CONCERNING THE TIRES. HOWEVER, THE DEALER DID NOT REPLACE THE TIRES UNDER THIS RECALL; THEY SUGGESTED THE CONTACT FILE A SAFETY COMPLAINT. UPDATED 04/11/06. *JB
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT RELEASES FROM THE BUCKLE WITHOUT WARNING. ADDITIONALLY, THE TAILGATE CABLE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE BROKE WHILE ATTEMPTING TO OPEN THE TAILGATE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY THE DEALER; HOWEVER THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED.
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
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55MPH IN NORMAL CONDITIONS, THE VEHICLE CRASHED AND NEITHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE IMPACTED ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM BEHIND AND THE FRONT END OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE SUSTAINED DAMAGE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S HEAD CRASHED INTO THE WINDSHIELD AND MAJOR FACIAL LACERATIONS WERE RECEIVE…
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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55MPH IN NORMAL CONDITIONS, THE VEHICLE CRASHED AND NEITHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE IMPACTED ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM BEHIND AND THE FRONT END OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE SUSTAINED DAMAGE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S HEAD CRASHED INTO THE WINDSHIELD AND MAJOR FACIAL LACERATIONS WERE RECEIVED ALTHOUGH, THE CONTACT WAS WEARING A SEAT BELT. THE POLICE WERE PRESENT AND A REPORT WAS FILED AT THE SCENE. AFTER INSPECTION, THE VEHICLE WILL BE REPAIRED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY.
WE PURCHASED A 2001 FORD RANGER IN OCTOBER OF 2000. IN 2004 THE PINION SEAL BEGAN LEAKING AND THERE WAS AN INTERMITTENT CLICKING/SQUEAK IN THE DRIVERS FRONT SIDE. THE PINION SEAL WAS REPLACED AND FLUID WAS TOPPED OFF. AS WELL THE EXCLUDER SEALS WERE REPLACED AND LUBED TO REPAIR THE CLICKING SQUEAK. THIS WAS ALL DONE UNDER T…
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WE PURCHASED A 2001 FORD RANGER IN OCTOBER OF 2000. IN 2004 THE PINION SEAL BEGAN LEAKING AND THERE WAS AN INTERMITTENT CLICKING/SQUEAK IN THE DRIVERS FRONT SIDE. THE PINION SEAL WAS REPLACED AND FLUID WAS TOPPED OFF. AS WELL THE EXCLUDER SEALS WERE REPLACED AND LUBED TO REPAIR THE CLICKING SQUEAK. THIS WAS ALL DONE UNDER THE WARRANTY. ON 05/24/05 THE TRUCKS CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. IT WAS TAKEN BACK TO CRATER LAKE FORD AND THIS EMISSIONS ISSUE WAS FIXED AND WE WERE TOLD WE WOULD HAVE TO PAY 203.39. AFTER MUCH DISCUSSION REGARDING THE WARRANTY AND THE FACT THAT THOUGH THIS IS NOT COVERED THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN NO ISSUES THIS SOON, WE WERE FINALLY TOLD THAT THERE WAS A POSSIBLE PROBLEM WITH THIS AND THEY ADJUSTED THE BILL TO 18.49, DID NOT CHARGE THE WARRANTY AN AMOUNT. HOWEVER, THEY PUT ON THE RECEIPT THAT THE PINION SEAL WAS AGAIN LEAKING, THOUGH THEY DID NOT MENTION THIS TO US AND DID NOT STATE THAT THEY WOULD FIX IT AND THAT IT WOULD BE COVERED. WE HAVE THE BEST WARRANTY THAT WAS AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE WHEN WE BOUGHT THE TRUCK. WE TRIED SEVERAL TIMES TO GET THE TRUCK IN, OUR SCHEDULES BEING VERY HECTIC. WE TOOK THE TRUCK IN TODAY, AND WERE TOLD THAT THE PINION SEAL WAS NOT PART OF THE WARRANTY, THAT THERE WAS ONLY A 12 MONTH 12,000 MILE WARRANTY ON IT, EVEN THOUGH THEY HAD FIXED IT UNDER WARRANTY OVER 3 YEARS AFTER PURCHASE AND IT HAS BEGUN LEAKING BY THERE ESTIMATES LESS THAN A YEAR AFTER THEY REPLACED IT. OF COURSE THIS DID LITTLE FOR OUR DISPOSITION AND WE TOOK THE TRUCK AND LEFT. WE HAVE CONTACTED CUSTOMER SERVICE AT CRATER LAKE FORD AND AT FORD MOTOR CORP. NOW WE RECEIVE A CALL STATING THAT THE SERVICES WE WERE BEING SEEN FOR ARE COVERED AND THAT WE NEED TO BRING IT BACK IN. HOWEVER, THE SEAL IS OBVIOUSLY AN ONGOING ISSUE. WE WANT THEM TO FIX THE PROBLEM THAT IS CAUSING THE PINION SEAL LEAK. THEY WANT TO SIMPLY CHANGE THE SEAL AGAIN. WE WANT THEM TO FIX THE PROBLEM, NOT THE SYMPTOM. *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).