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2003 Ford Ranger

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2003 Ford Ranger do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 144.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

185 reports with mileage · 58 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 43 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 40 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 29 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

37 crash reports11 fire reports20 injury reports

Seat Belts complaints

9 reports
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155,680 miles · Nov 2, 2017
Air BagsSeat BeltsSteeringCrashInjury

I WAS RECENTLY AN ACCIDENT DURING WHICH 3 THINGS OCCURRED THAT CONTRIBUTED TO MY INJURIES. THE FIRST THING THAT HAPPENED WAS STEERING WHEEL LOCKUP PREVENTING ME FROM TURNING OUT OF THE WAY. THE 2ND & 3RD THINGS OCCURRED WHEN THE TRUCK WAS IN FREE FALL. FIRST OF ALL THE SEATBELT FAILED TO RESTRAINED MY BODY DURING THE ACCIDENT SE…

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I WAS RECENTLY AN ACCIDENT DURING WHICH 3 THINGS OCCURRED THAT CONTRIBUTED TO MY INJURIES. THE FIRST THING THAT HAPPENED WAS STEERING WHEEL LOCKUP PREVENTING ME FROM TURNING OUT OF THE WAY. THE 2ND & 3RD THINGS OCCURRED WHEN THE TRUCK WAS IN FREE FALL. FIRST OF ALL THE SEATBELT FAILED TO RESTRAINED MY BODY DURING THE ACCIDENT SENDING ME STRAIGHT INTO THE STEERING WHEEL DURING WHICH TIME THE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. SO THERE WAS NOTHING TO BRAKE MY IMPACT TO SAID STEERING WHEEL. ALL OF THE THIS TOOK PLACE ON A FREEWAY AT HIGH SPEEDS I WAS LUCKY THAT MY INJURIES WERE NOT WORSE THEN THEY ARE AND IN TIME THEY WILL HEAL. I WAS LUCKY, BUT THE NEXT PERSON MAY NOT BE SO, YOU NEED TO LOOK INTO THIS MATTER THOROUGHLY BECAUSE THE NEXT PERSON MAY DIE AS A RESULT OF THESE SAFETY FAILURES, AND THAT IS SOMETHING NONE US WANT.

NHTSA ODI #11042267

120,000 miles · Aug 5, 2016
Seat Belts

THIS IS MY SECOND RANGER. THE FIRST(1998) I HAD AN ACCIDENT IN,THE SEAT BELT NEVER EMPLOYED, I RECEIVED CONCUSSION, I HAVE NOTICED THE SAME WITH THIS 2003 RANGER, SEAT BELT WILL NOT STAY TIGHT, OR EMPLOY WHEN JERKED ON.STATIONARY.

NHTSA ODI #10893393

Mileage unknown · Aug 5, 2016
Seat BeltsVehicle Speed Control

CRUSE-CONTROL IS VERY FLIMSY,SOME TIMES IT WILL NOT WORK,,, HAVE TO HOLD IT FROM BACK SIDE WHEN TRYING TO START CONTROL.IN MOTION, ON HIGHWAY.

NHTSA ODI #10893384

108,000 miles · Jan 11, 2010
Seat Belts

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD RANGER WHICH WAS PURCHASED IN 2008. SHE STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT WOULD NOT LATCH INTO THE LATCH MECHANISM. NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER NOR DEALER WERE CONTACTED TO DATE. THE CONTACT WAS NOT AWARE IF THERE WERE ANY RECALLS ON HER SPECIFIC VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNDER…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD RANGER WHICH WAS PURCHASED IN 2008. SHE STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT WOULD NOT LATCH INTO THE LATCH MECHANISM. NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER NOR DEALER WERE CONTACTED TO DATE. THE CONTACT WAS NOT AWARE IF THERE WERE ANY RECALLS ON HER SPECIFIC VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNDER 108,000. UPDATED 02/1710 *BF UPDATED 02/19/10

NHTSA ODI #10298970

40,700 miles · Dec 17, 2007
Seat BeltsCrash

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD RANGER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH DOWNHILL IN INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A DITCH ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE ROAD. DURING THE CRASH, THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER ONCE AND LANDED IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. T…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD RANGER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH DOWNHILL IN INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A DITCH ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE ROAD. DURING THE CRASH, THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER ONCE AND LANDED IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THE CONTACT WAS WEARING HIS SEAT BELT PRIOR TO THE CRASH; HOWEVER, HE NOTICED THAT THE SEAT BELT WAS UNFASTENED AS HE ATTEMPTED TO EXIT THE VEHICLE AFTER THE CRASH. HE HAS NOT FILED A FORMAL COMPLAINT WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 40,700. UPDATED 02-07-08. *KB

NHTSA ODI #10212139

11,155 miles · Nov 28, 2004
Seat BeltsStructureCrashInjury

SLID OFF ROAD, DRIVERS TIRES BLEW OUT VEHICLE ROLLED TWICE. DRIVER NOR PASSENGER SEATBELT RESTRAINED UPPER BODY. DRIVER'S HEAD WEDGED UNDER STEERING WHEEL AND UPPER LEFT BACK SHOULDER AND ARM EXITED THE VEHICLE. ROOF CAVED IN ON DRIVER, RESULTING IN MULTIPLE BREAKS, FRACTURES AND PARTIAL PARALLIZATION. PASSENGERS LEGS HIT CHE…

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SLID OFF ROAD, DRIVERS TIRES BLEW OUT VEHICLE ROLLED TWICE. DRIVER NOR PASSENGER SEATBELT RESTRAINED UPPER BODY. DRIVER'S HEAD WEDGED UNDER STEERING WHEEL AND UPPER LEFT BACK SHOULDER AND ARM EXITED THE VEHICLE. ROOF CAVED IN ON DRIVER, RESULTING IN MULTIPLE BREAKS, FRACTURES AND PARTIAL PARALLIZATION. PASSENGERS LEGS HIT CHEST FROM LACK OF RESTRAINING SEATBELT. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10100677

6,000 miles · Nov 16, 2004
Seat Belts

AT ABOUT 6000 MILES I NOTICED THE VEHICLE VIBRATING WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES. I TOOK IT IN TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALER IN TEMECULA AND THEY TOLD ME THE ROTORS ON THE FRONT BRAKES WERE OVERHEATING. I MENTIONED TO THEM THAT I NEVER HAD A PROBLEM BEFORE ON THE MANY CARS I'VE OWNED OVER THE YEARS (AS I'M 54 YEARS OLD). THEY MACHINE…

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AT ABOUT 6000 MILES I NOTICED THE VEHICLE VIBRATING WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES. I TOOK IT IN TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALER IN TEMECULA AND THEY TOLD ME THE ROTORS ON THE FRONT BRAKES WERE OVERHEATING. I MENTIONED TO THEM THAT I NEVER HAD A PROBLEM BEFORE ON THE MANY CARS I'VE OWNED OVER THE YEARS (AS I'M 54 YEARS OLD). THEY MACHINED THE ROTORS FOR FREE BUT TOLD ME IT WAS MY DRIVING. AT ABOUT 11,000 MILES I EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. I BROUGHT IT TO THE SAME DEALER AND AFTER MUCH DISCUSSION WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER HE MACHINED THE ROTORS FOR FREE. ABOUT A MONTH AGO THE CAR STARTED VIBRATING AGAIN WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES. I CALLED THE FORD HOTLINE TOLL FREE NUMBER AND THEY TOLD ME TO TAKE IT BACK TO THE DEALER THAT WORKED ON THE BRAKES AND HAVE THEM SEND THEM A REPORT. THE DEALER STILL CANNOT FIND ANYTHING A MATTER WITH THE BRAKES. PLEASE BELIEVE ME, I DO NOT TAILGATE ON THE FEEWAY AND DO NOT DRIVE LIKE AN 18 YEAR OLD. I'VE NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH BRAKES BEFORE, OUTSIDE OF REPLACING PADS AND MACHINE THE ROTORS EVERY 35K MILES OR SO. AT THIS POINT I'M NOT SURE WHAT OPTIONS I HAVE. CAN YOU HELP? THANK YOU, DENNIS CULLEN. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10100035

Mileage unknown · Jan 23, 2003
Seat Belts

THE SEAT BELT(S) WHICH ARE IN THE REAR, (IF IN AN ACCIDENT/ROLL OVER), THE REAR DOOR(S) MAY OPEN AND THROW A PERSON OUT. SCC

NHTSA ODI #10003846

Mileage unknown · Dec 10, 2002
Seat Belts

CONSUMER STATES THAT SEATBELTS ARE INOPRATIVE IN AN EVENT OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT, BECAUSE SEATBELTS ARE ATTACHED TO THE VEHICLE DOORS. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. TS

NHTSA ODI #8024126

Official recalls

1

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.

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

1

PE05066 · Brake Lights Inoperative

Opened Dec 5, 2005 · Closed Mar 24, 2006

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting; Exterior Lighting:brake Lights; Exterior Lighting:tail Lights

THIS PE WAS OPENED BASED ON TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) #05-6-19 ISSUED BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND SERVICE BULLETIN #09-008/5 ISSUED BY MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION TO ADDRESS CONCERNS OF THE CENTER HIGH MOUNTED STOP LIGHT (CHMSL) WIRING HARNESS CHAFFING. THE TSB'S AFFECTED THE FORD SUPER CAB AND MAZDA CAB PLUS VEHICLES ONLY.SERVICE TECHNICIANS CONTACTED THE FORD HOTLINE BECAUSE IT WAS DIFFICULT FOR THE TECHNICIANS TO DIAGNOSE AND LOCATE THE CAUSE OF THE INOPERATIVE BRAKE LIGHTS.FORD AND MAZDA ISSUED THE TSB'S TO AID TECHNICIANS IN THE IDENTIFICATION AND REPAIR OF THE WIRE CHAFE CONDITION.OF ALL WARRANTY CLAIMS SUBMITTED TO FORD FOR BRAKE LAMP FAILURE, FORD IDENTIFIED ONLY 120 THAT WERE RELATED TO WIRE CHAFE NEAR THE CHMSL, AND MOST (115 OF THE 120) WERE REPORTED FOR THE SUPER CAB CHMSL. ODI'S REVIEW OF FORD'S WARRANTY CLAIMS AND COMPLAINT DATA REVEALS A DECLINING TREND FOR THE SUPER CAB AND THAT TREND CLOSELY PARALLELS THE TREND FOR THE STANDARD CAB AS WELL.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 NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights

THIS PE WAS OPENED BASED ON TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) #05-6-19 ISSUED BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND SERVICE BULLETIN #09-008/5 ISSUED BY MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION TO ADDRESS CONCERNS OF THE CENTER HIGH MOUNTED STOP LIGHT (CHMSL) WIRING HARNESS CHAFFING. THE TSB'S AFFECTED THE FORD SUPER CAB AND MAZDA CAB PLUS VEHICLES ONLY.SERVICE TECHNICIANS CONTACTED THE FORD HOTLINE BECAUSE IT WAS DIFFICULT FOR THE TECHNICIANS TO DIAGNOSE AND LOCATE THE CAUSE OF THE INOPERATIVE BRAKE LIGHTS.FORD AND MAZDA ISSUED THE TSB'S TO AID TECHNICIANS IN THE IDENTIFICATION AND REPAIR OF THE WIRE CHAFE CONDITION.OF ALL WARRANTY CLAIMS SUBMITTED TO FORD FOR BRAKE LAMP FAILURE, FORD IDENTIFIED ONLY 120 THAT WERE RELATED TO WIRE CHAFE NEAR THE CHMSL, AND MOST (115 OF THE 120) WERE REPORTED FOR THE SUPER CAB CHMSL. ODI'S REVIEW OF FORD'S WARRANTY CLAIMS AND COMPLAINT DATA REVEALS A DECLINING TREND FOR THE SUPER CAB AND THAT TREND CLOSELY PARALLELS THE TREND FOR THE STANDARD CAB AS WELL.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 NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.

Exterior Lighting

THIS PE WAS OPENED BASED ON TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) #05-6-19 ISSUED BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND SERVICE BULLETIN #09-008/5 ISSUED BY MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION TO ADDRESS CONCERNS OF THE CENTER HIGH MOUNTED STOP LIGHT (CHMSL) WIRING HARNESS CHAFFING. THE TSB'S AFFECTED THE FORD SUPER CAB AND MAZDA CAB PLUS VEHICLES ONLY.SERVICE TECHNICIANS CONTACTED THE FORD HOTLINE BECAUSE IT WAS DIFFICULT FOR THE TECHNICIANS TO DIAGNOSE AND LOCATE THE CAUSE OF THE INOPERATIVE BRAKE LIGHTS.FORD AND MAZDA ISSUED THE TSB'S TO AID TECHNICIANS IN THE IDENTIFICATION AND REPAIR OF THE WIRE CHAFE CONDITION.OF ALL WARRANTY CLAIMS SUBMITTED TO FORD FOR BRAKE LAMP FAILURE, FORD IDENTIFIED ONLY 120 THAT WERE RELATED TO WIRE CHAFE NEAR THE CHMSL, AND MOST (115 OF THE 120) WERE REPORTED FOR THE SUPER CAB CHMSL. ODI'S REVIEW OF FORD'S WARRANTY CLAIMS AND COMPLAINT DATA REVEALS A DECLINING TREND FOR THE SUPER CAB AND THAT TREND CLOSELY PARALLELS THE TREND FOR THE STANDARD CAB AS WELL.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 NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.

Exterior Lighting:tail Lights

THIS PE WAS OPENED BASED ON TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) #05-6-19 ISSUED BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND SERVICE BULLETIN #09-008/5 ISSUED BY MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION TO ADDRESS CONCERNS OF THE CENTER HIGH MOUNTED STOP LIGHT (CHMSL) WIRING HARNESS CHAFFING. THE TSB'S AFFECTED THE FORD SUPER CAB AND MAZDA CAB PLUS VEHICLES ONLY.SERVICE TECHNICIANS CONTACTED THE FORD HOTLINE BECAUSE IT WAS DIFFICULT FOR THE TECHNICIANS TO DIAGNOSE AND LOCATE THE CAUSE OF THE INOPERATIVE BRAKE LIGHTS.FORD AND MAZDA ISSUED THE TSB'S TO AID TECHNICIANS IN THE IDENTIFICATION AND REPAIR OF THE WIRE CHAFE CONDITION.OF ALL WARRANTY CLAIMS SUBMITTED TO FORD FOR BRAKE LAMP FAILURE, FORD IDENTIFIED ONLY 120 THAT WERE RELATED TO WIRE CHAFE NEAR THE CHMSL, AND MOST (115 OF THE 120) WERE REPORTED FOR THE SUPER CAB CHMSL. ODI'S REVIEW OF FORD'S WARRANTY CLAIMS AND COMPLAINT DATA REVEALS A DECLINING TREND FOR THE SUPER CAB AND THAT TREND CLOSELY PARALLELS THE TREND FOR THE STANDARD CAB AS WELL.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 NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.