2001 Ford RANGER: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
515 owner complaints analyzed
4 distinct recall campaigns
82,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2001 model year. Data snapshot: . 281 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Suspension is the most frequently named component, appearing in 73 of 515 complaints (14.2%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 80 | 15.5% |
| Transmission and shifting | 33 | 6.4% |
| Fuel system concerns | 28 | 5.4% |
| Steering behavior | 21 | 4.1% |
| Engine operation | 15 | 2.9% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 12 | 2.3% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Suspension | 73 |
| Structure:Body | 54 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 47 |
| Air Bags:Frontal | 33 |
| Air Bags | 25 |
| Structure:Frame And Members:Underbody Shields | 23 |
| Unknown Or Other | 22 |
| Power Train:Automatic Transmission | 21 |
Suspension: 73; Structure:Body: 54; Vehicle Speed Control: 47; Air Bags:Frontal: 33; Air Bags: 25; Structure:Frame And Members:Underbody Shields: 23; Unknown Or Other: 22; Power Train:Automatic Transmission: 21
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 33 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 50 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 44 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 52 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 73 |
| 150,000 and above | 29 |
Under 25,000: 33; 25,000 to 49,999: 50; 50,000 to 74,999: 44; 75,000 to 99,999: 52; 100,000 to 149,999: 73; 150,000 and above: 29
100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (73). 234 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 2 |
| 2001 | 59 |
| 2002 | 57 |
| 2003 | 47 |
| 2004 | 47 |
| 2005 | 21 |
| 2006 | 17 |
| 2007 | 31 |
| 2008 | 29 |
| 2009 | 9 |
| 2010 | 20 |
| 2011 | 25 |
| 2012 | 22 |
| 2013 | 16 |
| 2014 | 19 |
| 2015 | 21 |
| 2016 | 16 |
| 2017 | 12 |
| 2018 | 13 |
| 2019 | 12 |
| 2020 | 5 |
| 2021 | 6 |
| 2022 | 4 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2025 | 2 |
| 2026 | 2 |
2000: 2; 2001: 59; 2002: 57; 2003: 47; 2004: 47; 2005: 21; 2006: 17; 2007: 31; 2008: 29; 2009: 9; 2010: 20; 2011: 25; 2012: 22; 2013: 16; 2014: 19; 2015: 21; 2016: 16; 2017: 12; 2018: 13; 2019: 12; 2020: 5; 2021: 6; 2022: 4; 2023: 1; 2025: 2; 2026: 2
Pattern summary
Suspension leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 80 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 33 complaint narratives. Fuel system concerns appears in 28 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10000892 · 2003-01-09 (January 9, 2003)
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE FUEL PUMP FAILED AT SPEED OF 35-50 MPH AND EMPTIED 3/4 OF A TANK OF GAS UNTO ROADWAYS. WEATER WAS DAMP AND WET,HOT WEATHER OR DIFFERENT CIRCUMSTANCES COULD OF CAUSED INJURY. *CB
Owner-reported narrative. 24,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10000892 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10001745 · 2003-01-08 (January 8, 2003)
AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AFTER HITTING A POLE AT 45 TO 50 MPH. *TT *NLM
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10001745 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10002083 · 2003-02-04 (February 4, 2003)
B PILLAR ROOF SUPPORT STRUCTURE MISSING. *AK
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10002083 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10003819 · 2003-01-27 (January 27, 2003)
THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED CONSTANT VIBRATION IN THE TIRES WHILE TRAVELING, APPROXIMATELY A FEW WEEKS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE IS TREAD USAGE IN THE FRONT END AND SOMETHING MAY BE WRONG WITH THE TRANSMISSION. SCC
Owner-reported narrative. 25 miles reported. Look up ODI 10003819 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10003964 · 2003-01-15 (January 15, 2003)
CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE INTERIOR LIGHT IS INTERMITTENTLY AND CAN'T SEE THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED AND NOTHING THEY CAN DO. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. TS *TR
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10003964 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10004122 · 2003-01-17 (January 17, 2003)
WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, CONSUMER STATES THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION AND NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. WHICH RESULTED IN A HEAD INJURY TO THE DRIVER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. TS
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10004122 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10005393 · 2003-02-06 (February 6, 2003)
I'M DRIVING A LEMON THAT I PURCHASED FROM CRAIN FORD IN BENTON AR. AFTER 20 MONTHS OF HASSLES FROM CRAIN AND FORD MOTOR, I AM STILL DRIVING A FAULTY VEHICLE THAT THE MAKER CAN'T DIAGNOSE, YET I'M TOLD THAT IT IS SAFE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. FORD CLOSED MY CASE AND NEITHER PARTY HAS BEEN HELPFUL AT ALL.
Owner-reported narrative. 6,900 miles reported. Look up ODI 10005393 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10005672 · 2003-08-12 (August 12, 2003)
FUEL PUMP AND MECHANISMS TO SUPPORT CORRECT OPERATION FAILED UPON IGNITION IN DRIVEWAY. IT IS SECOND REPORT GIVEN TO THE NHTSA AND IT IS POSSIBLE IF VEHICLE IS HOT EXPLOSION COULD OCCUR. *NM
Owner-reported narrative. 24,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10005672 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
4 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
00V394000 · Structure:Body:Hood:Hinge And Attachments
Reported: 2000-11-28 (November 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: A HOOD FLY-UP WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING OPERATED COULD RESULT IN REDUCED DRIVER VISIBILITY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HOOD STRIKER.
NHTSA campaign record ↗01V227001 · Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly
Reported: 2001-07-16 (July 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: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗07V336000 · Vehicle Speed Control
Reported: 2007-08-03 (August 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: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗09V399000 · Vehicle Speed Control
Reported: 2009-10-13 (October 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: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗