2003 Ford Ranger problems
Owners have filed 310 complaints about the 2003 Ford Ranger with NHTSA. Structure accounts for 13.9% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of vehicle speed control at 12.9%.
Complaints310
Crashes51
Fires14
Injuries57
Deaths1
What owners report breaking
Structure 13.9% · 43
Vehicle speed control 12.9% · 40
Service brakes, hydraulic 9.7% · 30
Air bags 8.1% · 25
Suspension 7.4% · 23
Engine and engine cooling 5.8% · 18
Electrical system 5.5% · 17
Power train 5.5% · 17
Severity
Of those complaints, 51 describe a crash, 14 describe a fire, 57 report an injury and 1 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 26 model years of the Ford Ranger in this data, 2003 sits 15th by complaint volume. 1999 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 10 in the last three years against 19 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 58,000 miles.
In owners' own words
2003 Ford Ranger suddenly accelerated upon attempting to park. I was pulling into my parking spot while apply the brakes when my vehicle suddenly accelerated, jumped a snow bank and hit a light pole. Independent witness reported the vehicle just took off, rear wheels rapidly started turning. I contacted Ford motor co. Who did not seem too concerned about the incident and had no interest to inspect the vehicle. Structure · reported at 96,000 miles
The contact owns 2003 Ford Ranger pick up. The contact stated that the frame bed was excessively rotted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the technician who confirmed that there was significant damage to the center frame. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 48,000. The current mileage 53,000. Updated 9/29/14 Structure · reported at 48,000 miles
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. Structure · reported at 11,155 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…