2003 Ford Ranger Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

2003 Ford Ranger recalls

Most common 2003 Ford Ranger problems

Problem areas named in the 243 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem area	Reports
Structure	43
Vehicle Speed Control	40
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	30
Air Bags	25
Suspension	23
Engine And Engine Cooling	18
Electrical System	17
Power Train	17
Unknown Or Other	12
Tires	10

What owners report

2025-07-15, Power Train
Ford knows about the problems with the dual clutch and they are refusing to fix them. I have been giving the run around om trying to get my car fixed. I am a disabled veteran and all I get is they can't help. I just found out about these cars have this problem and ford has know about his problem for years.. they need to fix this. They again to be held according selling bad products to the public.

2023-06-18, Service Brakes
Truck has no spare tire, totally missing the assembly and bracket originally used to hold the tire (have a junk one in the bed). The crossmember under the truck is about 50% intact is getting ready to fall off. Brake lines and rocker panals rotted out as well. Holes in the frame starting and a patch was already needed on the frame (drivers side rear). As well as a loose bed. The truck is very clean on top but underneath is rotting away like it has 200000 miles on it(truck is at 77,000). I want to remove the rust and coat it but im scared of punching through cause spots are brittle.

2023-04-14, Structure
The frame of my truck has rotted through. The strap that holds the gas tank has nothing to connect to, i think the tank could fall to the ground under the right circumstances. The frame has a large whole in it and i fear it will break very soon. I had to remove the spare tire because i feared it would fall off the truck. I had to replace both connectors that held the leaf springs to the frame,and was told there wasn't much left to connect them to.

2023-04-04, Air Bags
Airbag warning light always on.

2022-08-15, Structure
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, an abnormal, rattling noise began to emit from the rear of the vehicle without warning. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that the rear cross members had rotted out due to severe corrosion. The contact also stated that the fuel tank was no longer being supported due to the failure. An independent mechanic inspected the vehicle and deemed the vehicle unsafe to drive. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.

2003 Ford Ranger questions

Does the 2003 Ford Ranger have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2003 Ford Ranger: Vehicle Speed Control. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Ford Ranger?

Based on 243 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Structure (43), Vehicle Speed Control (40), Service Brakes, Hydraulic (30).

How do I check if a recall on my 2003 Ford Ranger has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.