Engine
2.3L 4-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 250 of 321 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 41 of 321 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Brakes
69 complaint records1 fire report7 crash reports
"ABS, BRAKE FAILURE MAKES A LOUD NOISE, REPLACED ROTORS AND REPLACED CALIPERS AND VEHICLE CONTINUED TO HAVE FAILURE. 8AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse brakes parts in the directory →
Glass & wipers
67 complaint records
"WHILE DRIVING THE WINDSHEILD WIPERS WILL TURN ON AND START SPRYING FLUID ALL OVER WITHOUT TOUCHING THE BUTTON FOR IT. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse glass & wipers parts in the directory →
Lighting
45 complaint records1 fire report
"DOME LIGHT AND DOOR CHIME STAY ON NEAR CONSTANTLY WITH DOOR CLOSED. CHIME DOES NOT ALWAYS HAVE SAME BEAT AS SONGS ON RADIO; DISTRACTING! *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse lighting parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA02011 opened Jul 2002 | closed May 2003 | Seat Belts | SAFETY BELT ASSEMBLY FAILURE ODI RECEIVED 18 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS AND FORD IDENTIFIED ANOTHER FOUR REPORTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ALLEGED DEFECT.MOST OF THE COMPLAINTS INDICATE INABILITY TO LATCH THE DRIVER SEAT BELT BUCKLE CAUSED BY A BROKEN LATCH RELEASE SPRING.NONE OF THESE 22 REPORTS... |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 09V399000 | Vehicle Speed Control | 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... | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009292 2009-10-14 | Other | 492,877 | On certain vehicles, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn, potentially resulting in an underhood fire. The condition may occur either when the vehicle is parked or when it is in operation. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02138 Nov 2003 | Power Train | LOW LINE PRESSURE READING AT WIDE OPEN THROTTLE (WOT), SLIPPING SHIFTS AND / OR DELAYED ENGAGEMENTS WITH POSSIBLE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0732, P0733, P1762 SET ON VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE 12/1/2001. *TT | |
| 17254 Oct 2003 | Steering | CLICKING/POPPING NOISE FROM UPPER STEERING COLUMN AREA WHEN TURNING. 2004 E SERIES AND EXPLORER SPORT TRAC ALSO INCLUDED. *TT | |
| 03181 Sep 2003 | Electrical System | REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) - SERVICE TIPS. *TT | |
| 03148 Jul 2003 | Power Train | NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER - SERVICE TIPS. 2003 ESCORT AND SUPER DUTY F SERIES INCLUDED. *TT | |
| 02221 Nov 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE-GEAR DRIVEN SYNCHRONIZERS-INCORRECT INSTALLATION-CAMSHAFT POSITION SYNCHRONIZER (CMP) INSTALLATION TOOL CORRECT APPLICATION. *MJ |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 870197 Oct 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | INCORRECTLY INSTALLED GEAR DRIVEN CAMSHAFT POSITION (CMP) SENSOR SYNCHRONIZER ASSEMBLIES CAUSING SURGE, LOST OF POWER, MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P1336, P1309 AND P0340. *TT | |
| 02176 Sep 2002 | Exterior Lighting | LAMP-BRAKE-INVADVERTENT DISABLING OF BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK. *MJ | |
| 02142 Jul 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION AND A 4.0L OHV ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT A NOISE / VIBRATION, NO DRIVE, UNUSUAL NOISE DURING CRANKING OR A NO CRANK CONDITION. *TT | |
| 16040 Jul 2002 | Steering | EXPERIENCING A CLICKING / POPPING NOISE FROM THE UPPER STEERING COLUMN AREA WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. *TT | |
| 15887 May 2002 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A NO 1-2 UPSHIFT, NO 2-3 UPSHIFT, A NO ENGINE BRAKING CONDITION IN MANUAL 1 OR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0732 (GEAR 2 INCORRECT RATIO) OR P0733 (GEAR 3 INCORRECT RATIO). *TT | |
| 0282 Apr 2002 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO 9/15/2001 MAY EXHIBIT LOW LINE PRESSURE READINGS WHILE IN DRIVE, NO 2ND GEAR, NO 3RD GEAR, NO ENGINE BRAKING IN MANUAL 1ST AND SLIPPING SHIFTS AND / OR DELAYED ENGAGEMENTS. *TT | |
| 01246 Dec 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE OIL SYSTEM PRIMING PROCEDURES, SERVICE TIPS FOR REPORTS OF PREMATURE ENGINE FAILURE. *TT | |
| 01212 Oct 2001 | Equipment | SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L OHV ENGINES MAY EXHIBIT A LOUD A/C CLUTCH ENGAGEMENT. *TT | |
| 01197 Oct 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 4.0L OHV ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT AN ENGINE NOISE WHICH MAY BE PERCEIVED BY THE CUSTOMER AS A PISTON / ONNECTING ROD BEARING KNOCK. *TT | |
| 01B77 Oct 2001 | Tires | OWNER NOTIFICATION PROGRAM SUPPLEMENT 7 REVISED INFORMATION - REGARDING REPLACEMENT OF WILDERNESS AT TIRES. *TT | |
| 01186 Sep 2001 | Equipment | INFORMATION ON CLIMATE CONTROL, LOUD A/C CLUTCH CYCLING NOISE.*JB | |
| 01181 Sep 2001 | Power Train | BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK.*JB | |
| 01156 Aug 2001 | Visibility | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT HEATER CORE LEAKS. *SLC | |
| 01157 Aug 2001 | Unknown Or Other | INFORMATION REGARDING TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *SLC | |
| 15167 Aug 2001 | Equipment | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A LOUD COMPRESSOR CYCLING NOISE. *YH | |
| 15198 Aug 2001 | Equipment | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT LOUD A/C CLUTCH CYCLING NOISE CONDITION. *JG | |
| 01124 Jun 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ON SOME VEHICLES, ENGINE OIL MAY CONTINUE TO LEAK FROM THE ENGINE OIL PAN GASKET AREA AFTER AN ENGINE OIL PAN GASKET REPAIR HAS BEEN PERFORMED. *TT | |
| 0146 Mar 2001 | Visibility | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A CHATTER OR BINDING CONDITION WHEN OPERATING THE POWER SIDE WINDOWS EITHER IN THE DOWN OR UP MODE. *TT | |
| 002310 Nov 2000 | Power Train | SUBJECT REGARDING CONTAMINATION FROM PRIOR TRANSMISSION CONCERNS OR EXCESS WEAR MAY BE TRAPPED IN THE TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLING SYSTEM. *TT | |
| 8164 Apr 2000 | Unknown Or Other | INFORMATION REGARDING PUMP ALIGNMENT TOOLS. **MR | |
| 8164 Feb 2000 | Equipment | INFORMATION ON 5R55E - 4R55E - 4R44E PUMP ALIGNMENT TOOLS. *TT | |
| 0015 Jan 2000 | Power Train | INFORMATION REGARDING THE NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER- SERVICE TIP. *MJS | |
| 13745 Jan 2000 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A CONDITION OF NO 4 X 4 LOW RANGE ENGAGEMENT OR A STUCK IN 4 X 4 LOW RANGE. *MJS | |
| 99235 Nov 1999 | Vehicle Speed Control | DURING EXTREME COLD AMBIENT TEMPERATURES AND UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS, MOISTURE IN THE CRANKCASE MAY ENTER THE PCV SYSTEM, FREEZE AND CAUSE PRESURE IN THE ENGINE CRANKCASE. THE PCV FITTING IN THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD MAY FREEZE OR THE FRESH AIR LINE MAY BECOME BLOCKED. | |
| 99238 Nov 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | A TEMPERATURE GAUGE FLUCTUATION AND / OR A KNOCKING / THUMPING NOISE MAY BE AUDIBLE INTHE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT ON SOME VEHICLES. *TT | |
| 7353 Nov 1999 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A CONDITION OF NO 4X4 LOW RANGE ENGAGEMENT OR A STUCK IN 4X4 LOW RANGE, WITH NO DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES STORED IN THE GEM MODULE. *TT | |
| 7366 Nov 1999 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION MAY EXHIBIT NEUTRAL GEAR ROLLOVER NOISE (A LIGHT METALLIC RATTLING SOUND FROM THE TRANSMISSION) WHICH OCCURS AT IDLE WITH TRANSMISSION IN NEUTRAL CLUTCH ENGAGED (CLUTCH PEDAL UP). *TT | |
| 7494 Nov 1999 | Power Train | ALL VEHICLES WITH ELECTRONIC SHIFT ON THE FLY TRANSFER CASES WILL DISPLAY CONTACT PLATE PIDS OPPOSITE OF WHAT THE 1999 OR EARLIER WORKSHOP MANUAL INDICATES WHEN USING NGS WITH 15.0 LEVEL OR LATER SOFTWARE. *TT | |
| 13440 Nov 1999 | Steering | EXPERIENCING VERY LIGHT STEERING VIBRATION / SHIMMY / NIBBLE AT ENGINE IDLE OR LOW SPEEDS (PARKING LOT TYPE MANEUVERS). *TT | |
| 13505 Nov 1999 | Power Train | ALL 4X4 VEHICLES WITH ELECTRONIC SHIFT ONTHE FLY TRANSFER CASES WILL DISPLAY CONTACT PLATE PIDS OPPOSITE OF THE 1999 OR EARLIER WORKSHOP MANUAL INDICATES WHEN USING NGS WITH 15.0 LEVEL OR LATER SOFTWARE. *TT | |
| 99222 Oct 1999 | Electrical System | SUBJECT ON A WIRE HARNESS TERMINAL REPAIR KIT AVAILABLE FOR REPAIRING ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESSES. *TT | |
| 13412 Oct 1999 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A CONDITION OF NO 4X4 LOW RANGE ENGAGEMENT OR A STUCK IN 4X4 LOW RANGE, WITH NO (DTC) DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE STORED IN THE GEM. *TT | |
| 13423 Oct 1999 | Power Train | VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION MAY EXHIBIT NEUTRAL GEAR ROLLOVER NOISE WHICH OCCURS AT IDLE WITH TRANSMISSION IN NEUTRAL AND CLUTCH ENGAGED. *TT | |
| 13426 Oct 1999 | Suspension | EXHIBITING VERY LIGHT STEERING VIBRATION / SHIMMY / NIBBLE AT ENGINE IDLE OR LOW SPEEDS. *TT | |
| 99194 Sep 1999 | Service Brakes | INFORMATION FOR SERVICING AND DIAGNOSING BRAKE VIBRATION, BRAKE INSPECTION, AND BRAKE FRICTION MATERIAL REPLACEMENT. *TT | |
| 99196 Sep 1999 | Equipment | INFORMATION ON IDENTIFYING NON-APPROVED / ALTERNATE REFRIGERANTS WHICH COULD CAUSE SAFETY, AND PERFORMANCE CONCERNS IF INSTALLED IN FORD A/C SYSTEMS. *TT | |
| 99183 Sep 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SERVICE TIP INFORMATION ON REVISED OIL PAN GASKET REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE. *TT | |
| 6997 Sep 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME SERVICE MANUALS MAY LIST THE INCORRECT CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR ALIGNMENT TOOL FOR VEHICLES WITH VARIOUS ENGINE SIZES. *TT | |
| 13180 Sep 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | INFORMATION REGARDING CAMSHAFT POSITION (CMP) SENSOR ALIGNMENT TOOL CHART. *MJS | |
| 99161 Aug 1999 | Power Train | EXPERIENCING AN AUDIBLE PINGING OR CREAKING (NOT A CLUNKING NOISE) HEARD FROM THE DRIVELINE WHEN ENGINE TORQUE IS INITIALLY APPLIED TO THE DRIVELINE SUCH AS WHEN SHIFTING FROM PARK TO DRIVE OR REVERSE, BETWEEN DRIVE AND REVERSE. *TT | |
| 99162 Aug 1999 | Unknown Or Other | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0125 STORED IN MEMORY, AND / OR LACK OF HEAT WITH THE CLIMATE CONTROL. *TT | |
| 6896 Aug 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN ENGINE NOISE WHICH MAY BE PERCEIVED BY THE CUSTOMER AS A PISTON / CONNECTING ROD BEARING KNOCK. *TT | |
| 13118 Aug 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN ENGINE NOISE WHICH MAY BE PERCEIVED BY THE CUSTOMER AS A PISTON / CONNECTING ROD BEARING KNOCK. *TT | |
| 99152 Jul 1999 | Power Train | INFORMATION ON THE NEW FLUSH AND FILL TOOL AVAILABLE THROUGH ROTUNDA. *TT | |
| 6574 Jul 1999 | Vehicle Speed Control | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN OCCASIONAL HOOT / MOAN FROM THE IDLE AIR CONTROL (IAC) VALVE. *TT | |
| 6603 Jul 1999 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN AUDIBLE PINGING OR CREAKING NOISE THAT MAY BE HEARD FROM THE DRIVELINE WHEN ENGINE TORQUE IS INITIALLY APPLIED TO THE DRIVELINE. *TT | |
| 99139 Jun 1999 | Exterior Lighting | CONDITIONS WITH THE BRAKE LAMPS INADVERTENTLY DISABLING THE BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK. *TT | |
| 99129 Jun 1999 | Equipment | EXPERIENCING A WHINE / BUZZ TYPE NOISE IN THE SPEAKERS OF THE ENTERTAINMENT RADIO OR TWO-WAY RADIO ON VEHICLES WITH AN IN-TANK ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP. *TT | |
| 99111 Jun 1999 | Unknown Or Other | INFORMATION DESIGNED TO AID IN THE DIAGNOSIS, TESTING AND REPAIR OF NOISE, VIBRATION AND HARSHNESS (NVH) CONCERNS. *TT | |
| 12905 Jun 1999 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE AXLE WIND UP AND / OR CLUNKING, POPPING, RATCHETING TYPE NOISES WHEN MAKING CORNERING MANEUVERS ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A FOUR WHEEL DRIVE HI OR LOW RANGE MODE. *TT | |
| 99816 May 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | FORD MOTOR COMPANY NOW RECOMMENDS SAE 5W-30 VISCOSITY GRADE FOR SERVICING ANY FORD GASOLINE-POWERED VEHICLE REGARDLESS OF MODEL YEAR. *TT | |
| 99-8-15 May 1999 | Structure | SUBJECT REGARDING DOOR TRIM PANEL REPLACEMENT - SERVICE TIP. *TT | |
| 995157 May 1999 | Tires | INFORMATION ON MAINTAINING TIRE PRESSURE. *TT | |
| 9943 Mar 1999 | Power Train | INFORMATION REGARDING REPROGRAMMING POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULES (PCMS). *TT | |
| 98246 Dec 1998 | Electrical System | FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS RELEASED A NEW ELECTRICAL GREASE ( F8AZ - 19G208-AA ) TO REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF MOISTURE CORROSION AT THE TERMINALS. *YC |
Showing 60 of 157 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
- Run the wipers and washers, and test every window.Slow or stuck regulators, streaking wipers, and windshield cracks are this vehicle's visibility complaints.
- Do a full walk-around with every light on.Condensation inside a lens, a dim side, or a flickering tail light match this vehicle's lighting cluster.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 1 recall campaign on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Ford Ranger →