Engine
2.5L 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 471 of 576 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 106 of 576 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.
Tires
146 complaint records1 fire report14 crash reports
"THREE TIRES HAVE HAD FAILURES ON THE HIGHWAY. 2 REPLACED W/PARTIAL WARRANTY. *AK( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 265-75R-15 )..."- 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 tires parts in the directory →
Speed control
75 complaint records10 fire reports8 crash reports
"WHEN COMING TO A STOP AND WITH NO WARNING ENGINE SURGES, AND COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. CAUSE UNKNOWN.DEALER NOTIFIED.*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 speed control parts in the directory →
Power train
68 complaint records2 fire reports6 crash reports
"REAR DRIVESHAFT EXHIBITS A CLUNKING NOISE/FEELING UPON ACCELERATION FROM STOP. BEGINS AT AROUND 10,000 MILES ON NEW VEHICLE...."- 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 power train 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE99045 opened Jul 1999 | closed Oct 1999 | Steering | STEERING KNUCKLE SEPARATIONS There is no summary currently available |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07V336000 | Vehicle Speed Control | 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. | Normally free |
| 99V204000 | Power Train | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ELECTRIC VEHICLES. THE TRANSAXLE MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH THE PARK DETENT SPRING MISALIGNED. | Normally free |
| 99V062001 | Vehicle Speed Control | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN 1997-1999 RHD EXPLORER EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L OHV/SOHC ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MAY 29, 1996 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; 1998-1999 EXPLORER/MOUNTAINEERS EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L OHV/SOHC OR... | Normally free |
| 98V021000 | Equipment | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH OFF-ROAD OPTION. THE TIRE AND RIM IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION IS INCORRECT ON THESE VEHICLES. | Normally free |
| 97V186001 | Fuel System, Gasoline | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L ENGINES. THE FLEXIBLE SECTION OF THE CHASSIS MOUNTED FUEL LINE THAT CONNECTS TO THE ENGINE WAS ROUTED TOO CLOSE TO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007258 2007-08-07 | Electrical | 165,447 | On certain vehicles, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn, potentially resulting in an underhood fire. The failure mode appears to be different than that of Recall 2005028 (05S28). |
| 2001045 2001-03-01 | Structure | 19 | On certain Ranger Electric vehicles, the bolts that attach the transaxle to the vehicle may loosen and the driver may notice a jerking motion and/or a clunking sound. If the vehicle is not serviced promptly. |
| 1999143 1999-07-30 | Powertrain | 4 | On certain Ranger Electric vehicles, the transaxle may have been manufactured with the park detent spring misaligned. If the spring is misaligned, the park mechanism may not engage when the shift lever is placed in the park position. |
| 1999061 1999-04-15 | Engine | 35,668 | On certain vehicles, the speed control cable may interfere with the speed control servo pulley and not allow the throttle to return to idle when disengaging the speed control. |
| 1998035 1998-02-20 | Suspension | 307 | NOTE: 4X4 VEHICLES WITH OFF ROAD OPTION. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 120 - TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS. |
Show 1 more Canadian recalls
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997189 1997-10-30 | Fuel System | 467 | THE FLEXIBLE SECTION OF THE CHASSIS MOUNTED FUEL LINE WHICH CONNECTS TO THE ENGINE MAY COME IN CONTACT WITH THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. THIS COULD RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE FUEL LINE AND A POSSIBLE FUEL LEAK. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 030508 Apr 2005 | Power Train | FRONT AXLE LEAKS FLUID FROM VENT TUBE - VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4X4 OR AWD. *TT | |
| 042107 Dec 2004 | Power Train | GENERAL (PCM) POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TT | |
| 042419 Dec 2004 | Suspension | REVISED PROCEDURE FOR ADJUSTING ALIGNMENT ON ALL SUSPENSIONS - NEW RIGHT HAND UPPER CONTROL ARM DESIGN FOR TORSION BAR FRONT SUSPENSIONS. *TT | |
| 04237 Nov 2004 | Power Train | DRIVESHAFT THUMP CLUNK ON LIGHT ACCELERATION FROM STOP OR WHEN BRAKING AND COMING TO A STOP. *EH | |
| 04217 Nov 2004 | Power Train | GENERAL POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TT |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17777 May 2004 | Suspension | REAR LEAF SPRING NOISE. *TT | |
| 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 | |
| 03203 Oct 2003 | Electrical System | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P0442, P0455, P0456, P0457 OR P1442 OR A CHECK FUEL CAP LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH DTC P0457 FOR THE EVAPORATIVE EMISSION SYSTEM. *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 | |
| 0398 May 2003 | Fuel System | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATION WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0442, P0455, P0456, P0457, P1442 OR CHECK FUEL CAP LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0457. *TT | |
| 0358 Mar 2003 | Power Train | FLUID MAY LEAK OUT OF THE FRONT AXLE VENT TUBE. *TT *JB | |
| 0332 Feb 2003 | Power Train | THUMP TYPE NOISE/VIBRATION HEARD ON LIGHT ACCELERATION FROM A STOP OR WHEN BRAKING AND COMING TO A STOP. *TT | |
| 030302 Feb 2003 | Power Train | DRIVESHAFT - THUMP/CLUNK HEARD ON LIGHT ACCELERATION FROM A STOP OR WHEN BRAKING AND COMING TO A STOP. *TT | |
| 03048 Jan 2003 | Power Train | THUMP/CLUNK ON LIGHT ACCELERATION FROM STOP OR WHEN BRAKING AND COMING TO A STOP ON CERTAIN 4X4 SUPER CAB EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION AND STEEL DRIVESHAFT. *TT | |
| 02232 Nov 2002 | Structure | FRAME MOUNTED FRONT BUMPER BRACKETS SERVICE KIT. *TT | |
| 02221 Nov 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE-GEAR DRIVEN SYNCHRONIZERS-INCORRECT INSTALLATION-CAMSHAFT POSITION SYNCHRONIZER (CMP) INSTALLATION TOOL CORRECT APPLICATION. *MJ | |
| 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 | |
| 02192 Sep 2002 | Power Train | DRIVESHAFT-THUMP/CLUNK HEARD ON LIGHT ACCELERATION FROM A STOP OR WHEN BRAKING AND COMING TO A STOP. | |
| 02176 Sep 2002 | Exterior Lighting | LAMP-BRAKE-INVADVERTENT DISABLING OF BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK. *MJ | |
| 16040 Jul 2002 | Steering | EXPERIENCING A CLICKING / POPPING NOISE FROM THE UPPER STEERING COLUMN AREA WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. *TT | |
| 15859 May 2002 | Service Brakes | SOME VEHICLES WITH 4WABS MAY EXHIBIT DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES C1233 AND C1234 (ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SENSOR OUTPUT FAILURE). *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 | |
| 0255 Mar 2002 | Power Train | HOOTING, EEKING OR MOANING NOISE COMING FROM THE CLUTCH WHEN SHIFTING GEARS. *TT | |
| 0242 Mar 2002 | Power Train | CERTAIN VEHICLES WITH 4X4 OR ALL-WHEEL DRIVE MAY HAVE A FLUID LEAK FROM THE FRONT AXLE VENT TUBE. *TT | |
| 0245 Mar 2002 | Electrical System | INFORMATION REGARDING DISCHARGED BATTERY CHARGING SERVICE TIPS AND GUIDELINES. *TT | |
| 15692 Mar 2002 | Suspension | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A SQUEAK, SNAP, RATTLE, OR CLUNK IN THE FRONT END WHEN TURNING OR GOING OVER BUMPS. *TT | |
| 15605 Feb 2002 | Unknown Or Other | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT DRIVEABILITY CONDITIONS AND / OR CHECK ENGINE LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH A DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE P0455 (GROSS LEAK DETECTED). *TT | |
| 15504 Jan 2002 | Unknown Or Other | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT DRIVEABILTY CONDITIONS AND/OR CHECK ENGINE LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH A DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0455 (GROSS LEAK DETECTED). *TT | |
| 01246 Dec 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE OIL SYSTEM PRIMING PROCEDURES, SERVICE TIPS FOR REPORTS OF PREMATURE ENGINE FAILURE. *TT | |
| 15455 Dec 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 2.5/3.0L ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT A SURGE, HESITATION, ROUGH IDLE OR MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0171, P0174, P0175. *TT | |
| 01212 Oct 2001 | Equipment | SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L OHV ENGINES MAY EXHIBIT A LOUD A/C CLUTCH ENGAGEMENT. *TT | |
| 012113 Oct 2001 | Electrical System | SOME IGNITION SWITCH LOCK CYLINDER ASSEMBLIES MAY EXHIBIT ROUGNESS AND / OR EXCESS EFFORT IN TURNING, KEY DOES NOT FULLY RETURN FROM START, A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP MAY ILLUMINATE WITH P0500, P1502 AND U1039 STORED IN POWERTRIAN CONTROL MODULE (PCM). *TT | |
| 01205 Oct 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT VACUUM OR AIR LEAKS IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND / OR ENGINE SYSTEM CAUSING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0171 AND OR P0174. *TT | |
| 01193 Oct 2001 | Electrical System | ON SOME ELECTRIC AND ELECTRIC POSTAL VEHICLES, DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE B2785 TRACTION INVERTER MODULE (TIM) MAY BE SET AND THE VEHICLE WILL ENTER A POWER LIMITED MODE OF OPERATION. *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 | |
| 15226 Sep 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 4.0L OHV ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT AN ENGINE NOISE THAT MAY BE PERCEIVED BY THE CUSTOMER A S ADIESEL TYPE NOISE AND IS KNOWN AS MARBLE NOISE. *TT | |
| 15227 Sep 2001 | Equipment | SOME EV VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A/C INOPEATIVE OR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES RELATED TO A/C SYSTEM. *TT | |
| 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 | |
| 15147 Aug 2001 | Service Brakes | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A BRAKE PEDAL VIBRATION AND/OR STEERING WHEEL MOVEMENT,NOISE,OR BRAKE GRAB/LOCKUP . *ET | |
| 15198 Aug 2001 | Equipment | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT LOUD A/C CLUTCH CYCLING NOISE CONDITION. *JG | |
| 15190 Aug 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT SURGE, HESITATION, ROUGH IDLE OR MALFUNCTION NDICATOR LAMP ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0171, P0172, NP0174, P0175. *ET | |
| 15095 Jul 2001 | Equipment | INFORMATION PERTAINING TO FUEL OCTAINE PARAMETER ADJUSTMENT WITH NGS. *TT | |
| 15097 Jul 2001 | Suspension | SUBJECT REGARDING REAR ALIGNMENT OUT OF SPEC CONDITION. *TT | |
| 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 | |
| 01118 Jun 2001 | Equipment | SUBJECT REGARDING NEW VERSION 3.0 DIAGNOSTIC SOPTWARE AVAILABLE FOR CERTAIN E.V. VEHICLES. *TT | |
| 011111 Jun 2001 | Power Train | SOME 4X4 SUPER CAB VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A LOW FREQUENCY DRIVESHAFT THUMP TYPE NOISE / VIBRATION ON LIGHT ACCELERATION FROM A STOP, AND / OR WHEN COMING TO A STOP WITH LIGHT TO MODERATE BRAKING. *TT | |
| 01109 May 2001 | Electrical System | SOME ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV) RANGERS MAY EXHIBIT A NO-CHARGE CONDITION. THERE ARE SEVERAL POSSIBLE CAUSES WHY THE BATTERY CONTROL MODULE (BCM) MIGHT NOT ALLOW CHARGING (AS INDICATED BY THE OP_STATES). A CHARGING SYSTEM FAULT (C1838) DOES NOT NECESSARILY INDICATE A CHARGER FAILURE. | |
| 0196 May 2001 | Power Train | SOME 4X4 SUPER CAB VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A LOW FREQUENCY THUMP TYPE NOISE / VIBRATION ON LIGHT ACCELERATION FROM A STOP, AND / OR WHEN COMING TO A STOP WITH LIGHT TO MODERATE BRAKING. *TT | |
| 14898 May 2001 | Service Brakes | SOME VEHCLES MAY EXHIBIT A BRAKE PEDAL VIBRATION AND / OR STEERING WHEEL MOVEMENT DURING LIGHT TO MODERATE BRAKING. *TT | |
| 0186 Apr 2001 | Power Train | ON SOME VEHICLES, INCLUDING SPORT AND SPORT TRAC, THE FRONT AXLE LEAKS FLUID FROM THE VENT TUBE. *TT | |
| 14847 Apr 2001 | Power Train | CONCERNS WITH VEHICLES EXHBIT FLUID LEAKAGE FROM THE FRONT AXLE VENT TUBE. *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 |
Showing 60 of 288 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.
- Read the tire date codes and look for uneven wear.Uneven wear on this vehicle often points back to the suspension. Four different date codes tell their own story.
- Test the throttle response and the cruise control on an open road.A surge, a hang in engine speed after lifting off, or cruise that will not set or cancel cleanly are the speed-control complaints on this vehicle.
- Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 5 recall campaigns 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 →