Engine
3.0L 6-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 469 of 515 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 275 of 515 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.
Body & structure
114 complaint records1 crash report
"THE ENTIRE FRAME HAS RUSTED OUT. REAR LEAF SPRINGS FRAME CROSS MEMBERS, CAB MOUNTS, I WOULD NEVER BUY ANOTHER FORD. *TR..."- 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 body & structure parts in the directory →
Suspension
91 complaint records1 crash report
"I OWN A FORD RANGER AND THE FRAME WHERE THE LEAF SPRINGS ATTACH HAS COMPLETELY ROTTED OUT! IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO? *TR..."- 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 suspension parts in the directory →
Air bags
64 complaint records48 crash reports
"WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT HEAD-ON. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, CAUSING MINOR INJURIES.*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 air bags 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA05004 opened Feb 2005 | closed Jul 2005 | Seat Belts | FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY DURING THE INITIAL RECALL CAMPAIGN IN 2001, THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WERE INSPECTED BY FORD DEALERSHIPS USING A TEST TOOL THAT WOULD DETECT A DEFECTIVE FRONT SEAT OUTBOARD SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY.APPROXIMATELY ONE MILLION VEHICLES PASSED THE INSPECTION TEST FOR... |
| RQ04011 opened Oct 2004 | closed Feb 2005 | Seat Belts | FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY UNDER RECALL CAMPAIGN (01V227), FORD RECALLED APPROXIMATELY 1.3 MILLION VEHICLES TO INSPECT AND IF NECESSARY REPLACE THE FRONT DRIVER AND/OR PASSENGER SEAT BELT BUCKLE.APPROXIMATELY 1.1 MILLION OWNERS RESPONDED BY TAKING THEIR VEHICLES TO A DEALER FOR... |
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 |
| 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 |
| 01V227001 | Seat Belts | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND MINIVANS. EQUIPPED WITH SEAT BELTS SUPPLIED BY TRW. | Normally free |
| 00V394000 | Structure | 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. | 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. |
| 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). |
| 2001194 2001-07-16 | Seats And Restraints | 78,402 | Certain 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. |
| 2001002 2001-01-12 | Structure | 8,497 | Certain Explorer Sport, Explorer Sport Trac, Rander Edge and Ranger XLT vehicles may have a wire formed hood striker that may be susceptible to fatigue fractures. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24B47 S1 Dec 2024 | Unknown Or Other | Certain 2018 - 2024 Model Year Various Vehicles Update SYNC Software | |
| TSB 20-2233 Jul 2020 | Structure | This article supersedes TSB 19-2026 to update the vehicle model years affected. Some 2000 and newer Ford/Lincoln/Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. | |
| TSB 19-2026 Feb 2019 | Structure | Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended. | |
| CSP-08B01 May 2008 | Engine And Engine Cooling | FORD: CERTAIN 1999-2001 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES UP TO 6000 LB GVWR REGISTERED IN NEW YORK AND CERTAIN 2001 VEHICLES UP TO 6000 LB GVWR REGISTERED IN THE STATE OF MAINE, CERTIFIED FOR SALE IN CALIFORNIA-FEDERAL EMISSION WARRANTY REFUND. *PE | |
| 06116 Jan 2006 | Engine And Engine Cooling | POSSIBLE ENGINE DAMAGE - INSTALL SPECIAL SERVICE TOOLS PRIOR TO REMOVING CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BOLT - SERVICE TIP. *TT |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 052212 Nov 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | BUCK/JERK AND MISS DURING DRIVE CYCLE ABOVE 3000 RPM - NO DTC - 3.0L 2V GAS AND FFV ENGINE. *TT | |
| 18719 Jul 2005 | Fuel System | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP COMING ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P0171, P0172, P0174 AND/OR P0175 (FUEL SYSTEM TOO RICH OR LEAN). *TT | |
| 042421 Jun 2005 | Seat Belts | SAFETY BELT RETRACTION SPEED. *TT | |
| 030508 Apr 2005 | Power Train | FRONT AXLE LEAKS FLUID FROM VENT TUBE - VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4X4 OR AWD. *TT | |
| 0513 Jan 2005 | Equipment | INSIDE DOOR PULL HANDLE LOOSE - VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE 11/15/2002 AND EQUIPPED WITH POWER WINDOWS/DOOR LOCKS. *TT | |
| 18375 Jan 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | HIGH IDLE AT COLD START. *TT | |
| 04251 Dec 2004 | Structure | ALUMINUM CORROSION - SERVICE TIP. *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 | |
| 04174 Sep 2004 | Electrical System | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATED - SYSTEM LEAN DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC'S) - SERVICE TIPS. VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2004 F-SERIES. *TT | |
| 020801 Aug 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | RATTLE NOISE FROM PRIMARY CHAIN DRIVE AREA 2000-3000 RPM - 4.0L SOHC ENGINE. *TT | |
| 04111 Jun 2004 | Electrical System | STREAMLINED DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE FOR VEHICLES WITH MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ON AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P0401, P0402, P1400 OR P1401. ADDITIONAL SYMPTOMS MAY INCLUDE RUNS ROUGH, LACKS POWER, SURGE, POOR FUEL ECONOMY. *TT | |
| 02M01 Jun 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM 02M01 SUPPLEMENT #4. CERTAIN FORD 2000 THROUGH 2003 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A TUBE-MOUNTED EGR PRESSURE SENSOR - ADDITIONAL EGR PRESSURE SENSOR WARRANTY COVERAGE. *TT SUPPLEMENT #3. *MJ SUPPLEMENT #6. *TT | |
| 0486 May 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | BOOM/VIBRATION AT 1800-2200 RPM, ROUGH IDLE. *TT | |
| 17777 May 2004 | Suspension | REAR LEAF SPRING NOISE. *TT | |
| 17718 Apr 2004 | Electrical System | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0171, P0172, P0174 OR P0175. *TT | |
| 17604 Mar 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | COOLING SYSTEM FAN NOISE WHEN COLD. *TT | |
| 0369 Feb 2004 | Electrical System | SAFETY BELT PRETENSIONER DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC) B1877 AND/OR B1881. *TT | |
| 0415 Jan 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | LOWER ENGINE OIL LEAKS 3.0L 2V VULCAN ENGINE. DIAGNOSTIC SERVICE TIPS. *TT | |
| 03223 Jan 2004 | Electrical System | STREAMLINED DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE FOR VEHICLES WITH MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P0401, P0402, P1400 OR P1401. ADDITIONAL SYMPTOMS MAY INCLUDE RUNS ROUGH, LACKS POWER, SURGE, POOR FUEL ECONOMY. *TT | |
| 17490 Jan 2004 | Tires | EXCESSIVE FRONT TIRE HEAL AND TOE WEAR AT LOW MILEAGE. ON GOODYEAR P245/75R16 TIRES. *TT | |
| 03231 Nov 2003 | Structure | INOPERABLE LATCHES, LOCKS AND/OR LIFT STRUTS ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A HARD TONNEAU COVER. *TT | |
| 03235 Nov 2003 | Structure | BED EXTENDER COMPONENT REPLACEMENT SERVICE TIP. *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 | |
| 17255 Oct 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | HARD START/LONG CRANK WHEN COLD OR STUMBLES/SURGES DURING DRIVE-AWAY. POSSIBLE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0171, AND P0174 OR P0172 AND P0175. *TT | |
| 03181 Sep 2003 | Electrical System | REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) - SERVICE TIPS. *TT | |
| 17127 Sep 2003 | Power Train | TRANSMISSION WHINE IN 5TH GEAR. *TT | |
| 17198 Sep 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | WEAR-THROUGH CONDITION ON THE ABRASION SLEEVE OF THE UPPER RADIATOR HOSE NEAR THE AIR CONDITIONING ACCUMULATOR OR TRANSMISSION FLUID DIPSTICK. *TT | |
| 03148 Jul 2003 | Power Train | NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER - SERVICE TIPS. 2003 ESCORT AND SUPER DUTY F SERIES INCLUDED. *TT | |
| 16889 Jun 2003 | Electrical System | AN RCM DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE B1881, B1882, OR B1883. *TT | |
| 0394 May 2003 | Service Brakes | PULL TO RIGHT OR LEFT CONDITION WHILE BRAKING ON 4.2 (NON-EDGE) COIL SPRING EQUIPPED VEHICLES. *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 | |
| 0361 Mar 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON WITH OR WITHOUT ROUGH RUNNING, LACK OF POWER, SURGE OR POOR FUEL ECONOMY WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0401, P0402, P1400, P1401. *TT *JB | |
| 0369 Mar 2003 | Seat Belts | DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE B1877 AND/OR B1881 INDICATING A HIGH RESISTANCE IN THE SAFETY BELT PRETENSIONER CIRCUIT. *TT *JB | |
| 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 | |
| 0335 Feb 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | IDLE AIR CONTROL (IAC) VALVE DIAGNOSTIC SERVICE TIPS. *TT | |
| 0322 Feb 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | STREAMLINED DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE FOR VEHICLES WITH MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ON AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P0401, P0402, P1400 OR P1401, OR RUNS ROUGH, LACKS POWER, SURGE, POOR FUEL ECONOMY, AND THE ABOVE LISTED DTCS WITHOUT MIL. *TT | |
| 16610 Feb 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | NO START, NO COMMUNICATION WITH POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) USING WDS/NGS OR A MISS/BUCK/JERK WHILE DRIVING. *TT | |
| 16626 Feb 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | HESITATION OR SURGE CONDITION DURING CRUISE WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER ON. *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 | |
| 16510 Jan 2003 | Tires | P225/70R15 FIRESTONE WILDERNESS HT TIRE MAY EXHIBIT EXCESSIVE TIRE CUPPING/FEATHERING ON THE OUTSIDE EDGES OF THE FRONT TIRES. OASIS. *TT | |
| 16461 Dec 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | TOOL KIT CONTAINS THE TIMING PEG USED TO LOCK THE CRANKSHAFT IN PLACE WHEN PERFORMING CRANKSHAFT PULLEY OR ENGINE TIMING SERVICE. *TT | |
| 0258 Nov 2002 | Power Train | INOPERATIVE OR INACURRATE SPEEDOMETER, 4X4 LAMP ILLUMINATD, AND / OR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P1635 OR P1639. *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 | |
| 02222 Nov 2002 | Power Train | NOISE-GEAR WHINE NOISE IN 1ST AND 2ND GEAR ONLY-VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 5R55E TRANSMISSION AND 4.0L ENGINE ONLY. *MJ | |
| 16424 Nov 2002 | Structure | NEW TONNEAU COVER LOCK CYLINDER RETAINER CLIPS RELEASED FOR SERVICE. *MJ | |
| 16437 Nov 2002 | Service Brakes | DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) C1233 & C1234 - REPLACE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM EUC. *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 |
Showing 60 of 200 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.
- Walk the body slowly in daylight.Panel gaps, rust at the rockers and wheel arches, and cracked trim are this vehicle's structure complaints. Open and close the liftgate or trunk and look at the latch area.
- Find the roughest road nearby.Clunks over bumps, a droning hum that changes when the car leans, or a corner that sits low are this vehicle's suspension complaints. Wheel bearings and control arm bushings lead the parts list.
- Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 4 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 →