Vehicles / Ford / Ranger / 2005

2005 Ford RangerUNDER FEDERAL INVESTIGATION

289 federal complaints (353 component records) · 9 recall campaigns on file · 3 federal investigations · 30 service bulletins · 5 Canadian recalls
See all 40 model years of the Ford Ranger →
Engine
2.3L 4-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
RWD
EPA economy
19 city / 24 hwy
Federal complaints
289
Recall campaigns
9
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
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.

Air bags
132
Fuel system
50
Body & structure
34
Suspension
26
Other
21
Electrical system
21
Engine & cooling
17
Brakes
10
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

0 years old: 15 complaints01 years old: 12 complaints2 years old: 8 complaints3 years old: 10 complaints4 years old: 8 complaints5 years old: 18 complaints56 years old: 14 complaints7 years old: 9 complaints8 years old: 10 complaints9 years old: 14 complaints10 years old: 45 complaints1011 years old: 35 complaints12 years old: 24 complaints13 years old: 36 complaints14 years old: 14 complaints15 years old: 5 complaints1516 years old: 1 complaints17 years old: 3 complaints18 years old: 5 complaints19 years old: 1 complaints20+ years old: 1 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 288 of 289 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 21 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 19 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 36 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 20 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 14 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 11 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 9 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 5 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 1 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 2 complaints200,000+ miles: 8 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 146 of 289 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.

Air bags

132 complaint records13 crash reports
"2005 FORD RANGER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO PARTS NOT BEING AVAILABLE FOR AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL REPAIRS. *LD *JS *TT..."- 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 →

Fuel system

50 complaint records4 fire reports2 crash reports
"WHEN TURNING LEFT ON INCLINE/DECLINE FUEL INERTIA CUTOFF SWITCH ACTIVATES LEAVING NO STEERING OR BRAKING ASSIST/POWER. *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 fuel system parts in the directory →

Body & structure

34 complaint records2 crash reports
"FRAME ON TRUCK HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED OFF IN TWO PIECES I WENT TO REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP AND TOOK THE BED OFF TO SEE THE TRUCK FOLD..."- 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 →

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.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
EA15001
opened Feb 2015
OPENAir BagsAir Bag Inflator Rupture - led to recall 22V945
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the...
PE14016
opened Jun 2014
closed Mar 2015Air BagsAir Bag Inflator Rupture - led to recall 15V226000
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the...
PE05066
opened Dec 2005
closed Mar 2006Exterior LightingBRAKE LIGHTS INOPERATIVE
THIS PE WAS OPENED BASED ON TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) #05-6-19 ISSUED BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND SERVICE BULLETIN #09-008/5 ISSUED BY MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION TO ADDRESS CONCERNS OF THE CENTER HIGH MOUNTED STOP LIGHT (CHMSL) WIRING HARNESS CHAFFING.

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.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
17V788000DO NOT DRIVEAir BagsFord Motor Company (Ford) is superseding a previous recall for certain 2004-2006 Ford Ranger trucks to implement a final repair.Normally free
17V787000DO NOT DRIVEAir BagsFord Motor Company (Ford) is superseding a previous recall for certain 2004-2006 Ford Ranger trucks to implement a final repair.Normally free
23V306000Air BagsFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2004-2006 Ranger vehicles that received replacement front passenger air bag inflators under a previous recall.Normally free
23V125000Air BagsFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2004-2006 Ranger vehicles that received replacement front passenger air bag inflators under a previous recall.Normally free
21V076000Air BagsFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2004-2006 Ranger vehicles that may be equipped with a driver or passenger frontal air bag inflator used as a replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant...Normally free
21V081000Air BagsFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2005-2014 Mustang, 2004-2011 Ranger, 2009-2011 Mercury Milan, 2006 Ford GT, 2008-2012 Fusion, 2007-2010 Edge and Lincoln MKX, and 2009-2010 Lincoln MKZ vehicles.Normally free
16V036000Air BagsFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 Ranger vehicles manufactured March 24, 2003, to May 4, 2006.Normally free
15V322000Air BagsFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 Ranger trucks manufactured March 24, 2003, to May 4, 2006.Normally free
Show 1 more recall campaigns
CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
11V352000Exterior LightingFORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 RANGER TRUCKS BUILT FROM JANUARY 25, 2011, THROUGH APRIL 25, 2011 AT THE TWIN CITIES ASSEMBLY PLANT, AND SERVICE PARTS DISTRIBUTED TO DEALERS FOR CERTAIN 2004 THROUGH 2011 MODEL...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.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2024100
2024-02-11
Airbag14,109Issue: On certain vehicles, the front passenger airbag may have been installed incorrectly during a previous recall repair. As a result, the airbag may not inflate properly in a crash.
2021077
2021-02-19
Airbag8,811Issue: This recall is for certain vehicles that had the driver-front and/or passenger-front airbag inflator replaced after a collision or theft. An obsolete airbag may have been installed.
2017633
2017-12-15
Airbag26,633On certain vehicles, the driver and/or passenger frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment.
2016033
2016-01-25
Airbag29,335On certain vehicles, the driver frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment.
2015231
2015-05-28
Airbag29,458On certain vehicles, the passenger frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment.

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.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
22B05 S1
Jul 2023
Air BagsCertain 2005-2014 Mustang, 2005-2006 GT, 2004-2011 Ranger, 2006-2012 Fusion and MKZ/Zephyr, 2006-2011 Milan, and 2007-2010 Edge & MKX Vehicles Driver & Passenger Airbag Module Quality Control Inspection REASON FOR THIS SUPPLEMENT • Updated Ranger Technical Information to...
22B05
Mar 2022
Air BagsCertain 2005-2014 Mustang, 2005-2006 GT, 2004-2011 Ranger, 2006-2012 Fusion & MKZ/Zephyr, 2006-2011 Milan, and 2007-2010 Edge & MKX Vehicles Driver & Passenger Airbag Module Quality Control Inspection: Ford Motor Company has determined that some vehicles claimed by dealers as...
SSM 46085
Sep 2016
Engine And Engine CoolingThe Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual has been revised for diagnosing electronic throttle bodies (ETBs). The ETC_ACT and ETC_DSD PIDs should not used to diagnose possible ETB concerns.
14B04
Oct 2014
Air BagsFORD: 2005-2006 FORD GT, 2005-2008 MUSTANG, AND 2004-2005 RANGER VEHICLES OPERATED IN FLORIDA, HAWAII, PUERTO RICO, OR THE U.S VIRGIN ISLANDS ARE IN NEED OF AN AIRBAG INFLATOR REPLACEMENT. 06/11/15 *TA.
05252
Jan 2006
Trailer HitchesNEUTRAL TOW CAPABILITY -- SERVICE KIT REQUIREMENTS. *TT
Show 25 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
0645
Jan 2006
Power TrainNEUTRAL TOW CAPABILITY - SERVICE KIT REQUIREMENTS. *TT
06116
Jan 2006
Engine And Engine CoolingPOSSIBLE ENGINE DAMAGE - INSTALL SPECIAL SERVICE TOOLS PRIOR TO REMOVING CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BOLT - SERVICE TIP. *TT
05101
Jun 2005
Power TrainLIMITED SLIP AXLE CHATTER, SHUDDER, BINDING SENSATION, OR VIBRATION DURING LOW SPEED TURNING MANEUVERS - VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE 4/1/2005. *TT
04B22
May 2005
Power TrainIMPROPERLY FORMULATED TRANSMISSION FLUID THAT, OVER TIME, MAY CAUSE DELAYED/HARSH REVERSE ENGAGEMENTS. CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM 04B22. 5R55S/E & 5R44E TRANSMISSION FLUID ADDITIVE. *TT SUPPLEMENT #1. *TT SUPPLEMENT #2. *TT SUPPLEMENT #3. *TT
18583
Apr 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingNO START/HARD START/ROUGH RUNNING DURING COLD WEATHER - INCORRECT SEASONAL FUEL BLEND. *TT
05619
Apr 2005
Exterior LightingBRAKE LAMP CONCERNS. *TT
030508
Apr 2005
Power TrainFRONT AXLE LEAKS FLUID FROM VENT TUBE - VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4X4 OR AWD. *TT
05611
Apr 2005
Power TrainNO 3RD GEAR, DTC P0733 (3RD GEAR INCORRECT RATIO) AND FLASHING TCIL - VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO 9/23/2004. *TT
0558
Mar 2005
Vehicle Speed ControlSURGING SENSATION DURING CRUISE AT STEADY SPEEDS OF 35-50 MPH (56-80 KM/H) - 4.0L ENGINE. *TT
0559
Mar 2005
Electrical SystemSPARK KNOCK DURING ACCELERATION - 4.0L ENGINE. *TT
05510
Mar 2005
Power TrainHIGH IDLE BETWEEN SHIFTS OR IN NEUTRAL - 4.0L ENGINE WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION. *TT
0533
Feb 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingHARD START OR FLOODING DURING COLD START ON 2.3L ENGINE. *TT
05310
Feb 2005
Seat BeltsSAFETY BELT WEB STOP BUTTON SERVICE. *EH
18364
Jan 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingHARD START OR FLOODING WHEN ENGINE IS COLD. *TT
18375
Jan 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingHIGH IDLE AT COLD START. *TT
052624
Jan 2005
WheelsVIBRATION DIAGNOSIS - TIRE/WHEEL RUNOUT. *TT
05263
Jan 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingMIL ON WITH VARIOUS MISFIRE RELATED DTC'S P0300-P0306 AND P0316 - 3.0L-2V VULCAN ENGINE. *TT
042616
Dec 2004
StructureWELD BONDING PROCEDURE. *TT
042107
Dec 2004
Power TrainGENERAL (PCM) POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TT
0410
Dec 2004
Electrical SystemRECOMMENDED 12VOLT SWITCHED ACCESSORY SOURCES. FISHER. *TT
18347
Dec 2004
Electrical SystemABS DTC C1233 AND C1234 REVERSED IN ABS MODULE. *EH
04237
Nov 2004
Power TrainDRIVESHAFT THUMP CLUNK ON LIGHT ACCELERATION FROM STOP OR WHEN BRAKING AND COMING TO A STOP. *EH
04217
Nov 2004
Power TrainGENERAL POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TT
041610
Sep 2004
Service BrakesGRABBING CONDITION FROM REAR DRUM BRAKES. *AR *TT
06166
Engine And Engine CoolingPOSSIBLE ENGINE DAMAGE - INSTALL SPECIAL SERVICE TOOLS PRIOR TO REMOVING CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BOLT. *KB

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. 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.
  2. Smell for fuel and watch the first restart when hot.Hard starting when warm, hesitation under load, or any fuel odor near the tank or engine bay match this vehicle's fuel-system cluster. Check the recall table for fuel pump campaigns.
  3. 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.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 9 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.
  5. Do not drive it home until the do-not-drive recall is confirmed repaired.At least one campaign on this vehicle carries a federal do-not-drive advisory. Confirm the repair with the dealer, by VIN, before taking delivery.
  6. 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 →