FORD RANGER · model year

2000 FORD RANGER

849 NHTSA complaints, 109 crash reports, and 8 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2000FORDRANGER carries 849 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 109 crashes, 13 fires, 104 injuries, and 2 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2000 RANGER is tires with 81 filings, followed by structure:body (49) and suspension (47). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 8 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 177 investigation files overlapping the 2000 RANGER, and 8 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

849
Complaints
109
Crashes
13
Fires
104
Injuries
2
Deaths

Total Complaints

849 filings

Crashes Reported

109 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
TIRES81
STRUCTURE:BODY49
SUSPENSION47
TIRES:TREAD/BELT46
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL44
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL41
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION37
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP29
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS29
UNKNOWN OR OTHER21
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS19
AIR BAGS17
TIRES:SIDEWALL16
POWER TRAIN15
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM15

Recalls (8)

00V09400028/03/2000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L OHC ENGINES. ENGINE COOLANT CIRCULATION THROUGH THE HEATER CIRCUIT IS PREVENTED BECAUSE OF A PLUGGED HEATER RETURN TUBE (WATER PUMP INLET TUBE) AT THE WATER PUMP. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE INTENT OF FMVSS NO. 103, "WINDSHIELD DEF

06E02600023/03/2006

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE D

01X00100022/05/2001

TIRES:TREAD/BELT

THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: FORD IS REPLACING ALL FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT 15, 16, AND 17 INCH TIRES MOUNTED ON FORD TRUCKS AND SUVS. FORD REPORTS TREAD SEPARATION CAN

00T00500021/08/2000

TIRES:TREAD/BELT

TIRE DESCRIPTION: FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT, SIZE P235/75R15, PRODUCED AT THE DECATUR, ILLINOIS TIRE PLANT AND ALL FIRESTONE RADIAL ATX AND RADIAL ATX II TIRES, SIZE P235/75R15. OPERATION OF THESE TIRES AT LOW INFLATION PRESSURES, HIGH SPEED, AND IN HOT WEATHER, CAN CONTRIBUTE TO SEPARATION OF THE T

00V22800118/08/2000

SEAT BELTS

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH TRW SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES. THE BUCKLE BASE OF THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED AND THEREFORE DO NOT PASS THE LOAD BEARING REQUIREMENT OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHI

09E02500011/05/2009

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES

09E01200007/04/2009

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES

07V33600003/08/2007

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.

Recent Complaints

20220822TIRES:TREAD/BELT

The contact owns a 2000 Ford Ranger equipped with Kenda Tire, tire line Kenetica, tire size P235/75/R15, and Dot Number K3DK. The contact stated he notice that tread separation from the rear passenger side tire. On another occasion the contact had a blowout on the front driver side where the tread separation. The front driver side tire was replaced with a used tired and the rear tire was not replaced. The manufacturer was not contact. The failure mileage 5,000 and 24,449.

Mileage: 24,449

20220810FireVEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

The contact owns a 2000 Ford Ranger. The contact stated after a short drive at approximately 30 MPH, the contact parked the vehicle at his residence. The contact heard a loud bang and observed through his residence window that the vehicle was on fire that was confined to the engine compartment. The flames eventually spread to the passenger cabin. The fire department was called. The fire was extinguished with chemicals. The fire marshal wrote a report and advised the contact that the fire could be related to a NHTSA Safety Campaign. The contact's vehicle shows one open recall associated with NHTSA Safety Campaign Number: 05V017000 (Vehicle Speed Control). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Mileage: 200,000

20220502STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

The contact owns a 2000 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that the entire subframe of the vehicle was corroded and was cracking and disintegrating. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

Mileage: 50,000

20210610STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

The back end frame has completely rusted out, while the cab frame is in perfect condition. I have read about everyone that has a ranger from 1995-200 has had this issue. My truck only has 127k miles on it and has been kept in wonderful condition, and the bed frame has made it unsafe to drive.

20210602POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2000 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that the gear shifter had to be shifted into neutral to start the vehicle. The gear shifter was not matching with the actual gear that was selected. While the vehicle was in park, the vehicle would roll backward before the park was engaged. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the shift range bracket and ignition lock cylinder were replaced however, the failure recurred. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 01V062000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was 91,264.

Mileage: 91,264

20210423STRUCTURE:BODY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 153,000.

Mileage: 153,000

20210409POWER TRAIN

THE FRAME RAILS AT THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WHERE THE SHOCKS BOLT UP HAS COMPLETELY CRACKED THROUGH THE METAL ON PASSENGER SIDE & THE DRIVER SIDE HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED AWAY AND FRAME CRACKED

Mileage: 136,000

20210409SUSPENSION

THE FRAME RAILS AT THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WHERE THE SHOCKS BOLT UP HAS COMPLETELY CRACKED THROUGH THE METAL ON PASSENGER SIDE & THE DRIVER SIDE HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED AWAY AND FRAME CRACKED

Mileage: 136,000

20210409UNKNOWN OR OTHER

THE FRAME RAILS AT THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WHERE THE SHOCKS BOLT UP HAS COMPLETELY CRACKED THROUGH THE METAL ON PASSENGER SIDE & THE DRIVER SIDE HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED AWAY AND FRAME CRACKED

Mileage: 136,000

20210403STRUCTURE:BODY

FRAME HAS RUSTED TO THE POINT WHERE IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE.

20210403SUSPENSION

FRAME HAS RUSTED TO THE POINT WHERE IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE.

20201123STRUCTURE:BODY

BOTH THE BACK SEAT SMALL DOORS WERE LOCKED AND UNOPERABLE SINCE 2015 (THE DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR WITHOUT PAYING FOR SERVICE- THEY SAID WILL COST $1,000.00 FOR EACH DOOR AND JUST TO EXAM COST. THAT WAS NOT THE REPAIR COST YET) 2020 IN AUGUST, PERHAPS, THE BACK GATE DOOR FOR THE TRUNK SUDDENLY COLLAPSED, FELLED OUT FROM THE ROLLER. THAT WAS THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE BACK GATE TO THE BED OF THE TRUCK I HAD TO PUT BACK TO THE ROLLER. AND, IT IS NOT SURE THAT THE GATE IS STABLE CONDITION. UNDER THE DASHBOARD, THE CIGARETTE LIGHTER JUST TOUCHED AND COLLAPSED-BROKEN INSIDE UNDER THE DASHBOARD AND COULD NOT PULL IT OUT. SO, IT IS STILL INSIDE UNDER THE DASHBOARD (NOTICE: THAT FEATURE-THE CIGARETTE LIGHTER NOBODY USED SINCE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE- NON SMOKER OWNER). THE UNDER BODY VEHICLE COST A LOT TO REPAIR THROUGH THE YEARS. THE VEHICLE HAS ABOUT 120,000 MILES CURRENTLY.

Mileage: 70,000

20201123ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

BOTH THE BACK SEAT SMALL DOORS WERE LOCKED AND UNOPERABLE SINCE 2015 (THE DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR WITHOUT PAYING FOR SERVICE- THEY SAID WILL COST $1,000.00 FOR EACH DOOR AND JUST TO EXAM COST. THAT WAS NOT THE REPAIR COST YET) 2020 IN AUGUST, PERHAPS, THE BACK GATE DOOR FOR THE TRUNK SUDDENLY COLLAPSED, FELLED OUT FROM THE ROLLER. THAT WAS THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE BACK GATE TO THE BED OF THE TRUCK I HAD TO PUT BACK TO THE ROLLER. AND, IT IS NOT SURE THAT THE GATE IS STABLE CONDITION. UNDER THE DASHBOARD, THE CIGARETTE LIGHTER JUST TOUCHED AND COLLAPSED-BROKEN INSIDE UNDER THE DASHBOARD AND COULD NOT PULL IT OUT. SO, IT IS STILL INSIDE UNDER THE DASHBOARD (NOTICE: THAT FEATURE-THE CIGARETTE LIGHTER NOBODY USED SINCE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE- NON SMOKER OWNER). THE UNDER BODY VEHICLE COST A LOT TO REPAIR THROUGH THE YEARS. THE VEHICLE HAS ABOUT 120,000 MILES CURRENTLY.

Mileage: 70,000

20201123UNKNOWN OR OTHER

BOTH THE BACK SEAT SMALL DOORS WERE LOCKED AND UNOPERABLE SINCE 2015 (THE DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR WITHOUT PAYING FOR SERVICE- THEY SAID WILL COST $1,000.00 FOR EACH DOOR AND JUST TO EXAM COST. THAT WAS NOT THE REPAIR COST YET) 2020 IN AUGUST, PERHAPS, THE BACK GATE DOOR FOR THE TRUNK SUDDENLY COLLAPSED, FELLED OUT FROM THE ROLLER. THAT WAS THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE BACK GATE TO THE BED OF THE TRUCK I HAD TO PUT BACK TO THE ROLLER. AND, IT IS NOT SURE THAT THE GATE IS STABLE CONDITION. UNDER THE DASHBOARD, THE CIGARETTE LIGHTER JUST TOUCHED AND COLLAPSED-BROKEN INSIDE UNDER THE DASHBOARD AND COULD NOT PULL IT OUT. SO, IT IS STILL INSIDE UNDER THE DASHBOARD (NOTICE: THAT FEATURE-THE CIGARETTE LIGHTER NOBODY USED SINCE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE- NON SMOKER OWNER). THE UNDER BODY VEHICLE COST A LOT TO REPAIR THROUGH THE YEARS. THE VEHICLE HAS ABOUT 120,000 MILES CURRENTLY.

Mileage: 70,000

20200719ENGINE

I LOOKED UP MY VIN ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE AND THERE ARE RECALLS THAT HAVE NOT BEEN FIXED.

Mileage: 158,000

20200719SEAT BELTS

I LOOKED UP MY VIN ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE AND THERE ARE RECALLS THAT HAVE NOT BEEN FIXED.

Mileage: 158,000

20200719VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

I LOOKED UP MY VIN ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE AND THERE ARE RECALLS THAT HAVE NOT BEEN FIXED.

Mileage: 158,000

20200309POWER TRAIN

TRANSMISSION FLUID ALL LEAKED OUT GOOD THING I WASN'T DRIVING HAD TO REPLACE ORIGINAL TRANSMISSION VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN GARAGE AT THAT TIME

Mileage: 109,712

20200107STRUCTURE:BODY

FRAME IS ROTTED WITH ONLY 75,000 MILES ON VEHICLE. SEEMS AS TRUCK WILL BREAK IN HALF

20191116SEATS

WHILE DRIVING, DRIVERS SEAT BACK RECLINER BOLTS FAILED CAUSING SEAT TO FALL BACK UNTIL STOPPED BY REAR WALL OF VEHICLE. SINCE THIS WAS A SUPER CAB XLT, THE FALL BACKWARDS WAS SIGNIFICANT CAUSING TEMPORARY LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. UPON INSPECTION FOUND THAT ONE OF THE TWO BOLTS HAD FAILED QUITE AWHILE AGO SINCE THE HEAD SHOWED SIGNS OF RUST.

Mileage: 191,800

Compare 2000FORDRANGER to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 8 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2000 FORD RANGER have?
The 2000 FORD RANGER has 849 NHTSA complaints, 109 crashes, 13 fires, 104 injuries, and 2 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2000 FORD RANGER?
Yes, the 2000 FORD RANGER has 8 recall(s). The most common affected component is ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2000 FORD RANGER?
The most-complained component for the 2000 FORD RANGER is TIRES with 81 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include STRUCTURE:BODY and SUSPENSION.
Is the 2000 FORD RANGER safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.