Total Complaints
849 filings
FORD RANGER · model year
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.
Total Complaints
849 filings
Crashes Reported
109 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| TIRES | 81 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 49 |
| SUSPENSION | 47 |
| TIRES:TREAD/BELT | 46 |
| AIR BAGS:FRONTAL | 44 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 41 |
| POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | 37 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP | 29 |
| STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS | 29 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 21 |
| STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS | 19 |
| AIR BAGS | 17 |
| TIRES:SIDEWALL | 16 |
| POWER TRAIN | 15 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 15 |
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
FRAME HAS RUSTED TO THE POINT WHERE IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE.
FRAME HAS RUSTED TO THE POINT WHERE IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE.
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
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
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
I LOOKED UP MY VIN ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE AND THERE ARE RECALLS THAT HAVE NOT BEEN FIXED.
Mileage: 158,000
I LOOKED UP MY VIN ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE AND THERE ARE RECALLS THAT HAVE NOT BEEN FIXED.
Mileage: 158,000
I LOOKED UP MY VIN ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE AND THERE ARE RECALLS THAT HAVE NOT BEEN FIXED.
Mileage: 158,000
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
FRAME IS ROTTED WITH ONLY 75,000 MILES ON VEHICLE. SEEMS AS TRUCK WILL BREAK IN HALF
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
Unintended Transmission Downshift and Rear Wheel Lock-up
Timing Belt Failure
Underbody shields detachment
B-Pillar Trim Detachment
Unintended Transmission Downshift and Rear Wheel Lock-up
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.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.