2003 Ford Ranger
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1983 | 11 |
| 1984 | 12 |
| 1985 | 27 |
| 1986 | 36 |
| 1987 | 51 |
| 1988 | 90 |
| 1989 | 73 |
| 1990 | 106 |
| 1991 | 133 |
| 1992 | 191 |
| 1993 | 235 |
| 1994 | 455 |
| 1995 | 321 |
| 1996 | 413 |
| 1997 | 411 |
| 1998 | 576 |
| 1999 | 755 |
| 2000 | 670 |
| 2001 | 515 |
| 2002 | 346 |
| 2003 | 243 |
| 2004 | 404 |
| 2005 | 289 |
| 2006 | 271 |
| 2007 | 270 |
| 2008 | 326 |
| 2009 | 168 |
| 2010 | 156 |
| 2011 | 235 |
| 2014 | 1 |
| 2016 | 1 |
| 2017 | 1 |
| 2019 | 264 |
| 2020 | 126 |
| 2021 | 112 |
| 2022 | 37 |
| 2023 | 18 |
| 2024 | 73 |
| 2025 | 35 |
| 2026 | 5 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
18% of complaints: structure — 43 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and frame and members.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
CONSUMER FEELS THAT BRACKET ON VEHICLE IS A SAFETY HAZARD.*MR WHEN THE REAR DOOR WAS OPENED, AT THE TOP OF THE DOOR OPENING A BRACKET EXTENDED FROM THE FRAME WHICH WAS USED AS A CLOSING DEVICE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030811
16% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 40 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing accelerator pedal and cruise control.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND CRASH INTO A CURB. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120830
14% of complaints: service brakes — 35 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
CRASH INJURY10% of complaints: air bags — 25 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal and sensor/control module.
CRASH INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
I WAS RECENTLY AN ACCIDENT DURING WHICH 3 THINGS OCCURRED THAT CONTRIBUTED TO MY INJURIES. THE FIRST THING THAT HAPPENED WAS STEERING WHEEL LOCKUP PREVENTING ME FROM TURNING OUT OF THE WAY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171102
Also filed under SEAT BELTS and STEERING
WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION, AND HIT A TREE. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20031022
9% of complaints: suspension — 23 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hub and front.
CRASH INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
BRAKE LIGHTS INOPERATIVE
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE N
Remedy: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
Campaign 06E049000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE RE
Remedy: AJ MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AJ MOTORSPORT AT 626-618-2026.
Campaign 06E065000 — check if this car was fixed
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 CONF
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Campaign 09E012000 — check if this car was fixed
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 CONF
Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
Campaign 09E025000 — check if this car was fixed
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
Remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS THAT DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS IN LINE WITH THE SCDS. ON 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH A LEAKING SCDS, DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CO
Campaign 09V399000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2003 Ford Ranger — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for structure issues (43 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (40 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (35 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 06E049000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E065000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E012000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E025000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09V399000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2003 Ford Ranger reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Ford Ranger is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Ford Ranger?
The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 18% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Ford Ranger have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.