Seven problems related to engine and engine cooling have been reported for the 2003 Ford Ranger. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2003 Ford Ranger based on all problems reported for the 2003 Ranger.
When at stop light engine rpms go up high where it is hard to hold vehicle still with brakes.
Engine quit running,took to mechanic. Spark plug overheated blew wire off. Engine had water in oil. Engine is ruined. Was on highway. Had to use wrecker to mechanic. Only 160,000 miles on highway. Thought recall on Ford trucks to engines giving away prematurely.
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that the thermostat housing failed, causing the vehicle to leak anti-freeze. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the thermostat housing needed to be replaced. The failure was recurring. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 142,000.
Engine idle drops low and feels like truck shakes. . . . Have had into Ford for idle control replacement.
A burning odor smell was coming in through the vents. The driver took the vehicle to the dealer for analysis. The mechanic could not duplicate the problem.
Vehicle has died on interstate four times and had to be towed in. Ford customer service at 1-800-392-Ford states that they don't want to replace the vehicle. I am told I should continue to get it repaired under warranty. My concern is for the safety of my family when we are waiting hours in a snowstorm for the tow truck to arrive. I have owned 8 Fords in the last five years. That is about to change because Ford motor states that they have followed the letter of the law concerning repairs under the warranty. We have now replaced one Ford with a Lexus and are totally amazed at the difference of attitude towards the customer. At our first free Lexus oil change my wife was given a dozen long stem roses. What do you think she is saying about Ford these days? now I understand why people are buying more foreign cars and trucks.
When vehicle idled, engine slowed down to below 500 rpm, and then charged back up to 3000 rpm. Dealer said this was a characteristic of this vehicle. Ford issued technical service bulletin regarding engine idling.