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Data source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

  1. Home
  2. >Ford
  3. >Ranger
  4. >2003
  5. >Engine

2003 Ford Ranger Engine Problems

Engine complaints and recalls from NHTSA

Summary

The 2003 Ford Ranger has 22 NHTSA engine complaints and 0 engine-related recalls.

Problem Areas for the 2003 Ford Ranger

Speed Control
31
Structure
30
Brakes
29
Suspension
23
Engine
22
Airbags
22
Electrical
16
Powertrain
14
Other
13
Fuel System
11
Seat Belts
8
Tires
8
Steering
7
Lights
4
Latches & Locks
3

22

Complaints

0

Recalls

0

Injuries Reported

Data source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) · Last updated April 9, 2026

All Engine Complaints

Date ↓ComponentSummary
Dec 18, 2020ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMWHEN AT STOP LIGHT ENGINE RPMS GO UP HIGH WHERE IT IS HARD TO HOLD VEHICLE STILL WITH BRAKES.
May 23, 2016ENGINETL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD RANGER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE SPARK PLUG SHOT OUT ...
Sep 2, 2014ENGINETL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD RANGER. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT REST...
Feb 4, 2014ENGINEENGINE STALLS AND WON'T RE-START DUE TO IMPROPER ACTIVATION OF THE PASSIVE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM (PATS) ...
Jun 10, 2010ENGINETL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE THERMOSTAT HOUSING FAILED, CAUS...
Aug 1, 2007ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN2003 FORD RANGER 4.0L 4WD AT. TWO OF THE SIX VALVE SEATS IN THE ENGINE DROPPED CAUSING THE ENGINE T...
Jun 27, 2007ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGTL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD RANGER. WHILE DECELERATING AT 10 MPH, ALL OF THE FLUID SPILLED OUT ...
Feb 6, 2007ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGTRUCK BUCKS/JERKS DURING DRIVE CYCLE WHEN IN 3RD OR 4TH GEAR, RPM ~2500. *JB
Sep 5, 2006ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGA FAILED ROLLER ROCKER DESTROYED A CAM AND LIFTER AFTER ONLY 66,000 MILES. 3,000 MILES PREVIOUS I HA...
Sep 30, 2005ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGDT: THE CONSUMER STATED THAT HIS 2003 FORD RANGER CAUGHT ON FIRE ON 9-30-05. THE VEHICLE STARTED S...
Aug 21, 2005ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGDT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD RANGER. WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STALLED. THE DEALERSHIP HAD THE V...
Dec 13, 2004ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGCONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT AN ENGINE PROBLEM. WHEN DRIVING AT 40 MPH OR GREATER THERE WAS A GRINDING ...
Sep 30, 2004ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGWHEN THE TRANSMISSION IS ENGAGED, AUTOMATIC, ON ACCELERATION, THERE IS A CHATTERING NOISE COMING FRO...
Aug 23, 2004ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGENGINE IDLE DROPS LOW AND FEELS LIKE TRUCK SHAKES....HAVE HAD INTO FORD FOR IDLE CONTROL REPLACEMEN...
May 3, 2004ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGENGINE STUMBLES ON ACCELERATION. THIS HAS HAPPENED REPEATEDLY, AND THE DEALER IN NY SAID THERE WAS ...
Nov 25, 2003ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGA BURNING ODOR SMELL WAS COMING IN THROUGH THE VENTS. THE DRIVER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FO...
Nov 6, 2003ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGWHILE DRIVING VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY STALLED. THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM HAD NOT BEEN DETERMINED. *A...
Feb 15, 2003ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENTVEHICLE HAS DIED ON INTERSTATE FOUR TIMES AND HAD TO BE TOWED IN. FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-392...
Feb 12, 2003ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGWHEN PLACING VEHICLE IN REVERSE, MOTOR RACED WITH FOOT ON THE BRAKES. IT WAS LATER DETERMINED BY DE...
Feb 1, 2003ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGWHILE DRIVING THE ENGINE FAILED. *NM THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE. ...

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