2003 Ford Ranger: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2003 Ford Ranger: 1 recall, 243 owner complaints and up to 23 mpg combined.
Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer, plus 4 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #09V399000 · 2009 · 4,500,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The scds May leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn.
Why it matters: A vehicle fire could occur with or without the engine running.
The fix: 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 connector and repair as necessary. Repairs will be completed free of charge. The safety recall began…
4 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E049000 · 2006 · 27,176 vehicles
What's wrong: 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 not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
The fix: Ck motorsport will notify owners and replace the noncompliant lamps free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2006.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E065000 · 2006 · 3,593 vehicles
What's wrong: 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 requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Why it matters: Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and May possibly result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Aj motorsport will notify owners and offer reimbursement for the lamps. The recall began on July 31, 2006.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E012000 · 2009 · 16,270 vehicles
What's wrong: These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E025000 · 2009 · 42,540 vehicles
What's wrong: 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, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dope, Inc. will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on July 28, 2009.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 11 mention a fire, 43 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Body & structure (43): the most common themes are rust / corrosion (32), noise or vibration (6).
- Speed control / throttle (40): the most common themes are sudden acceleration (17).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (29): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (9), noise or vibration (3).
- Airbags (25): the most common themes are fails to deploy (9), warning light on (6).
The 2003 Ford Ranger has 243 owner complaints, ranking #16 of 33 Ranger model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 248). Complaints peaked in 2004 (37 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 56,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2002 (346 complaints, 3 recalls), 2004 (404 complaints, 10 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 | 26 | 23 | Regular |
| 2.3 L 4-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 24 | 22 | Regular |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 21 | 18 | Regular |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 20 | 17 | Regular |
| 4.0 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | Regular |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 19 | 17 | Regular |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | Gasoline or E85 |
| 4.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 19 | 16 | Regular |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 18 | 16 | Regular |
| 4.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 17 | 15 | Regular |
| 4.0 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 17 | 15 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2003 Ford Ranger.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 2003 Ford Ranger have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2003 Ford Ranger, plus 4 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2003 Ford Ranger problems?
Owners have filed 243 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are body & structure (43), speed control / throttle (40), brakes (hydraulic) (29).
What gas mileage does the 2003 Ford Ranger get?
EPA ratings run up to 23 mpg combined (2.3 L, Manual 5-spd), across 11 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2003 Ford Ranger repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.