2000 Ford Ranger Problems: 8 Known Issues

2000 Ford Ranger Problems: 8 Known Issues | Au7o

NHTSA Recalls11 recalls

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2007-2011 Ranger, 2006-2012 Fusion, Lincoln Zephyr, Lincoln MKZ, 2006-2011 Mercury Milan, 2007-2010 Ford Edge, and Lincoln MKX vehicles. The driver's side air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

Campaign #21V15800010/03/2021

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 Ford Mustang vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Ford is recalling certain 2011 Ford Ranger and Mercury Milan vehicles, 2011-2012 Ford Fusion and Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ vehicles and 2011-2014 Ford Mustang vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Ford is also recalling certain 2010 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles, 2010-2011 Ford Ranger and Mercury Milan vehicles, 2010-2012 Ford Fusion and Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ vehicles, and 2010-2014 Ford Mustang vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Campaign #19V00100007/01/2019

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain air bag inflator and/or module replacement service parts that may have been used as part of a collision repair. The parts include certain driver-side air bag inflators and/or modules, designed to fit 2005-2014 Ford Mustang and Mustang GT500. It also includes certain passenger-side air bag inflators and/or modules designed to fit 2005-2014 Ford Mustang, 2010-2012 Lincoln MKZ, 2010-2012 Ford Fusion, 2010-2011 Mercury Milan, 2007-2011 Ford Ranger, and 2007-2010 Lincoln MKX vehicles. Please see Ford's recall report for the specific part numbers. These parts may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Campaign #21E01300016/02/2021

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2005-2014 Mustang, 2004-2011 Ranger, 2009-2011 Mercury Milan, 2006 Ford GT, 2008-2012 Fusion, 2007-2010 Edge and Lincoln MKX, and 2009-2010 Lincoln MKZ vehicles. These vehicles may be equipped with a driver or passenger frontal air bag inflator used as a replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Campaign #21V08100016/02/2021

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013 Ford Mustang vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Ford is recalling certain 2010 Ford Edge, Fusion, Mustang and Ranger, Lincoln MKX and Zephyr/MKZ, and Mercury Milan vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Ford is also recalling certain 2009 Ford Edge, Fusion, Mustang and Ranger, Lincoln MKX and Zephyr/MKZ, and Mercury Milan vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Campaign #18V04600011/01/2018

+ 6 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Ford Ranger problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2000 Ford Ranger has 8 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Leaf Spring Shackle and Hanger Corrosion Leading to Rear Suspension Failure, Cruise Control Deactivation Switch Brake Fluid Leak and Underhood Fire Risk, Fuel Filler Neck and Strap Corrosion Causing Fuel Leaks or Tank Movement. Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Ford Ranger reliable?

The 2000 Ford Ranger has 8 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 3 issues are rated critical: Leaf Spring Shackle and Hanger Corrosion Leading to Rear Suspension Failure and Cruise Control Deactivation Switch Brake Fluid Leak and Underhood Fire Risk and Fuel Filler Neck and Strap Corrosion Causing Fuel Leaks or Tank Movement. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Ford Ranger problems?

Repair costs for known Ford Ranger issues range from $0 to $1,800, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Leaf Spring Shackle and Hanger Corrosion Leading to Rear Suspension Failure, typically costs $400-$1,800 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2000-2011 Ford Ranger Leaf Spring Shackle and Hanger Corrosion Leading to Rear Suspension Failure?

In rust-belt use, Rangers commonly suffer severe corrosion of the rear leaf spring shackles and hangers. Owners report the shackle tearing through rusted metal, causing the rear of the truck to sag suddenly or shift sideways. This is a real safety concern because the suspension c… Repairs typically run $400-$1,800. Severity: high.

What is the 2000-2006 Ford Ranger Cruise Control Deactivation Switch Brake Fluid Leak and Underhood Fire Risk?

A well-documented issue on early-2000s Rangers involves the speed control deactivation switch mounted on the brake master cylinder. Brake fluid can leak through the switch, overheat the electrical contacts, and in some cases cause smoke or an underhood fire even when the truck is… Repairs typically run $0-$400. Severity: high.

What is the 2000-2011 Ford Ranger Fuel Filler Neck and Strap Corrosion Causing Fuel Leaks or Tank Movement?

Older Rangers in corrosion-prone regions frequently develop rusted fuel filler necks and weakened fuel tank straps. Owners report fuel smells, visible leaks while filling, EVAP faults, or in severe cases a sagging tank due to strap corrosion. This is both a drivability and fire-r… Repairs typically run $250-$900. Severity: high.

What is the 1994-2010 Ford Ranger 4.0L SOHC / OHV Waste-Spark Coil Pack Misfire (P0300 Series)?

The 4.0L V6 uses a waste-spark coil pack with only three coils firing six plugs in paired cylinders, and it has a high failure rate — especially the end of the pack that serves the paired 3 & 4 cylinders (they share a secondary winding). A failing coil makes the misfire jump betw… Repairs typically run $100-$400. Severity: medium.

What is the 2000-2011 Ford Ranger Camshaft Synchronizer Chirp and Oil Pump Drive Failure on 3.0L/4.0L V6?

A well-documented issue on late OHV/4.0L Ranger engines is wear of the camshaft synchronizer assembly, which drives the oil pump and provides the cam position signal. Owners commonly report a squeaking or chirping noise from the rear of the engine that is often mistaken for a bel… Repairs typically run $250-$900. Severity: medium.

What is the 2000-2011 Ford Ranger Instrument Cluster Solder Joint Failure Causing Intermittent Gauges and Warning Lamps?

A recurring owner-reported problem on 2000s Rangers is intermittent failure of the instrument cluster, often traced to cracked solder joints or connector issues on the cluster circuit board. Gauges may drop to zero, warning lamps may flicker, and the odometer or backlighting can… Repairs typically run $150-$600. Severity: medium.

What is the 2000-2011 Ford Ranger Door Ajar Switch Failure Causing Dome Lamp Drain and False Open-Door Warning?

Rangers from this era commonly develop sticky or failed door-ajar switches integrated into the latch assemblies. The truck may think a door is still open, leaving the dome light on, sounding the warning chime, or preventing normal locking behavior. This is a very common owner com… Repairs typically run $20-$300. Severity: low.

What is the 2000-2011 Ford Ranger Throttle Position Sensor and Idle Air Control Related Stalling/Hanging Idle?

Many owners of 2000-2011 Rangers report intermittent high idle, unstable idle, or stalling when coming to a stop, often traced to a failing throttle position sensor, dirty or failing idle air control valve, or both. The problem is especially common on older cable-throttle trucks… Repairs typically run $100-$450. Severity: low.

All 8 Known Issues

When Issues Typically Appear

2000-2011 Ford Ranger: Leaf Spring Shackle and Hanger Corrosion Leading to Rear Suspension Failure#

2000-2006 Ford Ranger: Cruise Control Deactivation Switch Brake Fluid Leak and Underhood Fire Risk#

2000-2011 Ford Ranger: Fuel Filler Neck and Strap Corrosion Causing Fuel Leaks or Tank Movement#

1994-2010 Ford Ranger: 4.0L SOHC / OHV Waste-Spark Coil Pack Misfire (P0300 Series)#

2000-2011 Ford Ranger: Camshaft Synchronizer Chirp and Oil Pump Drive Failure on 3.0L/4.0L V6#

2000-2011 Ford Ranger: Throttle Position Sensor and Idle Air Control Related Stalling/Hanging Idle#

2000-2011 Ford Ranger: Instrument Cluster Solder Joint Failure Causing Intermittent Gauges and Warning Lamps#

2000-2011 Ford Ranger: Door Ajar Switch Failure Causing Dome Lamp Drain and False Open-Door Warning#

Other Ford Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Ford Ranger problems?

Is the Ford Ranger reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Ford Ranger problems?

What is the 2000-2011 Ford Ranger Leaf Spring Shackle and Hanger Corrosion Leading to Rear Suspension Failure?

What is the 2000-2006 Ford Ranger Cruise Control Deactivation Switch Brake Fluid Leak and Underhood Fire Risk?

What is the 2000-2011 Ford Ranger Fuel Filler Neck and Strap Corrosion Causing Fuel Leaks or Tank Movement?

What is the 1994-2010 Ford Ranger 4.0L SOHC / OHV Waste-Spark Coil Pack Misfire (P0300 Series)?

What is the 2000-2011 Ford Ranger Camshaft Synchronizer Chirp and Oil Pump Drive Failure on 3.0L/4.0L V6?

What is the 2000-2011 Ford Ranger Instrument Cluster Solder Joint Failure Causing Intermittent Gauges and Warning Lamps?

What is the 2000-2011 Ford Ranger Door Ajar Switch Failure Causing Dome Lamp Drain and False Open-Door Warning?

What is the 2000-2011 Ford Ranger Throttle Position Sensor and Idle Air Control Related Stalling/Hanging Idle?