2001 Ford Ranger problems and complaints

Owners have filed 540 complaints with NHTSA about the 2001 Ford Ranger. The most-reported areas: Structure (114), Suspension (90), Air Bags (64).

Key takeaways

  • 540 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
  • 65 involve a crash, 9 a fire, 50 reported injuries.
  • Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
Complaints by component
ComponentComplaintsShare
Structure11421%
Suspension9017%
Air Bags6412%
Vehicle Speed Control5811%
Service Brakes5510%
Power Train5310%
Hydraulic509%
Seat Belts489%
Tires397%
Engine And Engine Cooling306%
Electrical System234%
Fuel System234%

One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.

NHTSA 5-Star crash ratings
VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
2001 Ford Ranger SupercabNot ratedNot ratedNot rated2/5
2001 Ford Ranger Regular CabNot ratedNot ratedNot ratedNot rated

Latest complaints, as filed

Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic,engine - filed 2026-04-06

The contact owns a 2001 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop. The contact stated that there was smoke coming from underneath the hood. The brakes and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was no...

Electrical System - filed 2026-03-24

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2001 Ford Ranger. It was later discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 153,244; however, at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 297,515.

Electrical System - filed 2025-07-11

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2001 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle to the residence, it was discovered that the gauge on the odometer was not working. There was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 109,999 and at ...

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More for the 2001 Ford Ranger

Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.