2000 Ford Ranger

Family: Ranger · filed with NHTSA as RANGER, RANGER EV, RANGER J97

Summary

In its first three years the 2000 Ranger drew 325 complaints — 1.9× the median of its generation (1998–2011). It is among the most-complained-about years of this generation.
These are complaint counts, not failure rates: they are not divided by how many cars were sold, because no public source reports U.S. sales by model year.
Complaints are spread across systems: the largest, Wheels & Tires, holds 22% of the 665 that name a component.
9 recalls filed for this model year.
No federal defect investigations cover this model year.

At a glance

Owner complaints: 677
Recalls: 9
Investigations: 0
NCAP overall: Not rated
Combined MPG: 15–22
Combined MPGe (electric): 56–58
Annual fuel cost: $1,300–$4,150
Median mileage at complaint: 82,000 mi (n = 288)
Crashes / fires / injuries / deaths: 87 / 12 / 85 / 2

What owners report

Wheels & Tires

146 complaints · 22% of complaints that name a component · median 43,000 mi (n = 11)

Owner report The contact owns a 2000 Ford Ranger equipped with Kenda Tire, tire line Kenetica, tire size P235/75/R15, and Dot Number K3DK. The contact stated he notice that tread separation from the rear passenger side tire. On another occasion the contact had a blowout on the front driver side where the tread separation. The front…

Owner report TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER FRONT WHEEL SPINDLE FAILED WHILE DRIVING AT 2 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE WHEEL SPINDLE HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT A…

Body & Structure

106 complaints · 16% of complaints that name a component · median 107,569 mi (n = 86)

Owner report The contact owns a 2000 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that the entire subframe of the vehicle was corroded and was cracking and disintegrating. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

Owner report The back end frame has completely rusted out, while the cab frame is in perfect condition. I have read about everyone that has a ranger from 1995-200 has had this issue. My truck only has 127k miles on it and has been kept in wonderful condition, and the bed frame has made it unsafe to drive.

Brakes

78 complaints · 12% of complaints that name a component · median 58,089 mi (n = 35)

Owner report TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD RANGER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND PARKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE MASTER CYLINDER FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REP…

Owner report TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD RANGER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE BRAKES MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND HESITATED TO STOP THE VEHICLE WHEN THE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE…

2% of complaints name no specific component and are left out of the shares above.

Across the generation (1998–2011)

To compare years fairly, each year is counted over the same span: complaints received up to two calendar years after its model year. A year is compared only when that span is over and it holds at least 50 complaints. Median of the comparable years: 167.

Model year	All complaints	First three years	Note
1998	582	324	most complaints
1999	760	393	most complaints
2000	677	325	most complaints
2001	527	167
2002	346	127
2003	243	95	fewest complaints
2004	405	78	fewest complaints
2005	289	31	not compared
2006	272	16	not compared
2007	270	17	not compared
2008	326	12	not compared
2009	169	11	not compared
2010	156	10	not compared
2011	235	9	not compared

Recalls

Whether a recall has been fixed on a specific car depends on its VIN; check it at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

09E025000 · EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Filed 2009-05-11 · 42,540 vehicles

Defect: 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.

Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

09E012000 · EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Filed 2009-04-07 · 16,270 vehicles

Defect: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 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.

Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

07V336000 · VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Filed 2007-08-03 · 3,600,000 vehicles

Defect: ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER VEHICLES, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MOTOR HOMES CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.

Risk: THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. OWNERS OF THE PASSENGER CARS INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED AS AN INTERIM REPAIR. AS SOON AS REPAIR PARTS ARE AVAILABLE (EXPECTED OCTOBER 2007), OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN TO THE DEALERS FOR INSTALLATION OF A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2007, AND MAILING COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER 19, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.

06E026000 · EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Filed 2006-03-23 · 61,944 vehicles

Defect: CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN 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.

Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

01X001000 · TIRES:TREAD/BELT

Filed 2001-05-22 · 13,000,000 vehicles

Defect: THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: FORD IS REPLACING ALL FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT 15, 16, AND 17 INCH TIRES MOUNTED ON FORD TRUCKS AND SUVS. FORD REPORTS TREAD SEPARATION CAN OCCUR DUE TO A COMBINATION OF THE SENSITIVITY OF THE TIRE DESIGN TO STRESS, AGING, AND MANUFACTURING DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PLANTS. FORD IS REPLACING THESE TIRES TO PREVENT POSSIBLE PREMATURE TIRE FAILURE. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: THE VEHICLES LISTED BELOW MAY HAVE BEEN ORIGINALLY EQUIPPED WITH FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES OR MAY HAVE HAD WILDERNESS AT TIRES INSTALLED DURING THE FIRESTONE RECALL LAUNCHED IN AUGUST 2000. CERTAIN 1991 THROUGHT 2002 FORD EXPLORER CERTAIN 2001 THROUGHT 2002 EXPLORER SPORT, AND SPORT TRAC CERTAIN 1997 THROUGH 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER CERTAIN 1991 THROUGH 2001 RANGER CERTAIN 1999 THROUGH 2001 EXPEDITION CERTAIN 1991 THROUGH 1994, AND 1997 MODEL YEAR F-SERIES CERTAIN 1991 THROUGH 1994 BRONCO NOTE: BOTH ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT AND REPLACEMENT TIRES ARE AFFECTED.

Risk: SHOULD THE TREAD SEPARATE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy: THE REPLACEMENT/REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM FOR THIS CAMPAIGN EXPIRED ON MARCH 31, 2002. HOWEVER, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT FORD AT 1-877-917-3673 OR GO ON-LINE TO WWW.FORD.COM FOR POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE.

01V062000 · POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

Filed 2001-02-26 · 1,260 vehicles

Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ELECTRIC LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. IF THE TRANSAXLE ATTACHING BOLTS BEGIN TO LOOSEN, THE DRIVER COULD NOTICE A JERKING MOTION AND/OR A CLUNKING SOUND. IF NOT SERVICED PROMPTLY, ALL NINE BOLTS COULD ULTIMATELY FALL OUT OR FRACTURE AND THE TRANSAXLE COULD DROP. IF THE TRANSAXLE DROPS, THE VEHICLE MAY NO LONGER BE IN THE GEAR INDICATED.

Risk: IF THIS OCCURS, THE SHIFT LEVER COULD BE PUT INTO "PARK" AND THE VEHICLE WOULD STILL BE FREE TO ROLL AS IF IN "NEUTRAL," INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE MOUNTING BOLTS WITH LONGER BOLTS THAT INCLUDE A THREAD LOCK MATERIAL. WHEN INSTALLED, THE NEW BOLTS WILL BE TIGHTENED TO A HIGHER TORQUE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 8, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

00T005000 · TIRES:TREAD/BELT

Filed 2000-08-21 · 14,400,000 vehicles

Defect: TIRE DESCRIPTION: FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT, SIZE P235/75R15, PRODUCED AT THE DECATUR, ILLINOIS TIRE PLANT AND ALL FIRESTONE RADIAL ATX AND RADIAL ATX II TIRES, SIZE P235/75R15. OPERATION OF THESE TIRES AT LOW INFLATION PRESSURES, HIGH SPEED, AND IN HOT WEATHER, CAN CONTRIBUTE TO SEPARATION OF THE TIRE TREAD.

Risk: IF THE TREAD SEPARATES FROM THE TIRE, THE DRIVER CAN LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH CAUSING INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy: THE REPLACEMENT/REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM FOR THIS CAMPAIGN EXPIRED ON AUGUST 29, 2001. HOWEVER, CUSTOMERS SHOULD CONTACT FIRESTONE CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-465-1904 FOR POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE.

00V228001 · SEAT BELTS

Filed 2000-08-18 · 144,435 vehicles

Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH TRW SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES. THE BUCKLE BASE OF THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED AND THEREFORE DO NOT PASS THE LOAD BEARING REQUIREMENT OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES."

Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DATE CODE ON CERTAIN SEAT BELT BUCKLES OF YOUR VEHICLE AND REPLACE ALL SEAT BELT BUCKLES THAT FALL WITHIN THE SUSPECT DATE CODE RANGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 26, 2000. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

00V094000 · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM

Filed 2000-03-28 · 49 vehicles

Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L OHC ENGINES. ENGINE COOLANT CIRCULATION THROUGH THE HEATER CIRCUIT IS PREVENTED BECAUSE OF A PLUGGED HEATER RETURN TUBE (WATER PUMP INLET TUBE) AT THE WATER PUMP. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE INTENT OF FMVSS NO. 103, "WINDSHIELD DEFROSTING AND DEFOGGING SYSTEMS."

Risk: AS A RESULT OF NO HEAT IN THE HEATER CIRCUIT, DEFROST PERFORMANCE IS COMPROMISED.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PLUGGED HEATER WATER RETURN TUBES.

Federal investigations

None on file.

Engines and fuel economy

Version	Engine	Transmission	Drive	City	Hwy	Combined	Fuel cost / yr
Ranger 2WD FFV	3.0L 6cyl FFV	Automatic 4-spd	Rear-Wheel Drive	15	20	17	$3650
Ranger 2WD FFV	3.0L 6cyl FFV	Manual 5-spd	Rear-Wheel Drive	16	21	18	$3450
Ranger 4WD FFV	3.0L 6cyl FFV	Automatic 4-spd	4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive	14	18	15	$4150
Ranger 4WD FFV	3.0L 6cyl FFV	Manual 5-spd	4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive	15	20	17	$3650
Ranger Pickup 2WD	2.5L 4cyl	Automatic 4-spd	Rear-Wheel Drive	18	23	20	$3100
Ranger Pickup 2WD	2.5L 4cyl	Manual 5-spd	Rear-Wheel Drive	20	24	22	$2850
Ranger Pickup 2WD	4.0L 6cyl	Automatic 5-spd	Rear-Wheel Drive	14	19	16	$3900
Ranger Pickup 2WD	4.0L 6cyl	Manual 5-spd	Rear-Wheel Drive	16	21	18	$3450
Ranger Pickup 2WD	Electric	Automatic (A1)	2-Wheel Drive	62	54	58 MPGe	$1300
Ranger Pickup 2WD	Electric	Automatic (A1)	2-Wheel Drive	59	52	56 MPGe	$1350
Ranger Pickup 4WD	4.0L 6cyl	Automatic 5-spd	4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive	14	17	15	$4150
Ranger Pickup 4WD	4.0L 6cyl	Manual 5-spd	4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive	15	19	16	$3900

Fuel cost is EPA's estimate at the fuel prices of its last update, not today's.

Crash test ratings (NCAP)

Variant	Overall	Frontal	Side	Rollover
2000 Ford Ranger Supercab	Not Rated	Not Rated	Not Rated	Not Rated
2000 Ford Ranger	Not Rated	Not Rated	Not Rated	Not Rated

Service bulletins

Ford issued 197 service bulletins listed against this model year, most often about power train.

A bulletin tells dealers how to fix a known condition. It is not a recall and not a defect finding. Most bulletins cover several model years at once, so one listed here may not be specific to this year. The number of bulletins tracks how long and how widely a model was sold, so it is not a measure of reliability.

Date	Component	Summary
2020-07-13	STRUCTURE	This article supersedes TSB 19-2026 to update the vehicle model years affected. Some 2000 and newer Ford/Lincoln/Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint wi…
2019-02-07	STRUCTURE	Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended. Fo…
2019-02-07	STRUCTURE	Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended. Fo…
2008-05-16	ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR	FORD: CERTAIN 1999-2001 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES UP TO 6000 LB GVWR REGISTERED IN NEW YORK AND CERTAIN 2001 VEHICLES UP TO 6000 LB GVWR REGISTERED IN THE STATE OF MAINE, CERTIFIED FOR SALE IN CALIFORNIA-FEDERAL EMISSION WARRANTY REFUND. *PE
2005-11-14	ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	BUCK/JERK AND MISS DURING DRIVE CYCLE ABOVE 3000 RPM - NO DTC - 3.0L 2V GAS AND FFV ENGINE. *TT
2005-06-07	SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR	SAFETY BELT RETRACTION SPEED. *TT
2005-04-01	POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY	FRONT AXLE LEAKS FLUID FROM VENT TUBE - VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4X4 OR AWD. *TT
2004-12-27	STRUCTURE:BODY	ALUMINUM CORROSION - SERVICE TIP. *TT
2004-12-13	POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)	GENERAL (PCM) POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TT
2004-12-13	SUSPENSION:FRONT	REVISED PROCEDURE FOR ADJUSTING ALIGNMENT ON ALL SUSPENSIONS - NEW RIGHT HAND UPPER CONTROL ARM DESIGN FOR TORSION BAR FRONT SUSPENSIONS. *TT

How to read this page

Complaint counts are not failure rates. A model that sells more cars draws more complaints, and owners file more often after news coverage or a recall. That is why this page compares a model year only with other years of the same generation, never with other models.

Each complaint is counted once, even when it names several components; a complaint that names several systems appears under each of them. Owner reports are quoted as filed and have not been verified by NHTSA or by us.

Every model year of this Ranger, including the ones without a page of their own, is listed on the Ford Ranger model page.

Sources

NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: complaints, recalls and investigations (bulk files, data as of 2026-10-28).
NHTSA New Car Assessment Program: crash test ratings.
U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov: engines, transmissions and fuel economy.

MotorAlmanac is independent and not affiliated with NHTSA, EPA or any manufacturer. This page summarises public records; it is not a mechanical inspection. Before buying a used car, check its VIN for open recalls and have it inspected.