2001 Ford Ranger recalls and problems

4 recalls and 515 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2001 Ford Ranger.

4
recalls
515
owner complaints
62
complaints mentioning a crash
9
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2001 Ford Ranger recalls

Vehicle speed control

NHTSA campaign 09V399000 · reported October 13, 2009 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 4,500,000 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Ford is recalling model years 1995-2003 windstar, 2000-2003 excursion diesel, 1993-1997 and 1999-2003 f-250 sd through f-550 sd diesel, 1992-2003 e-150 through e-550, 1995-2002 explorer, 1997 and 2002 mercury mountaineer, 1995-1997 and 2001-2003 ranger, and 1994 f53 vehicles equipped with the texas instruments speed control deactivation switch (scds). The scds may leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn.
The risk
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 on october 27, 2009. Owners may contact ford at 1-888-222-2751.

Vehicle speed control

NHTSA campaign 07V336000 · reported August 3, 2007 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 3,600,000 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
This could result in an underhood fire.
The fix
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.

Seat belts: front, buckle assembly

NHTSA campaign 01V227001 · reported July 16, 2001 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 1,400,000 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Vehicle description: passenger and sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks, and minivans. Equipped with seat belts supplied by trw. It is possible that the driver's and/or front passenger's outboard seat belt buckle may not fully latch. Ford crown victoria built at st. Thomas assembly plant from 4/17/00 - 5/29/01 mercury grand marquis built at st. Thomas assembly plant from 4/17/00 - 5/29/01. Lincoln town cars built at wixom assembly plant from 3/27/00 - 5/30/01. Lincoln navigators built at michigan truck plant from 4/11/00 - 5/31/01. Ford windstars built at oakville assembly plant from 3/23/00 - 5/30/01. Ford rangers built at twin cities plant from 3/28/00 - 5/30/01, and also at the edison plant from 3/13/00 - 5/25/01. Ford f-150 truck built at norfolk plant from 4/18/00 - 5/25/00; at ontario plant from 5/10/00 - 5/28/01; at kansas city plant from 9/11/99 - 5/25/01; and at cuautitlan plant from 5/16/00 - 6/9/01. Ford super duty f-250, f-350, f-450, and f-550 trucks built at kentucky plant from 4/17/00 - 5/27/01; and at cuautitlan plant from 5/16/00 - 6/19/01. Ford excursions built at kentucky plant from 4/17/00 - 10/2/00. Ford expeditions built at michigan truck plant from 4/11/00 - 5/31/01.
The risk
In the event of a crash, the restraint system may not provide adequate occupant protection, increasing the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant.
The fix
Dealers will inspect the front outboard seat belt buckles and if the buckle fails the inspection process, it will be replaced. Owner notification began july 25, 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 1-866-436-7332.

Structure: body, hood, hinge and attachments

NHTSA campaign 00V394000 · reported November 28, 2000 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 137,700 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles with steel hoods and certain pickup trucks equipped with sheet molding compound hoods. A wire formed hood striker could be susceptible to fatigue fractures. If the hood striker fractures, the hood could fly open while the vehicle is being driven.
The risk
A hood fly-up while the vehicle is being operated could result in reduced driver visibility.
The fix
Dealers will replace the hood striker.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Apr 6, 2026 · Service brakes, hydraulic · 226,000 miles

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…

Mar 24, 2026 · Electrical system · 297,515 miles

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.

Jul 11, 2025 · Electrical system · 109,999 miles

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…

Feb 12, 2025 · Electrical system · 200,000 miles

The contact owns a 2001 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, it was discovered that the anti-theft system was inoperable and failed to function as designed. The anti-theft warning light was illuminated. The contact had to remove the key fob several times to start the vehicle. The dealer…

Feb 3, 2023 · Engine

The contact owns a 2001 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the contact's family member's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an…

Ranger model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2000 36708612
2001 4515629
2002 33464312
2003 12433711
2004 10405423

Across all years, the 2000 Ranger has the most complaints (670). All Ford Ranger years →

Questions

Does the 2001 Ford Ranger have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2001 Ford Ranger, the most recent reported on October 13, 2009 (Vehicle speed control). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Ford Ranger?
Owners have filed 515 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is structure (112 complaints), followed by suspension (87).
How many 2001 Ford Ranger complaints mention a crash or fire?
62 of 515 complaints report a crash and 9 a fire; 49 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received April 6, 2026.