2001 Ford Ranger Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 1%of 515 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 50,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the steering of the 2001 Ford Ranger, 1% of the 515 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 50,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The gear shifter stuck in park. Consumer had to giggle the shifter to remove it from park into drive. Two days later, while making a left turn, the steering wheel locked up. When this occurred consumer heard something break loose in the column, followed by a rattling noise. The steering wheel unlocked after breaking loose, and a rattling noise occurred. Prior to this failure when the steering wheel was turned there was an abnormal clicking noise. Dealership refused to take the steering column apart to inspect it until they could duplicate the failure. …”
NHTSA complaint #10087384, filed 2004-08, 33,000 miles“Whenever vehicle runs over a bump or a pothole it causes rear end to kick to the right or to the left. Dealer replaced front and rear shock, some improvements were made, but the problem still occurs. Consumer states that the vehicle oversteers when pressure is applied like during a turn, the problem seems to only occur when the left side of the vehicle hits a bump. Engine light illuminated.”
NHTSA complaint #898875, filed 2001-11“When the wheel was pushed, tugged, or pulled, there was a clunking sound in the steering wheel. The consumer stated that it felt as if the bolt holding the wheel on was not fully tightened.”
NHTSA complaint #564153, filed 2002-01Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 5% |
| 2024 | 6 | 6% |
| 2022 | 1 | 3% |
| 2021 | 2 | 2% |
| 2020 | 2 | 2% |
| 2019 | 5 | 2% |
| 2011 | 1 | 0% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 3 | 2% |
| 2008 | 1 | 0% |
| 2007 | 1 | 0% |
| 2006 | 5 | 2% |
| 2005 | 5 | 2% |
| 2004 | 3 | 1% |
| 2003 | 7 | 3% |
| 2002 | 8 | 2% |
| 2001 | 7 | 1% |
| 2000 | 25 | 4% |
| 1999 | 16 | 2% |
| 1998 | 19 | 3% |
| 1997 | 21 | 5% |
| 1996 | 17 | 4% |
| 1995 | 9 | 3% |
| 1994 | 19 | 4% |
| 1993 | 4 | 2% |
| 1992 | 3 | 2% |
| 1990 | 2 | 2% |
| 1988 | 3 | 3% |
| 1987 | 3 | 6% |
| 1986 | 2 | 6% |
| 1985 | 1 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2001 Ford Ranger
112 complaintsSuspension
87 complaintsAir bags
62 complaintsVehicle speed control
57 complaintsBrakes
55 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
51 complaintsSeat belts
45 complaintsTires
39 complaintsFuel system
31 complaintsEngine cooling
29 complaintsElectrical system
22 complaintsOther or unknown
22 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Ford Ranger
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology