2001 Ford Ranger Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 87about this part
- Share
- 17%of 515 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 106,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 87 complaints about the suspension of the 2001 Ford Ranger, 17% of the 515 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 106,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I own a 2001 4x4 Ford Ranger xlt. Body, interior perfect condition. Always garaged, just over 100k miles won't pass inspection. Frame rotted out! Ford should replace this frame or buy back the truck. It is useless to me in this condition. I was told that repairs could cost up to $2000 or more. I feel ripped off by Ford motor company. This is my last Ford.”
NHTSA complaint #10864047, filed 2016-05, 100,000 miles“While inspecting my vehicle before attempting to repair the bracket on the exhaust when I noticed large chips of rust and decay on the entire frame of the vehicle while the body and engine bay are completely un damaged, the rust on my vehicle is far worse then should be on my vehicle with less then 100,000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #10759863, filed 2015-08, 89,365 miles“Frame was noted to have severe rust damage to rear portion of frame, however,the front portion ofthe frame does not show such damage. I have done research on this issue and it seems to be so common that there is an after market frame repair kit for this specific vehicle. The truck has no other issues. I believe that it sould not be much to ask to have defect repaired by the manufacturer to avoid safety issues.”
NHTSA complaint #10443039, filed 2012-01, 112,000 miles“This is in addition to a previous complaint that I filed earlier today. I own a 2001 Ford Ranger 4x4 xlt. Body and interior all perfect. No rust on body. Frame is rusted through in back of area that rear shackles are attached to. Shackles themselves have been replaced two years ago. Truck will not pass inspection and I am told cost of repairs could be around $2000 or more. The mileage on this truck is just over 100k. I am very disappointed in Ford motor company. I've owned many Ford vehicles, some a lot older than this truck and never experienced anything like this.”
NHTSA complaint #10864055, filed 2016-05, 100,000 miles“Failed component 2: frame ahead of leaf spring shackles on both sides. Left was completely fractured and right was 1/2 fractured. Right shock strut mount broken. Driving around town hit several bumps in road due to road construction. When I parked the truck I noticed the truck bed was leaning to the right. Further inspection revealed a cracked frame. Took it to the shop and they said it wasn't safe to drive. They removed the bed and noticed extreme rust and a 'paper thin' frame.. Said it would be difficult to find good metal to weld to. …”
NHTSA complaint #10567309, filed 2014-03, 108,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10014096Dec 13, 2004Revised procedure for adjusting alignment on all suspensions - new right hand upper control arm design for torsion bar front suspensions.
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 4% |
| 2024 | 4 | 4% |
| 2023 | 1 | 6% |
| 2021 | 2 | 2% |
| 2020 | 5 | 4% |
| 2019 | 20 | 7% |
| 2011 | 1 | 0% |
| 2010 | 2 | 1% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 3 | 1% |
| 2007 | 4 | 1% |
| 2006 | 20 | 7% |
| 2005 | 26 | 9% |
| 2004 | 29 | 7% |
| 2003 | 23 | 9% |
| 2002 | 36 | 10% |
| 2001 | 87 | 17% |
| 2000 | 72 | 11% |
| 1999 | 67 | 9% |
| 1998 | 52 | 9% |
| 1997 | 25 | 6% |
| 1996 | 21 | 5% |
| 1995 | 21 | 7% |
| 1994 | 30 | 7% |
| 1993 | 16 | 7% |
| 1992 | 32 | 17% |
| 1991 | 17 | 13% |
| 1990 | 3 | 3% |
| 1989 | 2 | 3% |
| 1988 | 1 | 1% |
| 1987 | 2 | 4% |
| 1986 | 1 | 3% |
| 1985 | 2 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2001 Ford Ranger
112 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 complaintsSteering
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Ford Ranger
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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