2001 Ford Ranger Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 51about this part
- Share
- 10%of 515 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 53,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 51 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2001 Ford Ranger, 10% of the 515 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 53,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“After loosing the battery (power loss) my 4x4cm (4wd control module) went bad on my 2001 Ranger 4x4 truck. This caused my 4wd to not function at all. I had to replace the 4x4cm with a brand new one. Ford has updated the part. The original part number is 1l54-7h417-AC and the new updated part number is 1l5z-7e453-AC.”
NHTSA complaint #10232255, filed 2008-06, 100,000 miles“Bought 2001 Ford Ranger in 2005, 18 months later gearbox needed rebuild due to loss of gear selection on auto box. Still the gears sometimes do not engage and the o/d light comes on and gear changes are rough. I believe this is a defect in the transmission from what I have read.”
NHTSA complaint #10250083, filed 2008-11, 60,000 miles“2001 Ford Ranger--automatic transmission, remove ignition key and it can easily be taken out of park. Key in ignition with engine running, I no longer have to press the brake to get into any gear. I have experienced this same problem in february 2003 when it was repaired by local Ford dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #10118785, filed 2005-05, 47,000 miles“While driving and approching a freeway entrance the vehicle stick shift became very difficult to shift. Finally when entering 5th gear the vechile slipped into neutral and the stick shift froze up. I had to coast of to the side of freeway and be towed to nearest Ford dealer. The diagnosis was a faulty master and slave cilinder and a faulty clutch system. This vehicle is only 3 year old and has 53,000 mi. I feel that this is a premature system failure.”
NHTSA complaint #10075376, filed 2004-06, 53,000 miles“The clutch pedal gets almost to the floor before the clutch will disengage. This problem comes and goes. I am concerned that it will not disengae at all at some point. There has not been an accident because of this yet. I have not fixed it yet.”
NHTSA complaint #10086583, filed 2004-08, 50,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10017891Apr 1, 2005Front axle leaks fluid from vent tube - vehicles equipped with 4x4 or awd.
- 10014086Dec 13, 2004General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10013414Nov 29, 2004Driveshaft thump clunk on light acceleration from stop or when braking and coming to a stop.
- 10013369Nov 1, 2004General power train control module (pcm) programming procedures.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 33% |
| 2025 | 18 | 40% |
| 2024 | 39 | 41% |
| 2023 | 5 | 28% |
| 2022 | 17 | 45% |
| 2021 | 60 | 50% |
| 2020 | 49 | 38% |
| 2019 | 92 | 34% |
| 2011 | 5 | 2% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 3 | 2% |
| 2008 | 1 | 0% |
| 2007 | 2 | 1% |
| 2006 | 4 | 1% |
| 2005 | 8 | 3% |
| 2004 | 27 | 7% |
| 2003 | 16 | 7% |
| 2002 | 61 | 18% |
| 2001 | 51 | 10% |
| 2000 | 69 | 10% |
| 1999 | 67 | 9% |
| 1998 | 60 | 10% |
| 1997 | 42 | 10% |
| 1996 | 28 | 7% |
| 1995 | 22 | 7% |
| 1994 | 49 | 11% |
| 1993 | 19 | 8% |
| 1992 | 13 | 7% |
| 1991 | 12 | 9% |
| 1990 | 10 | 10% |
| 1989 | 5 | 7% |
| 1988 | 9 | 10% |
| 1987 | 1 | 2% |
| 1986 | 2 | 6% |
| 1985 | 5 | 19% |
| 1983 | 1 | 9% |
Other parts of the 2001 Ford Ranger
112 complaintsSuspension
87 complaintsAir bags
62 complaintsVehicle speed control
57 complaintsBrakes
55 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