2003 Ford Ranger Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 35about this part
- Share
- 14%of 243 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 56,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 35 complaints about the brakes of the 2003 Ford Ranger, 14% of the 243 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 56,000 miles. 6 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.
“This problem has appeared all of a sudden without warning. Brakes fade at low speeds. The pedal sinks to the floorboard. This condition occurs randomly. I have topped off the brake fluid reservoir. This has not changed the situation. I've reviewed the internet for potential remedies and have discovered many others with the same or similar problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10392991, filed 2011-03, 98,000 miles“Brake pedal and accelerator pedal toooo close together! Distance of 2 & 1/4 causes contact with accelerator when brake is being applied numerous incidents since purchased vehicle in 03.. I wear a size 9 &1/2 to a 10 & 1/2 size shoe. Even though I am aware of the problem, I find that it keeps happening repeatedly; but I only bumped a curb once with my tires.”
NHTSA complaint #10318152, filed 2010-03, 250 miles“As I slowly pulled my 2003 Ford Ranger into a parking space at work this morning with my foot on the brake the truck suddenly accelerated. I applied the brake harder and the truck stopped. I verified that I did not have my foot on both the brake and accelerator, only on the brake.”
NHTSA complaint #10359971, filed 2010-10, 96,500 miles“During wet weather, rear brake locks up when brakes are applied. Causing skidding and lose of control. First time this happen my local Ford dealership referred to this as a rear brake lock problem, and replaced rear brake components, after that when it happened again I was told that the problem was due to moisture getting into the brake parts and that if I wanted this fixed I would have to pay for the fix it. …”
NHTSA complaint #10286730, filed 2009-10, 60,200 miles“The vehicle was riding very rough as though some one was knocking on the engine with a hammer. I took it to the dealer ( gene evans Ford ) which is where I purchase it from, all I was told was that is what a truck suppose to sound like. I continue to complain about the roughness of the truck, no one was concern about my complaints. Now here it is september 2010, I take my truck for a oil change and tire rotation in new jersey and the repair shop writes up a invoice stating my rear axle needs an adjustment. …”
NHTSA complaint #10651711, filed 2014-10, 300 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10011169Sep 6, 2004Grabbing condition from rear drum brakes.
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 22% |
| 2025 | 7 | 16% |
| 2024 | 7 | 7% |
| 2023 | 3 | 17% |
| 2022 | 3 | 8% |
| 2021 | 15 | 13% |
| 2020 | 9 | 7% |
| 2019 | 20 | 7% |
| 2011 | 8 | 3% |
| 2010 | 4 | 3% |
| 2009 | 6 | 4% |
| 2008 | 2 | 1% |
| 2007 | 2 | 1% |
| 2006 | 5 | 2% |
| 2005 | 10 | 3% |
| 2004 | 23 | 6% |
| 2003 | 35 | 14% |
| 2002 | 23 | 7% |
| 2001 | 55 | 11% |
| 2000 | 78 | 12% |
| 1999 | 88 | 12% |
| 1998 | 60 | 10% |
| 1997 | 44 | 11% |
| 1996 | 69 | 17% |
| 1995 | 60 | 19% |
| 1994 | 116 | 26% |
| 1993 | 60 | 26% |
| 1992 | 17 | 9% |
| 1991 | 12 | 9% |
| 1990 | 6 | 6% |
| 1989 | 7 | 10% |
| 1988 | 9 | 10% |
| 1987 | 1 | 2% |
| 1986 | 3 | 9% |
| 1984 | 2 | 17% |
| 1983 | 1 | 9% |
Other parts of the 2003 Ford Ranger
43 complaintsVehicle speed control
40 complaintsAir bags
25 complaintsSuspension
23 complaintsEngine cooling
18 complaintsFuel system
18 complaintsElectrical system
17 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
16 complaintsOther or unknown
13 complaintsTires
10 complaintsEngine
9 complaintsSeat belts
9 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 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