2003 Ford Ranger Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 7%of 243 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 56,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the electrical system of the 2003 Ford Ranger, 7% of the 243 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 56,000 miles. 6 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Engine stops running with no warning. Happened 3 times in less than a mile, under 35 MPH.started back up .gauges were normal with plenty of fuel. 1st time engine quit, I had just started moving , next 2 times I was moving under 35 MPH aall took place in less than 1/4 mile in traffic”
NHTSA complaint #11115480, filed 2018-08, 135,000 miles“I purchase this truck brand new from gene evans Ford in august 2003. I started complaining to them a week later that the truck rides as though my butt is hitting the pavement on a trip I took. Everyone ignored my concern in the service and sales department. When the problem was finally notice. I was sold a brand new truck with a severe bent axle and they would not do anything to repair the truck nor give me another one. They all played dumb and stupid as to never seeing the problem in the beginning. Ford still owes me restitution. …”
NHTSA complaint #10954120, filed 2017-02, 7,000 miles“I have a 2003 Ford Ranger, when I apply the brakes the vehicle surges. Forward; I put the truck in park & shut off the ignition. When I restart. It returns to normal. This happens on once in a while.”
NHTSA complaint #10347950, filed 2010-08, 56,000 miles“While driving north on I-17 headed to flagstaff, az, at 60+ MPH, the engine on my 2003 Ford Ranger suddenly cut out without any warning. This caused me to have to navigate my vehicle from the left lane over to the right shoulder of the highway without the benefit of power steering or any engine power. Fortunately, I was able to get onto the shoulder without incident or injury. If the highway had been more crowed this could have LED to an accident. …”
NHTSA complaint #10192668, filed 2007-06, 45,891 miles“The truck stalled in traffic. Acted as if it was out of gas, but had half a tank of fuel. Called tow truck. Luckily the driver was able to show me the inertia switch, and how to reset it. Was charged 50 dollars for this, did not have to tow vehicle. Since then it has tripped many times when I have a passenger, it's placement is such that a passenger's feet will trip it very easily. It now also trips for no reason, no passenger, no bumping it etc. It has tripped while driving in the fast lane of freeway, no passenger in vehicle. This is very scary and dangerous. …”
NHTSA complaint #10546850, filed 2013-10, 50,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10013116Sep 6, 2004Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminated - system lean diagnostic trouble codes (dtc's) - service tips. Various models including 2004 f-series.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 22% |
| 2025 | 10 | 23% |
| 2024 | 30 | 31% |
| 2023 | 2 | 11% |
| 2022 | 9 | 24% |
| 2021 | 8 | 7% |
| 2020 | 11 | 8% |
| 2019 | 41 | 15% |
| 2011 | 5 | 2% |
| 2010 | 2 | 1% |
| 2009 | 2 | 1% |
| 2008 | 7 | 2% |
| 2007 | 5 | 2% |
| 2006 | 11 | 4% |
| 2005 | 21 | 7% |
| 2004 | 17 | 4% |
| 2003 | 17 | 7% |
| 2002 | 17 | 5% |
| 2001 | 22 | 4% |
| 2000 | 38 | 6% |
| 1999 | 39 | 5% |
| 1998 | 29 | 5% |
| 1997 | 28 | 7% |
| 1996 | 38 | 9% |
| 1995 | 29 | 9% |
| 1994 | 25 | 6% |
| 1993 | 18 | 8% |
| 1992 | 41 | 22% |
| 1991 | 20 | 15% |
| 1990 | 20 | 19% |
| 1989 | 15 | 21% |
| 1988 | 32 | 36% |
| 1987 | 14 | 28% |
| 1986 | 13 | 37% |
| 1985 | 12 | 44% |
| 1984 | 2 | 17% |
| 1983 | 3 | 27% |
Other parts of the 2003 Ford Ranger
43 complaintsVehicle speed control
40 complaintsBrakes
35 complaintsAir bags
25 complaintsSuspension
23 complaintsEngine cooling
18 complaintsFuel system
18 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 28, 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