2003 Ford Ranger Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 18about this part
- Share
- 7%of 243 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 15,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2003 Ford Ranger, 7% of the 243 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 15,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Vehicle has died on interstate four times and had to be towed in. Ford customer service at 1-800-392-Ford states that they don't want to replace the vehicle. I am told I should continue to get it repaired under warranty. My concern is for the safety of my family when we are waiting hours in a snowstorm for the tow truck to arrive. I have owned 8 fords in the last five years. That is about to change because Ford motor states that they have followed the letter of the law concerning repairs under the warranty. …”
NHTSA complaint #10070303, filed 2004-01, 11,000 miles“Engine stumbles on acceleration. This has happened repeatedly, and the dealer in ny said there was nothing wrong. Owner/driver uses name-brand gasoline from a reputable dealer and is prompt about servicing vehicle. In a previous Ford, owner expericenced the same problem---solved by replacing sensor. This problem has nearly caused a motor vehicle accident and has been reported to both ny, ct and mt attorney generals. I wish this problem fixed.”
NHTSA complaint #10104533, filed 2004-12, 21,000 miles“Consumer complained about an engine problem. When driving at 40 MPH or greater there was a grinding noise. Consumer took the vehicle to the dealer, and they done absolutely nothing. Service technician stated that there was nothing wrong.”
NHTSA complaint #10103902, filed 2004-12, 175 miles“While driving the engine failed. The dealer informed the consumer that nothing could be done. Ford had issued a recall on the 3.0 engine, but the consumer suggested that maybe this problem pertained to the 4.0 engine as well.”
NHTSA complaint #10059318, filed 2004-07, 10,000 miles“When vehicle idled, engine slowed down to below 500 RPM, and then charged back up to 3000 RPM. Dealer said this was a characteristic of this vehicle. Ford issued technical service bulletin regarding engine idling.”
NHTSA complaint #10061088, filed 2004-03, 10 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10021051Feb 27, 2007Possible engine damage - install special service tools prior to removing crankshaft pulley bolt.
- 10020173Jan 1, 2006Possible engine damage - install special service tools prior to removing crankshaft pulley bolt - service tip.
- 10018746Nov 14, 2005Buck/jerk and miss during drive cycle above 3000 rpm - no dtc - 3.0l 2v gas and ffv engine.
- 10013315Jan 1, 2005High idle at cold start.
- 10013075Oct 1, 2002Engine timing service tools / service tip.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 3% |
| 2021 | 3 | 3% |
| 2020 | 2 | 2% |
| 2019 | 5 | 2% |
| 2011 | 2 | 1% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 3 | 2% |
| 2008 | 2 | 1% |
| 2007 | 3 | 1% |
| 2006 | 7 | 3% |
| 2005 | 10 | 3% |
| 2004 | 17 | 4% |
| 2003 | 18 | 7% |
| 2002 | 39 | 11% |
| 2001 | 29 | 6% |
| 2000 | 37 | 6% |
| 1999 | 45 | 6% |
| 1998 | 51 | 9% |
| 1997 | 14 | 3% |
| 1996 | 31 | 8% |
| 1995 | 14 | 4% |
| 1994 | 23 | 5% |
| 1993 | 12 | 5% |
| 1992 | 16 | 8% |
| 1991 | 16 | 12% |
| 1990 | 10 | 10% |
| 1989 | 11 | 15% |
| 1988 | 13 | 15% |
| 1987 | 7 | 14% |
| 1986 | 7 | 20% |
| 1985 | 3 | 11% |
| 1984 | 2 | 17% |
| 1983 | 1 | 9% |
Other parts of the 2003 Ford Ranger
43 complaintsVehicle speed control
40 complaintsBrakes
35 complaintsAir bags
25 complaintsSuspension
23 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 27, 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