2003 Ford Ranger Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 2%of 243 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 64,610miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 2003 Ford Ranger, 2% of the 243 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 64,610 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The steel cables that support the tail gate of my 2003 Ford Ranger failed without warning. The tailgate dropped and it the bumper. Had I been standing on the tail gate or had a load placed on it I would have fallen to the ground or the load would have dropped which either would have caused injury. The cables failed due to corrosion. They are covered by a plastic sleeve with open ends which allows water to enter the cable assembly and become trapped causing the cable to corroded prematurely.”
NHTSA complaint #10232272, filed 2008-06, 98,592 miles“While driving 60 MPH, the consumer's vehicle was being by passed by an 18 wheeler. The air blast popped the hood open and the safety catch kept the hood from opening completely.”
NHTSA complaint #10073620, filed 2004-07, 13,600 miles“While using ramps to load lawn equipment into the bed of my 2003 Ford Ranger pickup, both of the tailgate limit cables broke simultaneously. Examination of the failed cabled indicated they both broke at the same location, roughly the midpoint of the cable where it is folded when the tailgate is in the up position. It would appear that water might have entered the cable sheath and rusted the cable. This failure resulted in the tailgate dropping approximately six inched and nearly causing two persons plus heavy equipment to fall to the ground. This could have resulted in serious injury. …”
NHTSA complaint #10249944, filed 2008-11, 43,220 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while traveling 60 MPH the hood on his vehicle came open and obscured his vision. The latch on the hood and the hood cable also failed. The dealer stated that the repairs would be approximately $260.00 at the owners expense. The vehicle was not repaired. The current and failure mileages were 86,000. Updated 12/22/10 the consumer stated he fixed the problem himself. Updated 12/23/10”
NHTSA complaint #10353256, filed 2010-09, 86,000 miles“2003 Ford Ranger experiencing problems with the door locks. Door locked spontaneously, was informed that Ford could not fix the problem. The consumer had to purchase a spare key to keep outside the truck.”
NHTSA complaint #10120427, filed 2005-05Latches, locks and linkages: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 1 | 0% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 2 | 1% |
| 2007 | 1 | 0% |
| 2004 | 2 | 0% |
| 2003 | 5 | 2% |
| 2002 | 4 | 1% |
| 2001 | 5 | 1% |
| 2000 | 6 | 1% |
| 1999 | 6 | 1% |
| 1998 | 7 | 1% |
| 1997 | 4 | 1% |
| 1996 | 3 | 1% |
| 1995 | 2 | 1% |
| 1994 | 1 | 0% |
| 1993 | 3 | 1% |
| 1992 | 3 | 2% |
| 1991 | 2 | 2% |
| 1990 | 2 | 2% |
| 1989 | 2 | 3% |
| 1988 | 2 | 2% |
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 complaintsElectrical system
17 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
16 complaintsOther or unknown
13 complaintsTires
10 complaintsEngine
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