2003 Ford Ranger Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 43about this part
- Share
- 18%of 243 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 86,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 43 complaints about the body and structure of the 2003 Ford Ranger, 18% of the 243 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 86,000 miles. 4 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.
“2003 Ford Ranger suddenly accelerated upon attempting to park. I was pulling into my parking spot while apply the brakes when my vehicle suddenly accelerated, jumped a snow bank and hit a light pole. Independent witness reported the vehicle just took off, rear wheels rapidly started turning. I contacted Ford motor co. Who did not seem too concerned about the incident and had no interest to inspect the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10681203, filed 2015-02, 96,000 miles“Severe frame rot (rust) at aprox. 85000 miles, already replaced left rear leaf spring mount (aprox. 2 years ago) frame cross braces are rusting through including the spare tire mount.10/10/16. My belief is that there was little or no corrosion resistant appliad to these frames upon vehicle assambly. Good usable parts are hard if not impossible to find as most are as bad or worse than my existing parts. I believe this issue exists when vehicle is stationary or in motion.”
NHTSA complaint #11153046, filed 2018-11, 47,000 miles“Entire frame rusted out. Won't pass inspection. Obviously an ongoing problem. Driver side behind cab to bumper very bad. It is actually allthe way into.we got it on a line of credit. We are out of 5000.00 . Rest of truck is really nice”
NHTSA complaint #10896110, filed 2016-08, 87,000 miles“This complaint is about my 2003 Ford Ranger edge 4x4 that has 70,000 miles on it . My truck looks great but I just found out that my frame is gone an I can't believe that this could happen its so far gone ( rusted away ) . I have been online an have found that I'm not the ( only one ) with a Ranger that still looks great that is rusted away like mine , toyota stepped up an took care of it's customer's I'm sure they got a push to do it . By o d I . …”
NHTSA complaint #10714201, filed 2015-05, 70,000 miles“While replacing fuel system canister I had to remove spare tire and noticed cross section of frame rusted through. I also noticed strap for has tank rusted trough. I will need to replace at my expense both.”
NHTSA complaint #10760942, filed 2015-09, 117,680 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10177863Jul 13, 2020This article supersedes TSB 19-2026 to update the vehicle model years affected. Some 2000 and newer Ford/Lincoln/Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit…
- 10156863Feb 7, 2019Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without…
- 10155551Feb 7, 2019Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without…
- 10014165Dec 27, 2004Aluminum corrosion - service tip.
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 10 | 10% |
| 2021 | 7 | 6% |
| 2020 | 5 | 4% |
| 2019 | 3 | 1% |
| 2011 | 8 | 3% |
| 2010 | 6 | 4% |
| 2009 | 3 | 2% |
| 2008 | 10 | 3% |
| 2007 | 13 | 5% |
| 2006 | 26 | 10% |
| 2005 | 34 | 12% |
| 2004 | 46 | 11% |
| 2003 | 43 | 18% |
| 2002 | 49 | 14% |
| 2001 | 112 | 22% |
| 2000 | 105 | 16% |
| 1999 | 89 | 12% |
| 1998 | 45 | 8% |
| 1997 | 25 | 6% |
| 1996 | 10 | 2% |
| 1995 | 21 | 7% |
| 1994 | 21 | 5% |
| 1993 | 8 | 3% |
| 1992 | 14 | 7% |
| 1991 | 13 | 10% |
| 1990 | 4 | 4% |
| 1989 | 3 | 4% |
| 1988 | 4 | 4% |
| 1987 | 1 | 2% |
| 1983 | 1 | 9% |
Other parts of the 2003 Ford Ranger
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 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