2003 Ford Ranger Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 7%of 243 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 24,500miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2003 Ford Ranger, 7% of the 243 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 24,500 miles. 2 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.
“I drive the 2003 Ford Ranger edge v-6, 3.0. In stop and go traffic my transmission shifts very hard into 2nd and 3rd gear...it has happened numerous times through out the year I've had the truck. The problem is usually from 0-25 MPH. I took the truck to the dealership, but they turned me away blaming me for the cause of the problem....even though my truck was still under warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #10256063, filed 2009-01, 70,000 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 miles“When stopped at a traffic light with the brake applied and the engine idling in drive (an automatic transmission) the engine revved up significantly. When it did I pushed on the brake as hard as I could and the rear wheel spun. This has been happening maybe 3 or 4 times a year for the past two years and most of the time can be stopped by releasing then quickly pressing on the brake. This is the first time it has happened where someone could have been hurt and I received a ticket for the incident.”
NHTSA complaint #10341366, filed 2010-07, 105,000 miles“I was driving down the road and came up to a light. When the light turned green I tried to put the truck into gear but was unable to do so. I had the car brought to a mechanic and was told that the clutch, slave cylinder, and fly wheel needed to be replaced because a pump had failed and allowed fluid to penetrate all three. The truck only has 48,000 miles on it. I never in my life had to replace a clutch with only 48000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #10093764, filed 2004-10, 48,048 miles“Howling noise from clutch. Was told by dealer that the clutch was no good, and that they contacted Ford and was advised that parts for repair are currently being manufactured?????????????? The dealer advised me that I would have to wait until mid january for my truck to be repared.”
NHTSA complaint #10051025, filed 2003-12, 17,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10017891Apr 1, 2005Front axle leaks fluid from vent tube - vehicles equipped with 4x4 or awd.
- 10014086Dec 13, 2004General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10013414Nov 29, 2004Driveshaft thump clunk on light acceleration from stop or when braking and coming to a stop.
- 10013369Nov 1, 2004General power train control module (pcm) programming procedures.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 33% |
| 2025 | 17 | 39% |
| 2024 | 39 | 41% |
| 2023 | 5 | 28% |
| 2022 | 17 | 45% |
| 2021 | 60 | 50% |
| 2020 | 49 | 38% |
| 2019 | 92 | 34% |
| 2011 | 5 | 2% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 3 | 2% |
| 2008 | 1 | 0% |
| 2007 | 2 | 1% |
| 2006 | 4 | 1% |
| 2005 | 8 | 3% |
| 2004 | 27 | 7% |
| 2003 | 16 | 7% |
| 2002 | 61 | 18% |
| 2001 | 51 | 10% |
| 2000 | 69 | 10% |
| 1999 | 67 | 9% |
| 1998 | 60 | 10% |
| 1997 | 42 | 10% |
| 1996 | 28 | 7% |
| 1995 | 22 | 7% |
| 1994 | 49 | 11% |
| 1993 | 19 | 8% |
| 1992 | 13 | 7% |
| 1991 | 12 | 9% |
| 1990 | 10 | 10% |
| 1989 | 5 | 7% |
| 1988 | 9 | 10% |
| 1987 | 1 | 2% |
| 1986 | 2 | 6% |
| 1985 | 5 | 19% |
| 1983 | 1 | 9% |
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 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 30, 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