2003 Ford Ranger Vehicle speed control Problems
- Complaints
- 40about this part
- Share
- 16%of 243 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 53,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 40 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 2003 Ford Ranger, 16% of the 243 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 53,500 miles. 11 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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“Brake pedal and accelerator pedal toooo close together! Distance of 2 & 1/4 causes contact with accelerator when brake is being applied numerous incidents since purchased vehicle in 03.. I wear a size 9 &1/2 to a 10 & 1/2 size shoe. Even though I am aware of the problem, I find that it keeps happening repeatedly; but I only bumped a curb once with my tires.”
NHTSA complaint #10318152, filed 2010-03, 250 miles“The first time the car engine started racing uncontrollably I was at a stop sign. The second time, the same day 3/10/2010 I turned a corner and we took off at a very high speed. Both times I put the vehicle in neutral and goosed the gas pedal and the engine settled down to a normal speed. 2003 Ford Ranger.”
NHTSA complaint #10319619, filed 2010-03, 109,500 miles“As I slowly pulled my 2003 Ford Ranger into a parking space at work this morning with my foot on the brake the truck suddenly accelerated. I applied the brake harder and the truck stopped. I verified that I did not have my foot on both the brake and accelerator, only on the brake.”
NHTSA complaint #10359971, filed 2010-10, 96,500 miles“When I accelerate quickly with my 2003 Ford Ranger, the vehicle's accelerator gets stuck and will not return to normal until I turn off the ignition and put it in park. After a minute when I start it up everything is normal. Bad computer??”
NHTSA complaint #10371235, filed 2010-12, 118,256 milesRelated recalls
- 09V399000Oct 13, 2009Ford is recalling model years 1995-2003 windstar, 2000-2003 excursion diesel, 1993-1997 and 1999-2003 f-250 sd through f-550 sd diesel, 1992-2003 e-150…Covers: Ford Ranger 1995–1997, 2001–2003, E-150 1992–2003, E-350 1992–2003 +12 more
Vehicle speed control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 5 | 11% |
| 2024 | 4 | 4% |
| 2023 | 2 | 11% |
| 2022 | 3 | 8% |
| 2021 | 8 | 7% |
| 2020 | 6 | 5% |
| 2019 | 12 | 4% |
| 2011 | 4 | 2% |
| 2010 | 4 | 3% |
| 2009 | 2 | 1% |
| 2006 | 5 | 2% |
| 2005 | 7 | 2% |
| 2004 | 19 | 5% |
| 2003 | 40 | 16% |
| 2002 | 51 | 15% |
| 2001 | 57 | 11% |
| 2000 | 55 | 8% |
| 1999 | 54 | 7% |
| 1998 | 71 | 12% |
| 1997 | 23 | 6% |
| 1996 | 34 | 8% |
| 1995 | 20 | 6% |
| 1994 | 23 | 5% |
| 1993 | 23 | 10% |
| 1992 | 7 | 4% |
| 1991 | 5 | 4% |
| 1990 | 13 | 12% |
| 1989 | 3 | 4% |
| 1988 | 2 | 2% |
| 1987 | 2 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2003 Ford Ranger
43 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 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