Owners of Ford Rangers from these seven model years have had the most issues with their trucks over the years.
Steer Clear
Typically, when we're looking to purchase a vehicle, we seek information on that model from others that have actually owned it. This is obviously a great way to determine just how reliable a certain vehicle may be, as typically, every one has its quirks and known issues. This is also true of the Ford Ranger, and there are a few particular model years that one may want to avoid, based on owner complaints received by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Photos: Ford
1999
First up, we have the 1999 Ford Ranger, which has the most complaints of any particular model year at 963. Of those complaints, most pertain to the pickup's electrical system, with the most common being an erratic temperature gauge cluster caused by cracked cylinder heads. Other common problems include wipers that activate on their own, as well as shifting issues from the transmission.
Photos: Ford
2000
Next up, we have the 2000 Ford Ranger, which is the subject of 853 complaints submitted to the NHTSA thus far. Once again, electric issues are the most common, though transmission failures, rotting and cracking frames, and a dome light that stays on all the time are the most frequent complaints from owners.
Photos: Ford
2001
Owners of 2001 Ford Ranger models have submitted 682 complaints regarding their pickup thus far, with transmission issues ranking as the most frequent. In terms of specific problems, warning lights that won't go away, rough shifts, and transmission failure rank in the top three.
Photos: Ford
2003
The NHTSA has received 301 complaints for the 2003 Ford Ranger, with engine issues being the most common. Shifting issues, a loss of acceleration, and loose wheel bearings are the most frequently cited individual problems, too.
Photos: Ford
2007
Moving into some of the later model years for the previously compact pickup, the 2007 Ford Ranger is the subject of 282 complaints, many of them related to steering problems. In specific areas, erratic shifting, a clunk sound in the steering system, and a transmission that slams into gear are the most common.
Photos: Ford
2008
Finally, we have the 2008 Ford Ranger, which is the subject of 293 customer complaints, with heater and air conditioning-related problems topping the list of categories owners experience issues with. In terms of specific problem areas, those same owners cited air conditioning systems that won't shut off, shuddering windows, and a lack of heat as the most common.
Photos: Ford
>>Join the conversation about Ford Ranger years to avoid right here in the forum.
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