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exact model and see every recall for it.
Recalls are issued for a make, model and model year. Whether the repair has already been done on one specific car is known only to its manufacturer and dealers. Check your vehicle's official status at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with a dealer.
US recalls (1)
Vehicle speed control
FORD 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 THROUGH E-550, 1995-2002 EXPLORER, 1997 AND 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, 1995-1997 AND 2001-2003 RANGER, AND 1994 F53 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS). THE SCDS MAY LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
Risk and remedy
Risk: A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.
Remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS THAT DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS IN LINE WITH THE SCDS. ON 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH A LEAKING SCDS, DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR AND REPAIR AS NECESSARY. REPAIRS WILL BE COMPLETED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.
Canadian recalls (1)
Show 1 Canadian recall
Other
2009-10-14 · campaign 2009-292
On certain vehicles, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn, potentially resulting in an underhood fire. The condition may occur either when the vehicle is parked or when it is in operation. Correction: Dealers will install a new switch or fused wiring harness. Note: This is an expansion of recall 2005028 (05S28) for vehicles not previously included in the campaign.
Owner complaints (243)
Owners filed 243 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 Ford Ranger (37 crashes, 11 fires, 43 injuries, 1 deaths reported). Among 42 model years of this model, it ranks #16 for the most complaints (median 156).
| Most-reported problem | Complaints | |
|---|
| Structure | 43 | |
| Vehicle speed control | 40 | |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 29 | |
| Air bags | 25 | |
| Suspension | 23 | |
| Engine and engine cooling | 18 | |
| Electrical system | 17 | |
| Power train | 16 | |
Crash test ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2003 Ford Ranger.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|
| 2003 Ford Ranger Supercab | – | – | – | 2★ |
| 2003 Ford Ranger Regular Cab | – | – | – | 2★ |
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for each 2003 Ford Ranger version.
| Version | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined | Yearly fuel cost |
|---|
| Ranger 2WD FFV 3.0 L Automatic 5-spd | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Ranger Pickup 2WD 2.3 L Automatic 5-spd | 20 | 24 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Ranger Pickup 2WD 2.3 L Manual 5-spd | 21 | 26 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Ranger Pickup 2WD 3.0 L Automatic 5-spd | 16 | 20 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Ranger Pickup 2WD 3.0 L Manual 5-spd | 17 | 21 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Ranger Pickup 2WD 4.0 L Automatic 5-spd | 15 | 19 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Ranger Pickup 2WD 4.0 L Manual 5-spd | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Ranger Pickup 4WD 3.0 L Automatic 5-spd | 15 | 18 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Ranger Pickup 4WD 3.0 L Manual 5-spd | 16 | 19 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Ranger Pickup 4WD 4.0 L Automatic 5-spd | 14 | 17 | 15 | $4,450 |
| Ranger Pickup 4WD 4.0 L Manual 5-spd | 14 | 17 | 15 | $4,450 |
Need this data in your app?
Recalls, complaints, crash ratings and fuel economy as a JSON API. Decode up to 50 VINs per call and get a daily feed of new recalls.
Explore the API →Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings, US EPA fuel economy and Transport
Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database (contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada).
Recalls updated 2026-10-30.