2001 FORD RANGER Suspension Problems

so I recently purchased this truck thinking it was all safe, the pictures were too good to be true thats for sure, When I brought the truck back the old owner even drove with me knowing what he just sold me. The next day I was so happy so I get it registered and insured and I was so eager to hope in and drive around in my new "safe" truck I also went out with my loved one and it sickens me that the old owner was ok with selling me a not so safe truck and I could have died if the frame bracket broke or the frame cracked while i was driving but when I started to look under I saw the problem and I was scared I saw that the upper control arm bracket mount was rusted and the strut tower as well it had a Hole forming and a crack on the strut tower. I also found out that there was a crack in the frame and i've looked up online and it seems that the frame and other components rust I don't know what to do. Im also a college student who is trying to get into the mechanic world and this scares me with how many trucks like this are out on the road.

The rear leaf spring shackle rust causing the leaf spring to go through the bed. When going highway speeds the vehicle shakes and not safe to drive over 60.

The frame has rusted so bad it has completely separated from the body. The Ranger frame rusting is a known problem but it has not been recalled like the Toyota Takoma has been.

Frame rusted in several places behind the cab at the rear spring shackles. Frame cracked both sides and bed is up against the cab and ready to break in two. Ford will not do anything. 145 k miles and the rest of the truck is in very good shape everything works except the cruise and is a loaded edge…..very upset just had a transmission rebuilt in it. Love the truck all the one I have looked at have the same issues over several years on fb marketplace and cannot find a good frame in any salvage yard. Didn’t Toyota’s have the same issues and they had a recall. Why doesn’t Ford have one? Call Ford directly and they won’t do a thing. Tried selling as is and replacing but can’t get a buyer for what I have in the truck. Trying to find a good frame to fix it now, but there are none out there. Very Dissatisfied.

REAR FRAME HAS RUSTED THROUGH. REAR DRIVER SIDE SPRING MOUNT HAS RUSTED AND BROKEN FROM THE FRAME. REAR BUMPER MOUNTS AND SPARE TIRE MOUNTS ARE RUSTED OUT. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY WHEN PROBLEM WAS DISCOVERED .

Mileage: 113,902

TAKATA RECALL. MY VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY WHEN I GOT TO WORK I NOTHING MY REAR BUMPER FELL OFF WITH NO GIVEN WARNING AND I DIDN'T HEAR IT HIT THE GROUND I GOT HOME AND LOOKED UNDER THE FRAME AND NOTICED THE WHOLE FRAME WAS ROTTEN AWAY AND IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE

THE FRAME ON THIS TRUCK HAS RUSTED TO THE POINT WHERE IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE REAR BUMPER ACTUALLY FELL OF THE VEHICLE WHILE IT WAS BEING DRIVEN. I TOOK OFF THE BED AND CUT OFF THE REAR PART OF THE FRAME AND WELDED ON A NEW REAR SECTION AND PUT ON NEW LEAF SPRING HANGERS AND RE INSTALLED THE BUMPER A FEW YEARS AGO AND RE COATED THE FRAME WITH PAINT BUT NOW IT HAS GOTTEN WORSE TO THE POINT WHERE I CAN NO LONGER DRIVE IT AS THERE ARE ACTUAL HOLES RUSTED THRU. IT NEEDS A FRAME REPLACEMENT OR IT JUST A PARTS VEHICLE.

Mileage: 136,500

ALL 4 REAR SHACKLES HAVE BEEN REPLACED DUE TO RUSTING AWAY. ALSO DRIVERSIDE REAR SHOCK WHERE IT ATTACHES FRAME RUSTED OFF. THE BED HAS RUSTED OFF OF THE FRONT 2 BED MOUNTS

FRAME IS ROTTED EVERYWHERE FOR THE MOST PART SPARE TIRE IS ABOUT TO FAIL OFF ISN'T SAFE TO HAUL ANYTHING IN THE BED

FRAME IS RUSTING AWAY. BOTH REAR SHOCK MOUNTS. GAS TANK HOLDING STRAPS. BOTH CHASIS RAILS ARE RUSTING AWAY WITH BIG CHUNKS OF STEEL FALLING OFF. TRANS CROSS MEMBER RUSTING AWAY

Mileage: 135,000

CHASSIS IS SEVERELY RUSTED. YOU CAN BREAK CHUNKS OF METAL OFF WITH BARE HANDS.BOTH REAR SHOCK MOUNTS HAVE RUSTED OFF. STRAPS THAT HOLD GAS TANK HAVE RUSTED THROUGH. CROSS MEMBER HOLDING TRANNY IS SEVERELY RUSTED. GAS TANK FILL TUBE IS SEVERELY RUSTED GAS VAPOR RETURN TUBE RUSTED OFF. WHOLE CHASSIS. THE WHOLE FRAME IS SO RUSTED I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THE TRUCK. TRUCK ONLY HAS 155,000 ON IT AND HAS ALWAYS BEEN MAINTAINED (HAVE ALL SERVICE RECORDS)

Mileage: 135,000

FRAME RUSTED EVEN THOU WE PAID FOR UNDERCOATING NO ACCIDENT TRYING TO PREVENT ACCIDENT WITHOUT SCRAPING THE VEHICLE CAN SEND PICTURES, BUT THIS FORM DOES NOT WORK

Mileage: 143,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE MADE A NOISE BY THE WHEEL BEARING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE WHEEL BEARING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CERTIFIED MECHANIC ALSO STATED THAT THE FRAME AND THE LEAF SPRINGS WERE SEVERELY RUSTED, CAUSING THE LEAF SPRINGS TO DETACH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 182,000.

Mileage: 182,000

FRAME BAD.SPARE TIRE FALL OFF AND BACK BUMPER FALL OFF.SPARE TIRE FALL OFF WHEN I WAS PARKING IN A PARKING SPACE.FRAME IS IN VERY BAD CONDITON.

BOUGHT A USED 2001 FORD RANGER AFTER DRIVING IT FOR A MONTH OR SO SHOCKS WERE REALLY BAD LOOKED UNDERNEATH TO FIND TWO CLEAN CRACKS THROUGH FROM NEAR BACK SHOCKS NOT SURE IF BAD SHOCKS ARE TO BLAME OR WEAK FRAME

Mileage: 150,000

SERIOUS STRUCTURAL FRAME RUST AFFECTING AREAS RELATED TO SUSPENSION (SHOCKS, BRACKETS/SHACKLES OF LEAF SPRING) WHILE THE REST OF THE TRUCK, INCLUDING THE BODY IS GENERALLY UNAFFECTED BY ANY SERIOUS RUST.

Mileage: 120,000

I BOUGHT MY RANGER 12 MONTHS AGO. 6 MONTHS AGO I NOTICED THE BED OF THE TRUCK WAS STARTING TO LEAN TO THE LEFT. ALSO THE SPARE TIRE CAME UP MISSING. I THOUGHT IT WAS STLOLEN BUT UPON INSPECTION IT HAD SIMPLY RUSTED THE HOLDER UNDER THE TRUCK AND FALLEN OFF. 3 MONTHS AGO THE TRUCK STARTED MAKING A GRINDING NOISE UPON BRAKING. THE RIGHT FRONT A ARM HAD RUSTED AND BROKEN OFF THE FRAME. A MECHANIC HAD TO WELD A PIECE OF METAL TO THE FRAME BECAUSE THERE WAS NOTHING TO WELD TO. THEN I FINALLY DECIDED TO LOOK UNDER THE TRUCK AND WAS SHOCKED AT WHAT I FOUND. THE BED FLOOR WAS NEARLY NON EXCISTANT. RUSTED ALMOST COMPLETELY GONE. THE SPRING SHACKLE ON THE RIGHT WHICH IS ATTACHED TO FRAME WITH A BRACKET WERE STICKING UP AGAINST THE BED LINER, THE BRACKET COMPLETELY GONE. THE TUBE THAT HOLDS THE RIGHT SHOCK ABSORBER IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OFF, THE SHOCK ABSORBER JUST HANGING THERE. MECHANICS HAVE TOLD ME THERES NO WAY TO REPAIR BECAUSE THERES NO VIABLE METAL LEFT TO WELD TO. ITS SIMPLY RUSTED AWAY. SO NOW IM LEFT WITH OVER 3 MORE YEARS OF CAR PAYMENTS ON A VEHICLE THAT'S USELESS. I WILL UPLOAD PICTURES AS SOON AS I CAN. THANK YOU. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Mileage: 138,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD RANGER. WHILE SERVICING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRAME WAS CORRODED AND FRACTURED. IN ADDITION, THE SUSPENSION WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000.

Mileage: 58,000

SEVERE RUST ON FRAME. REAR SPRING HANGERS BROKE. SPARE TIRE HOLDER ROTTED AND NEEDED TO BE REMOVED. CRACKED FRAME BEHIND FRONT SPRING HANGER OF RIGHT REAR SPRING. DRIVELINE IN GOOD CONDITION AS WAS THE REST OF THE BODY.

Mileage: 150,000

I OWN A 2001 4X4 FORD RANGER XLT. BODY, INTERIOR PERFECT CONDITION. ALWAYS GARAGED, JUST OVER 100K MILES WON'T PASS INSPECTION. FRAME ROTTED OUT! FORD SHOULD REPLACE THIS FRAME OR BUY BACK THE TRUCK. IT IS USELESS TO ME IN THIS CONDITION. I WAS TOLD THAT REPAIRS COULD COST UP TO $2000 OR MORE. I FEEL RIPPED OFF BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY. THIS IS MY LAST FORD.

Mileage: 100,000

THIS IS IN ADDITION TO A PREVIOUS COMPLAINT THAT I FILED EARLIER TODAY. I OWN A 2001 FORD RANGER 4X4 XLT. BODY AND INTERIOR ALL PERFECT. NO RUST ON BODY. FRAME IS RUSTED THROUGH IN BACK OF AREA THAT REAR SHACKLES ARE ATTACHED TO. SHACKLES THEMSELVES HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWO YEARS AGO. TRUCK WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION AND I AM TOLD COST OF REPAIRS COULD BE AROUND $2000 OR MORE. THE MILEAGE ON THIS TRUCK IS JUST OVER 100K. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED IN FORD MOTOR COMPANY. I'VE OWNED MANY FORD VEHICLES, SOME A LOT OLDER THAN THIS TRUCK AND NEVER EXPERIENCED ANYTHING LIKE THIS.

Mileage: 100,000

SPARE TIRE ASSEMBLY RUSTED COMPLETELY TIRE AND FULL ASSEMBLY FELL OFF ON ON HIGHWAY CREATED A HAZARD AND ALMOST AN ACCIDENT. THE TRUCK WAS IN MOTION DOING ABOUT 50 MPH.

Mileage: 155,000

FRIST, REAR SPRING SHACKLES RUSTED THROUGH HAD TO BE REPLACED, NOW REAR FRAME WHERE THE SHOCK TOWER HOOKS UP IS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH ( FRAME IS SEVERELY RUSTED TO ON SAFE CONDITION )IN MOTION HEARD A LOUD RATTLE PULLED OVER TO SEE WHAT IT WAS .WE HAVE PICTURES BUT COULD NOT DOWNLOAD THEM ON THIS FORM.

Mileage: 110,000

NOTED PIECE OF METAL DANGLING FROM REAR OF TRUCK. TOOK VEHICLE TO MY MECHANIC AND WAS SHOWN THAT DRIVER SIDE GAS TANK STRAP HAD RUSTED AWAY FROM MOUNTING BRACKET. TOURED UNDERNEATH VEHICLE WHILE IT WAS ON LIFT AND WAS ASTONISHED TO SEE THE RUST THRU ON ALL COMPONENTS OF UNDERBODY. FRAME, FUEL AND BRAKE LINES, MOUNTING BRACKETS ETC. MECHANIC UNABLE TO FIND A SECURE PART OF FRAME THAT WOULD HOLD TEMPORARY REPAIR. {AUTO BODY MECHANIC MADE TEMP REPAIR}. THE DETERIORATION OF THIS VEHICLE GOES WAY BEYOND NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. I HAVE MAINTAINED THIS VEHICLE THROUGH ITS 80,000 MILES AND THE BODY AND PAINT LOOK PERFECT. IT IS A LIFE SAFETY CATASTROPHE WAITING TO HAPPEN. I BABIED THIS TRUCK AND PLANNED ON KEEPING IT MANY MORE YEARS. I CAN'T EVEN SELL IT NOW DUE TO COMPLETE DETERIORATION FROM PREMATURE RUSTING.

Mileage: 80,000

WHILE INSPECTING MY VEHICLE BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO REPAIR THE BRACKET ON THE EXHAUST WHEN I NOTICED LARGE CHIPS OF RUST AND DECAY ON THE ENTIRE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE WHILE THE BODY AND ENGINE BAY ARE COMPLETELY UN DAMAGED, THE RUST ON MY VEHICLE IS FAR WORSE THEN SHOULD BE ON MY VEHICLE WITH LESS THEN 100,000 MILES.

Mileage: 89,365

I HAD MY TRUCK SERVICED AND THE MECHANIC SAID THE LEFT FRONT FRAME HOLDING THE SUSPENSION WAS RUSTED. *TR

Mileage: 103,000

THE SPARE TIRE RUSTED OFF AND FELL OF WHEN DRIVING AND SHOCK MOUNTS ALSO BROKE DUE TO RUST. *TR

Mileage: 113,500

THE GAS TANK SUPPORT WHICH WAS A PART OF THE FRAME RUSTED OFF. *TR

Mileage: 85,000

TOOK TRUCK IN FOR SERVICE AND WAS TOLD THE SPRING SHACKLES WERE RUSTED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. *TR

Mileage: 80,000

FRAME SUPPORTING SPARE TIRE CARRIER FELL OFF CAUSING SPARE TO DRAG. ALSO HAVE IN THE PAST HAD BOTH REAR LEAF SPRING MOUNTS AND SHACKLES BREAK OFF THE FRAME TO EXCESSIVE ROT. *TR

Mileage: 97,000

ENTIRE FRAME RUSTED OUT-GAS TANK-REAR SHACKLES-BUMPER FELL OFF. *TR

Mileage: 52,000

WHILE DRIVING ALONG THE INTERSTATE I-65 MY REAR FRAME FELL OFF ALONG WITH THE SPARE TIRE IT WAS DUE TO RUST ON THE FRAME IT ALSO TOOK THE REAR LEAF SPRING SHACKLES ON BOTH SIDES CAUSING THE SPRINGS TO PENETRATE THROUGH THE FLOOR OF THE PICK UP BED I HEAR TELL THIS AMERICAN MADE TRUCK HAS A FRAME THAT WAS MADE IN JAPAN. KNOWINGLY IF THE FRAME WAS MADE IN THE USA IT WOULD OF HAD COPPER IN THE BLEND OF STEEL WHICH SLOWS THE PROBLEM OF DECAY BY RUST. IT WOULD BE UNHEARD OF IF FORD DECLINES TO RECALL THESE DEFECTED FRAMES FOR WHO DOES CLEAN THE POCKETS OF THE FRAMES ON THEIR PERSONAL VEHICLES? *TR

Mileage: 110,000

FRONT WHEEL DRIVER'S SIDE JUST FELL OFF THE FRAME DUE TO EXTENSIVE RUST. WHEEL IS HANGING BY THE SPRING ONLY. INSPECTION OF THE ENTIRE FRAME SHOWS VERY EXTENSIVE RUST AND IT LOOKS LIKE SWISS CHEESE. *TR

Mileage: 95,000

FRAME IN REAR OF TRUCK RUSTED BADLY, REAR SHACKLE MOUNT O PASS SIDE EXTREMELY BAD WITH HOLES COMPLETELY THROUGH THE FRAME IN MULTIPLE PLACES. REAR TIRE CARRIER COMPLETELY UNUSABLE. *TR

Mileage: 200,000

I WENT TO A AUTO BODY SHOP TO GET A ESTIMATE ON SOME MINOR BODY WORK, DURING THE INSPECTION PROCESS THE AUTO BODY REP FOUND THE FRAME TO THE REAR OF THE REAR TIRES WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH ON THE DRIVERS SIDE TO THE POINT THE REAR SPRING SHACKLE WAS THE ONLY ITEM HOLDING THE AXLE IN PLACE. UPON CHECKING THE COMPLETE FRAME HE DETERMINED THE COMPLETE FRAME WAS RUSTED AWAY TO THE POINT HE RECOMMENDED THE VEHICLE NOT BE DRIVEN. FORD ALSO DISCONTINUED THIS FRAME SO I CAN NOT PURCHASE ANOTHER FRAME AND REBUILD THE TRUCK ON A NEW FRAME. NOTE THIS TRUCK WAS RARELY USED IN THE WINTER AND WAS WASHED OFTEN. PREVIOUSLY A FUEL LINE HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO RUSTING IN 2004, WHICH I REPORTED TO THE NHTSA AND NEVER HEARD ANYTHING BACK REGARDING THAT COMPLAINT. *TR

Mileage: 83,400

PASSENGER SIDE REAR SPRING SHACKLE BRACKET RUSTED AND BROKE OFF OF FRAME. FRAME, ESPECIALLY NEAR REAR OF TRUCK, IS BADLY RUSTED. *TR

Mileage: 65,000

REAR FRAME RAILS HAVE RUSTED THROUGH IN MULTIPLE AREAS. RIGHT REAR SHOCK MOUNT TO FRAME HAS BROKEN OFF AND LEFT A LARGE HOLE IN THE FRAME RAIL. RIGHT SIDE REAR FRAME RAIL HAS A LARGE CRACK COMPLETELY THROUGH IT. *TR

Mileage: 140,000

WHEN GOING TO INSTALL TRAILER HITCH I FOUND THAT SPRING AND SHACKLE BRACKETS ARE ABOUT TO FALL OFF DUE TO SEVERE RUST PERFORATION. ALSO BUMPER BRACKETS ARE COMPROMISED BY SEVERE RUST PERFORATION AS WELL AS ENTIRE SPARE TIRE COMPARTMENT. I HAVE FOUND SEVERAL FORUMS WHERE THE SAME COMPLAINT HAS BEEN REPORTED AND I FEEL IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD DUE TO MANUFACTURE OF THE FRAME METAL.I AM CONCERNED THAT MY BUMPER IS GOING TO COME OFF WHILE DRIVING OR SPARE TIRE OR LEAF SPRING SHACKLES CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. SURFACE RUST IS EXPECTED BUT TOTAL PERFORATION OF METAL FROM RUST ON VEHICLE THIS OLD IS NOT ACCEPTABLE AND IS A DEFECT IN THE METAL. *TR

Mileage: 105,000

THE REAR LEAF SPRING MOUNTS, SHACKLES AND FRAME WHERE IT MOUNTS HAVE ROTTED THROUGH RESULTING IN THE LEAF SPRING BREAKING LOOSE FROM THE FRAME. ALSO, THE FRONT CROSS MEMBER OF THE FRAME IS DISINTEGRATING AND SHOWS SIGNS OF IMMINENT FAILURE. *TR

Mileage: 84,702

FAILED COMPONENT 2: FRAME AHEAD OF LEAF SPRING SHACKLES ON BOTH SIDES. LEFT WAS COMPLETELY FRACTURED AND RIGHT WAS 1/2 FRACTURED. RIGHT SHOCK STRUT MOUNT BROKEN. DRIVING AROUND TOWN HIT SEVERAL BUMPS IN ROAD DUE TO ROAD CONSTRUCTION. WHEN I PARKED THE TRUCK I NOTICED THE TRUCK BED WAS LEANING TO THE RIGHT. FURTHER INSPECTION REVEALED A CRACKED FRAME. TOOK IT TO THE SHOP AND THEY SAID IT WASN'T SAFE TO DRIVE. THEY REMOVED THE BED AND NOTICED EXTREME RUST AND A 'PAPER THIN' FRAME.. SAID IT WOULD BE DIFFICULT TO FIND GOOD METAL TO WELD TO. I NOTICED THAT FORD HAD A RECALL ON THE 2004 RANGER FRAME.

Mileage: 108,000

THE RIGHT REAR LEAF SPRING SHACKEL BROKE OFF FROM THE FRAME DUE TO RUST. THE SPARE TIRE CARRIER FAILED DUE TO RUST AND CAUSED THE SPARE TIRE TO DROP. THE STEEL SHIELD UNDER THE GAS TANK DROPPED DOWN DUE TO RUST. *TR

Mileage: 62,500

I TOOK MY TRUCK IN FOR TIRE REPAIR AND SERVICE TECHNICIAN FOUND SEVERE ROTTING WHERE LEAF SPRINGS ARE SUPPOSED TO BE CONNECTED TO THE FRAME. THERE WAS A TOTAL DISCONNECT AT THIS LOCATION WHICH EXPLAINS THE LOUD BANGING THAT I'VE BEEN HEARING. THIS IS ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. HE ADVISED ME THAT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, IT WAS THE SAME SITUATION BUT IT WASN'T DISCONNECTED YET. HE ADVISED ME FORD RANGERS HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THIS. I WENT ONLINE AND DISCOVERED A HUGE VOLUME OF COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS SAME ISSUE. SOME COMPLAINTS SAID THAT THEY WERE DRIVING WHEN THEIR TRUCK BED GAVE WAY AND COLLAPSED WHILE IN THE TRUCK WAS IN MOTION. THIS TRUCK WAS HANDED DOWN WITH LOW MILEAGE AND LITTLE REASON FOR ALL THAT RUST/ROTTING IN THE FRAME OF THE TRUCK. I WAS ADVISED THAT HAD I BEEN CARRYING A MEDIUM OR HEAVY LOAD THE BED COULD HAVE GIVEN WAY, AND THAT COULD HAVE BEEN IN MOTION. *TR

Mileage: 65,170

PICKED UP KIDS FROM BUS STOP (5 AND 6 YEARS AGE) WITH 2001 RANGER PARKED IN GEAR ON GRAVEL DRIVEWAY GRADE WITH EMERGENCY BRAKE ENGAGED. LOADED KIDS AND MYSELF, STARTED VEHICLE AND RELEASED EMERGENCY BRAKE. BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR, VEHICLE TOOK OFF DOWN HILL. PUSHED AND PUMPED PEDAL HARD TO ENGAGE REAR BRAKE VALVE; NO REAR BRAKES. ENGAGED EMERGENCY BRAKE (NOW AT CONSIDERABLE SPEED ON GRADE). LEFT REAR WHEEL LOCKED SKIDDING VEHICLE TO RIGHT SIDE ON GRAVEL DRIVE, CORRECTED WITH STEERING AVOIDING ROLL OVER. SUBSEQUENT INSPECTION REVEALED EXTENSIVE PREMATURE CORROSION TO VEHICLE FRAME, SUSPENSION AND BRAKE COMPONENTS. BOTH FRONT AND REAR BRAKE LINES COMPROMISED WITH CATASTROPHIC FAILURE DURING EMERGENCY. MY KIDS AND I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED OR INJURED BECAUSE FORD SAVED A FEW BUCKS USING BELOW STANDARD IMPORTED STEEL. NTSB; ARE YOU IN SOME WAY BEING PAID-OFF BY FORD TO IGNORE THE THOUSANDS OF SAFETY COMPLAINTS AND INCIDENTS ASSOCIATED WITH EXTENSIVE CORROSION ON THESE VEHICLES? DO NOT EVEN ATTEMPT TO ASSIGN BLAME ON SALTY EASTERN ROADS; MANY OTHER VEHICLE DRIVEN UNDER IDENTICAL CONDITIONS DO NOT FALL APART SO CONSISTENTLY AND COMPLETELY. MANY UNDERCARRIAGE PARTS ON MY RANGER ARE NOT EVEN RECOGNIZABLE DUE TO NEAR COMPLETE DISINTEGRATION. MY TRUCK HAS AN 'A' TITLE AND WAS RUST PROOFED PRIOR TO DELIVERY. I TAKE GOOD CARE OF MY VEHICLES AND REGULARLY WASH UNDERCARRIAGE. HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL BE INJURED OR KILLED BEFORE ACTION IS TAKEN? *TR

Mileage: 120,000

FAILED COMPONENT 2: FRAME AHEAD OF LEAF SPRING SHACKLES ON BOTH SIDES. LEFT WAS COMPLETELY FRACTURED AND RIGHT WAS 1/2 FRACTURED. RIGHT SHOCK STRUT MOUNT BROKEN. DRIVING AROUND TOWN HIT SEVERAL BUMPS IN ROAD DUE TO ROAD CONSTRUCTION. WHEN I PARKED THE TRUCK I NOTICED THE TRUCK BED WAS LEANING TO THE RIGHT. FURTHER INSPECTION REVEALED A CRACKED FRAME. TOOK IT TO THE SHOP AND THEY SAID IT WASN'T SAFE TO DRIVE. THEY REMOVED THE BED AND NOTICED EXTREME RUST AND A 'PAPER THIN' FRAME.. SAID IT WOULD BE DIFFICULT TO FIND GOOD METAL TO WELD TO. I NOTICED THAT FORD HAD A RECALL ON THE 2004 RANGER FRAME. *TR

Mileage: 108,000

SYMPTOMS INCLUDED ENGINE STALL DURING HIGHWAY AND UPHILL DRIVING. STOPPED AT FUEL STATION TO FILL TANK; WHEN TANK APPROACHED FULL; SOUND OF STRUCTURAL FAILURE NOTED FOLLOWED BY LARGE FUEL SPILLAGE FROM TANK AREA (SATURATED TRUCK RT REAR UNDERBELLY, GROUND, REAR TIRE, MY SHOES AND LOWER PORTION OF PANTS). SUBSEQUENT INSPECTION REVEALED GAS TANK STRAP DETACHED FROM FRAME DUE TO SEVERE AND WIDESPREAD FRAME ROT. TANK APPARENTLY HANGING FROM REMAINING CORROSION DAMAGED STRAP AND FUEL FILLER NECK (CAUSED TANK TO TILT BACKWARDS; STARVING ENGINE OF FUEL DURING UPHILL OR DYNAMIC DRIVING). FUEL FILLER NECK WAS ALSO SEVERELY ROTTED AND FINALLY FAILED DURING FUEL FILL CAUSING ENTIRE TANK LOADED WITH 16 GALLONS FUEL TO BECOME DETACHED AT SHARP ANGLE. FOLLOWING INCIDENT; VEHICLE PROFESSIONALLY INSPECTED REVEALING EXTENSIVE FRAME AND SUSPENSION COMPONENT DISINTEGRATION DUE TO PREMATURE FAILURE OF FORD DESIGNED SUB-STANDARD MATERIALS. LARGE AREAS OF MATERIAL MISSING FROM BOTH FRONT FRAME MEMBERS (REAR OF ENGINE), LARGE HOLES IN FRAME AREAS FORWARD OF REAR WHEELS (WHERE FUEL TANK STRAPS ATTACK), SEVERE AND WIDESPREAD FRAME AND SUSPENSION COMPONENT CORROSION. VEHICLE CONDEMNED BY INSPECTION PERSONNEL; NOW SITS IDLE IN DRIVEWAY. RANGER PURCHASED NEW (YEAR END, 2001) WITH DEALER RUST-PROOF. VEHICLE REGULARLY MAINTAINED AND KEPT FREE FROM ROAD SALT WITH REGULAR UNDERBELLY WASH. VEHICLE ONLY HAD 120,000 MILES AND LOOKED VERY CLEAN ON EXTERIOR. I HAVE OWNED MANY VEHICLES IN MY 35 YEAR DRIVING HISTORY; NEVER HAVE I EXPERIENCED ANYTHING LIKE THIS PRIOR. FORD OBVIOUSLY USED ULTRA-SUB STANDARD MATERIALS IN RANGER CRITICAL SUSPENSION COMPONENT DESIGNS; WITHOUT REGARD FOR THE SAFETY OF UNSUSPECTING OWNERS. THIS IS CRIMINAL, IT WILL ONLY BE A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE PEOPLE ARE INJURED OR KILLED BY THESE DESIGN DEFECTS. *TR

Mileage: 119,000

WENT TO REAR OF TRUCK AND FOUND BUMPER HAD BROKEN FREE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. LOOKED UNDER THE TUCK AND FOUND THAT THE ENTIRE FRAME IN THE REAR IS ROTTED AND THE LEAF SPRINGS ARE IN DANGER OF COMING COMPLETELY OFF. THE BUMPER IS ENTIRELY FREE FROM THE TRUCK. THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE FRAME DIRECTLY OVER THE TIRE IS CRACKED COMPLETELY THROUGH. THIS IS THE WORST FRAME I HAVE EVER SEEN AND HAVE LIVED THROUGH THE 70'S AMERICAN CAR MANUFACTURERS MESS. *TR

Mileage: 121,000

I ATTACHED A YARD TRAILER TO THE RECEIVER HITCH AND AS I PULLED OUT OF THE YARD THE HITCH PULLED RIGHT OFF THE BACK OF THE TRUCK. I LOOKED UNDER THE TRUCK AND SAW ABOUT A FOOT OF THE REAR FRAME RAILS WERE COMPLETELY RUSTED AWAY ON BOTH SIDES. BOTH REAR LEAF SPRING MOUNTS WERE BROKEN AWAY AND THE SPRINGS WERE PUSHED UP ONTO THE BED OF THE TRUCK. THIS TRUCK HAS LESS THAN 60,000 MILES ON IT AND NO APPARENT RUST. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY THE TRAILER WOULD HAVE GONE SAILING DOWN THE HIGHWAY POSSIBLY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. BOTH REAR SPRINGS DETACHED FROM THE FRAME AND IF I HAD BEEN ON THE HIGHWAY, THERE IS A GOOD CHANCE I WOULD HAVE LOST CONTROL OF THE TRUCK. *TR

Mileage: 58,565

UNDERCARRIAGE AND FRAME HAS EXCESSIVE RUST PROBLEMS CAUSING PARTS ON FRAME TO FAIL AND FALL OFF. *TR

Mileage: 100,007

RIGHT REAR IS TWO INCHES LOWER THAN LEFT SIDE, FRAME IS RUSTED THROUGH. *TR

Mileage: 85,000

FRAME RUSTED TO THE POINT OF BREAKING. *JS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD RANGER. AFTER EXAMINING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE ENTIRE FRAME AND SUB FRAME HAD CRACKED AND RUSTED THROUGH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHERE THE LEAF SPRINGS WERE REPLACED EACH TIME. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 140,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Mileage: 110,000

2001 FORD RANGER WAS TAKEN INTO AUTO SHOP FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. THE MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THE REAR SPRING SHACKLES AND THE FRAME ROTTED AND ABOUT READY TO FAIL COMPLETELY. THE SPRINGS WERE FOUND TO BE PRESSING UP ON THE BOTTOM OF THE FRAME. ALSO NOTED BUMPER WAS ABOUT READY TO FALL OFF. ALL OF THIS DUE TO SEVERE CORROSION OF THE FRAME. NO MAINTENANCE WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE AND A RECOMMENDATION FROM THE MECHANIC TO REMOVE THE VEHICLE FROM THE ROAD WAS ADVISED. *TR

Mileage: 147,000

I OWN A FORD RANGER AND THE FRAME WHERE THE LEAF SPRINGS ATTACH HAS COMPLETELY ROTTED OUT! IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO? *TR

Mileage: 130,000

REAR LEAF SPRING BRACKET HASEXSESSIVE AMOUT OF RUST AND WILL BREAK OFF. *TR

Mileage: 116,000

DURING MY ANNUAL INSPECTION IT WAS NOTED THAT THE REAR LEAF SPRING BRACKET WAS RUSTED OFF AND PART OF THE FRAME HAD RUSTED AWAY. WOULD NOT PASS SAFETY INSPECTION.... *TR

Mileage: 110,000

THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR SHACKLE WELDS BROKE FOR THE LEAFSPRING SUPPORT. IT MADE A CLUNKING NOISE, SO I CHECKED IT & SEEN THAT IT WAS BROKE. WERE THEN I NOTICED THE TRUCK BOX BEING LIFTED ON THAT SIDE. *TR

REAR WHEEL ASSEMBLY (WHEELS, AXLE, LEAF-SPRINGS) BECAME DETACHED FROM FRAME DUE TO SEVERE AND PREMATURE FRAME AND LEAF-SPRING BRACKET CORROSION (FAILURE CAUSED ABRUPT PULL TO CENTER OF HIGHWAY AT SPEED, FORTUNATELY NO ACCIDENT, SINCE I AM A PRETTY GOOD DRIVER). SUBSEQUENT INSPECTION REVEALED EXTENSIVE CORROSION ASSOCIATED WITH VEHICLE FRAME AND CRITICAL SUSPENSION COMPONENTS. LEAF SPRING BRACKETS AND VARIOUS OTHER SUSPENSION COMPONENTS NOTED TO BE MANUFACTURED FROM ULTRA-LOW CARBON STEEL (KNOWN TO TURN TO DUST WHEN EXPOSED TO WEATHER). VEHICLE IS A 2001 WITH ONLY 113,000 MILES; TRUCK IS BASICALLY JUNK AT THIS POINT WITH NO CHANCE OF REPLACING THE NUMEROUS COMPONENTS EFFECTED. I REPLACED THE LEAF-SPRING BRACKETS; HOWEVER I AM FEARFUL TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE SINCE IT MAY KILL ME. GOOD JOB FORD INSTILLING CUSTOMER SAFETY, SATISFACTION AND QUALITY ENGINEERING. HOPE THE FEW BUCKS YOU SAVED BY USING SUB-STANDARD MATERIALS ON CRITICAL SUSPENSION COMPONENTS WAS WORTH IT. I GUARANTEE MY FAMILY WILL NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER FORD PRODUCT. -HUSBAND, FATHER OF TWO... *TR

Mileage: 109,000

REAR OF FRAME HAS RUSTED AWAY. REAR BUMPER IS READY TO FALL OFF. LEFT SPRING UP AGAINST BED FLOOR. THIS TRUCK HAS THE ORIGINAL EXHAUST ON IT NO OTHER PROBLEMS EVER I USE FORD 5W20 SYN. BLEND OIL, CHANGED EVERY 3,000 MILES. GUESS I WASTED ALL THAT MONEY?? I GET 24 MILES TO THE GAL. HIGHWAY. NOW I CANT TAKE IT THERE. STILL LOOKS GOOD SETTING IN MY DRIVEWAY. I AM 68 YRS.OLD, MY ONLY VEH. NO MONEY FOR ANOTHER VEC. NOW WHAT???? THANKS FOR LETTING ME RAMBLE.........[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Mileage: 110,500

FRAME WAS NOTED TO HAVE SEVERE RUST DAMAGE TO REAR PORTION OF FRAME, HOWEVER,THE FRONT PORTION OFTHE FRAME DOES NOT SHOW SUCH DAMAGE. I HAVE DONE RESEARCH ON THIS ISSUE AND IT SEEMS TO BE SO COMMON THAT THERE IS AN AFTER MARKET FRAME REPAIR KIT FOR THIS SPECIFIC VEHICLE. THE TRUCK HAS NO OTHER ISSUES. I BELIEVE THAT IT SOULD NOT BE MUCH TO ASK TO HAVE DEFECT REPAIRED BY THE MANUFACTURER TO AVOID SAFETY ISSUES.

Mileage: 112,000

TRUCK HAS 86,000 AND LOOKS LIKE BRAND NEW CONDITION, HOWEVER, THE FRAME IS BADLY RUSTED, OUR AUTO MECHANIC HAS TOLD ME THAT THE TRUCKS LIFE IS COMING TO AN END. CONTACTED FORD AND THEY SAID THERE IS AN ONGOING INVESTIGATION AND THEY CAN NOT COMMENT AT THIS TIME. I ASKED IF THEY WOULD HELP PAY FOR A FRAME REPLACEMENT WHICH THEY DECLINED. *TR

REAR FRAME ON RANGER IS RUSTING. THE SLOT WHERE THE GAS TANK STRAP HOOKS ON TO THE FRAME HAS RUSTED AWAY THIS CAUSED THE GAS TANK TO DROP THE WHOLE BACK FRAME LOOKS BAD. *TR

Mileage: 110,000

NOTICED MY TRUCK WAS SITTING CROOKED. TOOK IT TO REPAIR SHOP TO HAVE REPAIRED. ABOUT 2 HOURS AFTER I DROPPED IT OFF THE REPAIR SHOP CALLED MY PHONE AND ASKED ME TO COME TO THEIR SHOP. THE MECHANIC SHOWED ME THE RUSTED SPRING SHACKLES AND RUSTED SPRING HANGERS AND THE RUSTED FRAME. THIS SHOP WOULD NOT PUT MY TRAILER HITCH BACK ON BECAUSE HE SAID MY RUSTY FRAME WOULD NOT HOLD IT UP. I TOOK MY TRUCK BACK TO A FORD DEALER FOR THEM TO LOOK AT. THEY TOLD ME THAT THE TRUCK WAS PAID FOR, WARRANTY WAS OUT AND AS FAR AS THEY WERE CONCERNED THE PROBLEM WAS MINE. I TRIED TO TELL THE DEALER THAT THIS DIDN,T HAPPEN OVERNIGHT. HE DIDN,T CARE. I HAVE HAD PARTS OF THE FRAME PLATED SO IT WOULDN,T BREAK INTO. GAS TANK BRACKETS HAVE RUSTED OFF. MAIN FRONT CROSSMEMBER HAS RUST HOLES IN IT. THIS TRUCK WAS ONLY 7 YEARS OLD AND ITS JUNK. TRIED TO TRADE IT OFF AT A DEALER FIRST THING THEY LOOK AT IS THE FRAME. THE DEALERS KNOW THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE FRAMES RUSTING. AND MINE IS NOT THE ONLY ONE IN THE AREA WITH RUSTED FRAME PROBLEMS. MY SON HAS A 2004 FORD THATS ALMOST AS BAD AS MINE. I HAVE A 1955 FORD TRUCK THAT HAS A BETTER FRAME UNDER IT THAN MY 2001. SAD BUT TRUE. I TOOK EXCELLENT CARE OF MY TRUCK FOR THOSE FIRST 7 YEARS BUT WHO CRAWLS UNDER THEIR CAR OR TRUCK TO CHECK FOR RUST. YOU EXPECT SOME BUT NOT TO THIS EXTENT. *TR

Mileage: 100,000

REAR LEAF SPRING HANGERS FAILED & SEPARATED FROM THE FRAME DUE TO CORROSION CAUSING THE LEAF SPRING TO DAMAGE THE BED OF THE TRUCK AS THE LEAF SPRING DROVE THROUGH THE SKIN OF THE TRUCK BED. *TR

Mileage: 95,000

I BROUGHT MY 2001 FORD RANGER IN FOR IT'S ANNUAL NEW YORK INSPECTION. THE INSPECTOR POINTED OUT THAT THE FRAME WAS DANGEROUSLY WEAK DUE TO RUST BY THE REAR SHACKLE BRACKETS WHICH THE LEAF SPRING IS ATTACHED TO. I HAD THESE BRACKETS REPLACED A FEW YEARS EARLY BECAUSE ONE RUSTED OUT AND BROKE. I WOULD HAT TO THINK WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF MY FRAME FAILED WHILE ON A INTERSTATE AT 65 MPH. I AM 63 YEARS OLD AND NEVER DID I HAVE A FRAME RUST OUT. I TOOK THE CAR TO A SHOP WHICH WELDED NEW STEEL ON THE FRAME BOTH SIDES.

Mileage: 111,197

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE WORN. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,944. THE LOWER BALL JOINTS HAD TO BE REPLACED. UPDATED 05/06/11

Mileage: 47,944

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD RANGER XLT. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR WHEELS WERE SITTING LOWER TO THE GROUND THAN USUAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE REAR SUSPENSION WAS REPAIRED. A FEW YEARS LATER, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR FACILITY TO BE INSPECTED WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THE ENTIRE UNDERCARRIAGE WAS SEVERELY CORRODED. IN ADDITION, THE HINGES WHICH HELD THE FUEL TANK TO THE FRAME WERE SEVERELY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 104,000. UPDATED 01/25/11*LJ THE VEHICLE ALSO HAD AN EVAP LEAK.

Mileage: 67,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD RANGER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDERGOING A FRONT END ALIGNMENT, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE DEFECTIVE, LOOSE, AND WORN. HE STATED THAT THE STEERING WAS FINE AND HE COULD NOT TELL THAT THERE WAS AN ISSUE PRIOR TO THE REPAIR VISIT. THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 43,000.

Mileage: 43,000

I HAVE A 2001 FORD RANGER 4X THAT IS MAINLY USED FOR DRIVING TO WORK. IT IS ONLY TAKEN OFF THE PAVEMENT TO UNLOAD MATERIALS OR REMOVE WOOD, ETC FROM THE BACK OF MY PROPERTY. I HAD NEW TIRES PUT ON AT 75,000 MILES AND WAS TOLD THAT I NEEDED WHEEL ALIGNMENT. SINCE I QUESTIONED THIS, I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER FOR THE ALIGNMENT. THEY TOLD ME THAT MY BALL JOINTS NEEDED REPLACEMENT FOR $500, WHICH I ALSO DOUBTED. I TOLD THEM TO DO THE ALIGNMENT BUT NOT THE BALL JOINT REPLACEMENT. I HAVE HAD NO REASON TO SUSPECT THAT THE BALL JOINTS ARE BAD BUT IF THEY ARE THEN I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THEM REPLACED. I AM 65 AND HAVE GONE THROUGH A LOT OF CARS. I HAVE HAD SOME FOR NEARLY 200,000 MILES BUT THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THAT I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE BALL JOINTS NEED REPLACEMENT. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD AND THEY PROVIDED NOT HELP. THEY SAID TO TAKE IT TO A DEALER AND THAT THEY WILL PROBABLY CHARGE ME TO LOOK AT IT. *TR

Mileage: 76,000

I GOT AN 2001 FORD RANGER USED. NOTICED SOMETHING STRANGE WITH THE HANDLING. I ALSO NOTICED A BANGING ON THE FLOOR ON ROUGH ROADS. IT TOOK ME A TWO MONTHS TO FIND THE PROBLEM. BOTH BOLTS OR THE ANTI SWAY BAR WERE BROKEN ON THE FRONT END. *TR

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED UPON INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE THE BALL JOINT BOOTS WERE NOTICED DETERIORATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY REPLACED THE LOWER BALL JOINTS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED. THE UPPER BALL JOINTS FAILED AS WELL. THE TIMING COVER GASKET WAS REPLACED. UPDATED 03/22/06. *JB

Mileage: 29,055

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED UPON INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE THE BALL JOINT BOOTS WERE NOTICED DETERIORATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY REPLACED THE LOWER BALL JOINTS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED. THE UPPER BALL JOINTS FAILED AS WELL. THE TIMING COVER GASKET WAS REPLACED. UPDATED 03/22/06. *JB

Mileage: 29,055

DT: THE CALLER SAID BOTH FRONT BALL JOINTS WERE DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS MAKING NOISES IN THE FRONT END. THIS WAS THE ONLY INDICATION THAT SOMETHING WAS WRONG. THE DEALER TOLD THE CONSUMER THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TOLD THE CONSUMER THAT THE BALL JOINTS WERE BAD. THE MECHANIC TOLD HIM THAT THE BALL JOINTS SHOULD NOT GO BAD AT THAT MILEAGE. THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED NO HELP. THE CONSUMER DID NOT KNOW IF THE PROBLEM WAS WITH THE LOWER JOINTS. *AK (11/15/05) THE NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE FRONT TIRE. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE NOISE WAS COMING FROM BOTH BALL JOINTS AND THE CV JOINT. *SC

Mileage: 5,000

AFTER 15,000 MILES ON GOOD YEAR TIRES I HAD STRANGE WEAR OF ALL 4 TIRES. I WENT TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP BURT FORD 303-643-9020 AND APPROVED THROUGH FORD ALL TIRES HAD BEEN REPLACED. (THIS WAS BOUGHT NEW OFF OF FORD LOT WITH GOODYEAR TIRES) THEY STATED THE TIRES HAD COUPLED? BAD TIRES AND REPLACE. 20,000 MILES LATER THE SAME THING HAPPENED ALL 4 TIRES AND I WAS TOLD BY FORD CUSTOMER CARE, 1-800-241- FORD, AND BURT FORD THAT AGAIN IT WAS THE TIRES AND AGAIN THE NEW TIRES HAVE STARTED COUPLING. I FEEL THIS IS THE FORD RANGER 2001, 4 WHEEL DRIVE, BUILD DEFECT THAT IS MAKING THIS HAPPEN. I AT THIS TIME FEAR THE VEHICLE HAS A MAJOR DEFECT AND THIS WILL MAKE THE TRUCK UNSAFE AND POSSIBLY CAUSE LOSS OF LIFE. FORD STATED THEY CHECKED FRONT END ONLY. THEY ARE NOT TAKING THIS AS A REAL ISSUE AND HAVE NOW PLACED ME AND MY FAMILY IN DANGER. *JB

WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND MECHANIC NOTIFIED CONSUMER THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. HOWEVER A INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT LOWER BALL JOINT WORE OUT.*AK

I HAVE A FORD RANGER EDGE 2001. I PURCHASED IT JUN 11 2003. I JUST STARTED FEELING WEIRD VIBRATIONS AND SOUNDS FROM THE FRONT END .I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC AND HE TOLD ME BOTH UPPER SUSPENSION ARMS NEED REPLACING.THIS IS GOING TO COST OVER A $1000.00 DOLLARS. I WAS TOLD IF I DON'T DO IT SOON I COULD LOOSE ONE OR BOTH OF MY FRONT TIRES AT HIGH SPEED OR OFF ROAD. HE ALSO TOLD ME HE HAS A LOT OF FORD RANGERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. PLEASE HELP. *PH

Mileage: 51,200

CONSUMER STATED THAT FRONT END IS WEARING. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK

AT 6K MI WHILE MAKING RIGHT TURNS AT SPEEDS 30 MPH AND LOWER, THERE WAS A DISTINCT VIBRATION IN THE FRONT END. FORD REPLACED THE STEERING RACK. NOW AT 23K MI SAME EXACT PROBLEM IS BACK. *TT

Mileage: 6,000

THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE SWAYED, WHEN THE VEHICLE HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD. *JB

Mileage: 19,600

VEHICLE IS PULLING TO THE RIGHT SIDE. RIGHT/FRONT TIRE FEELS AS IF IT IS GOING TO BUCKLE UP UNDER VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

WHILE DRIVING 57-67 MPH THERE IS A CONSTANT VIBRATION. ENGINEER FROM FORD STATED IT WAS A CHARACTERISTIC OF THE TRUCK.*AK FORD RECOMMENDED AND INSTALLED NEW GOODYEAR WRANGLER TIRES ON VEHICLE. *TT

DATE OF PURCHASE SMELLED RUBBER ON THE DRIVERS FRONT WHEEL. TRUCK BOUNCES ALL OVER CONTINUES TO DO SO, THIS CAUSES POOR STEERING CONTROL AS WELL. BRAKES ALTERNATES FROM GRABBING OR SLOW IN WORKING, PCM HAS BEEN REPROGRAMMED, YET THE WHINNING IN THE ENGINE OR DRIVE TRAIN CONTINUE. SUSPENSION VERY WEAK, VEHICLE LEANS TO THE RIGHT ON THE CURVES AND STEERING CONTROL IS DANGEROUS.

A PIECE OF TIRE FLEW OFF AND MADE A LOUD THUD SOUND IN THE WHEEL-WELL. TIRE THEN BEGAN TO FLY APART WHILE DRIVING AT 65MPH. TRUCK BEGAN TO SWERVE OFF THE ROAD WHEN I BEGAN TO APPLY THE BRAKES. TIRE CAME OFF THE RIM BEFORE WE COULD STOP. BELL FORD AND FIRESTONE DEALER TOLD ME THE TIRE WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY AS IT HAPPENED WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THEY CALLED IT A "ROAD HAZARD." "HAZARDOUS TIRES" WOULD BE MORE ACCURATE. ANOTHER COUPLE BROUGHT IN A TIRE JUST LIKE OURS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. WE WERE BOTH TURNED AWAY. WE HAVE REPLACED ALL FIVE TIRES ON THE VEHICLE BECAUSE OF THE NATURE OF THE SITUATION AND THE DANGER WE FELT. I HAVE HAD FLAT TIRES ON THE FREEWAY BEFORE, BUT I HAVE NEVER HAD A TIRE DISINTEGRATE INTO HUNDREDS OF PIECES OR COME OFF THE RIM LIKE THAT. PLEASE ADVICE NHTSA OF POOR QUALITY OF THIS FIRESTONE PRODUCT WHICH FORD MOTOR COMPANY USES ON THEIR NEW VEHICLES. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP TO THE COMSUMERS. *AK (DOT NUMBER: 027476 TIRESIZE: 70R15)

THE PROBLEM IS A NON-COMPLIANCE OF THE INSTALLED SPRINGS AND SHOCKS ASSEMBLY. THE WHOLE TRUCK BOUNCES OVER A BUMP INSTEAD OF THE SUSPENSION COMPRESSING AND ABSORBING THE SHOCK. THE RESULTS ARE THAT THE BACK END OF THE TRUCK BOUNCES TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT AND MAKES ME ALMOST LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE ENDED UP ON TWO WHEELS ON ONE OCCASION AND ALMOST ROLLED OVER. THE VEHICLE FINALLY SETTLED BACK DOWN ON ALL FOUR WHEELS AND I WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE ON MY WAY.*AK

WHENEVER VEHICLE RUNS OVER A BUMP OR A POTHOLE IT CAUSES REAR END TO KICK TO THE RIGHT OR TO THE LEFT. DEALER REPLACED FRONT AND REAR SHOCK, SOME IMPROVEMENTS WERE MADE, BUT THE PROBLEM STILL OCCURS. *AK CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE OVERSTEERS WHEN PRESSURE IS APPLIED LIKE DURING A TURN, THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO ONLY OCCUR WHEN THE LEFT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE HITS A BUMP. ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. *JB

I HAVE HAD THIS TRUCK FOR ONLY ONE YEAR AND HAVE HAD MANY PROBLEMS. FIRST THE TRANSMISSION WENT BEACAUSE IT WOULD NOT GO PAST 2ND GEAR AND THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT WAS FLASHING. IT WAS FOUND TO BE INTERNAL PARTS AND EXTERNAL WIRING OF THE TRANSMISSION. THAT SAME DAY THE ALTERNATOR WENT AND LEFT ME WITH A DEAD BATTERY. I HAVE TAKEN IT INTO THE DEALER ABOUT 3 TIMES FOR ROUGH IDLE AND HAVE BEEN TURNED AWAY SAYING THE CANNOT FEEL ANYTHING AND THAT NOT TO WORRY BECAUSE ITS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. TWICE I HAVE TAKEN IT IN FOR THE FRONT SUSPENSION DUE TO A VIBRATION TO THE STEERING WHEEL AND TRUCK. ALL ROTORS WERE TURNED AND THE FRONT WAS REALLINED. ALSO THE TRUCK SEEMS TO GO THROUGH GAS A BIT TOO QUICKLY, JUST ABOUT A BIT OVER A QUARTER TANK FOR EVERY 10-15 MILES.*AK

I HAVE HAD THIS TRUCK FOR ONLY ONE YEAR AND HAVE HAD MANY PROBLEMS. FIRST THE TRANSMISSION WENT BEACAUSE IT WOULD NOT GO PAST 2ND GEAR AND THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT WAS FLASHING. IT WAS FOUND TO BE INTERNAL PARTS AND EXTERNAL WIRING OF THE TRANSMISSION. THAT SAME DAY THE ALTERNATOR WENT AND LEFT ME WITH A DEAD BATTERY. I HAVE TAKEN IT INTO THE DEALER ABOUT 3 TIMES FOR ROUGH IDLE AND HAVE BEEN TURNED AWAY SAYING THE CANNOT FEEL ANYTHING AND THAT NOT TO WORRY BECAUSE ITS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. TWICE I HAVE TAKEN IT IN FOR THE FRONT SUSPENSION DUE TO A VIBRATION TO THE STEERING WHEEL AND TRUCK. ALL ROTORS WERE TURNED AND THE FRONT WAS REALLINED. ALSO THE TRUCK SEEMS TO GO THROUGH GAS A BIT TOO QUICKLY, JUST ABOUT A BIT OVER A QUARTER TANK FOR EVERY 10-15 MILES.*AK

VEHICLE WANDERS AND IT IS DIFFICULT TO CONTROL, THE REAR END HAS EXCESSIVE ROLL AT HIGHWAY USE, LACK OF CONTROL EXIST WHEN THE ROAD CONDITIONS CHANGE.

VEHICLE WANDERS AND IT IS DIFFICULT TO CONTROL, THE REAR END HAS EXCESSIVE ROLL AT HIGHWAY USE, LACK OF CONTROL EXIST WHEN THE ROAD CONDITIONS CHANGE.

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE WOULD START TO VIBRATE/ SHIMMY, HIGHER THE SPEED SHIMMYING WOULD BE WORSE, CONSUMER WOULD GRIP STEERING WHEEL, AND WOULD BE HARD TO MAINTAIN CONTROL, HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO TWO DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS, EACH MECHANIC JUST ROTATED THE TIRES, THIS FAILED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM.*AK GOODYEAR REPLACED ALL FOUR TIRES. RTS WRANGLER P235/75R15)*JB

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE WOULD START TO VIBRATE/ SHIMMY, HIGHER THE SPEED SHIMMYING WOULD BE WORSE, CONSUMER WOULD GRIP STEERING WHEEL, AND WOULD BE HARD TO MAINTAIN CONTROL, HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO TWO DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS, EACH MECHANIC JUST ROTATED THE TIRES, THIS FAILED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM.*AK GOODYEAR REPLACED ALL FOUR TIRES. RTS WRANGLER P235/75R15)*JB

WHILE TRAVELING UP HILL AND MAKING TURNS CONSUMER NOTICED STEERING WHEEL VIBRATING. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. DEALER ENCOURAGED CONSUMER TO PUT MORE MILES ON VEHICLE. *AK VEHICLE HAS ROUGH IDLE WHEN WAITING FOR A LIGHT OR A STOP SIGN, IT DOESN'T MATTER IF IT IS IN GEAR OR NOT. *YH