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Ford Ranger Service Problems

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Gerald of Lake Havasu City AZ writes (2/2/02):
I have a 1989 Ford Ranger Pickup that has a fuel tank that is leaking at a seam, the tank is plastic so it is not repairable. Ford has changed the design of the replacement tank so that none of the straps or the shield from the original tank will fit the new tank.T he original straps and shield are serviceable.

The cost for the straps and shield is about $500.00. The total cost for the repair is $1050.00.

Sheryl of Dallas (8/10/03):
I bought a brand-new 1996 Ford Ranger in July of 1996, just prior to my 50th birthday. I have followed my owners manual, and had all the suggested maintenance done, actually above and beyond, what Ford suggested including frequent oil changes, tune-ups etc. My truck has a whole 71k on it after 7 years -- now the transmission is about to go out! Not a single person has ever driven my truck, and I have treated it like my child, and driven it like the granny I am!

Ford, when contacted, said they have had no consumer complaints, on the 96 Ranger, but after consulting with 2 different transmission shops here in Dallas both said that this is a "common" problem with all Ford trucks made in the 90's.

The economic damage for me is beyond words! I am disabled and living on $900.00 a month. The cost of repair is somewhere between $1,100-$1,700.00,based on the 2 estimates I have gotten. Needless to say, there is no way I can afford this costly repair! Over many years I have owned cars including 2 Toyotas that kept on even after reaching 200K. I will never buy another Ford, nor will I recommend any Ford product, to my worst enemy!

Dave of Calgary, Alberta (8/11/03):
4x4 Ranger purchased in March 2002. It currently has 70,000km. So far. Noise in transmission. After 5 visits and 8 days in the shop they tell me they finally have it figured out. First time they heard no noise and tried to bill me for looking. Second time in they heard the noise but could not fix it at the time and once again tried to bill me for looking. Third time they had it for 3 days and still did not fix the problem. Apparently ordered a recalled shifter. Lost the clutch slave cylinder shortly after. Asked them to fix the transmission noise and install the recalled part at that time.

They could not find the part so no go. Fifth time in they replaced the rubber shifter boot, can you believe that? Of course that was not the problem so they ordered more parts. Currently it is sitting in the shop for the sixth time for the same problem. Hopefully they get it right this time.

Wind noises both doors. Rock/chip guard coming off. Rattling/movement driver�s seat. Shimmy/vibration 135km. hr and up when new. The garage would not even look at this when it was still under warranty. Apparently their technicians can not drive that fast. Now it starts at 90km/hr. Funny thing is I just had two tires replaced and balanced. So I know it is not a wheel balance problem.

Front brakes and rotors @ 37000 km. would not warranty them. I was told there were hot spots on the rotors and they could not be machined. 400 bucks later fixed. I took the old rotors to another shop and they machined them no problem. They were a few thousandths of an inch under spec but it should have been covered under warranty. I brought this to Ford�s attention but all I heard was excuses. As I type this it is in the shop again with the same problem.

Transfer case sticks. I now have to accelerate hard in order to get the truck out of 4x4. I was told twice by the local oil change shop the transfer case fluid looked really dirty. Replaced it, 10,000km later it looked terrible again. I brought this to Ford's attention and was simply told it was normal. Now the warranty is off and I have to foot the bill to fix it.

I purchased this Ranger based on my previous experience. 1994 4cylinder 2x4. It was a great truck. 400,000km. replaced the clutch slave cylinder, rear wheel and diff bearings, and the front brakes pads twice. Still have the same rotors. Both vehicles are driven in the exact same fashion by the same driver. After the unfortunate experience with the new Ranger this is my last Ford product.

Thomas of North Royalton OH (1/12/02):
I bought a 2000 Ford Ranger in Sept. 01. Everything was fine until I got an oil change at 5000 mi. and the worker told me that I did not have any coolant in my coolant bottle. He topped me off and informed me that this could be serious. I thought maybe in the rush to get the truck out they forgot to put it in so I sort of brushed it off.

My truck now has 10,000 mi. and went for a oil change and guess what? It was empty again. I took it to Ford and had them test it and told them I wanted to know what the problem is. They gave it back to me in 1/2 hr. and said there's nothing wrong. They also told me that it is normal for the fluid to evaporate. I found a site that told me people have had this same problem and after a while they blew a head gasket.

Carolyn of Miami OK (11/2/01):
A few months ago I purchased a brand new 2001 Ford Ranger 4x4 ex. cab pickup, black. After I washed the truck, spots appeared on the truck that could not be washed off, polished off or rubbed off. Another wash did not help.

I took the truck to the local Ford dealership here in my hometown. They looked at it then sent me to have a professional to look at it, without any solution to my problem. Then I called Ford Motor Co. and they sent a rep. out to examine the truck and all he would say was that the problem must have been enviromental because they could not find any other reason.

They would not repaint the truck or replace it, so I am stuck with a truck that has spots that won't come off. I cannot get any help from Ford Motor Co. nor from the local dealer. I paid cash for the truck and I am very unhappy with my purchase, so what can I do?

Carolyn could sue Ford in Small Claims Court for the cost of a paint job.

Rebecca of Bessemer, AL, writes:
My 1999 Ford Ranger's windows fog up and it is hard to see. The steering is not right, it wanders. The brakes don't work righe, it has a vibration, it accelerates at stops and I am afraid I or someone else will be injured if it isn't fixed, but the dealership says it can't find any of the problems. I just think they dont want the lemon back.

I am a nervous wreck cause I have a vehicle that I have to pay for and I believe it is a hazard to be on the road. I almost had a wreck cause it accelerated at a stop light and I'm just terrified to drive it.

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