Problems with 2001 Ford Ranger STRUCTURE

Bought the truck and a few weeks of driving notice the bed was off center. put truck on life and found whole frame is rusted out. *tr

Undercarriage and frame has excessive rust problems causing parts on frame to fail and fall off. *tr

Right rear is two inches lower than left side, frame is rusted through. *tr

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

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

Failed nys inspection due to structural cracks in frame. additionally the bracket holding one of the fuel tank straps was completely rotted away leaving the tank suspended by only one strap. *tr

The frame rusted out and bent out of shape in the rear end. *tr

I own a ford ranger and the frame where the leaf springs attach has completely rotted out! is there anything i can do? *tr

Rear leaf spring bracket hasexsessive amout of rust and will break off. *tr

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

Entire frame rusted out-gas tank-rear shackles-bumper fell off. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford ranger. the contact stated that the rear frame was completely corroded. the vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who advised that the material used to build the frame was defective. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and the current mileage was 120,000.

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

Door ajar light stays on due to faulty door latches and switches. prevents door from closing all the way and also prevents the interior light to shut off. doors shut but don't latch fully which can cause the door to pop open. this should of been a recall a while ago. when talking to my mechanic and a few other people with a 99-01 ranger extended cab 4 door they have had the same problem. my mechanic says this is a known ford problem. i fear that someone in the back jump seat will be leaning up against the door and it will pop open when going down the road. i am in the process of getting this issue corrected but it is going to be a costly fix that i should not be responsible for since this is a ford ranger problem and i am not the only one having it!!! *kb

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

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

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

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.

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.

Rear portion of frame and leaf spring brackets rotted frame has rotted through. *kb

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford ranger. the contact stated that after placing tags on the vehicle, she noticed that the frame was severley rusted. the vehicle had not been inspected by a dealer, nor had it been repaired. the manufacturer was notified and informed the contact that there were no recalls on the vehicle. the failure and current mileages were approximately 280,000. updated 09/15/11*lj updated 01/20/11

I have a 2001 ranger edge and the bumper mounts . rear shackles and support plates that hold shackle have completely rusted and now the springs are sitting up against the bed of the truck also where the support plate mounts to the chassis there are huge rust holes so it can not be repaired . this truck is only 10 years old!!!! what can be done. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford ranger. the contact noticed that the frame was rusted. both the dealer and manufacturer were informed who advised the contact that there were no related recalls and offered no additional assistance. a private mechanic inspected the vehicle and stated that the frame completely corroded. the vehicle had not been repaired. the current and failure mileages were 57,000.

The frame on my 2001 ford ranger has rotted away. it has been deemed unsafe to drive by my state inspection center. i have been driving this truck with my children in it and it has been unsafe for quite a while without me knowing it.. it only has 95,000 miles and is now unusable. it is the truck i use for my carpentry work and i am now out of work. *tr

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

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford ranger. the contact stated that the vehicle frame was cracked and completely rusted due to corrosion. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and dealer where they advised that the frame completely rusted. also, the technician recommended the vehicle not be driven due to a potential safety hazard. the vehicle was not repaired. the vehicle failure mileage was 42,000. updated 01/31/11 *bf updated 03/16/11

2001 ford ranger 4x4 extended cab - frame is completely rusted out in the rear and has holes rusted through in the front where suspension parts are mounted. frame rusted out completely at rear spring mounts they broke loose went up and hit bed one side poked hole in bed. i called ford and asked if they would do anything about it as toyota has recently recalled trucks that have the same problem. they said they were not. if i would have been driving 70 mph on an interstate when the rear brackets broke loose someone could have been killed. this is a serious problem and should be addressed as toyota has. *tr

Rust on the frame of my truck has resulted in the truck need a new frame or i will have to junk the truck. started in 2009 the bumper fell off and i had to put steel on the end of the frame to support the bumper . in 2010 the spring hanger broke and i was told that the frame was gone , from the back wheels to the bumper. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford ranger. the contact detected that the main frame exhibited large holes, broke and was covered with an excessive amount of rust. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for inspection. the technician stated that the frame was faulty and poorly designed. the rear spring mounts were replaced as a result of the rust corrosion. the failure mileage was 83,000.

The salt on the roads rusted the frame horribly causing holes and weak points through the body.

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

2001 ford ranger 2wd 52k miles. rear frame rotted through at leaf spring brackets. leaf spring brackets and shackles rotted apart from frame. crossmember at fuel tank rotted through. spare tire crossmember rotted. major safety issue this may be related to road salt use but my other (older) vehicles never rotted out to this extent. not sure what my final fix will be yet, but it will involve some patching and welding. would like to replace frame, or at least back half of frame to feel confident that vehicle will be safe and last long enough to reach 100k miles. disappointing failure from an american manufacturer. *tr

I have a 2001 ford ranger and have a really bad rusting issue on the rear frame. the front half seems fine but the rear half is rusting really bad and i fear that since i have had large chunks of rusted metal fall off that more critical parts may be weakened by the bad rust. i belong to a ranger forum and know that many have the same issue as me. *tr

2001 ford ranger with 86866k. in around sept 2010 i heard a thump and banging from the back. upon home i looked under i saw that the shackle mount rotted and broke on the driver side. the passenger side did not break but not any better then the one that broke. i bought the shackle and the shackle mounts. after i removed the shackle mount on the passenger side i saw rot through the frame as well heavy flaking rust thro-out the entire frame. i called ford and they said in a nut shell too bad. *kb

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford ranger. the contact stated that several portions of the frame, fuel system, and brake drums were rusted. both the rear and front ends of the frame were suffering from severe rusting and the fuel filler pipe was also rusted. in addition, the cross member was also rusted. the contact also stated that the rusting began approximately three years ago. the failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 137,000. updated 12/20/11*lj updated 01/03/12

I have a 2001 ford ranger, which now has 96000 miles on it. i purchased it new. at approximately 90000 miles, the rear spring shackles rotted off of the frame. i was driving when this happened, and the truck bed dropped down on to the shackle ear with a tu=hud and shook the truck. the spare tire storage housing has also rusted away. *tr

In 2001 purchased a new ford 2001 xlt ranger from a dealership. in march/april 2009, at 76,000 miles it became necessary to replace the entire rear brakeline system due to rot. in dec /jan 2009 the bed of the truck and the rear bumper became loose. in the early spring of 2010 the rear bumper fell off in my hands. the vehicle was set for service at an auto repair shop. upon inspection the frame and bed attachment, leaf springs and frame attachments, main frame, were corroded and rotted with visible holes. the vehicle was deemed unsafe to drive. the repairs have not been undertaken because a suitable replacement frame is unavailable and repairs at this time are unaffordable. *tr

Since i have owned the vehicle i have had many issues with the frame of my 2001 ford ranger edge. at one point i was driving down the road and i heard a little noise so i stopped and the spare tire came rolling by me down the street. one of my leaf springs cracked so i had my mechanic check it out and he said the frame was all rotted out and that this was very common for this year ranger. he said the shackles that hold on the leaf sprig were broken because of rot. so he braced up some areas with metal and installed new leaf springs and shackles. the bed of the truck is tilted because of the frame. i cant give you an exact date that this first happened but i believe it is around the date i put down. i get nervous towing my boat or my pop up trailer because of the frame. *tt

My 2001 ford ranger pickup with 89,000 miles which is always parked in the garage at night had both tailgate cables snap in the middle while my knees were on it. i was reaching for some groceries inside the canopy and both cables snapped, causing my knees to be hurt and my tailgate dented on the bumper. i went to gresham ford parts department and they told me it was common. i also read other peoples experience on the same issue. although the tailgate cables are covered in a rubber/plastic coating, the ends are open leaving water to access at these points and to pool in the middle when the tailgate is shut. thus leaving the braided cable to rust in the middle. it was suppose to hold 500 pounds of pressure and it broke on my 180 pound weight. it could have caused more injury if i had been standing or loading something heavier on the tailgate. gm and chevy had a recall on this exact same issue. they replaced the cables with a sealed end.i called ford on nov 24, 2008 and they said that there wasn't any recall and couldn't help me. this problem needs to be fixed before someone else gets killed. i was injured and my truck has dents because ford refuses to address the issue. they could issue new cables during maintenance visits or inform owners before someone else gets hurt. *tr

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

I purchased a 2001 ford ranger xlt two years ago and when i went to get a sticker on it last year i had to put a lot of money into having part of the frame replaced due to rot. this year i took it to quirk ford in augusta to see what it would need before my sticker and was told that even if i get the basic regular maintenance done to get a sticker ($3k) it would never get a sticker again due to the rot in the rocker panels and the frame. i've contacted ford as it is only 8 years old and shouldn't be in that condition. they will do nothing about it. i am stuck with paying the remainder $5800 i owe on the vehicle and i can't get out of it due to the negative equity because of the condition the vehicle is in. i am the only source of income for our family of 3 right now and i can't afford to make two vehicle payments. i live too far from work to walk. it really upsets me that i'm stuck with no options for an issue that shouldn't even be. isn't there something that can be done about this?? *tr

Both tailgate support cables broke and dropped me about 6 inches as i was sitting on the tailgate, 10-6-2007. *tr

The entire frame has rusted out. rear leaf springs frame cross members, cab mounts, i would never buy another ford. *tr

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.

Dt*: the contact stated the passenger side seat belt releases from the buckle without warning. additionally, the tailgate cable on the driver's side broke while attempting to open the tailgate. the vehicle has not been inspected by the dealer; however the manufacturer was alerted.

On march 22nd, 2004 mclean ford service department in pine plains, ny replaced the roof support on my ford ranger 2001, which was cracked. today, december 19th 2004, i went to mclean ford service department where they determined that the roof support has again cracked. the initial repair was done under the 36k miles/36 months original warranty. mclean ford service department is saying that it is not under the 12k mi/12 months parts and service warranty, since it was done under the original warranty and it does not extend beyond it. since the roof support has cracked again i consider this a part defect, but neither the dealership or ford co. wants to acknowledge this.*ak

Paint clear coat is chiping and peeling around most of the vehicle . *ak

Both tailate cables on a 2001 ford ranger truck broke while my husband was on the tailgate a few months ago. minor injuries, but could have been serious! gm is not the only company with faulty tailgate cables! we replaced the cables at our own cost.*ak

Ford made a extended cab with back doors. by ford eliminating the b-pillar or post. front door is just latch to the rear door without a post to support it. which can result in minimal strength and protection against side impacts. *jg

Dt: the bed iwas twisted,found out it was dropped on the passenger's side at the factory. the wiring harness was pinched, found out that after driving on the highway at 70 vehicle shut off. the doors popped open. took to body shop, they did not touch anything, they measured against ford spec's. this is in court. *ak