2001 Ford Ranger brakes problems

Filed Apr 6, 2026 · Brakes, Engine · 226,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2001 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop. The contact stated that there was smoke coming from underneath the hood. The brakes and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar failure; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 226,000.

Filed Oct 2, 2013 · Brakes, Suspension · 120,000 miles · PA

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?

Filed Jul 2, 2013 · Brakes · 120,185 miles · NY

I hit the brakes and the pedal went to the floor. I was lucky that I was going relatively slow and there was no traffic. Brake line from ABS unit to rear brake hose had failed. I am surprised that this hasn't been a recall as I have two friends with ford rangers who have had the exact same failure. One resulted in as crash. I also informally ask other ranger owners and many have had the same failure. I have owned many other cars, for longer time periods and far more mileage without this kind of failure.

Filed May 30, 2013 · Acceleration, Brakes · 80,664 miles · GA · 1 injury

I was driving on a residential road, coming up to a third speed bump. I stepped on the brakes to slow down a little bit and my engine revved and started going faster. I hit the brakes and my truck spun out, off the road and stopped. The seat belt harness did not lock up; the shoulder strap stayed loose, and my head was being hit against the steering wheel. Then, somehow I fell out of the truck. This has never happened before. 05/17/13 I took my truck in to get the recall fixed, and get everything checked out.

Filed Nov 6, 2012 · Body, Brakes · 100,007 miles · NY

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

Filed Nov 29, 2011 · Acceleration, Brakes · CA · crash

Truck vehicle was shifting into reverse and a brake failure prompt the driver to switch into drive and suddenly the vehicle spun off out of control(burning tire) and it took off very fast without even touching the gas pedal. Driver tried to stop it but nothing worked.

Filed Oct 30, 2011 · Brakes, Electrical · CA · fire

I was driving 20 MPH when I press the brake and the pedal went to the floor, a fire started under the hood, I noticed one of the brake lines was burning. Put fire out and towed the pick up to the shop where it remains.

Filed Jan 31, 2011 · Brakes · 250 miles · WV

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford ranger. The contact stated that the brakes on the vehicle did not function properly when it was foggy, cold, rainy or damp. The brakes were replaced several times but the failure continued. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who stated that the seals on the rear axle leaked fluid onto the brake pedal. The vehicle was involved in a crash in 2009 that the contact believed was due to brake failure. The failure mileage was 250 and the current mileage was 102,000.

Filed Oct 21, 2010 · Body, Brakes · 82,000 miles · MA

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.

Filed Oct 7, 2010 · Brakes · 48,000 miles · MD

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford ranger. The contact took the vehicle into an automotive center for a routine oil change. The mechanic showed the contact where the metal on the caliper was deteriorating and flaking off. The contact had no prior problems with the brakes before being informed by the mechanic. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been notified. The VIN was unavailable. The current and failure mileages were approximately 44,000.