2001 Ford Ranger engine 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 Feb 3, 2023 · Engine · TX

The contact owns a 2001 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the contact's family member's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Jun 10, 2020 · Acceleration, Engine · CA

My 2001 ford ranger 3.0 has a idle when im depressing the clutch idle would stay around 1,300 RPM. Happens usually more when AC is on.

Filed Sep 8, 2017 · Engine · TX

Intermittent starting as if there is no fuel going to the engine. Shut off valve checked, basic trouble shooting done, as I understand doing research, this has been on-going issues with ford rangers doing this. Is there a fix for such?

Filed Feb 6, 2015 · Acceleration, Engine · 133,421 miles · ME

I was driving approx. 40 MPH when my vehicle suddenly sped up and the RPM went from 1.5 to 4.0 without my pushing harder on the gas. I tapped my brakes and it took a few moments to disengage. In the course of 40 minutes it did this 5 times. I checked to make sure the floor mat had not gotten pushed under and it was not. The vehicle just sped up on its own.

Filed Dec 20, 2013 · Engine · 200,000 miles · MO · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford ranger. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, he noticed smoke coming from under the hood. The vehicle was maneuvered off the roadway where the contact noticed that coolant was leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The contact, a certified mechanic, replaced the thermostat housing on three separate occasions due to a fracture. The failure was recurring. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.

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 Dec 2, 2010 · Body, Engine · 67,000 miles · RI

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.

Filed Jan 26, 2010 · Acceleration, Engine · 130,000 miles · OH

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford ranger. While approaching a stop sign, the engine would idle violently and act as if it would continue to accelerate. The contact had to depress the brake pedal with extreme force in order to prevent the vehicle from moving forward. The dealer could not determine the reason behind the failure. Several repairs, unknown to the contact were made to the vehicle; however, to date, the failure persists. The failure mileage was 130,000 and the current mileage was 140,000. Updated 02/23/10. *lj the consumer also stated the engine would stall. Updated 08/12/10

Filed Nov 9, 2008 · Engine · 108,000 miles · NC

I have a 2001 ford ranger edge. It has a 3.0l v6 engine, a 5-speed manual transmission. It has approximately 108,000 mile on it. I recently had a component fail in the internal engine. It was a cam syncroziner. It cost $467.08 to repair. I was told that this was an extremely common problem by my local ford dealership. I was also told that if this component is not fixed immediately, that it could cause the oil pump to the engine to fail, resulting in the engine losing power. This could cause the loss of brakes, and steering. I was told by several other ranger owners to recommend this to the federal safety agency. It should be recalled and all 3.0l ranger's should have there synchronizer repaired or replaced. This component failing could result in major engine damage, injury and death. Thank you!