2003 Ford Ranger acceleration problems

40 complaints (16% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 56,000. 11 crashes reported.

owner complaints: 40
of this car's complaints: 16%
typical mileage: 56,000
crashes: 11
recalls: 1

Which part fails

Accelerator pedal
5
Cruise control
3
Cables
1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k

25k-50k

50k-75k

75k-100k

100k-125k

125k-150k

150k-175k

175k-200k

200k+

Ford Ranger acceleration problems in other years

Specific symptoms reported on the 2003 Ford Ranger acceleration

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Sudden acceleration 12

Related recalls

Vehicle speed controlReported October 13, 2009 · 4,500,000 vehicles affected

What is wrong: Ford is recalling model years 1995-2003 windstar, 2000-2003 excursion diesel, 1993-1997 and 1999-2003 f-250 sd through f-550 sd diesel, 1992-2003 e-150 through e-550, 1995-2002 explorer, 1997 and 2002 mercury mountaineer, 1995-1997 and 2001-2003 ranger, and 1994 f53 vehicles equipped with the texas instruments speed control deactivation switch (scds). The scds may leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn.
Risk: A vehicle fire could occur with or without the engine running.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners that dealers will install a fused wiring harness in line with the scds. On 1999-2003 windstar vehicles with a leaking scds, dealers will also inspect the ABS control module connector and repair as necessary. Repairs will be completed free of charge. The safety recall began on october 27, 2009. Owners may contact ford at 1‑888‑222‑2751.

Recall number 09V399000 · Recall details

What 2003 Ford Ranger owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Aug 5, 2016 · Acceleration, Seat belts · IL

Cruse-control is very flimsy,some times it will not work,,, have to hold it from back side when trying to start control.in motion, on highway.

Filed Jul 21, 2016 · Acceleration · 160,057 miles · CA

Vehicle accelerates when brakes are applied. So far only has happened at slow speeds while parking the vehicle. I've seen a jump of 1,000 RPM's when it occurs, but if your pressing hard enough on the brakes you can control the acceleration

Filed Apr 15, 2016 · Acceleration · CA · crash

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford ranger. While attempting to reverse, the vehicle independently accelerated without warning and crashed into a wall. A police report was filed and there were no injuries sustained. The vehicle was towed. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.

Filed Feb 4, 2015 · Acceleration, Body · 96,000 miles · MI · crash

2003 ford ranger suddenly accelerated upon attempting to park. I was pulling into my parking spot while apply the brakes when my vehicle suddenly accelerated, jumped a snow bank and hit a light pole. Independent witness reported the vehicle just took off, rear wheels rapidly started turning. I contacted ford motor co. Who did not seem too concerned about the incident and had no interest to inspect the vehicle.

Filed Oct 27, 2014 · Acceleration, Fuel system · 66,720 miles · PA

Bought the 2003 ranger new in jan 2004. Last week, after coming to a stop at red light, it suddenly began revving up drastically ( 3000 + RPM's). Brake harder to keep it from ramming car in front. Put in park and turned off with key. Re-started and it ran normally. It has done this twice more since then, once when I put it in reverse to back out of parking spot. Both times it ran normally after the incident. Never had this happen before. Checked mats around the accelerator pedal, all clear. There are 66,720 miles on odometer, no major problems 'till now. ???

Filed Sep 12, 2013 · Acceleration · 59,000 miles · IA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford ranger. The contact stated that the rpms increased to 4,000, caused the tires to smoke, and the engine to suddenly accelerate. The contact placed the vehicle into neutral gear, released the brake pedal and the vehicle functioned normally. The contact removed the cruise control linkage; however, the failure was not corrected. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 59,000. The current mileage was 63,000. ...updated 11-12-13

Filed Oct 23, 2012 · Acceleration · 218,000 miles · MA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford ranger. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic stop, the engine pms increased abnormally to 3000. The contact held the brake down with extreme force as the tires began to spin and make a screeching noise.the vehicle was attempting to accelerate abnormally but the contact was able to stop the failure by abruptly applying the brakes and powering the vehicle off. The vehicle was restarted and resumed normal operation. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to a dealer. The dealer stated that because the vehicle was over ten years old, they were unable to perform a diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 218,000.

Filed Aug 30, 2012 · Acceleration · 72,000 miles · TX · crash

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford ranger. The contact stated that while driving 15 MPH, the accelerator pedal became stuck. As a result, the vehicle accelerated independently and crash into a curb. The vehicle was destroyed. A police report was not file and injuries were reported. The vehicle was not inspected and the cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who stated that the contact needed to write a letter and mail it into ford. The failure mileage was 72,000.

Filed Mar 13, 2012 · Acceleration · 80,000 miles · WA

Vehicle with cruise control problem (not engaging) suddenly accelerated while driver was accelerating from stoplight. Reached approx. 45 MPH under forced acceleration before was able to pull onto side road, stand on brake, shift to neutral, turn off engine. Restart engine still had engine racing. Second restart ditto. Tapped accelerator, engine returned to normal RPM. Whew! Was in process of purchasing vehicle, dealership (not ford) replaced cruise control cable, cruise now working, no repeat of problem.

Filed May 13, 2011 · Acceleration · 100,000 miles · AL

Sudden acceleration with warning. Has happened several times in the past two years. Went to dealership to register this problem but the service manager was not concerned.

Questions about the 2003 Ford Ranger acceleration

Does the 2003 Ford Ranger have acceleration problems?

Owners have filed 40 complaints about the acceleration of the 2003 Ford Ranger, 16% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2003 Ford Ranger acceleration problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 56,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2003 Ford Ranger acceleration?

Yes, 1 recall: 09V399000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Ford Ranger have the most acceleration problems?

The Ford Ranger model years with the most acceleration complaints are 1998 (71 complaints), 2001 (57 complaints) and 2000 (55 complaints).