2003 Ford Ranger: grinding or squealing brakes

7 of the 243 complaints about the 2003 Ford Ranger describe grinding or squealing brakes.

owner complaints: 7
of this car's complaints: 3%
typical mileage: 104,400
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 2 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Grinding or squealing brakes by model year

2021
3
2020
2
2019
5
2009
1
2007
2
2005
1
2004
4
2003
7
2002
11
2001
8
2000
8
1999
3
1998
10
1997
2
1996
2
1995
4
1994
7
1992
2

What owners say

Filed May 21, 2021 · Suspension · NJ

I had been noticing some squeaking form the rear of my 2003 Ford Ranger. I thought it was my breaks. It turned out that the mounts for the rear springs had rusted out. My mechanic also noticed a hole, in the frame, resulting from rust. The hole is located on the inside surface of the frame on the passenger side just forward of the passenger compartment. Since the hole was discovered I stopped using the Ranger due to safety concerns.

Filed Oct 18, 2017 · Body, Suspension · 174,065 miles · MN

The entire front of the bed rusted apart and now has a three to five inch gap between front bed wall and bed floor. Needless to say the front bolts that attach the bed are no longer doing anything to hold the bed down. This results in the entire front of the bed flopping around and bouncing when driving. To add insult to injury the rear portion of the frame when the leaf spring shackles mount are rusted through with several holes visible, and the entire passenger side leaf spring shackle rusted apart and busted off the frame the other day while driving on a state highway at highway speeds. It took me 11 hours to grind off the old rivets and replace the shackle but am unsure if the frame will hold up due to the severe perforation's from rusting. The other side has not compromised yet but it is in really bad shape and will be falling apart in the next few months. Hopefully it wont result in an accident when it does go.

Filed May 11, 2017 · 121,000 miles · TX

When coming to a slow stop at a city street or highway at stop signs and stoplights the truck starts to accelerate as I push the brake. When I apply the brakes the vehicle suddenly accelerates to a high RPM 3500 , plus the tires squeal and 3 plus seconds later I turn the key off before restarting the truck. When I restart the truck it seems to be okay. This has happed to me 4 times, and so far no damage to property or persons. I have parked the truck as I feel it is unsafe to continue to drive the truck. It is not safe to drive. The last time I drove it, I was going to a friends home at a gated community. As I tried to stop to enter to stop to enter the code the truck accelerated as I braked the I turned the key off and the truck came to a stop. I have been fortunate so far that I have not hit another vehicle, object or person when these incidents have happened.

Filed Dec 22, 2016 · Body · 104,400 miles · MA

My wife got a 2003 ford ranger fx4 last year. As we looked it over we notice some bubbling rust under the paint. The dealer said he would paint it if we got the truck. Ok so he did and it looked good. A few months later I started to notice more bubbling. Last week I was driving it and I heard something like a thump, I looked in the mirror and saw the spare tire in the middle of the road. I pulled over and put the spare in the bed. When I got home I looked under the truck and noticed the spain tier area was totally rotted out. Yesterday I pulled into the driveway and hear a squeaking noise. I looked around and noticed that the front passenger corner of the bed was hanging. I looked at the area and what held the bed up was totally rotted out. We are now afraid to drive the truck!!! What can we do?

Filed May 14, 2009 · Brakes, Suspension · 60,000 miles · MI

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford ranger. While driving approximately 35 MPH on normal road conditions, the contact heard a loud grinding noise when the brake pedal was depressed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for inspection. The failure was contributed to the manufacturer installing incorrect hubs on the vehicle. The service repair cost was estimated at $800. The front brake pads were replaced and the contact was advised to not drive the vehicle due to the potential safety hazard. The vehicle has not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified, but there were no resolutions. The failure and current mileages were 60,000.

Filed Feb 16, 2005 · Brakes, Suspension · 35,566 miles · WA

When braking at any speed the consumer would hear a squeaking noise. The consumer was informed that front brake rotors were worn. The problem was not resolved. *ak the vehicle also displayed a loud clunk that ford was under the front end. The noise appeared to be upon shifting especially when going over bumps or when turning sharply. *sc the drive belts were replaced

Filed Dec 16, 2004 · Engine · 175 miles · MI

Consumer complained about an engine problem. When driving at 40 MPH or greater there was a grinding noise. Consumer took the vehicle to the dealer, and they done absolutely nothing. Service technician stated that there was nothing wrong.