2003 Ford Ranger fuel system problems

Filed Dec 20, 2020 · Engine, Fuel system · 11,200 miles · MI

When at stop light engine rpms go up high where it is hard to hold vehicle still with brakes.

Filed May 28, 2018 · Fuel system · 14,600 miles · WI

Every so often when I step on the brake and accelerate one time I almost backed into somebody there's been a lot of complaints on the internet about this happening to their ford ranger 2003

Filed Jan 7, 2016 · Fuel system · 112,000 miles · PA · crash

I was backing down a driveway when the truck accelerated full throttle while I had my foot on the brake peddle. I ended up crashing into a tree totaling my 2003 ford ranger xlt.

Filed Aug 6, 2015 · Fuel system · 112,132 miles · OH

The pocket on the frame that holds the fuel tank straps rusted out. This could cause the fuel tank to fall off while driving and cause a fire or explosion.

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 Oct 5, 2013 · Electrical, Fuel system · 50,000 miles · CA

The truck stalled in traffic. Acted as if it was out of gas, but had half a tank of fuel. Called tow truck. Luckily the driver was able to show me the inertia switch, and how to reset it. Was charged 50 dollars for this, did not have to tow vehicle. Since then it has tripped many times when I have a passenger, it's placement is such that a passenger's feet will trip it very easily. It now also trips for no reason, no passenger, no bumping it etc. It has tripped while driving in the fast lane of freeway, no passenger in vehicle. This is very scary and dangerous. I had to pull to left side of freeway, with no power brakes, no power steering etc. Exit vehicle, go to passenger side open door and reset switch. Very dangerous. This "safety feature" can cause an accident, not to mention the multitude of reports I have read of people having vehicles towed and replacing fuel pumps when the issue was actually this switch. I was lucky to get a tow truck driver that was aware of the bad design, and it only cost me the 50 dollar minimum fee for him showing up. I called ford, and they were no help at all. They denied even knowing that a problem exists with this part. I am very disappointed in ford.

Filed Sep 8, 2010 · Fuel system · 90,000 miles · MI

Difficulty in filling gasoline in 2003 ford ranger. It seems to be a systemic problem that many ranger owners experience. Not only is it a safety hazard because of the constant splash-back of gasoline when filling, but it's also an environmental hazard with all the spilled gasoline on the ground.

Filed Jul 13, 2010 · Fuel system · 140,000 miles · NV · fire

While stationary at a traffic light, a smell of gasoline entered the passenger compartment followed a few seconds later by a muffled explosion in the engine compartment followed quickly by black smoke and flames pouring out from under the hood and under the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was completely destroyed forward of the truck bed.

Filed Mar 15, 2010 · Acceleration, Fuel system · 109,500 miles · WA

The first time the car engine started racing uncontrollably I was at a stop sign. The second time, the same day 3/10/2010 I turned a corner and we took off at a very high speed. Both times I put the vehicle in neutral and "goosed" the gas pedal and the engine settled down to a normal speed. 2003 ford ranger.

Filed May 27, 2009 · Fuel system · 50,000 miles · IA

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford ranger. The contact stated that the vehicle was slow to fill with fuel. Once the tank was filled, gasoline would spill back out. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but they could not repair the failure. There were no warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. Prior to the failure, the contact installed a new fuel filter in the vehicle in march of 2008. The current and failure mileages were 50,000. Updated 6/15/09 *cn updated 06/16/09.