2004 Ford Ranger engine problems

Filed Apr 30, 2022 · Engine, Transmission · PA

Truck surged forward while braking at red light if some one was in front of me I would have hit them.

Filed Jul 10, 2017 · Acceleration, Engine · 66,330 miles · CA

Was driving and suddenly, my vehicle started to lose power. Was very scary because it was at night. Engine light came on and power was lost. Pulled off freeway into gas station. Checked fluids, etc.. Upon trying to leave, vehicle was sputtering with no compression. I did not think I was going to make it home. After a few minutes, I tried again, this time giving vehicle more gas. It seemed to do a little better. But, every time I had to slow down or stop for a stop sign or traffic light, vehicle was sputtering and acting like it was going to stall out. Was very nerve racking, as I was afraid of being rear ended by cars that were behind me. Now every time I slow down to where vehicle is in idle, it acts like it is going to stall out on me, which makes me very nervous. Had a mechanic install new plugs, new injector, coil package and vehicle is still doing badly and running very rough. Engine light still comes on after having all these new parts installed. Mechanic also recommended using a gas additive and filling tank with premium gas, which I did. Still running rough. Upon further research, have found out that ford rangers, years 2004 through 2006 are having the same problem. My vehicle only has 66,362 miles on it and I have kept maintained at all times. Ford has known about this but has not done a recall yet. I feel that they are responsible and that there should be a recall on these vehicles. Either I will have to buy a new engine or a new vehicle, which I can not afford. Ford needs to recall and pay for what needs to be done to fix this problem, as they were aware of this problem and have done nothing about it. I should not have to pay for new engine or new vehicle, when my 2004 ranger has low mileage and has been well maintained the whole time that I have had it. It is the 3.0 vulcan engine. Please help.

Filed May 3, 2016 · Engine, Fuel system · 85,000 miles · NY

If I left the engine idle more than two minutes it would not pass the state emissions test. Now the emission light came on and it will not go off anymore. Almost got an accident vehicle will not drive over 20 MPH anymore. I must have the same problems of thousands of other people. I was told I have to change the heads on the engine because of poor quality cast iron heads that was used for like three years. My ford truck is one of these years they had the issues. Now I have to spend thousands of dollars fixing it this is nonsense with the low miles I have on it. These fords should be recalled because of the safety issue. I have taken such good care of this truck and it still looks like brand-new I have to fix it! Please help!!!

Filed Apr 9, 2016 · Engine · 80,000 miles · TX

Ford sold this truck with defective cylinder heads.

Filed Oct 27, 2015 · Engine · 150,000 miles · CO

Come to a stop light engine idles rough and hesitates at take off wont go over 3mph for 1/4 mile check engine light flashing.

Filed Jul 29, 2015 · Engine · 125,000 miles · AZ

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford ranger. While the vehicle was stopped at a red light, the check engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle started to idle independently. The accelerator was depressed and the vehicle failed to accelerate. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 125,000. Updated 12/13/2017

Filed Dec 19, 2013 · Engine, Fuel system · 142,000 miles · TN

This complaint is regarding the very common problem with the 3.0 v6 motors that ford produced known as the "valve recession" ford released over 200,000 vehicles with these faulty cylinder heads. Ford is aware of this problem as they sent out a tsb (service bulletin) regarding this issue but yet they wont recall this problem.

Filed Feb 14, 2012 · Engine · VA

I was approaching a intersection with this vehicle and I attempted to stop. As I was braking the truck suddenly accelerated, while my foot was on the brake pedal.the rpms increased,and the only thing I could do was to maintain pressure on the brake and to keep my hands on the steering wheel. The truck pushed another vehicle into the intersection,as I was braking. I did not receive a ticket,and a police officer confirmed what I described.

Filed Nov 29, 2010 · Engine · 90,000 miles · IL

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 ford ranger. While driving approximately 10 MPH, the vehicle began making a noise. The vehicle then lost all power and the check engine light flashed. The contact turned the vehicle off and restarted it; the failure continued. The vehicle was towed to a local repair shop. The mechanic rebuilt cylinder one. 36,000 miles later, the failure occurred again. The vehicle was taken to a local repair shop where the contact was informed that cylinder one failed again. The vehicle had not been repaired again. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000 and the current mileage was approximately 126,000.

Filed Sep 22, 2010 · Brakes, Engine · 81,000 miles · FL

Recently I encountered a problem with my 2004 ford ranger. The harmonic balance pulley came apart. The website carcomplaints.com has at least 14 incidence of harmonic balance failure on other ford models. Can you investigate this issue and verify my findings? In my opinion, the problem has serious safety ramifications because of the systems involved. The harmonic balance pulley driving the serpentine belt that power the steering and brake pumps. The loss of both pumps has the potential of causing an accident. The loss of the serpentine belt will also cause over heating. I believe ford should inspect and make repairs to this component on its vehicles without charge to the customer.